The Cauvery is at her fullest best, thanks to the monsoon. And, again, thanks to the rain, the Cauvery Nisargadhama, with its green bamboo groves and trees is at its inviting best.
November and December are the best months for nature lovers to witness the magic that the monsoon has brought at the Nisargadhama, which is ringed by the river and forest. Located on a 65-acre island and surrounded by the Cauvery, the Nisargadhama attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Opened in 1987 and managed by the Forest Department, the Nisargadhama is just 3 km away from Kushalnagar, and 30 km from Madikeri in Kodagu. The whisper of the Cauvery as it flows through the bamboo clusters, sandalwood and teak trees affords much calm and serenity, particularly for those staying in the wooden cottages.
Accommodation
There are 10 of these wooden cottages, all built with ecofriendly and locally available material. A family of four to five can stay in each cottage for Rs. 1,500 per night in VIP Brahmagiri and Pushapgiri cottages, and at Rs. 1,000 in the others. Vanasri, a dormitory (Rs. 2,400 a night) can house 12. You can stay in tents too, for a complete experience.
The resort has a dining hall, a handicraft centre, treetop bamboo cottages and watchtowers.
A 3.5 km of path takes you through greenery where you can breathe something magical — pollution-free air.
The island is accessible through a hanging bridge. There are deer, rabbits, children's playground, massage clinic and information centre inside the Nisargadhama.
Tourists are allowed to get into water at a few shallow and safe points along the river. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. Though not maintained very well, Nisargadhama attracts a large number of tourists during weekends and holidays. The entry fee for adults is Rs. 10 and children Rs. 5. Over 40,000 visitors visited the island on Ayudha Puja day, officials said. It is open to visitors between 10 a.m. and 5 pm.
A tourist from Bangalore said: “The wooden cottages are ageing, yet many prefer to stay there. This island, perhaps, could be turned into one of the beautiful tourist spots if the department spends some more money to upgrade the boating, food and other facilities.”
It is plastic free-zone and alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited. Those who want to book cottages may contact the Forest Department at Madikeri on 0827-2228305.
