Gopinatham Mystery Trails – A picturesque Wildlife Experience!
A picturesque Wildlife Experience of a Lifetime
that’s what comes to mind when you think about this beautiful little heaven on earth, Gopinatham Mystery Trails. The air around the waterbody, hushed by the symmetrical embrace of the hills, resonated with the peaceful serenity of my childhood dreamscapes.
Explore winding paths that vanish into the unknown, following the symphony of the wild around the mysterious reservoir. Imagine: a colossal tree, its branches holding a watchful eagle, all framed by the majestic hills in the backdrop that promise adventure.”
This place resonates with whispers of a dark past. A powerful figure once held sway here, leaving behind a legacy marred by the suffering of countless elephants. Their plight serves as a stark reminder of the importance of wildlife preservation. As you explore, can you piece together the echoes of this troubled history and contemplate how we can protect our precious natural world?
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Table of Contents
Overview – Gopinatham Mystery Trails
Breathe in the fresh air of Gopinatham, a charming village nestled amidst rolling hills of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Buzzing with fascinating birds and diverse wildlife, it straddles the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. Ideal for a rejuvenating weekend break from Bangalore, this nature retreat tempts explorers like us to stay longer. Imagine spending a week trekking through forests, spotting rare birds, and immersing ourselves in the local culture. Want even more adventure? Visit the amazing Hogenakkal Falls, known as the “Niagara Falls of India”!
Unveiling yet another gem in Karnataka, Gopinatham Mystery Trails joins the impressive portfolio of Jungle Lodges and Resorts. This latest addition, unlike others, invites you on an enigmatic exploration woven into the fabric of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
Things to do
Pre-planned itineraries, expertly crafted by Jungle Lodges and Resorts, ensure you maximize your time at this nature retreat. From heart-pounding jeep safaris in the wildlife sanctuary to peaceful coracle rides, and nature walks filled with surprises, each day ignites your connection with nature. Learn from passionate naturalists, enjoy informative wildlife documentaries, and consider a visit to the majestic Hogenakkal Falls (separate fee).
- Jeep Safari in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Coracle ride in the serene waterbody adjoining the camp – Highly recommended.
- Explore the Mystery Trails around the camp.
- Wildlife documentary screening.
- Visit Hogenakkal Falls which is just about 14 Kms from the camp (Rs. 250 per head, min pax required 6 per Jeep).
The Experience – Gopinatham Mystery Trails
Embrace the Untamed Beauty: A Road Trip to Gopinatham Mystery Trails
Ah, the allure of a road trip! Not just the destination, but the journey itself becomes a tapestry of memories. And if that journey unfolds under a sky where clouds playfully tease the sun, well, that’s pure magic.
Our adventure began in Bangalore, a six-hour drive ahead, promising the hidden wonders of Gopinatham Mystery Trails. The trusty GPS led the way, but the real planning happened before we set off. Thanks to the JLR team, who know our penchant for scenic routes, we opted for a slightly longer path, 30km more of breathtaking landscapes. Think winding roads, lush greenery, and the perfect soundtrack – Kishore Kumar classics to set the mood.
A scenic drive on a day when clouds often dominate the Sun is the best thing that can happen on a long road trip. Well not even that long, but still about 6 hrs drive can be considered a fairly long one. If long road trips are something that fancies you, do check my other blog where I did a road trip from Bangalore to Patna at this link: Bangalore to Patna by Road. Coming back to this blog, we started our journey around 6 in the morning from Bangalore with our GPS locked to our exciting destination Gopinatham Mystery Trails.
Unwind on a Scenic Escape: Your Guide to Gopinatham Mystery Trails
Ready to trade cityscapes for breathtaking vistas? Your adventure to Gopinatham Mystery Trails begins in Bangalore. Wind your way south through Chandapura, passing charming towns like Kanakapura and Mallavalli. Embrace the serene countryside as you reach Kollegal and Hannur, before ascending the majestic MM Hills.
Keep your eyes peeled for the turnoff near the Government School in Palar. A 12-kilometer stretch of scenic winding roads unfolds, ready to awaken your sense of adventure. Embrace the thrill of a gentle off-road experience as you navigate this path.
