Galibore Fishing and Nature Camp

The Galibore Fishing and Nature Camp is tucked away, quite literally, far from the maddening crowd, deep in the deciduous forests about ten km from Sangam, on the banks of the River Cauvery. It is run by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, a unit of Karnataka Tourism. The Camp is in the middle of the wilderness on the sandy banks of the River Cauvery and surrounded by hills. The Camp itself is built under the shade of the trees that line the banks of the river. There is no habitation of any kind for miles around and the only sounds are the birdcalls and the whistling of the wind. The place gets its name from a windy hillock called Galibore, situated just behind the camp. This is indeed rough country. This is ideal for those who want total privacy and no crowd.

The best time to visit is just after the monsoon, between August and February, when the river is swollen and the forest and the surroundings are rich with green vegetation. This time is ideal for bird watchers too, as river terns, fishing eagles, wood peckers, king fishers, and plenty of other species flock here in large numbers.

Located sufficiently away from any habitation, Galibore offers complete peace and tranquility. This Camp has 12 luxurious tented cottages with attached bath. However, there is no electricity here. The Camp provides only hurricane/ solar lamps, which add to the rustic nature of the place. Hammocks are fixed outside each tent for those who would like to laze or read a book outdoors. A safe tumbling net is also provided for guests to have a rollicking time.
Breakfast is generally a quiet affair, as you savour the view and the natural ambience along with the food, the evening barbecue by the riverside is more vivacious. As twilight dissolves into the night, a bonfire is lit and while you recline on a lawn chair or swing leisurely in a hammock, preparations are afoot for the barbecue - of grilled chicken, fish or vegetables.

Galibore Fishing and Nature Camp is a perfect base for anglers in pursuit of the mighty one, or the Mahseer. The fishing season here is during the months of February until mid-May. 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.
In South India, as the Cauvery River flows out of the Western Ghats to the plains of Tamil Nadu, it cuts deep gorges and creates vast rapids and many pools. It is these pools that hold the huge Mahseer. Four different kinds of Mahseer are found in these waters - Silver, Gold, Black and Pink. Other fish often found are carp, catfish and many small ones useful as bait.
Fishing is done during the morning, which lasts from first light until midday and then again from 4 o'clock until nightfall. Also, 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.

An overnight package commences with your check-in at 12:00 noon and ends at 11:00 a.m. the next day.
Day One
12 noon        Check-in
01.30 p.m     Lunch
04.00 p.m     Tea/Coffee
04.30 p.m     Coracle Ride and Joy Fishing
07.30 p.m     Campfire and Barbecue
08.30 p.m     Dinner
 
Day Two
06.00 a.m     Wake-up call, tea/coffee
06.30 a.m     Guided trek / nature walk
09.30 a.m     Breakfast
11.00 a.m     Checkout

Safety tips: Guests are advised to bring with them a cap, sunscreen, dark glasses, shorts, water shoes or any other good shoes that may be worn in the water and a personal medical kit. They request all foreign clientele to adhere to all safety precautions and ensure that they get all their inoculations/vaccinations prior to their visit to the Camp.

Exactly hundred kilometres from Bangalore, a signpost at Kanakapura guides you to turn left into a village road that'll take you to Sangam, the confluence of the two rivers Arkavathi and Cauvery.

From here, following another signpost, it's a short drive of about ten kilometres on a gravelly track, through some desolate, wooded terrain, to the Camp. Though it is an unmetalled road, we have ensured that cars can reach Galibore. By the way, this place is 6km down stream of Muttatti village.