The Lead-Up

As the cold December morning greeted us with a gentle chill, I felt a familiar urge stirring within me—a longing for a drive. The routine had grown stale, and the need to escape the mundane beckoned. With my wife’s birthday on the horizon, the perfect excuse presented itself for a getaway. The idea of JLR properties, those mystical retreats in nature, danced in my mind, promising serenity and rejuvenation. However, fate had other plans as most of these coveted spots were fully booked by the end of November. Just when despair threatened to take hold, a glimmer of hope emerged in JLR Bheemeshwari—a secluded haven calling out to us.

9th December, 2023

Our journey began with a stop at the Sri Arunachaleshwara Swamy Temple at Harohalli, steeped in centuries of devotion and history. The atmosphere was serene, with deities adorning every corner, enveloping us in a sense of tranquility.

Sri Arunachaleshwara Swamy Temple at Harohalli

Standing tall in the embrace of the heavens, the majestic Shiva Statue watches over with serene grace.

We stepped into a temple echoing with six centuries of history, its sacred halls standing witness to centuries past. Renovated in the 17th century, its pristine beauty remains unblemished, offering a sanctuary of serenity amidst the whispers of the past.

Each sanctum within the temple unveiled stories of devotion and reverence. Some deities are Sri Vaidyanateshwara, Sri Maraleshwara , Sri Nanjundeshwara, Goddess Sri Parvati, Sri Ranganathar, Sri Gowri Sankara, Goddess Sri Kamakshi, Goddess Sri Adi Sakthi and the list goes on and on. We also did Archana at the main Sri Arunachaleshwar sanctum.

A majestic Nandi and a banyan tree stood sentinel, infusing the air with ancient wisdom and timeless tranquility.

The Bheemeshwari jungle resort

As we ventured towards our next destination, the Bheemeshwari jungle resort, the landscape transformed into a lush green paradise, with the final stretch of our journey leading us deep into the heart of the forest. A quick check of the car ensured compliance with the forest regulations, and we were granted passage into this natural sanctuary. However, our companions along the way were not merely fellow travelers but mischievous monkeys, ever-watchful for any opportunity to join our journey. A word of caution: if you plan to enjoy the fresh forest air with your windows down, beware of these curious creatures, especially if you have any food items in tow.

Curious looking deer

A spacious and shady parking area

We were welcomed with refreshing lemonade upon arrival, setting the tone for our stay. Nestled in a secluded corner of the resort, our cottage stood as a charming retreat. Though a bit lonely, its isolation only added to the allure, providing us with a peaceful sanctuary to unwind and connect with nature.

After a seamless check-in, we eagerly explored the offerings—a buffet lunch filled with delectable treats. Gazing upon the majestic Cauvery River, the lifeline of millions, I felt a profound connection to its waters, realizing that this very river had nourished me from the moment of my birth.

Sections of the riverbed lay dry and barren, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by this precious waterway

After a satisfying meal, we retreated to our room for a brief afternoon nap, rejuvenating our spirits for the adventures ahead. Promptly at 3:30 PM, a knock on our door signaled the start of our next escapade: zip-lining. Eagerly donning our gear, we made our way to the designated area, where safety precautions were diligently observed, allowing my daughter to try her hand at every activity with confidence. Zip-lining proved to be an exhilarating experience, smooth and thrilling in equal measure. Witnessing my daughter and wife’s enthusiasm, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that this adventure had sparked a newfound passion in them. Following the adrenaline rush, we paused for a snack break, savoring biscuits and steaming cups of hot coffee, the perfect fuel for our jungle exploits.

As we prepared for our coracle ride, a sense of excitement mingled with apprehension as we were briefed about the water’s inhabitants. Despite the river’s infestation with crocodiles, we were reassured that keeping dry and avoiding contact with the water would keep us safe. With hesitant steps, we started our ride, the gentle sway of the coracle carrying us along the tranquil waters of the Cauvery.

As we drifted, I found myself entranced by the vast expanse of the river, the ancient ghats lining its banks, and the melodious calls of birds searching for their next meal. My daughter, however, remained vigilant, her eyes scanning the water’s surface anxiously for any sign of the elusive crocodiles. Though none made an appearance, her watchful gaze served as a reminder of the river’s wild inhabitants.

After our serene voyage, we disembarked onto a sandy shore, the pristine surroundings inviting us to linger a while longer. My daughter’s creativity flourished as she built sandcastles, the setting sun casting a golden glow over our idyllic evening by the river.

After returning to our room and freshening up, we eagerly prepared for the highlight of our evening—a campfire with barbecue delights amidst the enchanting forest setting. For my daughter, this was a novel experience, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the prospect of such a unique adventure. As we gathered around the crackling flames, we were treated to an array of barbecue offerings, including paneer, mushroom, gobi, and pineapple skewers. Sensing my daughter’s preference for milder flavors, we requested a special batch made to her liking, ensuring her enjoyment of the feast.

Our tranquility was interrupted by an unexpected sight—a herd of wild boars meandering through the forest clearing, their presence adding an extra layer of excitement to our evening. Despite the initial surprise, most of the children, including my daughter, were thrilled by the close encounter with these curious creatures.

Post dinner, as darkness enveloped the forest, our walk back to the room became an adventure in itself, shrouded in a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Armed with only a torch to pierce the night, we traversed the path, feeling the weight of the surrounding darkness pressing in on us. Seeking comfort in numbers, we found solace in the presence of another family making the same journey, their companionship easing our fears.

As we approached the small stream, a glint of light revealed another unexpected encounter—a group of jackals, their sparkling eyes watching us with a mixture of curiosity and caution. With hearts racing, we continued on our way, choosing not to disturb the nocturnal visitors.

But the surprises didn’t end there. Just as we reached the safety of our room, our evening took a final unexpected turn as a herd of deer emerged from the shadows, their graceful forms a silent testament to the beauty of the wilderness.

Reflecting on the evening’s events, I couldn’t help but marvel at the raw power and majesty of nature. Though I had neglected to bring my camera along, I realized that in doing so, I had been granted the rare opportunity to fully immerse myself in the moment, free from distractions. And so, with hearts full of wonder, we retired for the night, the memories of our forest adventure dancing through our dreams.

10th December, 2023

As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the canopy, we stirred from our slumber to the delightful chorus of birdsong—a gentle reminder that nature’s alarm clock was the most beautiful wake-up call of all. Taking our time to savor the tranquility of the morning, we indulged in a leisurely bath before enjoying a hearty breakfast, the flavors of which seemed enhanced by the crisp forest air.

With the day stretching out before us, my daughter’s boundless energy led us to every play area within reach. As our departure time drew near, we bid farewell to our forest sanctuary and made a brief stop at a nearby Hanuman Mandir. Offering a quick darshan, we felt a sense of peace wash over us, grateful for the opportunity to pay our respects before returning to the bustle of city life.

The Hanuman Mandir

With memories of our jungle adventure still fresh in our minds, we set off for Bangalore, our hearts full and our spirits renewed, ready to tackle whatever the day had in store, enriched by the experiences of our forest retreat.