Watch thousands of Terns in the breeding season or plan
a rendezvous with the big cats. Either way, you can’t go wrong with the River
Tern Lodge… Aesthetic cottages with cosy interiors offer
picture-perfect vistas of the reservoir, the blanket of hills around it and
sunsets over the water.
A world of its own: Cottages nestled in the hillside
Established in 2005, the River Tern Lodge is among the
newer ventures of Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), a Government of Karnataka
undertaking. This resort promotes eco-tourism and gets its name from the
colonies of river terns that congregate on islands in its vicinity. The Indian
River Tern (Sterna aurantia) is a slender grey and white bird with a deeply
forked tail. Thousands of river terns make these safe sand banks their home
during the breeding season which lasts from March through May. The Bhadra river
swells during the monsoons and the reservoir is filled to the brim. Many
islands are submerged by the copious inflow of water. As the water recedes, the
islands peep out and are ready to play host to the birds and their emerging
chicks. This is also the breeding season for pratincoles (Glareola lactea)
which arrive in sizeable numbers.
While the rendezvous with the river terns is an
attraction during the summer months, the monsoon is a time to enjoy the rain.
Frequent cloud bursts are showers of blessings for the rich flora and fauna of
this region. Green is the colour of the season. Blossoms flaunt a sprightly
exuberance and butterflies flutter with joy. The rain sweeps the dust away and
cools the forest floor. There are striking signs of freshness and prosperous
abundance everywhere.
Picture-perfect
Aesthetic cottages with cosy interiors offer picture-perfect
vistas of the reservoir, the blanket of hills around it and sunsets over the
water. Winding paths lined by a canopy of bamboos lead to the rustic cottages
and log huts positioned at different levels. As I walked up the stone-laden
pathway, I wondered if green could ever be greener. The older cottages are on a
peninsula, the newer ones on an island. Christened as
Live the epic experience: The bridge connecting “
Delicious food is served in the “gol-ghar”, the
open-to-sides gazebo. Guests can take their pick at the enticing spread that
simmers over the red-hot charcoal at “Salt Lick”, the dining area. The steward
does a good job in tailoring the menu to suit the season and the climate.
Alcohol is served at “Water-Hole”, the bar. Fresh fish from the reservoir,
transformed into mouth-watering delicacies by the local chef, are among the
culinary delights on the lunch menu.
The River Tern Lodge offers several activities for the
visitors. Kayaks, canoes, wind surfs, water trampoline and pedal boats are
available for those who enjoy aquatic adventures. The in-house naturalist
accompanies visitors on nature walks in the sprawling 4.5 hectare property.
Butterflies are a plenty. The great egg-fly, peacock pansy, chocolate pansy,
plain tiger and bird wing butterfly are some that meet the eye frequently. When
the water of the reservoir is placid, visitors can go on boat safaris to
explore its vastness. Mountain bikes and coracle rides are available on
request.
Meet the cats
For those who like to venture out of the resort, the
Bhadra Dam is just a couple of kilometres away. The panoramic view of the
plains from the hills is a sight to behold. The velvety carpet of the paddy
fields interspersed with lakes and the flowing Bhadra is a snapshot of the
countryside at its very best. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary which is in close
proximity to the River Tern Lodge is home to the big cats. Spanning over an
area of 492 sq. km, the sanctuary is the 25th tiger reserve in
The River Tern Lodge is a far cry from the clutter of
urbanisation. Nestled in
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