Rafting in Dandeli
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- Dandeli
The lush green tropical forests of Karnataka countryside offer marvelous views of nature and some incredible experiences. Dandeli is a captivating destination with natural beauty as mesmerizing as that of Udupi, Gokarna, Chikmagalur, Coorg, etc. The white water rafting expeditions that one can go for in river Kali is considered to be among the best in South India, like those in North Indian regions of Rishikesh and Ladakh. Considering all the popularity this rafting destination has gained over the past few years, it sure seems a rafting destination worthy of some attention.
Rafting is an adventure sport that does not necessarily require you to have prior experience but you do need to be disciplined and aware. Water is an unpredictable entity and the rapids, the section of the river with a steeper gradient and higher turbulence, can be quite challenging. If you are going rafting for the first time, you might be overwhelmed by the thrill and adrenaline rush you get but do not panic. Simply follow the instructor’s commands and you will have an incredible experience, worthy of being shared with friends and family.
The rafting trail and the weather condition in Dandeli is suitable for newcomers as well as professional rafters as it stretches for over 12 km. This stretch has multiple rapids that vary in difficulty and hence the rafting organizers usually offer three runs based on your risk appetite - short run, medium run, and long run. Ganeshgudi will be the starting point for your adventure-filled expedition. Dandeli has an optimal climate condition, especially during winters and summers, as it is nestled in nature.
Rafting in Kali river
Read on to learn some information about the river that emerges in the Western Ghats of Karnataka in the small village of Kushavali. The river is surrounded by mesmerising, scenic views all around; from its point of origin till the point where it empties into the Arabian Sea. The adventure camp in Dandeli that sits over this river is a prime location for tourists; especially adventure enthusiasts who like activities like hiking, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, birdwatching, and nature walks. Kali river glides gracefully through forests, over unique rock formations, and takes various turns until it reaches the coast of Karnataka.
As the river passes through Dandeli, its freshwaters are considered good for rafting, as, in this region, it suddenly transforms from a quiet and peaceful stream into a gushing collection of white eddy currents that adventure athletes call “rapids”. This instantaneous change in the river’s flow and the natural position of rocks in the river makes it a popular spot for white water rafting.
FAQs
River rafting is an adventure sport and hence it in itself always carries some risk. However, the professional instructors - skilled and experienced at maneuvering the waters of the river Kali are always present during the activity at Dandeli to prevent any mishaps. This makes the activity safe for everyone; for people with no experience as well as those who are professional athletes of the sport.
Summer season right between April and June is the perfect time to enter the river Kali and experience a rafting trip down its rapids.
Protective equipment is provided to everyone indulging in the adventure sport. However, in general, it is advisable to avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes. Any type of sportswear with tracks works the best. It is also suggested to avoid wearing any footwear while rafting.
The exact timing for rafting in river Kali is in the daylight, from 9 AM to 6 PM.
The rafting services are operational from October till May and are closed during the monsoons; as the weather conditions go haywire in the rainy months.
A picture and a video are included in the basic package. However, one can also rent their own action camera - a GoPro camera, at an additional cost which you can enquire for while booking. This allows one to take shots of their own and capture the thrilling journey the way they would like to.
The duration of the trip depends on the length of the run. Short runs have fewer rapids and are usually 1.5 km to 3 km long. These take anywhere between 1 to 1.5 hours. Long runs have multiple rapids and span the length of around 12 km. These runs take 3.5 to 4 hours.
Booking a rafting trip is very easy as it can be done through any electronic device with an internet connection. An easy online booking process makes things smooth and quick. You can opt from various modes of payment like UPI, Net Banking, Credit or Debit Card, etc.
The things to keep in mind when you go rafting are: 1. Always wear a life vest 2. Avoid panicking 3. Always follow the commands of the instructor 4. Hold the paddles firmly and properly 5. Sit comfortably
As rafting is an adventure sport, there are some precautions that every person must take before going on the trip: 1. Never go rafting in the dark as it can be fatal 2. Enquire about the hypothermia guidelines and follow them scrupulously 3. In case of a heat stroke during the expedition, get proper treatment at the campsite 4. Do not consume alcohol prior to or during the rafting expedition