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Change of clothing, towel, torch (for canoe tour), sturdy footwear like strap-on sandals or jogging shoes, sunscreen, swimwear, drinking water, and any specific medications if required. Warm clothing for after the trip.
What should i not bring on the activities?
Video cameras, cell phones, excessive jewellery, food or alcohol or anything that should not get wet.
Yes you can. You may overcome your fear quite easily on one of our trips. We will help you to feel comfortable. We are very used to non swimmers and people who have a fear of water.
What is the minimum and maximum age limit for activities?
Minimum age is 8 years for rafting (though 8 to 12 year olds that are above 4 feet (1.22 meters) in height will have to go in a special "kids safe raft" with at least 1 adult and we need advance warning). These is a strict criteria and we will check heights.This is in line with international rafting guidelines. For the other activities it is 12 years and above but it can be less if we feel they are capable and they are physically big enough, however this is at our discretion and we will have to see them before hand. We do not have a maximum age but as long as guests are reasonably fit and healthy we will take them. The oldest rafter we have had was 79 years young. We do reserve the right to refuse anyone on grounds of safety if we see fit.
How fit do i need to be?
An moderate level of fitness is needed for rafting the Kali River. For the Upper Barapole River in Coorg we are o.k with moderate fitness for the half day trip but for the full day and two day trip an above average level of fitness is required and if possible some swimming ability. If a person has a phobia of water and will not enter the river to take a training float we will not take them on these more advanced tours. For any of our rafting trips people who are very unfit and over 120kg in weight will not be allowed .
As safe as any in the world, and definitely safer than traveling by bus or car to get here. We have had over 18,000 guests on our activities in 8 years with no accidents and nothing more than a bruise or chipped tooth to talk about. Our activities are all carried out according to internationally accepted norms. We would say that we are even more safety conscious than many rafting companies in Europe and the U.S., since we are handling guests who are generally not very used to water based sports and have limited swimming ability. We use CE (European standard) or U.S. Coast Guard approved imported equipment, our guides are first-aid trained and operations are run with a "safety first" policy. We know the rivers like our own backyard!
How are the facilities and food in the places to stay?
The Old Magazine House Forest Camp, which is the main base for rafting, has good food facilities in it's rustic concept. On suite bathrooms in the huts, fans, lights and hot water in the evenings. Crisp, clean bed linen and towels are provided. A restaurant that serves homely and healthy veg or non-veg food with cuisine from Europe and Asia. Other specialties are also served here. Kali River Lodge in Dandeli is a very comfortable place to stay in either tented cottages or rooms. It is a 2 star standard and has an excellent restaurant, catering to many different tastes. There are other stay and eating options in and around the area with very few bad ones.
At least 2 nights and 3 days is advised if you want enjoy other sight seeing, adventure and trekking activities and also have some time to relax.
Sweaters in the evenings may be required (particularly the winter months). Floaters or strap on sandals are good to wear in the water. Jogging shoes are also good. Shoes should not slip off your feet. Swimming suit or shorts and T-shirt is always best and in the winter months try to avoid cotton. Please avoid waterproof jackets, loose, baggy or heavy clothing, dress shoes, smart pants, jeans, veils or saris.
Minimum of 6 people on all tours are required to run our rafting trips. The longer trips usually require 12, depending on how busy it is. Please check with us before hand to see if someone is already booked so that you can join them to make up the numbers.
When is the season?
Our season starts in November and ends at the end of May on the Kali in Dandeli and runs from June to November on the Barapole in Coorg. Outside of these months it is not so easy to be sure of water releases and therefore pre-bookings are not taken However, if you turn up, you can be lucky since we occasionally run unexpected trips when conditions permit.
There is a clear route map and details of available modes of transport to all of our bases. Please click below to see it.
