Coorg, also known as the ‘Scotland of India’, is famous for its coffee estates and its misty mountains. This mountainous district in Karnataka also offers exciting white water rafting facilities, and it is slowly growing into an extreme sport destination.
Unwind at India’s Own Scotland
Coorg has more to offer to its visitor other than coffee and mountains. This picturesque district has raging rivers and rapids, which provide ample sport for the white water enthusiast, the most sought after being those at the river Barapole. This river runs through Coorg before flowing into Kerala.
The gradient of the Western Ghats through which this swift river flows, the mountainous topography along its course, and the torrential rains in this region during June to September create stretches of white water along the upper reaches.
Tourism entrepreneurs have cashed in on this opportunity and have provided rafting facilities for the adventure sport fan along the stretch before the river flows through the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire run lasts 3 km and covers five imaginatively named rapids ‑ The Morning Coffee, the Grasshopper, the Ramba Samba, The Wicked Witch, and the Big Bang.
Most of these white water rafting packages need to be booked in advance. Some of the organizers offering adventure tourism packages are Southern River Adventures, Ace Paddlers, and Barapole River Rafting.
The Dos and Don’ts for River Rafting
- Life jacket, helmet, and other safety equipment as provided by the organizer are a must
- No loose clothing or footwear permitted while rafting
- Upper Weight limit is around 110 kg
- Minimum age requirement is 14 years
- A reasonable level of fitness is required
- Use of drugs or alcohol is not permitted before a white water run
- Children and expectant mothers are not allowed on the white water stretch.
- No prior knowledge of swimming is required
The tour organizer would give a complete briefing on what to expect on a run of the rapids and also familiarise the guests with a complete safety drill. The white water run lasts around 2 hours and covers rapids of varying degree of difficulty, graded classes 2‑5.
How To Get to Coorg
Madikeri, the capital of Coorg district, is well connected by road with the rest of Karnataka. Coorg is at a distance of 258 km from Bangalore and 120 km away from the nearest airport, Mysore.
Where To Stay At Coorg
There are hotels in Madikeri like the Mayura Valley View, Hotel Rajdarshan, and Hotel Raj offering a comfortable stay for the tourist on a budget. A much more viable and economic option is the Homestays offering the best of Kodava hospitality. These homestays provide guests with a taste of authentic Kodava cuisine.
Activities and Things to Do In Coorg
A tour of a coffee estate is a must while in Coorg. There are other attractions such as Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Abbey Falls, Raja’s seat, Omkareshwara temple, Byalekuppe, and Dubare Elephant Camp in a 50-km radius around Madikeri. For those who are still in search of more adventure, there are Quad biking facilities available at Kushalanagara. Coorg offers an ideal destination for the adrenaline junkie.
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