Bheemeshwari Sanctuary

About Bheemeshwari Sanctuary

Bheemeshwari is a small town that lies between the Shivanasamudra falls and Mekedatu falls, on the Cauvery river in Mandya district of Karnataka.
It is a great spot for eco-tourism and is a natural habitat for the mahseer fish found in the waters of the Cavery. Mahseer is considered as one of the finest game fish in the world. The surrounding lush forest cover is home to many animas like elephants, wild boars, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, otters and leopards; as well as a variety of water birds like herons, ibis, cormorants and kingfisher.

The river Cauvery has made Bheemeshwari a major fishing hub.Hoards of enthusiastic anglers throng here every year to try their luck at fishing. A number of fishing camps have sprouted here for catching the mahseer - the finest game fish in India. These camps provide comfortable tents equipped with all basic facilities like cots, mosquito nets, shower and toilet. Food is usually served in the openair common dinning room.

Bhimeshwari is nestled amidst the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, It is also known as the ‘Angler’s paradise’, because of the Mahseer fishes found here. Both professional angling and amateur fishing is encouraged in these nature camps. Though most professional anglers would carry their equipment, freshers get a chance to hire equipment from the camp itself at an additional cost. The bait usually used would be ragi paste made from millet flour. The mahseer is an exceptionally omnivorous creature and is known to take in even frogs, live or dead fish, crabs and fruit. Smaller fish rise to the fly as well as other natural insect baits such as grasshoppers and worms. Two species of mahseer are common among the catch. They are tor khudree and tor mussullah. These waters are full of dangerous crocodiles and anglers should take precaution and try not to venture onto the banks completely alone.

Mandya - District head quarters. An industrial town known for sugar and paper factories. Bhimeshwari in Manday district is an ideal place not only for the wildlife but also for people on a holiday spree. The lush forest sheltered by steep valleys and scattered by little streams, invites large groups of animals and birds. You can see herds of elephants amongst the thick tree. Deers springing in the air. Wild boars, monkeys, Jackals, crocodiles, otters and even leopards! And of course, there are plenty of birds too! Heron, ibis, cormorant, kingfisher… have all made their home here. Giving you a never-before opportunity of no-stop viewing.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Local food available at Mutthathi. Food and accommodation is available at Jungle Lodges Properties at Bhimeshwari, Galibore and Doddamakali- The cost of tented accommodation is Rs 1900 and loghuts Rs 2500 per head including food, accommodation, forest entry fees, trekking, coracle ride.
* Bheemeshwari Fishing & Nature Camp
* Galibore Fishing & Nature Camp
* Doddamakali Nature Camp

Location info

• **Address:**Bheemeshwari is located at a distance of 100 km from the tech city, Bangalore, down the Kanakpura - Kollegal Highway.

• **District:**Manday district

• **Nearest City:**Muthathi

• Best time to visit: August - February.

Climate & weather

Bheemeshwari Weather: Summers 220 - 360C. Winter 100 - 320 C. G

Things to do at Bheemeshwari Sanctuary

Try your hand at fishing for Mahseer, aided by a local angler and appreciate the wide variety of bird life living on and around the river.
Nature treks and guided walks in the firest are another outdoor activity here. Varying anywhere from 4km to 30km distance, these treks cover small rural hamlets in the neighbouring hills, where you can see thelives of the tribals and learn about wildlife and herbal plants used in ayurvedic products. Boat rides in coracles (circular boats) and barbecues at sun down along the river’s edge offer an added adventure.

Things to visit & highlights

The Fishing Camp here has comfortable tents equipped with all basic facilities like cots, mosquito nets, shower, toilet and even a kitchen. Food is served in the ‘Gol-Ghar’, to open air dining room. As the sun gives way to the moon, and the bonfire is lit up, the evening casts mysterious shadows. Building up the excitement for the night. And unfolding another about of surprises. Waiting to be discovered.

How to reach Bheemeshwari Sanctuary

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Bangalore railway junction.

• **Nearest Airport:**Bangalore

**Road Transport:**Bheemeshwari is located at a distance of 100 km from the tech city, Bangalore, down the Kanakpura - Kollegal Highway. You have to turn off at Halagur, and go down the Halagur - Muttatti road. From Muthathi take the road which leads to Cauvery fishing camp, this entire stretch is called Bheemeshwari. It is 85 km from Mysore via Malavalli.

Nearest visiting places

• Sivasamudram Island

About 65kms, East of Mysore, you will find the tiny island town of Shivasamudram in Mandya district. Here the River Cauvery meanders to fall into cascading Shivasamudram Falls. This sparking waterfalls flows through the abundant sylvan forest of Karnataka in Deccan Plateau, plunges 320 feet into gorge into a spate, breaking into a cloud of misty foam. The falls are 893 metres wide

• Srirangpatnam Island

Situated on the Cauvery River, the island-fortress of Srirangapattana is famous as the former capital of the great kings, Hyder Ali, and his son, Tipu Sultan, the ‘Tiger of Mysore’. The ruins of the magnificent fortress that stands here is the main tourism attraction

• Karighatta Temples

Karighatta is a hill situated a few kilometres outside the ‘island’ town of Srirangapatna. It is situated off the Bangalore-Mysore road just before Srirangapatna. The name translates to “Black Hill” in Kannada. The hill has a Hindu temple devoted to a form of Hindu god Vishnu, called “Karigirivasa”

• Melukote Temples

Melkote located near Mysore in Karnataka houses an ancient shrine to Vishnu, worshipped as TiruNarayana. This shrine is known for its long standing association with the spiritual leader Ramanujacharya. Melkote is also known as Yadavagiri, yatistalam, Vedadri and Narayanadri.

