Jan 10, 2009 12:15 PM
18410 Views
(Updated Apr 19, 2009 10:36 PM)
The two days, 3rd n 4th Jan, 2009, have become one of the most enjoyed and the most adventurous days of my life so far. Wanting to invite 2009 with a huge bang and in a special way, we, a group of 8 like-minded and adventurous friends have planned a getaway from Bangalore. Out of the 4 to 5 options available, we've chosen Dandeli after a session of critical brain storming for 6 days.
Till the time we experienced the aventure in reality, all of us were very much apprehensive about the place, the accomodation, the food etc. But Dandeli has turned out to be a surprise to all of us. All the 5 adventures that we've undergone proved to be the best of their kind and thrilling enough to rejuvenate the senses and sensitize us of the presence of adrenaline and epinephrin rush in us.
Item-wise Review:
Reaching there: We took a train from Bangalore to Dharwad and take an RTC bus from there to Dandeli. From Dandeli bus stand, we hired a cab to the Stanley's Farmhouse
Stanley's Farm House: This is a real surprise. In the midst of a thick forest, the farmhouse management had made sure that we're not short of any amenity or facility. They made sure that evreything is available to us. Mr. Imam, Mr. D'Souza, Mr. Mohammed et al have been the best hosts.
The Sunflower farm beside the farmhouse is very beautiful and has give a picturesque status to the surroundings.
Food:The chefs at the farmhouse have been at their best in providing the best cuisine to us through out our stay. Only con about the food is that a paid lunch at the farmhouse would cost you Rs. 125/-, which is on a higher side.
River Crossing:This is the first adventure that we have taken up. We have been asked to crawl along the stretch of the river canal.
Pros: Thoda Thrilling, Thoda Adventurous
Cons: A very slow flowing river. Would have been better if there's been a better flow; Drunken and impatient Trainer; Adventure lasts for a very short period of time and at the end of it you'll surely feel it's a mere waste of bucks.
Trekking:This second adventure of ours is nothing but walking thru a thick forest for almost a strtch of 5-6 KM.
Pros: Very thrilling for first couple of kilometres; good fresh-water streams; greeney all aound, which we don't get to see in city life; bird watch
Cons: No sight of animals, not even sounds; you'll get bored after a couple of KM.
Camp Fire: During the cold weather of Jan., camp fire definitely gives you warmth. You get to meet a lot of like-minded enthusiasts and adventurists around the camp fire. A sip of Bacardi with a marlboro in hand will definitely add to the thrill.
A night in the Tent:This is one of thefirst-of-it's-kind experiences we've experienced. A sophisticated and wll maintained tent with a matress, pillow and a quilt is definitely enjoyable.
Rappeling:Descending a 70 ft high cliff using a rope, harness and other gear.
Pros: Thrilling enough; Paisa vasool; nice surroundings
Cons: Drunk and mpatient trainer again; should have been a bit higher cliff
White-water Rafting: The final adventure that we have undergone. Consists of rafting in a dinghy for a strecth of about 9.5 KM in the Kali river
Pros: Violent river adds a lot to the thrill; swimming in the water with sight of crocodiles at a distance adds to the fear factor; best trainers(In our case, Shankar) and direction; 9 awesome rapids through out the sail; boosts the adrenaline in you; greenery all around; complete matlab complete paisa vasool.
Cons:No Compliants or cons; it's definitely the best adventure and you'll really enjoy it.
