Dandeli: The Adventure Hub You Didn’t Know About

Nestled in the Western Ghats, on the banks of Kali River, the quaint town of Dandeli is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The place has been a popular getaway for people in Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore, and with its perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping activities with virgin natural environs, it is not hard to see why. If you are looking for an offbeat yet exhilarating holiday by the waters, ditch Goa or Kerala and head to Dandeli instead. While you are there, here are the top adventures to live out to get the maximum kick out of your trip.

White Water Rafting

The white water rafting experience on Kali River offers a curious mix of sailing on calm waters and then being plunged down by the furious currents when you least expect it. Once you have signed up for a rafting outing, you are taken to the starting point upstream along with fellow rafters, and given a rundown on the basics of white water rafting before you set sail on an inflatable boat. You can choose between a 9-km run lasting more than four hours, or a shorter one that winds up in less than two hours. The two rafting slots have been functionally designed for seasoned and amateur rafters respectively, but there is no restriction on which one you can sign up for. After all, it is all about your appetite for adventure.

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Jacuzzi Bath in the Rapids

If you have ever enjoyed a leisurely bath in a Jacuzzi with a glass of wine to keep you company, you’d probably know how immensely relaxing it can be. Now, imagine the same rush of water and the same sensation of bubbles washing up on your body, except in an all-natural environment and not a closed space. A dip in the rapids of the Kali River is a one-of-its-kind experience, and definitely one you must not miss. You’d be required to travel to a neighboring island, which is just a short boat ride away. An invigorating massage in the expansive, frothy waters awaits you at the other end.

Kayaking

Got a penchant for boating or want to try your hand at it for the first time? Kayaking at the man-made Supa reservoir near Dandeli is the place to be. The vast expanse of the reservoir creates the illusion of stirring your boat in a sea rather than an artificial water body. You can head out to any one of the several islands in the area for camping. Your experience with kayaking can range from exciting to downright humbling, depending on your proficiency with the sport. First timers may find it challenging to balance the narrow boat in sync with the instructor, but paddle away you must.

Canyoning

Canyoning can be best described as rappelling’s complicated cousin. The basic rule of the game remains the same – you have to climb down a steep rock, dangling from a lone harness, except in this case, you also have a lot of water gushing over you. Yes, canyoning entails climbing down a waterfall! This is definitely a dream experience for anyone who enjoys the rush of adrenaline pumping through their veins.  The Sathkonda Canyon is a popular spot to indulge in this thrilling activity.

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Moonlight Boat Ride

A moonlight boat ride may sound like a romantic activity befitting honeymooners, but it has many surprises in store. When you head out for boating in the dead of the night, what awaits you is nothing short of a thrill-inducing ride that can make even the most adventurous souls weak in the knees. You need special accessories such as night vision binoculars and nerves of steel to pull this one off. As you sail through the waters, you could well be in company of wild animals lurking about. Oh, and don’t be surprised if there is a crocodile in hiding somewhere beneath your boat. Now, if that’s not unadulterated adventure, what is!

Rappelling

If you have already tried your hand at Canyoning, rappelling may seem like a walk in the park. If you have enough time at hand, we recommend you take a dig at rappelling first. This will not only help you enjoy the thrill of rappelling better but also prepare you for your canyoning experience.

Trekking

Get up close and personal with nature by participating in organized trekking expeditions. These take you through the vast Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Though it is not possible to cover the entire area on foot, the mere experience of walking through the dense forestation and spotting exotic Hornbills, Malabar Giant Squirrels, and Bisons is thrilling in itself. Make sure the organizers taking you on this trekking trip have all the required permissions and clearances from the Forest Department to avoid any last-minute dampeners. Full clothing and shoes are recommended.

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Jeep Safari

Trekking trips are usually limited to the outer periphery of the sanctuary, and it is unlikely that you’d ever get to spot a tiger or a panther in these areas. If you love the idea of spotting the biggies in their natural habitat, a jeep safari is a must-do. While there is no guarantee that there will be a tiger or panther waiting you greet you on your safari ride, it is definitely worth a try.

Water Zorbing

Zorbing is all the rage in the world of adventure sports where you get into a transparent plastic ball, or ‘zorb’, and take a roll downhill. Water zorbing is an extension of the zorbing technique, except here you go rolling over the water surface as opposed to a slope. If you fancy the idea of just letting go and floating away, water zorbing on Kali River must feature on your adventure bucket list.

River Crossing

Crossing over a river is a delightful activity for thrill-seekers, what with the strong currents gushing by. Now, imagine crossing the breadth of a river by slithering on a rope, with just a safety harness holding you in place. Maintaining balance on a thin rope can be quite a challenge, and the height and sight of water gushing below can add to your stress, making this short crossover seem like one helluva long ride. You’ll have an experience guide to help you navigate your way – just hang in there and keep moving.

These activities are definitely not for the faint-hearted but sure make for an experience that will stay fresh in your consciousness for the longest time. Several resorts in the area include these activities in their packages. Research shop to get the most out of your Dandeli trip.

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Featured Image Courtesy: Juhi Dua