Feb 04, 2007 02:26 PM
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Location: Ganeshnaguddi near Dandeli, North Karnataka.Hotel accomodation: Bison river resort, Jungle Lodge-Dandeli, Jungle Lodge (Old Magazine house) - Ganeshnaguddi.How to reach Ganeshnaguddi from Bangalore: Take a train to Hubli or Londa and take a jeep to Ganeshnaguddi. Jungle Lodge arranges for the pickup jeep from either of these places or alternatively you can also reach Danedli bus stand and take the jeep. We took the B'lore-Hubli express starting at 11 PM and reached Hubli at 7.30 AM.
This train travels only on Thursday's and Sundays. Incase you dont get booking on other trains like Kittur exp upto Londa - this is the best train to take as normally you get reservation easily. From Hubli, take a city bus to Dharwad bus stand. The frequency of buses from Dharward to Dandeli is more when compared to Hubli. Journey time to reach Dharwad - takes about an hour. Due to speed limit of 40 KMPH, frequent stops and slow moving traffic. There is a luxury bus from Dharwad to Dandeli which depats at 10.30 AM. and takes about 3 hours to reach Dandeli via Haliyal.
If you miss this - then there are other horrible buses which might be an adventure to travel. Incase you have any back pain etc - it is best to travel to Londa and take a Tata Sumo or Trax to reach the place.We reserved our accomodation at Jungle Lodge (Old Magazine house) at Ganeshnaguddi.River rafting starts of from Ganeshnaguddi and travels down stream upto a distance of 9 Kms and takes about 12 Nos of class-2 and 3 rapids.Before we took to water - a detailed instructions about the river rafting was provided by the aussie instructor. Saftey advice and way to wear the helmet and life jacket was demostrated. We were issued right sized life jackets and helmets.
After we fitted the same we were checked by the river rafting guides and huddled into groups of 8 and 6. We were a 6 member team and were allocated a smaller boat suitable for 6 passengers. For the next 45 min's we went thru practical training of survival and learn the way to float using life jackets and how to climb aboard the boat and how one can help a person who is off the boat. Initally it was a very scarry expereince as I did not know swimming. But the Aussie instrcutor - Mike was so good and confident that I took the plunge without second thought. He tought us how to row the boat and what to do for specific commands he may callout during going thru the Rapids and how to duck and hold on.
After everyone has been made to got thru the brief training - off we went onto row the boat. I was seated right upfront on the right side. When we approached the first rapid - I was terrified to see the swirling water and was wondering if I were crazy to be venturing into this :-) without even knowing swimming! well with all my attention focused on our guides instruction - we rowed the boat till the last minute and on his command to duck and hold - we went thru the first mega rapid! It was awasome as the cold water splashed on my entire body and sheer excitment of gushing thru the swirling water was intoxicating!! I found a new high in my life.
After this first rapid, the rest was really fun filled and we all enjoyed the white water river rafting experience. None of us fell off the boat or had any accident on our way. After couple of rapids we were taken to camn flowing water and allowed to jump off the boat to swim. I ventured out thrice and had a good fun being hauled back into boat. It was my turn to help others - especially one of our team member weighing 110 Kgs to be hauled back into boat. We enjoyed every moment of this white water river rafting trip and many thanks to Mike for taking us thru this adventure - safely.
Taking these types of adventure recreations - one needs to be aware of the safety rules and it is certainly not for the faint hearted. We paid INR 1100/- for river rafting which included the jeep ride from the Junglelodge to starting point of river rafting and after completion - ride back to our hotel. Some take aways we learnt in our first trip :1. Never carry cash, camera, handycam, purse unless it is water proof pocket purse, valuables along with you.2. If possible - leave your spectacles and coolers in the jeep. 3. Wear plastic or water proof sandals that has good velcro type holders and dont wear shoes. 4. carry spare dress to change-over, drinking water and some refreshments.