As you reach the T-junction, a welcoming sight awaits! Turn right and be greeted by the grand archway marking the entrance to Gopinatham Mystery Trails. Now, your escape into the heart of nature truly begins.
Bangalore -> Kanakapura -> Mallavalli -> Kollegal -> Hannur -> MM Hills -> Palar (Take left at Govt. School and drive for about 12 Kms) -> Pudur (Take left at Forest office).
Thrilling Curves and Forest Secrets: Our Approach to Gopinatham Mystery Trails
The road to Gopinatham Mystery Trails wasn’t just a journey; it was an adventure in itself. Winding through the MM Hills, each curve unveiled a breathtaking panorama. With every hairpin bend, the lush hillocks unfolded even further, enticing us with their beauty. The 27 bends, though not overly challenging, provided a fun, adrenaline-pumping experience.
We couldn’t resist capturing these stunning vistas with quick photographs before making our way onwards. Anticipation grew as we approached the forest check post, the gateway to the captivating Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. A brief stop for mandatory registration ensured responsible exploration and respect for this natural treasure.
Enchanted by Nature: The Drive to Gopinatham Mystery Trails
Leaving the forest check post behind, the journey transformed into pure magic. On one side, the mighty Cauvery River flowed, shimmering like a liquid jewel. On the other, verdant hills rose skyward, their lush slopes cloaked in mystery. This was a visual masterpiece unlike any other, an unimaginable drive etched into our memories.
As we meandered through this wonderland, flashes of vibrant colors caught our eyes. Non-native birds, resplendent in their plumage, flitted through the trees, tempting us to pause for a glimpse. Sadly, the allure of reaching our destination kept us moving, their fleeting beauty forever imprinted in our minds.
An Arrival Steeped in Nature and Anticipation
Reaching our destination, Gopinatham Mystery Trails, coincided perfectly with lunchtime. Sandesh, our naturalist guide, awaited us with a warm smile and a map promising adventure. Entering the camp, my eyes were immediately drawn to a banner announcing the presence of the elusive Scops owl – the thrill of potential discovery sent shivers of excitement down my spine.
Lunch beckoned at Gol Ghar, a delightful space infused with the signature JLR style familiar to seasoned explorers like myself. After a satisfying meal, I joined Sandesh, discussing our plans for the day. Being the sole guest on this weekday felt exclusive, fostering an instant connection built upon our shared passion for birds and wildlife.
He proudly recounted his recent wildlife encounters, painting vivid pictures with his words. My enthusiasm peaked as he mentioned exploring hidden trails where he witnessed the stunning Blue-Faced Malkoha. Having only seen this beauty in photographs, the thrill of potentially encountering it filled me with eager anticipation. Thus began our exciting hunt for this magnificent avian treasure.
About the Camp
This relatively new camp, established in 2021, offers ten cozy tented cottages. Don’t underestimate their size! While compact, they provide all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including attached bathrooms. Remember, you’re immersing yourself in the forest, experiencing its raw beauty with a touch of convenience.
Expansion plans: If spacious cottages are more your style, fret not! Whispers suggest that JLR plans to expand the camp soon, introducing options comparable to their other properties.
Here are some pics of the cottage.
Day 1
After lunch, we relaxed in the camp, taking in the serene atmosphere. But adventure beckoned, and soon, we were bouncing along on a jeep safari with Sandesh, my newfound birding buddy, at the helm. Our mission: Kaveri River and its hidden avian treasures.
Our eyes darted between the lush foliage, eagerly searching for feathered friends. Hoopoes flashed their vibrant crests, Rufous Treepies flitted among the leaves, and Jungle Babblers chattered away, providing a delightful soundtrack to our journey. Suddenly, a flash of grey caught Sandesh’s eye – a Cuckoo! He excitedly motioned me closer, but before I could even adjust my camera, something else zipped past. “Blue-Faced Malkoha?!” I gasped, the thrill palpable. While the elusive beauty vanished too quickly for a perfect shot, I managed to capture the Cuckoo, a consolation prize, nonetheless.
As dusk painted the sky in fiery hues, we faced a delicious dilemma: return to the camp for tea and tempting pakodas, or delve deeper into the forest heart, chasing the lingering hope of the Malkoha. My stomach grumbled for pakodas, but the thrill of the hunt was too strong. After all, how often do you get to be teased by such a rare jewel? So, with hearts pounding with anticipation, we ventured into the nearby village, determined to make the most of the fading light.
