Rafting in Barapolai ...

Rafting one the earliest ways of transport and later a sport, a recreational activity  caught fame in the mid 70’s and has been a hot favourite for adventure seekers ever since. White water rafting has made its way into the adventure world due to its sheer adrenaline rush, a pulsating surge that it provides. The rafting experience includes maneuvering rafts on water rapids that are caused due to constriction of the water flow, the more number of twirling rapids the better the experience. The best rafting in the sub-continent is undoubtedly in Rishikesh, the South has very few options which include the Kali Nadi and Barapolai in Karnataka.

Barapolai which is close to the famous Coorg region renders some really neat weekend options that include trekking and Water rafting among others.  A few kilometers off Hunsur it provides a good opportunity for the adventure seekers. There are plenty of buses available which will lead you to Hunsur but if you are taking your own vehicle you can take the Bangalore Mysore highway and then near Srirangapatna take the Ilwala by pass and then head straight to the State highway 88 towards Hunsur. There are a few camps in Hunsur that provide an all over experience including picking and dropping to and from the trekking  and rafting spot. This will usually include a two day program.

We decided on one such camp and head out of Bangalore, the drive was pleasant owing to the new Bangalore Mysore highway, a few Chai pit stops and we reached Hunsur. We camped at one of the camps called ‘Leopard Rock’ which provided great options of camping outside in tents with a lake in view.

The itinerary included a jeep drive up to the starting point of the trek into the Chengani forest range and then a whole days trek in rain, then return in the jeep to the camping spot and a campfire by the end of the day, rafting in the morning in Barapolai.

The jeep ride to the trekking spot was by far the best as it involved random water splashing from the road puddles teamed with an almost continuous down pour. A few stops to feed our hungry stomachs with the local delicacies which included snacks like ‘Gole Bajji’ and some ‘muruk’ and then we headed of on our trail with a proper shower from the rain gods. It was quite a non tedious trek with not much pulsating climbing which renders itself as the best option when one is looking for a pleasant walk in an atmosphere with lush green and a few wildlife spotting.

 We were graced by none other than the largest mammal in the forest the elephant, a good half an hour of the view made us happy enough to continue on our trail. There were forest guards provided with guns to act if the scenario got a little out of hand as this region is known for their Leopard population. The canopy was thick providing us protection from downpour; there were occasional sunny moments that increased the humidity making it a stifling weather condition. The trek consisted of about walking six kilometers into the jungle and returning on the same trail. The trek ended by evening on a good note as we had witnessed a variety of snakes, deer and an elephant.

 The jeep ride back was equally pulsating and we were all looking forward to the Coorgi style food awaiting us at the camp site. The menu consisted of some real delicious ‘Pandi curry’ [pork curry] along with chicken fry and also a decent variety for the vegetarians. The day broke and the immense murmur in the air indicated the enthusiasm towards rafting. The rafting place which is run by Mr. John was a few kilometers off the camp site and a warm welcome was awaiting us. There were a number of rafting experts who gave out instructions and safety precautions to be taken.

The pre-rafting experience included fastning on the life jacket learning the right rowing techniques and also being plunged into the icy cold water to prepare us for what might be coming up. Rowing is not as simple as one would imagine, it requires high levels of concentration to co-ordinate the given instruction [left front and right back] and actually do it on the ever slipping raft along with the rivers turns and tempo. There were even experts dong their rounds on Kayaks as to be prepared if anyone slipped into the river needed to be saved from the currents. The key to rafting is to not panic and getting in stride with nature and her tumult, her sense of humour.

When we actually set ourselves into the raft it was an unbelievable experience. The rain splashing down in full throttle, six rapids were explained well and it was a quick rollercoaster ride on rough waters. The abundant green of the trees and overhanging branches along with the blue-green waters made a sight when mixed equally with rain and the mist caused by the surging torrents. A chill that had stiffened our backs due to the weather was relieved with a sumptuous offering of soup given to us by the thoughtful rafting club.

After a weekend well spent and having indulged in a great sport made the journey back to the boring cosmopolitan less weary. The sun came down in haste and the rain continued as we headed back to Bangalore.  

Extra info –

The nearest airport is the Bangalore airport.

The easiest way to get there is by buses or by your vehicle as trains aren’t available.

Carrying water proof gear is a must.

Carry a pair of floaters as they are required for the Rafting.

Parinitha Konanur