If wishing to indulge in some exhilarating experiences while enjoying a luxurious and comfy stay, then the Jungle Lodges in Karnataka welcome you with their arms wide open. Set amidst natural landscapes of babbling brooks and beckoning hills, there are several popular jungle lodges in Karnataka, each with its own unique characteristics and amenities. However, there are also several jungle resorts in the state away from the tourist crowds which will let you experience the wilderness with the chirping of birds and whispering of woods as part of Karnataka tour packages. Adding the much-required thrill, these resorts will load you with a plethora of activities like wildlife safaris, elephant rides, boat and coracle rides, guided treks, white-water rafting, kayaking, canoe tours, elephant interactions, water sports, snorkeling, para-sailing, etc. Here is our list of some of the lesser-known jungle lodges & resorts in Karnataka.
Sakrebyle Elephant Camp
Set amidst the calm and peaceful lush greens, the Sakrebyle is a forest camp for captive elephants in Karnataka. Located on the banks of the Tunga River, the camp houses 25 elephants including both trained and untrained. These wild elephants are brought to the camp and tamed as well as being provided with nutrition and healthcare. It is one of the top places to visit in Shimoga, and among the best ecotourism centers in Karnataka. The stay at Sakrebyle Elephant Camp offered by JLR offers general people an opportunity to look at the huge tuskers from close quarters. The resort has 6 wooden cottages, 3 tents, and one dormitory equipped with all modern amenities. While staying here, guests can go for an Elephant ride or can bathe the elephants, or feed the elephants. Sakrebyle Jungle Camp is an ideal choice for travelers who want to spend some blissful time in solace while enjoying the scenic beauty of nature around.
Book Here : Shimoga Tour Packages
Bheemeshwari Nature & Adventure Camp
Located on the banks of River Kaveri in the beautiful jungles of Karnataka, Bheemeshwari Nature & Adventure Camp is a magnificent place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. the Camp offers an exquisite experience to people who want to spend some time away from the everyday humdrum. It is one of the least popular Jungle Lodges in Karnataka, and among the famous places to visit near Bangalore. The camp has 2 Cottages, 8 Loghuts, 8 Tents, and 1 Mud House equipped with all the necessary amenities that travelers would require while staying in the middle of a forest. Vibrant bonfires are lit every night which enriches the whole experience of living in the wild. Along with the bonfire, you can also enjoy a fun barbecue session. One can try Zip Line, Kayaking, and Rope walking while staying at the Bheemeshwari Nature Camp. Bheemeshwari is a natural habitat for the Mahseer fish, one of the finest game fish in the world. Several fishing camps have been developed here where professional and amateur anglers can catch mahseer. One can also spot many animals like elephants, wild boars, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, otters, and leopards along with a variety of water birds.
Book Here : Bangalore Tour Packages
Galibore Nature Camp
Tucked away in the deciduous forests of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Galibore Fishing & Nature Camp is another lesser-known resort maintained by the Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Karnataka, and among the best 2-day trips from Bangalore. Named after the windy hillock called Galibore that stands behind it, the Galibore Nature Camp is a good bet for a true sense of escape. Surrounded by hills, Galibore Camp has 10 tented cottages which will get you very close to nature. The camp is devoid of modern comforts such as electricity, however, you will be provided with hurricane/solar lamps. The camp also provides a barbecue by the riverside and a bonfire for the guests in the evening. One can try activities like coracle rides, trekking, joy fishing, lazing on the hammocks, angling, and bird watching here. If fishing is your kind of thing, the place offers you ample opportunities to indulge in this activity. Just ensure that you release the catch back in the waters as Galibore Fishing Camp practices a strict catch-and-release policy, especially to protect the endangered mahseer fish. Also, the Camp does not provide you with fishing gear and you are to make arrangements for these on your own. The place is also home to amazing wildlife like spotted deer, giant squirrels, marsh crocodiles, turtles, and snakes along with over 230 species of birds.
Anejhari Butterfly Camp
Anejhari Butterfly Camp is located near Kollur, among the top places to visit in Udupi. Amidst the undisturbed natural and dense foliage of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, the camp is maintained by the Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Karnataka, and promises an experience of a lifetime with the Souparnika river meandering gently by the camp and the sweet fragrance of the trees flowing in the air. The resort provides accommodation in the form of cottages, tents, and dormitories that are equipped with the necessary amenities. On the Butterfly Trail, one might get an opportunity to watch butterflies of various colors including Tamil Lacewing, Plain Puffin, Malabar Tree Nymph, Paris Peacock, Grey Count, Red Helen, and Blue Oak Leaf along with several birds including Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Small Blue Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and Asian Paradise Flycatcher, could be spotted at the camp. While adventure seekers can trek the Kodachadri Peak, the 10th highest peak in Karnataka. Apart from this, guests can also visit nearby tourist attractions like Maravanthe Beach, Byndoor Beach, and Arisinagundi Falls. There is no electricity and generator power is available for a limited time.
Book Here : Udupi Tour Packages
Bhimgad Adventure Camp
Just 10 km away from Belgaum, the Bhimgad Adventure Camp is another least popular eco-tourism resort maintained by the JLR, Karnataka. The resort located on a hillock in the Western Ghats is an oasis of calm and an enchanting retreat from the hustle of the city life. It is named after the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary which is known for the rare Wroughton’s Free-tailed bat. The camp has 13 cottages equipped with all modern facilities. The famed Belgaum Golf Course is just across the road where you can try your hand at golf. While staying at Bhimgad Adventure Camp, you can go to a nearby forest, indulge in birdwatching, can splash around in a little stream that eventually joins the Malaprabha River, and can explore nearby Belgaum Fort. It is just 2 hours away from Goa.
Book Here : Goa Tour Packages
Seethanadi Nature Camp
Seethanadi Nature Camp is another least popular jungle resort maintained by the JLR, and among the top places to visit in Agumbe. An escape from the maddening rush of daily life, this nature camp is located on the banks of river Sita inside the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to the last remaining low-elevation rain forests in the entire Western Ghats. Stay in the accommodation of your choice right from wooden cottages to tents here. Guests can relish delicious meals that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner and satisfy their taste buds while staying at the camp. The camp organizes guided forest walks, coracle rides in the river, and bird-watching sessions at the campsite. Besides setting out on nature walks and admiring the marvels of nature, the camp organizes several activities for its guests like white water rafting.
Also Visit : Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka
Bhagawathi Nature Camp
Our list of lesser-known Jungle Lodges by JLR wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Bhagavathi Nature Camp. Nestled in the middle of a verdant green Kudremukh National Park, this jungle camp is a heavenly getaway for people who love nature as well as for those seeking a respite from the daily humdrum of city life. Here, you can literally live in the middle of a dense jungle, wake up to the melodious calls of birds, a glimpse at a Krait slithering away on your way to breakfast, and indulge in exciting conversations on Shola forests over dinner. The camp offers three types of accommodation – wooden cottages known as chalets, tented cottages, and dormitories. There are several hikes that you can do from here. For an additional charge, you can do a jeep safari into Kudremukh National Park, among the top places to visit as part of Sringeri tour packages. Even though it is tempting to visit Kudremukh on a day trip from Mangalore, I would highly recommend spending a night or two just to experience the serenity, calmness, and hospitality of this JLR property.
Book Here : Mangalore Tour Packages
Santhi is an avid traveler and primary contributor to the blogs at Trawell.in. She has explored most of the states in India and gained vast knowledge on tourist destinations in India and abroad. She also contributes content to other travel websites.