Jaladhama is an Island near the ancient town of Talakadu in Karnataka. Located on the back waters of Madhavamantri Dam, Jaladhama is a good weekend getaway from Bangalore. The Island is actually a holiday resort set amidst the River Cauvery. The Water Sports facility at Jaladhama adds to the fun. If your idea of a weekend getaway is a tranquil environment, leisure boating, swimming and a close encounter with nature, Jaladhama would be just fine for you.
Reaching Jaladhama, Talakadu
Jaladhama is located 4 kms from Talakadu. It is 125 kms away from Bangalore. There are 2 routes possible from Bangalore to Jaladhama. One can take the Bangalore- Mysore highway, take left after Maddur, and pass Malavalli, Muttanhalli and Sargur before reaching Mudukuthore. A motor boat is available from Mudukuthore to Jaladhama.The other route is to take the Kanakapura Road and pass Kanakpura, Halaguru and reach Malavalli. From Malavalli one has to go past Muttanhalli and Sargur before reaching Mudukuthore.
A fun way to explore Mysore is to ride in a Harley, Triumph or Royal Enfield in a guided motorcycle tour organized by 5 Senses Tours. There are 2 tours offered from Bangalore to Mysore. Check Organic Farming & Heritage Trail and Royal and Cultural Heritage Trail.
Getting around Jaladhama, Talakadu
A Motor Boat takes you from Mudukuthore to Jaladhama Island and drops you back after your visit. While at Jaladhama, a battery operated Golf Kart ferries you to your cottage from the river bank.
Accommodation
There are 30 cottages available which are furnished with Television, Geyser and AC. Suites are the other option where you get an extra room apart from the living cum sleeping quarters. Nests make up the third option where you get a living room and two bedrooms interconnected. Group Cottages with 12 and 20 beds cater to large groups of travelers. For home-stay options visit India Holiday Ideas.
Activities at Jaladhama, Talakadu
Water Sports is a very popular activity at Jaladhama. The scenic backwaters of Madhavamantri dam can be best enjoyed in a leisurely boat ride. Pedal as well as Row boats are available. Several migratory birds will accompany you in this voyage! For those seeking faster action, Water Scooters are available for zipping to the other shore. A visit to the Madhavmantri Dam is possible on the Motor Boat. Banana boats are another fun way to get drenched along with friends. Canoeing is also possible with 2 seater as well as 10 seater Canoes.
Several Outdoor Activities are available as the Island is quite spacious and the Resort provides various sporting equipment. Volley Ball, Basket Ball, Foot Ball, Cricket and Badminton are the various possibilities. A Swimming Pool is also there in the Island.
Indoor Activity options are Chess, Carrom Board, Fuse Ball and Table Tennis.
Food is served outdoor during Breakfast and Lunch. Dinner is a sit down affair and served inside the restaurant. Cuisine is spread between South Indian, North Indian and Chinese.
Surprisingly, the island resort houses a Discotheque as well with DJ and reasonable acoustics.
For a guided tour of Talakad, please visit 5 Senses Tours.
A new way to experience India
Have you ever taken a guided motorcycle tour in India? Now its possible to indulge in experiential tourism while riding a Royal Enfield Classic 500 or even a Harley Davidson. For guided motorcycle rides from Bangalore to Hampi, Mysore, Thekkady, Belur, Coonoor or Kolar visit 5 Senses Tours.
Talakadu
Talakadu, located just 4 Kms from Jaladhama, is an ancient town on the banks of River Cauvery. Its history can be traced back to the Ganga Kings of 3rd century AD. Talakadu is also associated with a legendary curse from a pious queen! The Queen’s curse turned the once flourishing Talakadu into a desert. The old Talakadu town is buried under a mile of sand. Today, Talakadu is a popular pilgrimage center and picnic spot.
For a detailed travelogue on Talakadu visit here.
For my travelogues on other weekend getaways from Bangalore, visit Bangalore Weekend Ideas.