Into the wild at Bheemeshwari

Bheemeshwari might be a mere 100-km from India’s Silicon Valley, but it’s the other end of the spectrum from Bangalore’s glitzy urbanscape. The small town, on the banks of the Cauvery River abuts the thickly forested Bheemeshwari Wildlife Sanctuary. It goes without saying that this ecological oasis is breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s also a haven for outdoor activities. Enthusiasts can raft (or kayak) the rapids on the Cauvery; go on a wildlife trek to spot elephants, deer, jackal, wild boar and over the 200-odd species of birds living beneath the forest canopy; or go angling at the river. While there are a number of small hotels, the handful of jungle camps offer a more immersive experience.