At a glance On the banks of the Cauvery, just south of Bangalore in eastern Mandya District About the city The turnoff from NH209 onto the village road at Halagur, just a short way out of Bangalore, transports you to meandering roads down green mountainsides. The only traffic stops will be the rare herd of spotted deer sailing across the road. This is only a taste of what awaits you at the camps in Bheemeshwari. A barefoot walk along the river's edge, sipping hot coffee on the verandah of your cabin overlooking the river, being woken up by monkeys jumping on your tent, are the promise here. Nature treks into the wilderness, coracle rides, kayaking, outdoor camping, amateur fishing and professional angling are the icing on the cake. While you may catch glimpses of rare species of birds, wild elephants and sloth bears, you are sure to see the famous mahseer no matter which season you go. Sightings of the mahseer will be all around you in the form of souvenir photographs and proud accounts by the friendly staff. How to reach Road: Drive the 331 km to Bangalore via Chittoor. Head south of the city to exit via Kanakapura on NH209. Follow the road past Sathanur to Halagur. Turn left onto the village road which takes you 16 km further to Bheemeshwari. Rail: Nearest railhead: Bangalore (100 km/ 2 1/4 hrs) Journey Time Road: 2 1/4 hrs Distances 100 km South from Bangalore From Bangalore NH209 to Halagur Village via Kanakapura and Sathanur Village road to Bheemeshwari via Muthathi Best Seasons The camps are open all year round. The angling season is October to mid-April Places in and around Bheemeshwari's Cauvery Fishing Camp and two more camps at Doddamakkalli and Galibore along the Cauvery are run by Jungle Lodges as wildlife retreats and adventure resorts. Mahseer magic The fishing camps are an angler's paradise, with the Cauvery home to one of the finest game fish in the world the mahseer. The peak season for professional angling is from October to mid-April. The camp allows 10 lines for the season for professionals, so book well in advance, as the camp is in high demand from anglers across the globe. The camp also conducts amateur fishing with guides to help you learn the ropes. Wildlife treks These treks are conducted in three categories, easy, medium and tough, ranging from a 4- to 30-km distance. The treks take you into neighbouring hills, full of wildlife and a cornucopia of plants used in ayurveda. You can also catch a glimpse of rural life as you pass through some of the villages, pay obeisance at the Hanuman Temple and sink your teeth into wild berries to get a 'taste of your environs. Quick and easy routines Boat rides in coracles and barbecues at sundown along the river's edge are the extras here. Carry along some mosquito repellent (flammables not allowed), snacks for kids and water-resistant footwear. But leave your swimwear behind because crocs in the water and whirlpools mean swimming is a complete no-no. Doddamakkali and GaliboreDoddamakkali is 7 km upstream from Bheemeshwari and Galibore 16 km downstream. The former is accessible by both boat and road from Bheemeshwari. Doddamakkali is deep in the forest in a valley, ideal for adventure lovers who are willing to rough it out. Galibore, however, involves a more circuitous route by road (some of it no more than a cowpath) which takes almost 11/4 hrs. Both camps are similar to Bheemeshwari and offer similar activities. But theyre on a smaller scale and there's no electricity a luxury you will be provided with only on hot summer nights which gives them a rustic feel. The rest of the time, make do with hurricane lamps.