Location: 100+ Km from Bangalore, Bangalore -> Kanakapura -> Sangam -> Galibore (8KM drivable forest road)
Approximate Cost in INR: Tent Package – 5000/- per person, Day Visit Package – 2000/ per person. Both inclusive of all food and activities.
Availability: 12 Tented Cottages Check in: 1.00 PM, Check Out – 10.30 AM
Latest Information & Booking : https://www.junglelodges.com/resort/galibore-nature-camp/
The Plan
Looking for a weekend escape close to Bangalore, my family and I stumbled upon the enchanting Shivannasamudra waterfalls, just a stone’s throw away. While browsing Google Maps for nearby accommodations, the renowned Bhimeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp by JLR caught our eye. As we delved deeper into the map, another gem emerged: Galibore Nature Camp, nestled along the banks of the Cauvery, akin to Bhimeshwari but shrouded in obscurity. Intriguingly, the route from Shivannasamudra wound through the forest, promising an adventurous drive. Moreover, the proximity to Sangam added to its allure, offering the possibility of further exploration. With these enticing prospects in mind, I secured a booking at Galibore. Though not opulent, JLR’s reputation for unwavering hospitality assured us of a memorable experience.
The Journey and the Stay – 12th Nov 2023
As per our plan, we first visited Sivanasamudra, an island on the Cauvery River known for its two clusters of waterfalls: Bharachukki and Gaganachukki. We found ample parking near the magnificent Bharachukki Falls. In the past, visitors could get close to the base of the falls, but this is no longer permitted as the stairs have been closed to the public. Next, we visited Gaganachukki Falls, which offers a great view from the compound of the ‘Dargah of Hazrat Mardan-e-Gaib.’ This area tends to be crowded due to the Dargah. Despite the stunning beauty of both falls, we found the visit less enjoyable than expected, possibly due to the lack of facilities in the vicinity or the hot weather, which made it difficult to enjoy the falls in a peaceful manner.
When we started our drive to Galibore, we received a call from the nature camp. I enquired about the route I was planning to take, but they dissuaded me from taking the forest route I had originally planned. Based on their guidance, I ended up taking a longer route. Before reaching Sangam, I had to take a right turn and drive through a forest road for a few kilometers. During this journey, I realized why I was advised to take an alternate route from Sivanasamudra.
We managed to reach the nature camp by around 1:30 PM, just in time for lunch. The check-in process was smooth, and we were given a brief overview of the activities and timings. After that, the JLR staff directed us to our designated tent cottage. The well-maintained cottage was spacious, with a double bed and a single bed, easily accommodating a family of two adults and two kids. We quickly freshened up and darted to ‘Gol Ghar,’ the river-facing gazebo dining area. Lunch was a buffet spread with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The meal was tasty and satisfying.
Right after lunch, we spotted some crocodiles on the other bank of the river enjoying a siesta, giving us a preview of what was in store for us. Our kids jumped into various activities: cycling around, climbing the nets overlooking the river, and playing a bit of football with the other guests. By then, it was almost time to get ready for the coracle boat ride on the Cauvery River. All the guests gathered in Gol Ghar and were served hot beverages (tea, coffee, etc.) and snacks. The nature camp staff had to fend off monkeys trying to sneak into the dining area.
The boat ride lasted for an hour, during which we enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The river was teeming with crocodiles, and we spotted many peeking up from the water while watching otters frolicking on one side of the river. The boat operator made the ride enjoyable by spinning the coracle and helping us get a better view of the crocodiles from a safe distance. After the boat ride, we were taken on a short safari through the forest before returning to the nature camp. During the safari, we spotted deer and a langur, offering us a glimpse of the forest’s wildlife.
After reaching the camp, we quickly went to the cottage to freshen up for the next activity. On the way, our kids spotted a small snake slithering around and coiling on a signboard. After freshening up, we gathered with the other guests around the campfire. There were live counters for snacks and a small assortment of soft drinks and beer available at an additional cost. Following the campfire, it was time for a wildlife movie at Gol Ghar, followed by a sumptuous dinner. We thoroughly enjoyed the cool evening with great food and drinks.
We had a good night’s sleep and were awakened by the JLR staff around 6:00 AM, reminding us about the next activity for the day. There were two options: a riverside walk or trekking to Galibore Hill. We opted for the trekking option since we had explored the riverside during the coracle ride.
Everyone gathered at Gol Ghar around 6:30 AM, where we were served tea and coffee. After that, we set off for a trek that lasted an hour and a half. It was an easy but beautiful trek, offering a great view of the forest and the valley from the top. We even spotted a deer in the distance and saw many signature spider webs, which were fascinating.
We returned to the camp around 8:30 AM and enjoyed a tasty breakfast. After freshening up, we checked out around 10:00 AM. My original plan to visit Sangam was set aside for another day.
Overall, our visit to Galibore Nature Camp was fantastic. It’s a great place for families to enjoy and learn about nature. Like other JLR properties I’ve visited (Bandipur and Kings Sanctuary in Nagarhole), the stay was comfortable, the food was excellent, and the itinerary was packed with well-organized activities. Everything ran with clockwork precision. Now, I’m looking forward to my next JLR visit to another lesser-known gem: The River Tern Lodge.