The Ultimate Guide to River Tern Lodge | Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve

by Avathi Outdoors | Riverside Stay and Wildlife Safari

The Ultimate Guide to River Tern Lodge | Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve

 

The River Tern Lodge is a nature-oriented resort located in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, near the Bhadra Tiger Reserve and Bhadra reservoir. It is located in the Chikmaglur district, which is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. If you are a bird watching aficionado, the River Tern Lodge should be on top of your list. Come summer, you will witness an extraordinary display at this resort situated on the Bhadra Reservoir. As the receding water reveals submerged stones, a huge number of migratory birds - River Terns and Pratincoles, congregate in this area to lay their eggs. A drama ensues on the stones as the birds vie for room to mate and rear their offspring. Tiny chicks tentatively tread across the rocky landscape, while their parents swoop in, carrying small fish in their beaks for sustenance.  

Avathi curates the best wildlife experiences and is a trusted booking partner of Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Book your River Tern Lodge stay with us a memorable experience. Want to know more before you are ready to book, read on!

 

This article aims to provide the reader with the following information:

1. About the property

2. The story behind the name

3. The River Tern Lodge experience

4. Best season to visit

5. Things to do at the property

6. Accommodation and Amenities

7. Your itinerary at the River Tern Lodge

8. How to get there

9. Attractions around the property

 

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About the property

If you're looking for a serene and peaceful getaway in the heart of nature, look no further than River Tern Lodge in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the lush forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, this eco-friendly lodge offers a chance to reconnect with nature and unwind amidst the beauty of the surrounding landscape.The River Tern Lodge gets its name from a nearby island that, during the breeding season, attracts hundreds of river terns. It is located in the Chikmaglur district on a hillside at the edge of the Bhadra reservoir, close to Lakkavali, and just a short distance from the northern edge of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve. Chikmaglur, which previously served as a princess' dowry, still exudes the allure of a location chosen by a king's favourite daughter for her dowry. Among all of this, there is the ideal location to create a brand-new connection with nature.

 

 

The story behind the name

Chikmagalur is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and its lush mountains. The Resorts is situated close to the Bhadra Reserve's coastlines and is encircled by the lofty Baba Bundangiri hills.The Lodge's name comes from the congregation of River Terns that gathers there to breed on a nearby island. River Tern Bhadra is a perfect place for getaway to enjoy the vacation and to experience some adventure activities in the resort.

 

 

The River Tern Lodge experience

The lodge offers a variety of activities for nature lovers, including jeep safaris through the reserve to spot a range of animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. Birdwatchers can also enjoy the more than 200 species of birds that inhabit the area. In addition to these activities, the lodge also offers water-based activities such as kayaking and swimming, which are supervised by trained experts and adhere to safety guidelines. The lodge is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, with a wide variety of birds and animals calling the area home. Take a guided nature walk through the forests, go birdwatching, or simply relax by the river and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

 

 

Guests can also visit nearby attractions such as the Tyverekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari and the Sakkrebyle Elephant Camp. After a full day of exploring and enjoying the outdoors, guests can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner at the resort's group dining hall, the Gol Ghar, which serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Overall, River Tern Resort in Bhadra is the perfect escape for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking to spot some of the area's amazing wildlife, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply relax and unwind, this lodge has something for everyone.

 

Best season to visit

The River Tern Lodge Bhadra is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. The entire sanctuary is lush and green from June to September thanks to the monsoons. March to May throughout the summer can get a little warm but this is the best season to witness the magic of migratory birds on tiny islands on your boat safari.

 


 

Things to do at the River Tern Lodge Bhadra

The River Tern Jungle Resort offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, including wildlife viewing through jeep safaris into the Bhadra Tiger Reserve Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located about 4 kilometres from the resort. The lodge also offers water-based adventures such as sailing, kayaking, and water cycling, as well as joy fishing and a boat ride on the Bhadra Reservoir, which provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.

 

 

 

In addition to these activities, the lodge also offers guided trekking, island camping, birdwatching, mountain biking, rock climbing for children, and stargazing. 

 

 

Guests can also visit nearby attractions such as the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Bhadra Reservoir, Tyverekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari and the Sakkrebyle Elephant camp.

 

Accommodation and Amenities at the Bhadra River Tern

The River Tern Lodge is a nature-oriented resort that offers accommodations in the form of ten twin-bedded cottages and log cabins. The cottages and log cabins are designed with cozy interiors to provide guests with a peaceful and private stay.