• Srirangapatna Temples

Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri

• Srirangapatna Archeology

The river Kaveri surrounds Srirangapatnam , which is 16 km north of Mysore.it was the capital of Muslim Mysore kingdom, which was at loggerhead with the English and the Mysore king

• Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 5 km from Melkote. Meant specifically for the protection of wolf, the sanctuary is divided into two blocks, namely, Mudibetta and Narayandurga. Deciduous scrub forest occupies the sanctuary

• Srirangapatna Historical

Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri

• Hemagiri Falls

This place is located 8 Kms from KR pet enroute to Kikere town or Govindhalli. It is better to take the route back, in view of bad roads on the same stretch to reach Kikere town. The river is in full flow during monsoon and it is a treat to watch

• Shivasamudram Waterfalls

The Shivasamudram falls is a segmented waterfall since the river Cauvery branches into two separate falls - the western falls known as Gaganachukki and the eastern falls, Bharachukki. Shivasamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world

• Bheemeswari River

Listen to the sweet hum of the rippling river… Feel the chill of the water… and get to face her majestic beauty by riding down the river in a raft…The Cauvery is one of the most majestic and sacred rivers in the country. Flowing through the thick forests of Karnataka, this river is home to India’s only protected fish species - The ‘Mahaseer’

• Mahadevapura River

Mahadevapura is located in Mandya district of Karnataka in India. A great picnic spot which is quite far away from modern world. A famous spot for film makers shooting nature scapes -for this hamlet by the Cauvery, offers some of the prettiest frames for any cinematographer

• Mekedatu River

Mekedatu, in Kannada means Goat’s leap, which is situated 98kms south of Bangalore. river Cauvery flows into a deep and narrow gorge, so narrow, that a goat could leap over it and that is how it got its name

• Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary

Located in Mandya District, Adichunchanagiri peacock sanctuary is covered with scrub forest and plantations. The altitude here varies from 770 - 1000 m. The sanctuary was established with the specific purpose of protecting the peacock

• Kokkare Belluru/Bellur Pelicanry

Kokkare Bellur (Village of Storks), a small village off the main highway between Bangalore and Mysore, is one of the few nesting sites in India of the spotbilled pelican. In addition, it is also home to hundreds of painted storks

Tips & suggestions

The banks of the River Cauvery provide enthusiastic anglers a chance to try their luck a t fishing. And mind you, it’s no ordinary fishing. Because the Cauvery abounds with Mahseer - the finest game fish (weighing 100 lbs) that can fight like a tiger! So don’t forget to take your fishing rods. Because, it may be a catch of your life - time.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Muthathi

• **Nearest Hospital:**Muthathi

• Society/Community Phone NumberTourism Info Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) Badami House, NR Square Bangalore Ph: +91-80-2227-5869/83

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Bheemeshwari Sanctuary

October to May is the best time for wildlife viewing. During the dry months (February to May), animals congregate around water sources, making sightings more frequent. The sanctuary is closed during the monsoon (July to September). December to February offers pleasant weather for safaris.

Timings & opening hours

Safari timings: Morning safari 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, Evening safari 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM (timings vary by season). The sanctuary is typically closed during the monsoon season (July to September) for breeding and forest regeneration.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹50-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹400-₹600 for foreign nationals. Safari vehicle charges: ₹600-₹2000 for a shared gypsy or bus safari. Guide fee may be additional. Camera fee: ₹50 for still, ₹200 for video. All fees are subject to change.

Duration needed

A typical safari lasts 2-3 hours. One safari is sufficient for a basic experience, but staying overnight and taking both morning and evening safaris increases wildlife sighting opportunities significantly.

Safety tips

Stay inside the safari vehicle at all times. Do not get out of the vehicle inside the sanctuary. Do not feed or tease animals. Maintain silence for better wildlife viewing. Wear earth-toned clothing. No smoking or littering inside the forest. Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Things to carry

Binoculars for wildlife viewing, camera with zoom lens, water bottles, hat/cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, light snacks, and identification documents for safari booking. Wear earth-toned clothing — avoid bright colours.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station varies by sanctuary location — typically Mysore, Shimoga, or Hubli. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Mysore Airport (MYQ), or Hubli Airport (HBX). KSRTC buses connect nearby cities to the sanctuary approach road.

History of Bheemeshwari Sanctuary

Bheemeshwari Sanctuary is a protected area in Karnataka, part of India’s network of wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. The sanctuary was established to protect the region’s rich biodiversity, including flagship species such as tigers, elephants, and leopards. The area is part of the Western Ghats or the Deccan Plateau ecosystem, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Frequently asked questions

What animals can I see? Karnataka sanctuaries are home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. Sightings depend on season, time of day, and luck.

How do I book a safari? Safaris can be booked online through the Karnataka Forest Department website or at the sanctuary entrance. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

Is the sanctuary open year-round? Most sanctuaries close during the monsoon (July-September) for breeding season. The best wildlife viewing is from October to May.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Wildlife Sanctuaries

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Bheemeshwari Sanctuary

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Bheemeshwari Sanctuary on popular travel photography sites and social media.