This trip of ours to Dandeli was planned keeping in mind river rafting in the Kali river. The schedule was fixed, tickets were booked but rafting was not confirmed as the unseasonal rains left us praying with crossed fingers.
On our 2nd day of stay, we got a surprise call from the JLR staff, Parshuram who conveyed the good news that rafting was on and our session was confirmed for the morning. Rafting in Kali river is only possible when the water is let out from the Supa dam that flows into the 3 different dams constructed at lower levels. Due to unseasonal rains, the water let out from Supa had been stopped over the previous few days just before our visit. The season of rafting is between October to June conducted by the Southern River Adventures (Wild River Adventures) in partnership with Jungle Lodges and Resorts.
Raja, Guru and I were clubbed with 3 other people and this being our first experience, we were all excited. Guru and I are non swimmers and can easily drift away in flowing water. Kali river has some good rapids and rocky terrain ideal for River rafting. We were briefed about what to do and how to perform and were given helmets, life jackets and an oar. The helmets are to protect your heads in case you fall from the raft and the life jackets to keep you afloat in the water (secure for non swimmers too...). The life jackets are secured very tight because in case one person falls off, he/she is pulled back holding the life jackets. Oars are given to all to the steer the raft forward and backward. Here teamwork ensures the raft moves ahead in the direction required and not to drift away and sometimes to get out of the sticky situations when caught between the rocks!
Raja and I sat in the front to get that adrenaline rush with Guru and others seated behind us. The first rapid was the most exciting with the raft going on a roller coaster ride and all of us drenched with the Kali water . Although we were aversed to jump, we were coaxed into throwing ourselves into Kali from the raft (remember the life jacket ensures you stay afloat and your head is above the water always).
Standing on the raft and then Splaasshh...! down you go and up you pop up, the feeling was something never experienced before, the whole body floating and your head always on top with no fears of drowning... ah I loved this! Soon all the reluctant people gaining confidence seeing others jumping into the water and we were all excited like kids and enjoying ourselves
The Rapids were moderate but exciting enough for first timers like us (just imagining how rafting in Hrishikesh would be...!) and we enjoyed thoroughly every bit of it, it was pure fun. I would anyday recommend this activity to anyone who loves adventure - just be there, take part, forget your fears, enjoy the moments...
Well, thanks to JLR staff Parshuram and the WRA (Wild Rafting Adventures) team in realizing one of our most cherished dreams that hopefully would just be the beginning for us... :)
You could contact Kali rafting and Jungle Lodges , Ganeshkudi or Dandeli for details.
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