The
monsoons are in full gusto and with Goa receiving rainfall
in excess this year, the various water bodies in the state of Goa
have painted the landscapes in various hues of green. In stark
contrast with last year where the rainfall was minimal, this year has
brought good news for the water adventure junkie and there are a few
options to choose from, for a healthy dose of adrenaline pumping
rush. In no particular order, below are a few options that will make
this rainy season, an exciting one:
White
Water Rafting, Valpoi
About
four years ago, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) surprised
everyone by launching a safe yet exciting adventure activity at a
time of the year when most activities are on snooze mode in the
state. White water rafting launched by GTDC in association with
Southern River Adventures and Water Sports Pvt Ltd has been made
operational on the River Mhadei with rapid class 2 and 3; and later
on Tillari with rapid class 4. The Mhadei trip is ideal for beginners
with even children over the age of 12 joining in and one does not
necessarily need to know how to swim. A raft, the rapids and the
stunning forested wilderness of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a
perfect monsoon getaway. The river rafting facility will be available
from July to October 2016 subject to availability of rapids and
adequate water currents, and suitable weather conditions. There will
be two trips beginning at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm every day.
White
water rafting activities are carried out in accordance with the
internationally accepted norms. The instructors are highly trained
and operations run with a ‘safety first’ policy. Each passenger
will be provided with safety equipments like life jackets, paddles
following the instruction sessions from experts. The trip starts at
the rafters meeting point next to Earthen Pot Restaurant, Valpoi in
North Goa from where a vehicle transports the rafters through the
jungle on a 25 minute drive, followed by a 10 minute walk into the
Mhadei river valley before reaching the river side. Like last year,
the fees for the white water rafting trip is Rs 1800 per head.
River
Kayaking, Chorao and Nerul
Adventure
Breaks – an adventure company is one of the prominent players in
this sector and offers activities like kayaking, rock climbing,
trekking, biking and sailing in Goa. While it is no longer possible
to kayak in the sea, thanks to the huge breakers and swells because
of the monsoons, the kayak lover is restricted to the backwaters —
the Chorao Wetlands and the Aguada River along Nerul.
For
the Chorao trail, one starts from near a traditional sluice gate in
the village of Penha de Franca and enters the Chorao Bird Sanctuary,
a wetland with water birds and mangroves. Paddling along narrow
channels, one makes his / her way through the sanctuary, taking in
the different mangrove species, watching birds and crabs, or just
chilling. Then back to our starting point. For the Aguada trail,
starting from under the Nerul Bridge, on the road to Candolim, one
paddles down the Aguada River (next to the fort of the same name)
into a mangrove forest which one can explore, before returning. The
more energetic can continue past the Nerul Bridge to the surreal
concrete sculptures in a waterfront night club, and back. The fees
for either of the trails, is Rs 7590 per head.
