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Rafting expeditions through the rapids of the Kabani

ADRENALIN RUSH: A group of adventure tourists rafting in the Kabani river.

The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has organised river water rafting expeditions on the Kabani river for adventure tourists this year.

The five-kilometre white water rafting from Koodal Kadavu to Bavali through the Kuruva Islands, a group of islands famous for their ecological significance, promises to be a thrilling journey through virgin forests. Sightings of rare flora and fauna i n the Nilgiri biosphere are an added attraction.

All facilities, including raft, helmets, life jackets, oars and the service of experienced guides, will be provided by the DTPC. The period from June to October is most suited to river rafting in Wayanad.

Hundreds of adventure tourists have already signed up for the trip. “Each cruise presents an exhilarating experience. There has an increase in the number of tourists interested in river rafting, says K.V. Biju, secretary, DTPC.

Country raft made out of bamboo by expert tribesmen is usually used for river rafting here. Seven to 10 tourists can go rafting on a single raft. Depending upon the number of participants, the expenses will vary from Rs.500 to Rs.750, for five hours of rafting, raft instructor Luka Francis said.

River rafting was started in this hilly district by the District Tourism Council in 1999. Last year, 11 rafting trips were conducted as part of tourist attractions during monsoon.

This year, the number of trips has been less due to poor rainfall, Mr. Biju said.

This year, two rafting trips in the Kabani were jointly organised by the DTPC Wayanad and Wayanad Tourism Organisation, an organisation of the tourism property owners in Wayanad recently.

A rafting trip was conducted for a group of United Nations officials from Italy and another for a family from Holland, Mr. Biju, said. “We have received a lot of requests. We have planned rafting trips from August 15,” he added. Blue Yonder, an NGO based in Thiruvananthapuram is also conducting river rafting expeditions in Wayanad

E.M. Manoj

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