Short Cuts

DROP A LINE A half-hour's drive from the plantation town of Siddapura, plus a mile hike into the woods, is the Valanoor fishing camp on the Cauvery River. Valanoor is a picture-book angler's haven. The waters are home to the silvery Mahseer fish. Known as hard fighters when hooked on lures or flies, the Mahseer (meaning "big head" or "big mouth") is the king of Indian river game. Pay a small fee, and rent gear from the Coorg Wildlife Society for about $10. On most days, you'll have a stretch of river to yourselfthe locals have their own favorite hot spots...