Camping in Karnataka

If blue waters and verdant hills are something that you are seeking this holiday season, then camping in Karnataka goes with your temperament. Bounded by Goa and Maharashtra on its north, Kerala and Tamil Nadu on its south and Andhra Pradesh on its east, Karnataka is a land of ultimate beauty. Blessed with the picturesque landscape of Western Ghats, Sahyadri Ranges, Arabian Sea and Jog Waterfalls, this state is a treasure trove of beholding sights.

About Karnataka

A tapestry of pristine landscapes, rich cultures and vibrant colours, Karnataka is home to several World Heritage Sites. Covering an area of about 191791 sq. km, it is the eighth largest state of India. Rich in temples, monuments, palaces, beaches, hill stations and shopping malls, this state boasts everything that people think of during their holidays. With some of the best wildlife reserves of India, this state beckons most of the wildlife lovers and photographers. So camping in Karnataka offers you some of the memorable experiences of living amid the wilderness.

Popular Places for Camping in Karnataka

• Kabini River Lodge: Located on the banks of the Kabini River, this lodge is among the best rated resorts in India. Once a hunting place of the emperor of Mysore, this lodge is now owned by the Government of Karnataka. This 54 acre estate, amid the wilderness, boasts comfortable rooms to give your stay a home-like feeling. Kabini River Lodge also provides for tents, which are equipped with basic amenities and have attached bathrooms. To let travellers enjoy camping amid the wilderness, this jungle lodge provides for a perfect atmospheric setting with warm bonfire and barbecue.

The lodge also provides for some other activities, which include jeep safari, coracle riding and hiking.

Distance: This lodge is located at a distance of about 71 km from Mysore, thus a drive from this city is perhaps the best way to reach here. Alternatively, you can also come from Bangalore, which is about 215 km from this place.

• Bheemeshwari Nature and Adventure Camp: Amidst the dense forests and lofty ranges, this resort has a perfect location, which is close enough for quick approach and far enough to escape from the daily hustle bustle. From wooden huts and tented cottages to luxury rooms, it has everything for your comfortable stay. For its proximity to the wilderness, this resort beckons nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Travellers to this camp are lucky enough as the region gives them the opportunity to spot the animals like deer, snakes, crocodiles and elephants. The region is particularly noted for its mahseer, which is a large tropical fish. Camping at the banks of River Cauvery, which meanders through this area, is an unique experience of both wild adventure and beautiful nature.

Bheemeshwari Nature and Adventure Camp hosts a range of activities, which you can indulge in, including coracle ride, zip-lining, rope walking, mountain biking and rafting.

Distance: About 105 km from Bangalore, this camp can be reached easily via NH 209. A drive to this place will hardly take 2 hours; however, traffic snarls may extend this time. Mysore, at a distance of about 86 km, is another better option to reach from.

• K Gudi Wilderness Camp: Situated amid the montane grasslands of Biligiri Rangana hills, this camp is one of the countryside lodges that uniquely blends environs of both wilderness and hill station. Amidst the pristine beauty of the nature, the camp makes your stay a bit more comfortable by providing an array of camping and lodging facilities. The camp boasts eight cottages and three log cabins, which are well-equipped. As this camp is located in the vicinity of the forest reserve, which teems with over 250 avian species and numerous wildlife like gaur, elephant, leopard and tiger, travellers feel better connectivity with nature.

Wildlife safari, nature walk and birdwatching are some of the activities that K Gudi Wilderness Camp arranges for its visitors.

Distance: If you choose Bangalore city as your gateway to this camp, then you will reach this camp within a time frame of about 4 hours. Alternatively, you can also come from Mysore, which is at the distance of about 88 km from here.