 

 

Each room has a veranda with views of the Bhadra Reservoir and the sunset over the backwaters, and there are no TVs in the rooms in order to encourage guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The lodge is located in a beautiful setting near the Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and offers a variety of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy.

 

 

Loghut Package: This Loghut type accommodation includes stay, lunch, evening tea/coffee and snacks, wildlife film show, dinner, breakfast, jeep safari, boat safari into the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, forest entry charges and 18% GST. This accommodation comes equipped with amenities like air conditioning, bathroom facilities, housekeeping, parking, umbrellas, torch, luggage assistance, wake up call/ service, living room, seating area, balcony and a coffee maker. River Tern Loghut Package price starts from ₹ 5950 / person (Excl. Taxes)

 

 

Cottage Package: This Cottage type accommodation includes stay, lunch, evening tea/coffee and snacks, wildlife film show, dinner, breakfast, jeep safari, boat safari into the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, forest entry charges and 18% GST. This accommodation comes equipped with amenities like air conditioning, bathroom facilities, housekeeping, parking, umbrellas, torch, luggage assistance, wake up call/ service, living room, seating area, balcony and a coffee maker. River Tern Cottage Package starts from ₹ 6376 / person (Excl. Taxes)

 

 

Food: A delicious spread of South and North Indian dishes, buffet style is served at the Ghol ghar. A choice of both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian is available.

 

 

Your itinerary at the River Tern Resort

Check in at 1 pm, freshen up and enjoy the lush surroundings. Treat yourself to a sumptuous lunch at the Gol Ghar from 1: 30 pm to 2: 30 pm. Gear up for a ride into the Park with tea/ coffee served at the Reception till 3 : 30pm. Go on a wildlife safari in a jeep or a boat into the Bhadra Tiger Reserve with the property’s naturalists who will show & share their experiences and information about the jungle and all the animals that live there, till 6:30 pm.

 

 

Enjoy you evening tea/ coffee at the Gol Ghar till 7:15 pm. Follow that up with a wildlife movie at the Gol Ghar till 8 pm. Then, bask in the warmth of the campfire, while you dine in the Gol Ghar, exchanging tales of the jungle with the other guests and staff.

 

 

The wake up call at 6 am will get you prepped for the jeep/ boat safari from 6:30 am to 8:30 am. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Gol Ghar till 9:30 am and follow it up with kayaking and swimming at the water sports area in supervision of trained experts, till checkout time.

 

 

How to reach Jungle Lodges Chikmagalur

By road: The resort is about 283 km from Bangalore. To reach the River Tern Lodge, you can take a drive towards Tumkur and then follow the Shimoga bypass road. After crossing through the towns of Gubbi, Tiptur, Arsikere, Kadur, Birur, and Tarikere, take a left turn towards Kuvempu University at a signboard. Travel 14 kilometers until you reach Lakkavalli, where you will find a sign for the property, which is about 4 kilometers away. Alternatively, you can contact the Range Forest Office at Lakkavalli for more information. The lodge is located by the Bhadra Reservoir and is approximately 38 kilometers from Shimoga.

 

 

By rail: The nearest railway station is at Tarikere and Shivamogga, which connects Bangalore and other major cities.

 

 

By air: The nearest airport is the Bajpe international Airport in Mangalore which is around 195 km away from the resort.

 

 

 

 

Attractions around Jungle Resorts Chikmagalur

The Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Reserve is a protected area located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. It is home to a variety of animal species, including lions and tigers, as well as other mammals such as leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, and deer. The reserve is also home to a number of bird species, and it is known for its rich biodiversity. It is managed by the Forest Department of Karnataka and is open to visitors who wish to learn about the local wildlife and natural history. The Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Reserve is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in nature and wildlife, and it offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy, including guided tours and safaris through the reserve.

 

 

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area known for its rich variety of bird species, including the grey junglefowl, red spurfowl, painted bush quail, emerald dove, southern green imperial pigeon, great black woodpecker, and Malabar parakeet. It is also home to reptiles like marsh crocodiles and monitor lizards, as well as otters and a variety of mammals, including gaur, leopards, elephants, common palm civets, stripe-necked mongooses, sloth bears, large brown flying squirrels, sambar, spotted deer, and wild boar. While tigers are known to inhabit the area, they are rare to see.

