Mahseer Angling & Wildlife

10 Nights / 11 Days

£1750 per person

A Fishing and Wildlife journey to southern India. British anglers of the Raj came in pursuit of the Trout and Salmon but found a creature that far surpassed other fish as a fighter - the Mahseer or The Large Headed One. It spawned an entire clan of adventurers (including the legendary Jim Corbett), who would travel to far-flung areas of the country just to battle with the mighty Mahseer.

In South India, as the Cauvery River flows out of the Western Ghats to Tamil Nadu plains, it cuts deep gorges and creates vast rapids, many pools and thus holding areas for the huge Mahseer. Four different kinds of Mahseer are found in these waters – Silver, Gold, balck and Pink. However, in light of decreasing sizes and numbers of good specimens, 'Catch-and-Release' has become a necessary practice. Other fish often found are carp, catfish and many small ones useful as bait.

Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp is a perfect base for anglers in pursuit of the Mighty one. The fishing season here is during the months of November, December, January and February. Guests are provided with a local guide or ‘gillie’ for every two visitors. Gillies help anglers with their knowledge of the waters and are experienced fishermen themselves. They also are adept at using the coracle boats (native, circular boats made out of buffalo hide) and can move guests from place to place in the waters.
Fishing is done during the morning, which lasts from first light until midday or from 4 o'clock until nightfall. Only a maximum of 10 rods are allowed to be in the water during a single session.
Fishing techniques that are possible on these waters are Bait fishing, Fly fishing and Spinning. Bait is also provided – baked Ragi (millets) paste, freshwater crabs, chilva and sometimes figs are the main ones used. (Go the bottom of this page for Tackle suggestions).

Day 01: On arrival in Bangalore Meet & greet on arrival and transfer to a hotel. Relax and overnight.The Grand Magrath.

Day 02: Bangalore / Bheemeshwari Fishing & Nature Camp (100Kms/ 2Hrs)
Breakfast, check out and proceed Bheemeshwari Fishing & Nature Camp - Meandering through the woody landscape amidst the forests of Karnataka is the Cauvery – the most majestic and sacred river of South India. The river offers both adventure and opportunity for nature lovers. On arrival check in at your well-furnished tents and relax. Afternoon proceed for buffet lunch and thereon for much awaited activity, fishing and overnight.

Day 03: Bheemeshwari Fishing & Nature Camp
Morning nature walk and proceed for fishing, breakfast, afternoon proceed for trekking. Evening free to relax. Overnight.

Day 04: Bheemeshwari Fishing & Nature Camp. Morning nature walk and proceed for fishing, breakfast, afternoon proceed for trekking. Evening free to relax. Overnight.

Day 05: Bheemeshwari Fishing & Nature Camp / Mysore (100Kms/3Hrs)
Morning breakfast, checkout and proceed to Mysore- Known for its magnificent palaces and majestic buildings, sprawling gardens and treelined boulevards, shimmering silks and sandalwood, the ‘City Royale’ always figures in the tourist’s itinerary, on arrival check into a hotel. Evening visit Chamundi Hill - perched a top a hill. The 4.8m tall monoliths of Nandi and the gigantic Mahishasura statue are added attractions. Return to hotel and overnight.

Day 06: Mysore / Nagarahole National Park - Kabini River Lodge (80Kms/2Hrs)
Morning breakfast, check out and proceed to Kabini River Lodge- Nestled in the southern fringes of the Nagarahole National Park, the Kabini River Lodge is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The breathtaking locale with the tranquil backwaters of the River Kabini presents an ideal setting for a long-awaited vacation. Check in on arrival and proceed for buffet lunch. Wild life safari in the evening. Dinner and overnight.

Day 07: Nagarahole National Park - Kabini River Lodge
Morning wake up at 0545hrs to get ready for Bird watching, Elephant Ride and Wildlife safari. Return to lodge at around 0930hrs and proceed for breakfast. Relax or take a walk around the backwater area. Evening Safari, Dinner and overnight.

Day 08: Nagarahole National Park - Kabini River Lodge / Coorg (120Kms/3Hrs)
Morning Jeep safari or boating, breakfast, check out and proceed to Coorg - Few other places in the world are blessed with such natural beauty and fertility, Misty mountains, Myriad streams and waterfalls. Thick tropical forests also called as "Scotland of South India", on arrival check in to Hotel Coorg International. Relax and Overnight.

Day 09: Coorg. Morning breakfast and proceed for sightseeing visit Bagamandala and Talacauvery. Evening visit Madikeri sightseeing and overnight. Hotel Coorg International.

DAY 10: Coorg / Hassan (155Kms/ 4Hrs)
Morning breakfast, check out and proceed to Hassan, on arrival check into a hotel. After lunch visit Belur - The most photographed and perhaps the best and it is a must on every tourist's temple itinerary, Halebid - the temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Overnight at the hotel Kings Kourt.

DAY 11: Hassan / Bangalore (180Kms/4Hrs)
Morning breakfast, checkout and proceed to Bangalore, enroute visit Shravanabelagola - The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain saint and an object of worship for centuries, standing atop one of the hills. On arrival at Bangalore, drop to airport or train station to catch your flight or train. Tour Ends.

TACKLE LIST
Though we have a few tackles on hire, we request guests to get their own tackle as personal preference is a factor.
Rods: Your main rod can be an off-the-shelf uptide of about 10 foot casting 6 - 10oz (one joint). Fibreglass is tougher than carbon and is also cheaper. A heavy duty carp rod for spinning and also a lighter rod for catching live bait will complete the set.
Reels: The main criterion for reels is that they take a lot of line. You don't have to cast far, but fish make long runs and you don't want to run out! They should be of the highest quality as they have to take a lot of pressure. Multipliers such as Abu Ambassadors are very popular, 7000 and 9000 models. Large fixed spools such as Shimano Aerlex can be used as well.
Line: 40lb or 50lb monofil for your main reel and perhaps Braid for spinning. A long fight with a fish can result in line being damaged and it will need to be changed when this happens.
Hooks: Sizes 5,6,7, 8 can be used for the main rod. Owner and Partridge are popular, but anything as long as it is extra strong. The same for hooks on lures. Change them for extra strong even if they are not already fitted.
Plugs: Rupala 9” or 8” (black and white) or Meps no.4 & 5

Notes:

Accommodation on twin sharing basis with bed and breakfast and all taxes at Mysore, Coorg, Hassan and Bangalore.

Costs include : Accommodation with all meals as per itinerary, Angling (Once in a day) with all taxes at Galibore Fishing Camp / Doddamakali Fishing & Nature Camp. Wildlife Safari, Coracle Ride, Elephant Ride (subject to availability) at Kabini River Lodge. Transportation by Ac Innova as per the itinerary.

Tour Cost Excludes: Lunch and Dinner at Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan & Coorg.