An Ashy Wood Swallow – An unusual resident
Visit to Alambadi Village
Our jeep rumbled towards Alambadi Village, tucked against the Karnataka border. Nestled between the vibrant village life and the serene flow of the Cauvery River, it held a unique charm. But what truly surprised me was its embrace of green energy. Here, nestled amidst nature’s beauty, electricity flowed courtesy of the sun!
No power lines marred the landscape, replaced by silent solar panels quietly absorbing the day’s sunshine. This self-sufficient village, seemingly untouched by conventional power grids, hummed with life powered by the sun’s generosity. I couldn’t help but feel impressed by their ingenuity and commitment to sustainability.
An Evening Rendezvous with History and Nature: The 100-Year-Old Temple
As dusk deepened, we embarked on our final adventure – a visit to the centuries-old temple of Lord Rama. Cloaked in the shadows of time, its ruins whispered tales of a bygone era. Goosebumps prickled our skin, not from fear, but from the unique sense of peace that permeated the air. An energy both ancient and comforting, inviting quiet contemplation.
False Vampire Bats
Entering the temple, we sought the elusive False Vampire Bats, nocturnal inhabitants known for their fascinating echolocation abilities. Unfortunately, unprepared for the encroaching darkness, our phones’ meager flash proved insufficient to capture them in detail. Yet, even amidst the dimness, their flitting forms and squeaks painted a captivating scene. We managed to snag a few blurry photos and a short clip, preserving a memory of these remarkable creatures.
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Immerse Yourself in Culinary Delights at JLR
Your stay at JLR is an all-inclusive experience, encompassing a delectable journey through flavors. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches, tempting evening snacks, and delicious dinners, every meal is meticulously curated and included in your package. So relax and savor, without worrying about additional expenses.
Dine in the charming Gol Ghar, a signature JLR space that reflects their unique style. Prepare to be tantalized by mouthwatering dishes, each a culinary masterpiece crafted with fresh, local ingredients. The talented chefs here are passionate about exceeding expectations, taking pride in creating new and exciting flavors to delight your taste buds. Be it a familiar comfort food or an adventurous culinary discovery, they’re dedicated to making every meal a memorable experience.
How to reach Gopinatham Mystery Trails?
We drove from Bangalore and chose to take the scenic path guided by our Naturalist Sandesh, as mentioned earlier in this blog. But you can even take the route suggested by the Google map, if you are driving from Bangalore.
Best Time to Visit Gopinatham Mystery Trails
The best period to visit the Mystery Trail Camp is during the monsoon while Hogenakkal falls is best enjoyed post monsoon.
Day 2 at Gopinatham
The symphony of birdsong, a gentle serenade to greet the rising sun. Golden hues paint the canvas of the sky as it peeks over the distant hills. A warm cup of tea in hand, the anticipation simmers – today, the unexplored beckons, promising whispers of hidden beauties within the forest’s embrace. This, dear reader, is the magic of waking up at Gopinatham Mystery Trails.
Let the story continue in my next blog from my remaining days at Gopinatham Mystery Trails from this trip. Till then, do share your thoughts if you would like to visit this mysterious place.
A Brown-Capped Pygmy Woodpecker (Rare)And I almost forgot, this is the birthplace of the famous notorious Bandit late Veerappan.
Do Subscribe and drop your thoughts about this hidden gem in the comments. Would you be interested in exploring this beauty?
Excited to share my new series – How I? In this, I revisit some special images and share the behind-the-scenes story, the technicality of the picture and more importantly learnings.
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Check out our Travel experience to another JLR property, Kali Adventure Camp || Dandeli by my travel partner Nutan Singh.
Gears used in the Trip
Sony Fe 200-600Mm F/5.6-6.3 G OSS Telephoto Zoom Lens (White)
Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras (Black)
Iphone 11 Pro and Iphone 13 for wide shots
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Amazing blog with lovely piece of info on this mesmerizing place, it’s wonderful how you describe the place, I could feel the place while reading your blog. Keep sharing you experiences
Thanks much Punit for your kind words! Next part will be writing soon… 🙂
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