Expect to rekindle romance, reconnect with nature, and discover a unique combination of wilderness and luxury with a stay at River tern lodge in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.

A MINISCULE STREAM of cold water manages to find its way under my raincoat as the jeep jolts in the middle of nowhere. A cloud of mystery hangs over us as the driver indicates that we should keep quiet; the cold breeze and incessant rain just intensify the suspense in the air. To my right, a peacock jumps on to the fallen trunk of a tree; a herd of deer appears out of nowhere; and a sudden chill envelopes the air, warning the forest of a predator at large. The peacock suddenly turns, and stares intensely at the bushes in the wilderness behind it.

The deer follows suit. The forest stands still for a brief moment. And then it’s back to business. The danger has passed, and sadly, for the hopeful bunch in the jeep, so has the opportunity to catch sight of one of the glorious big cats that the Bhadra Tiger Reserve is so well known for. Later, we catch sight of two elephants protecting themselves from the rain, and some sambar deer. We’re lucky to have spotted anything a tall as we head back to the lodge.

My demanding stomach insisted on lunch. So I perched myself down at a table overlooking the swelling river at the restaurant. A large meal of fish and local cuisine— rice and curry—followed, and sated, I made slow progress to my room. The property is spread out over a large piece of land by the banks of the river. Accommodation is offered in a variety of log huts and cottages—each with its own verdant backyard. A long walk down fauna-lined cobblestones pathways brings me to my log Hut.

I unlock the door to find myself in a beautiful room, one wall of which is a picture window looking out at the river—its turquoise beautifully complimenting the 50 shades of rain-washed green of the surroundings. I walk through a door to find myself in a lovely bedroom, done up in earth colors, and through another into the beautiful bathroom, its overlooking the river. It is love at first sight! But I leave the hut after a quick change to make it in time for a boat safari.

Later, bobbing up and down in a boat in the middle of a seemingly boundless river, I fall in love again but this time, with the natural beauty around me—with a pair of horn bills who surprise me as I look into a thicket by the banks; with that natural force, which draws a sense of peace that I barely knew exists in me. I start a surya namaskar just as the rain starts falling again, its pitter-patter offering a soothing background score. A delicious dinner of grilled meats, at that moment, I am satiated.

IDEAL FOR

Couples, families with kids, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and solo travellers who enjoy a mix of luxury and wilderness.

WHERE

Bhadra Project, Lakkavalli,
Around Chikmagalur – 577115
Karnataka, India

GETTING THERE

Regular flights operate between New Delhi and Bengaluru. The lodge is four-hours’ drive from the airport.
Bangalore – 275Km
Shimoga – 32Km

WHEN

October to March

ACTIVITIES

Jeep Safari
Boat Safari
Nature Walk
Visit to Tyaverekoppa Lion & Tiger safari & Sakkrebyle Elephant Camp

TARIFF

Starts from Rs 6,363 per night.

For Itinerary and bookings contact us.