Karnataka's Adventure Trail

Karnataka's Adventure Trail

Karnataka's lovely, diverse terrain includes an emerald green coastline across the Western Ghats as well as the stark Deccan Plateau. Dense forest or lush plantations cover many parts of Karnataka. With its relatively mild weather, this country is ideal for adventure sports of several kinds—from rock climbing and trekking to white-water rafting, canoeing, and angling. The coast offers scuba diving off the island of Devbagh and water sports in the backwaters of the Sharavati River. Near Bangalore, the rock formations at Ramnagaram and Savanadurga have long attracted serious rock climbers, as have the moonscapes at Hampi. Treks through forested areas around Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, and in the Western Ghats—along mountain paths or railway tracks, and through rolling plantations—can be very rewarding, not only for their spectacular scenic beauty but also for the chance to spot various wildlife. The trekking season is just after the rains, from September to January. White-water rafting is possible on some stretches of the Cauvery and the Kalinadi, and fishing for mahseer in the Cauvery is a popular sport (the massive fish are returned to the water after being caught). Guides, equipment, and advice are available from many adventure tour promoters.

Another popular, less strenuous option would be a stay of a couple days in a Jungle Lodge. Staying at these camps, run by the state of Karnataka, is hardly roughing it—all meals are provided and rooms have their own bathroom and electricity and hot water for at least part of the day. Along with the frills they are usually in beautiful surroundings that include a beach-filled island and a maharaja's forming hunting lodge, up in the hills. Various Jungle Lodges are mentioned throughout this chapter, but for the entire range, visit www.junglelodges.com.