 

 

The sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka and has a pleasant climate year-round, with the bulk of the rainfall occurring during the monsoon season from June to September. The summer months of March, April, and May can be slightly warm. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary has recently been adopted under the Project Tiger initiative, which aims to protect and increase the population of tigers in India.

 

 

The Bhadra Tiger Reserve is named after the Bhadra River, which flows through the reserve, and it is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It covers an area of approximately 519 square kilometers and is home to a variety of animal species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, deer, wild boars, and crocodiles. It is also home to more than 200 species of birds, and the reserve is known for its rich biodiversity. The reserve is managed by the Forest Department of Karnataka and is open to visitors who wish to explore the area and learn about its wildlife and natural history.

 

 

It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, which is the reserve's namesake. It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in India, having been established in 1951, and is home to a wide range of animal species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), deer, wild boars, and crocodiles, as well as more than 200 species of birds.

 

 

The reserve is located in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that is home to a number of globally threatened species and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bhadra Tiger Reserve is managed by the Forest Department of Karnataka and is part of the Project Tiger network of tiger reserves in India and is located near the Bhadra reservoir, which provides a habitat for a variety of fish species and is a popular spot for boating and other water-based activities. The reserve is also home to a number of sacred groves, which are small, protected areas that are considered to be the abode of local deities and are traditionally managed by the local community.

 

 

The Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is a camp for elephants located Shivamogga, Karnataka. It is home to a number of elephants and is known for its elephant conservation and rehabilitation efforts. It is located at just an hour's drive away from the River Tern Lodge.

 

 

The camp is managed by the Forest Department of Karnataka and is open to visitors who wish to learn about elephants and the efforts being made to protect them. It is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in nature and wildlife, and it offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy, including guided tours and elephant rides. The Sakkrebyle Elephant Camp is located near the Bhadra Tiger Reserve and the Bhadra reservoir, and it is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings that provide a habitat for a variety of animal species.

The Bhadra Reservoir is a large artificial lake located in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, and is an hour's drive way from the Bhadra River Tern. It is located near the Bhadra Tiger Reserve and is a popular spot for boating and other water-based activities.

 

 

The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species and is a popular destination for anglers. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of bird species, including migratory birds that visit the area during the winter months. The Bhadra Reservoir is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings and is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in nature and outdoor activities. It is located in a picturesque setting and offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Jog Falls, also known as Joga Falls, is a spectacular waterfall located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. It is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India and is a popular tourist destination.

 

 

Jog Falls is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings and is a popular spot for nature lovers. It is located in the Western Ghats, a mountain range known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The falls are open to visitors throughout the year, and there are a variety of amenities and activities available, including guided tours, treks, and boat rides. The falls are located approximately 24 kilometers from the town of Siddapur and are easily accessible by road.

The Sharavathi Adventure Camp is a facility located in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, and is about a three hours' drive from the River Tern Jungle Resort. It is situated near the Sharavathi River and offers a range of outdoor activities and adventure sports for visitors to enjoy.

 

 

Some of the activities that may be available at the Sharavathi Adventure Camp include white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, and trekking. The camp may also offer amenities such as accommodation, meals, and equipment rentals for guests. The Sharavathi Adventure Camp is located in a beautiful natural setting and is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in outdoor adventure and nature.

 

River Tern Lodge Reviews 

"We stayed there for two nights And trust it was one of the greatest experiences of our lives The staff there are too nice."

"We had a fantastic experience here. The view from the room, the accommodation, the food, courteousness of the staff, the facilities - all were top notch. Jio works well here. I'll surely be visiting this place again."

"JLR is the crown jewel of eco-tourism. The food and accommodation are excellent. The chef used to stand there in the buffet and seek feedback, he even shared some recipes with me. Very cordial and warm people. The jeep and boat safari are very exciting, it's time well spent."

"The log cabins by themselves were quite nice; they were clean, spacious, and had a balcony with spectacular views of the reservoir. The staff was extremely nice and helpful and the food was quite good; standard JLR stuff."

"In terms of activities, we were completely occupied during our stay with water sports, jeep safari and boat safari. While the boat safari and water sports gave us a chance to enjoy the Bhadra backwaters, the highlight of the trip was the jeep safari. Never in my previous multiple safaris have I spotted so many animals in the wild and the icing on the cake was to spot the big cat - TIGER."

 

 

 

With this list of things to do in and around the property, you can give yourself a vacation filled with the natural beauty of this wildlife paradise. Ready to book a holiday in this unique jungle property? Head over here for River Tern Bhadra Booking

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