Freshwater fishing for a long weekend

You’ve fallen in love — hook, line and sinker. You’ve fished for compliments in that backless number (admit it). You’ve grilled your rivals with hard questions.

So why not make the mahseer rise to your bait?

This weekend, pit your survival skills against those of the giant endangered fish at the Bheemeshwari fishing camp. Wade into the Cauvery in your rubber boots, throw out the line and score marks for patience. If the fish bites, make sure the camera’s ready. It’s illegal to harm the mahseer, so shoot it with your digicam instead.

If the mahseer plays the slippery-eel game, settle for a trout, the season for which has just begun. Camp staff will cook non-protected fish any way you want — alongside regular camp meals.

Away from the water, go elephant-riding, jungle-trekking, animal-spotting, coracle-boating, whitewater-rafting, bird-watching. All in the learned company of experts and ecologists.

Worn out by the exertions? Our Trendy Adventurer suggests you skip the air-conditioned log-huts and opt for the twin-bed tents. These come with carpets, fans, lights and even attached baths — but we bet you’ll be spending downtime on the hammocks that overlook the river.

The fish deserve an eyeful, too.

Bookings essential at Karnataka Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Forum Mall, PVR-level, or Shrungar Shopping Centre, 2nd floor, MG Road, Bangalore. Telephone: 25597021, 25597024-25. Website: www.junglelodges.com.
Bheemeshwari is 100 km down Kanakapura Road. Watch for the deviation to the left about 2 hours into the drive.
Price: Rs. 1,650 per person per night. Angling costs extra.