River rafting in Dandeli is the best adventurous activity in Karnataka and is also the second-best
rafting spot after Rishikesh. During early summer, the river Kali was moderately filled with fresh
and cold water under a sunny day. We, four friends, were excited after enjoying a resort stay in
Dandeli at Tusker Trail Resort. The next day was filled with river activities, including jacuzzi
bath, zipline, kayaking, zorbing, and river rafting. All these activities were enjoyable and
exciting at a cheap price. I completed the first zorbing, which was just a big cylinder-shaped
balloon where two members rolled in the water like rats in a rolling trap; it was fun and
thrilling. It was a simple activity, and we didn't spend much on it. The next adventure was
kayaking, the best one being solo kayaking. Just enjoying the still waters of the black Kali
River, with the rowing stick, balancing the body's center, and calmly watching nature. Further,
there were crocodiles, so they put up a yellow line indicating not to cross it.
The next activity was the jacuzzi bath. Here, we needed to hold a rope, and the water force was so
strong that we couldn't stand in front of it without some effort and tricks, but the force hitting
our heads gave a tranquil feeling, relaxing us from all stress. The most awaited activity was
rafting. We were all excited, seeing people already enjoying themselves there. All these
activities felt like a warm-up and were so much fun. The next great adventure was about to start.
We wore safety jackets and got into the raft with the row handle.
Initially, the instructor and controller, who would be sitting at the back, gave us good knowledge
and instructions with energetic words. He was recording with a GoPro from the back. After all the
warm-ups, it was finally time to start. We started rowing along with the heavily flowing river.
Slowly, we all started rowing the raft, and the still water gradually became faster as we
approached the main rafting spot. It started, and we all rowed with energy and excitement. When we
met the river's speed, the orientation changed completely, with the raft moving up and down and
side to side, trying not to sink or overturn.
It took a few minutes to synchronize with the river's speed, and we completed the easy phase. Now,
the next step was returning back and going against the force of the flowing river, which seemed
almost impossible. As we rowed further, the main force points of the water almost tilted the raft,
putting the front three people on the left side at risk of falling. My friend and I were there,
and suddenly we both fell. I held onto the rope of the raft as instructed beforehand, but my
friend detached completely from the team and the raft, floating in the rapid river flow.
I was in the water, unsure of what was happening, with the raft pulling me along as I held onto
the rope. I could feel some plants at the bottom with my legs. Meanwhile, my friend got hurt on a
rock, fracturing his leg. The instructor somehow picked up my friend with his unbelievable control
skills, and after we reached less forceful waters, everyone laughed as they pulled us back into
the raft. It was funny to see my friend's specs fall inside the raft while he fell into the river.
The photos captured by the cameramen in continuous shutter mode revealed how we fell, and it was
hilarious to see the guy in the back giving a pose for the photo while we were falling. It was the
best time, filled with adventure and good memories.
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