It was one fine spring weekend! Me and my friends packed up our camping gear and headed towards Dubare – Cauvery’s secret treasure trove, about 227 km SW of Bangalore.
The Dubare forest, a popular haunt with tuskers, lies on the south bank of the Cauvery in eastern Kodagu (Coorg). Outside the perimeter of the Dubare forest reserve, this area is conducive to growing coffee. And, as is typical of exotic Coorg, this place has a peaceful laid back style.
We spotted the Cauvery as soon as we crossed her at Kushalnagar and the moment we turned into the Dubare Reserve Forest road, the entire world around us changed form. The entire area is lined with bamboo trees on either side of the roaring Cauvery river. In between, there were vividly green paddy fields near the banks.
After driving around for a while, we finally spotted a nice camping spot on the northern bank of the Cauvery and within an electric fence to prevent us from the elephants. After setting camp, we set out to explore the nearby hiking trails which are available in plenty here.
Close to our camping site was also the Valnoor Fishing Camp, where joy fishing of the famous Mahseer fish is carried out. But, since, none of us were the angler type, we decided to explore the non fishing side of Dubare.
The next morning, we went and crossed the Cauvery on a boat and went to the Dubare side where we took an elephant ride into the jungle to spot wildlife. Post this, all of us went for a swim and a dip in the pleasant looking Cauvery river. During monsoons, white water rafting sessions are held here. This is when the Cauvery is at its turbulent best. Overall, Dubare offers a great weekend getaway from Bangalore!!
The Dubare forest, a popular haunt with tuskers, lies on the south bank of the Cauvery in eastern Kodagu (Coorg). Outside the perimeter of the Dubare forest reserve, this area is conducive to growing coffee. And, as is typical of exotic Coorg, this place has a peaceful laid back style.
We spotted the Cauvery as soon as we crossed her at Kushalnagar and the moment we turned into the Dubare Reserve Forest road, the entire world around us changed form. The entire area is lined with bamboo trees on either side of the roaring Cauvery river. In between, there were vividly green paddy fields near the banks.
After driving around for a while, we finally spotted a nice camping spot on the northern bank of the Cauvery and within an electric fence to prevent us from the elephants. After setting camp, we set out to explore the nearby hiking trails which are available in plenty here.
Close to our camping site was also the Valnoor Fishing Camp, where joy fishing of the famous Mahseer fish is carried out. But, since, none of us were the angler type, we decided to explore the non fishing side of Dubare.
The next morning, we went and crossed the Cauvery on a boat and went to the Dubare side where we took an elephant ride into the jungle to spot wildlife. Post this, all of us went for a swim and a dip in the pleasant looking Cauvery river. During monsoons, white water rafting sessions are held here. This is when the Cauvery is at its turbulent best. Overall, Dubare offers a great weekend getaway from Bangalore!!
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I am planning for a 10 days nomads trip covering mostly western ghat. Any guidance on the camping "how and where" will be great.
ReplyDeleteWhich state in the Western ghats are you looking to cover? In terms of camping, you can camp at nearly any place unless there are restrictions from the forest or PWD department.
ReplyDeleteHi Sankara! This sure sounds like a fun camp-site! My husband & I are avid campers ourselves but we are used to an organized campground replete with the camping essentials. We're interested in continuing our camping expeditions in India as well - being an environmental engineer, nothing thrills me more! - but can hardly find dedicated camp-sites. I came across your website & see a ray of hope :). When you decide to go on your camping expedition, how and where do you gather info as to if there are any restrictions from the forest or PWD department? Also, are all the campsites primitive? How and where do you shower if there is no river or flowing water source nearby (still would hesitate to throw in soap into it!)? Do you have a list of such campgrounds in India? Any info would be much appreciated! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteSwetha,
ReplyDeleteApologies for the tardy response.
Camp sites in India are very unlike the campsites in the US or Europe. In fact, that is why I like it. Which is, there are no designated camp sites in India. The ones, which are there exist as hotel or resort properties. In terms of restrictions and permissions, it is very easy to find that and if possible, get necessary permissions.
The way I do it is very rustic. Carry enough water for cooking and basic ablutions. Dig a hole in the ground for our morning work. collect firewood from twigs that lie around and when I leave, I bury all of them. Then, for the shower, request a villager for a couple of buckets of water. The shower is either in the open or covered by 4 walls. This depends on the available facilities.
To enjoy camping in India, you have to let yourself loose and go with the flow.In fact, when I used to live in the US, I used to struggle with the camp sites there with everything organized...the loos, the grills, the showers, the parking lot and all the jazz...India is more natural and more unpredictable and challenging. And there in lies all the fun.
I am sure you will give it a try. Do mail me in case you need any help. Cheers!
Hi Sankara..appreciate your reply! Yes, I agree, primitive sites have their own charm. We've camped out in primitive sites here in the US as well..just don't know how it will be back home! Also, primitive/semi-primitive sites are very easy for men; not so much for women! So unfair! LOL! oh well! it's thrilling to do something we're not used to doing..so we certainly will continue camping out in India as well. Maybe join you on one of your expeditions too!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the info & keep writing.
Swetha
I am sure you will have a fun time camping in India. You can always reach me through my blog or my FB page facebook.com/beontheroad for any help :-)
ReplyDeleteCheers!