Nisargadama

INTRODUCTION

Until a few years back, this island could not be reached when the river was in spate; only in certain months of the year could one wade across with some difficulty as the riverbed here is strewn with rocks.

FLORA AND FAUNA

This area once abounded in wildlife. The river sustained a large population of mahseer, a fish that is fancied by seasoned anglers the world over. Crocodiles basked on the rocks by the dozens. Otters lived on the burrows along the bank. Elephants and sambhar were a common sight

The trees along the banks on either side of mangoes, teak, punnai and occasional rosewood, reach a massive size. The island has, in addition to these trees, various species of terminalia and clumps of bamboo.

The highlight of any tourists stay at Nisargadama can be the three-kilometer walk around the island, along the river. Dewdrops hang like fresh pearls, glistening in the morning sun, on the webs of wolf spiders. Many varieties of butterflies can be seen flitting around. A pied Maratha woodpecker can put up an appearance, followed by a Rufous woodpecker. Flocks of blossom-headed parakeets flit from treetop to treetop, calling to each other constantly. Lorikeets join in the cacophony. Crimson-colored scarlet minivets and nuthatches can be spotted too. From across the river one can hear the drum beat-like calls of a crow pheasant. MANY MOODS OF KAVERI The river itself is a major attraction. Here the Kaveri is rapid, unlike in the plains and is a river of many moods. In addition to the myriad life forms in the water, the river sustains a vast network of terrestrial creatures Nisargadama gives you an idea of a riverine forest, the kind of forest that once clothed the banks of the Kaveri right from Kushalnagar to Salem. HOW TO REACH Nisargadama is closest to Mysore, being just a two-hour (60 km) drive away. Cars can be hired from Mysore. The Karnataka State Road Transport (KSRTC) also has a bus service at regular intervals. WHERE TO STAY For accommodation, small structures have been hoisted on bamboo stilts on the slopes of the island. In addition, igloo-like round cottages are constructed along the side of the island facing the larger expanse of the river. While one such cottage is named—of course—Cauvery, the others bear names of trees like Sindhoo and Payaswini. These cottages are large enough to accommodate about seven persons and are equipped with toilets, fans and lights.