Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar

Karwar, May 23: When it comes to adventure and water sports none can beat the advantage enjoyed by the coastal areas of our country. The challenging and incredible landscape, the striking beaches, the backwaters and the unique biodiversity sets a perfect milieu for adventure and recreational activities. Karwar, the sleepy but picturesque town which is the headquarters of North Kanara is now on an image makeover. It has taken the lead and surged ahead of other coastal districts and even its neighboring highflying state Goa in providing first it’s kind of adventure water sports in the coasts belt including the whole of Karnataka.

Thanks to the efforts of Mangaluru-based company 'Leisure Routes' which has been instrumental in giving this image makeover to Karwar by introducing a number of adventure water sports including the thrilling adrenaline pumping ‘fly fish’ sport, a first not only in the coastal belt but also in the entire state.

Tourists and enthusiasts locals are flocking to “Kali River Garden” in Kodibagh, on the banks of river Kali to get a feel of the adventure water sports which was inaugurated on May 14. Apart from Fly-fish this destination offers Jetski ride, Kayaking, Banana Boat and Bumper ride using water sport inflatables. The company has sought the permission of the district administration to introduce other forms of adventure water sports like bungee jump for children, aqua park, zip line adventure rope etc. “If everything goes as we envisage we will introduce these adventure sports by August this year”, says the promoter of Kali River Garden. Floating cottages and floating restaurants are also in the offing to make Karwar truly an adventure sport destination.

What differentiates Kali River Garden from the rest of the water sport destinations in the country is that while most of the water sports happen on beach side these water sports in Karwar are on Kali river bank. “Kali river is good for adventure sports because the sangam tides (where the sea meets the river forming an estuary) are ideal for some of the adventurous water sports we have. Many families come for enjoying boat ride because Kali river is quite shallow and is also safe for boating”.

Introducing these water sports has been the result of the district administration’s jealous efforts to promote tourism in Karwar in a big way and to make Karwar a tourist hotspot. When the Government invited tenders to promote water sport destination in Karwar ‘Leisure Routes’ showed its expression of interest and got the project on lease for a period of 10 years which is extendable for another 10 years. Promoter of Leisure Sports pointed out that the project is promoted on the basis of build-operate- maintain-transfer system (BOMTS). In fact Karwar, despite its humungous potential for promoting tourism, has not been given its due. Now, thanks to the initiative of the district administration, a good beginning has been made, which is sure to give a big boost to tourism in Uttara Kannada district.

The company is quite buoyed by the encouraging response to these sports and also by the enthusiasm shown by the locals who are quite captivated by the facelift this project has given to Karwar. The company expects to target tourists passing through Karwar, or those going to Goa and also tourists from Dakshina Kannada and other parts of Uttara Kannada. The company has been promoting this tourism destination through online and other social media and through outdoor advertising.

Foolproof safety measures are provided to tourists at Kali River Garden. Using life jacket is a must to all those who opt for any of the water sports. The company has been using the services of 6 service lifeguards who apart from being good swimmers have undergone training in life saving and emergency life service and first aid services. The highlight of Kayak boats used in Kali River Garden procured from China is that it is transparent giving the paddlers an opportunity to enjoy the underwater vista which is unavailable in normal boats. Jetski boat is obtained from Japan and is equipped with all paraphernalia to provide safety and awe-inspiring experience of water sport.

Plans are afoot to introduce a garden and set up food courts to make the area compatible to tourists and adventure seekers. Apart from branded outlets like Domingo Pizza and Café Coffee day outlets providing delectable local cuisine for which Karwar is famous for, will be set up in the area to cater to the taste buds of people of all stratum. The promoter says that importance will be given to maintain hygiene at the food courts.

Kali River Garden also has plans to provide package tours and ideal tour itineraries that include places like Karwar, Yana, Gokarna, Sirsi, Anshi etc. Trekking enthusiasts can opt for a day’s trekking option to Guddalli in Karwar. The good news is that these water sports except Kayaking may continue even during the rainy season. Kali River Garden is open for water sport from 9 am to 7 pm. However, the gates are open from 5.30 am to give an opportunity for those who want to enjoy their morning stroll on the river bank.

On the whole, the sleepy town Karwar has woken up to the grand reality of providing some of the most thrilling, exciting, gripping, breathtaking and mindboggling water sports to give adventure seekers a destination they always dream of. Here is an opportunity to give vent to your dreams and make them a reality.