Bhadra River Camp is a camping site on the banks of Bhadra River near Chikmagalur, Karnataka. This place was opened around four months back and we had been planning to visit since then. But our trip got materialized now!
Starry-eyed and lots of dreams, we started early morning on Saturday. The route was good, except for a small patch between Kadur and Chikmagalur. And after Chikmagalur, the route turned beautiful. Long winding roads, going in and out of coffee estates. It reminded us of Coorg so much. Our hopes soared up with each passing scenic view. The path leading to the camp site from the camp’s main gate was like epitome of our hopes, which were shattered brutally when we saw the camp site. It was a piece of barren land with three hut-like structures. There were people everywhere, shouting around and clothes drying all over the place. And for the camp, we had never expected that the tents will have a cemented floor and a tiled roof. The view from the camps was cluttered with transmission lines and fencing.
The Camp:
The View from the Camp:
Our check-in time was 11 am and we had reached the camp site sharp at 11, but there was absolutely nobody to greet us or even tell us what the hell is going on. We asked a lady, who was obviously a guest, about Peter, he was the guy we were supposed to meet, and came to know that he is on a trek with other guests. With nothing else to do and nowehere else to go, we sat in the dining area and waited for Peter. Alas, he came! And said, please wait for some time. With all our patience gathered up, we headed out towards the river for a place of solitude and spent time sitting under a tree (sunlight was just too torturous), till we get our acco vacated. All our enthusiasm about this place had died out.
Around the Camp Site:
The previous guests, who were supposed to check-out by 11 am, checked-out by 1:45 pm, wasting half our day. Post-lunch we just slept off to kill time. Later, Peter was supposed to take us out for a trek at 4 pm. We were ready by 3:45, but no sign of Mr. Peter till around 4:10. Ahhh, we just hate people who do not respect time. Anyways, we started the trek. It was a dull monotonous walk along a jeep road. The jungle was also not so interesting. After reaching a point, we were just too bored and asked Peter to take us back. And this time, we insisted that we don’t want to take the road but find way along the river. Now came, the only-best time of this trip. The trek back was interesting, with jumping around, squatting under bushes and walking over bamboo bridges. This is what we wanted and we were happy when we got back 
. This is pretty much about the trip, with nothing much to add.
Bhadra River captured in its glory on the trek back:
The bridge we crossed while our trek back:
P.S.: There was this guy, Ram, who took really good care of us. The team at Bhadra River Camp, has only three people – Peter, who is perpetually over phone, Deepak, did not get to interact a lot, and Ram, the guy who does all the work.
Our Verdict:
- The place is for amateur nature dwellers, who have hardly been in the wild.
- Too hot during summers.
- Needs more professional attitude.
- We felt that the place is a tad smaller for two or more groups and will infringe on your privacy.
- Not value for money.
Vital Facts:
- Distance from Bangalore – ~ 290 Kms
- Route – Bangalore -> Tumkur -> Chikmagalur -> Aldur -> Kadabgere -> Bhadra River Camp
- Website – www.bhadrarivercamp.com
. We are on our way to Bhadra River Camp. More on it as we reach there. But right now we are just enjoying being on the road