B M Lavakumar
The natives of Kodagu are sports enthusiasts who would be busy throughout the year in different sports meets. They partake in hockey, cricket and football during summer season, and are not of that sort to sit idle during monsoon. They organize rural sports meet on silted paddy fields in the peak monsoon. They are also brave to be engaged in river rafting on mighty Cauvery River.
If you go to see, the rains in Kodagu seems different than rest of Karnataka. Because, if it rains it will be torrential for a few days, and in other times its intermittent that makes difficult for the residents to venture out of their houses. Its not a easy task to play in the rains. But there is an exception, the natives of Kodagu are of not that nature to sit cozily at home, wrapped in blankets as not to venture out braving the torrential rains and chilly winds. They are known to be adventurous. Its during this season, Cauvery River flows mightily, while a few brave hearts venture into for river rafting.
The river rafting has begin besides elephant training camp located at Dubare, near Kushalanagar, for those adventurous both men and women. The view of adventurist rafting in ferocious river indeed sends shiver down the spine. If one really partakes in such adventurous sports, it would be an immemorial experience. When Coorg Adventure Club began river rafting at Bittangala a few years ago, Jungle Lodge also helped them in their endeavor. The lack of publicity and other causes did not get the expected outcome. It became popular in the later years. About a hundred people partaken on the first year that has risen to thousands in the recent past.
The people who visit elephant camp at Dubare have a chance to enjoy river rafting. The rafting that begins form elephant camp, coves Hosapattana, Guddehosoor, Cauvery Nisargadhama and concludes at nearby polytechnic. Its about 11 kilometers rafting in ferocious waters of Cauvery River that is not ideal for feeble hearted people. A single raft can accommodate 6 persons. One need not fear as they accompanied by skilled rafters. The rafters will have to wear life-saving jackets, wear helmets, both men and women can participate.
Its after river rafting began, the tourists are arriving in large numbers to Dubare during the monsoon. Its indeed beneficial for tourism. The river rafting that begins during monsoon ends by end of monsoon season. Its your turn to arrive in Kodagu to get a chance for river rafting in bloating Cauvery River, enjoying the bubbles and serenity of nature in your midst.
