[sumannandy]

Guys,

I am planning to drive to Bhadra this weekend from Bangalore. It is a totally unplanned trip. Would appreciate if you could provide us with route details and accommodation suggestion. I tried to search in the forum but did not find many details.

Thanks in advance.

[kousik]

By Bhadra did you mean Lakavalli or Muthodi? For the first, there is a thread already discussing route and stops. For Muthodi most information can be obtained in Chickmaglur threads.

[ampere]

If its the Rive Tern Jungle Lodges (JLR), the route is simple. Drive on the Shimoga route (NH206).

The route : Bangalore-Tumkur-Gubbi-Tiptur-Arsikere-Kadur-Birur-Tarikere.


After Tarekere drive about 3 Km from the bus stand. You should see the Lakkavalli road on the left. Drive about 20Km and you should hit JLR.

[Lukeskywalker]

I would advise that you check with Jungle Lodges and Resorts for accomodation prior to your travel, they are not very forthcoming when it comes to walk in guests and most of their properties are completely booked well in advance especially on weekends.

the route suggested by Ampere above is bang on and you can't miss the turn towards lakkavalli after Tarikere town, there is a board pointing towards River Tern Lodge just after an Indian Oil petrol pump past a defunct Reliance pump.

[cool_dube]

Originally Posted by Lukeskywalker

I would advise that you check with Jungle Lodges and Resorts for accomodation prior to your travel, they are not very forthcoming when it comes to walk in guests

JLR does not accomodate guests without prior booking.

[kousik]

Here is the discussion on Route to Lakavalli: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route-travel-queries/28712-route-info-lakkavalli-forest-range.html If you have a GPS, here is the route: Map created by GPS Visualizer

[addyhemmige]

If you want to go to Muthodi, you will have to contact the Range Forest Officer, Muthodi Range for accommodation.

The route is Bangalore-Hassan-Chikmagalur-Mallandur-Muthodi

[sumannandy]

Thank you guys. Due to availability issues, JLR is not going to work. Ay other place where I could stay? Any contact for the range forest officer?

What is the best way (and time) to spot tigers?

[ampere]

Info : The River Tern Lodge is also the most costliest of all JLR lodges.
Most JLR places get booked almost 2 months in advance. Not a single weekend is spared!

Due to that I have not gone yet to many of JLR places, as plans get crystal only late!

[addyhemmige]

Originally Posted by ampere

Info : The River Tern Lodge is also the most costliest of all JLR lodges.
Most JLR places get booked almost 2 months in advance. Not a single weekend is spared!

Due to that I have not gone yet to many of JLR places, as plans get crystal only late!

I thought Kabini and K Gudi were the costliest.

Originally Posted by sumannandy

Thank you guys. Due to availability issues, JLR is not going to work. Ay other place where I could stay? Any contact for the range forest officer?

What is the best way (and time) to spot tigers?

There should be a few homestays nearby Muthodi. Samurai had written a travelogue when he went to a homestay nearby. I'll try to dig it out. For booking the Forest Rest Houses, you can contact

Deputy Conservator of Forests,
Bhadra Wildlife Division,
Chikmagalur - 577101
Tel: 08262-34904
Fax: 08262-35385, 08262-32799

But, please be aware that these Forest Rest Houses have only basic facilities and cannot compare with a resort.

[ampere]

Looks like things have changed. When I checked last, the pricing was lesser for Kabini. But in spite of that River Tern has a very nice location.

[Lukeskywalker]

they are not very forthcoming when it comes to walk in guests and most of their properties are completely booked well in advance especially on weekends.

JLR does not accomodate guests without prior booking.

I thought that is what I said. But..

The last time I was in River Tern, it was a weekday and the manager had in fact allowed guests to walk in for lunch.

[ravibhat]

Not to disappoint you, this is not right time to spot animals. I suggest you try Dubare near kushalnagar, there is JLR and private resort too. They take you for boating, jungle safari and nature walk, Elephant camp. It is worth in this season since rain has come down.

I suggest you plan JLR River turn by Jan-Feb. Beyond Feb. it will be bit hot weather that side.

Among many JLR properties I visited I found Kabini is costliest(I think more than 4000/- per person per day on twin sharing basis). In most of the resort they allow buffet lunch/breakfast for visiting guests which is good thing.

Given the season try Shigekhan resort Muthodi, you will love the nature there also trekking oportunity.

Regards,

Ravi.

PS To spot the wild life Kabini is best and in River turn chances are less.

[nandans2005]

Originally Posted by sumannandy

Thank you guys. Due to availability issues, JLR is not going to work. Ay other place where I could stay? Any contact for the range forest officer?

What is the best way (and time) to spot tigers?

There are no tigers in Bhadra. Its just a belief it has , else who will use only to see the dam. Please go there mentally prepared for this, else you will be dissappointed.

I only relished the sunset during a boat ride in the dam. There is nothing much to do there.

The food too is not very good at JLR -Bhadra unlike other places.

And at any place, the best time to spot the animals are during summer and not just after monsoon or during monsoon.

[cool_dube]

Originally Posted by ravibhat

Not to disappoint you, this is not right time to spot animals.

I agree with ravibhat here - the best time for wildlife spotting is summers.

Originally Posted by ravibhat

PS To spot the wild life Kabini is best and in River turn chances are less.

Bhadra WLS has given me some good sightings.