Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What is Southern River Adventures And Sports Private Limited’s role?
A) White Water Rafting in Coorg is conducted by Southern River Adventures And Sports Pvt. Ltd. which consists of a team of specialists in this sport. Run by John Pollard of the U.K. who is the pioneer of professional white water rafting in South India.
Having vast experience taming rapids stretches of rivers all over the world for 15 years, the operations under his supervision have ensured that over 30,000 people have been able to enjoy white water rafting on the rivers of Karnataka safely for the last decade. John and his team of international experts will make your trip a memorable one.
Q) Which is the best season for white water rafting?
A) Since the sport is dependant on rain-fed rivers, our season is dependant on the arrival of the South West Monsoon in the Ghats. Usually this occurs in early June but may get delayed too occasionally and goes on right through October usually. During this latter phase of the monsoons is ideal for our extended full day and overnight trips owing to the relatively low water levels.
Q) What rafting tours are run by Southern River Adventures And Sports Private Limited?
A) We run a variety of rafting tours based on the water level in the river. Although the full day and overnight tours are run during the later part of the season in September and October, do check with us in case you might want to engage in the sport earlier since it may be possible even during June through August if the water levels are comparatively low.
Here are the different tours we organize:
1. Fast and furious Upper Gorge 2-Hour trip
2. Upper Gorge Double run with a special rate for 2nd run
3. Full day Lower Gorge trip
a. Lunch on the river
b. Done in lower / medium water levels
c. Minimum age requirement of 16 years
4. Overnight 1 Gorge
a. Over-night camp and meals on the river side – first day dinner and second day breakfast included
b. Done only in lower / medium water levels when rainfall is less
c. Minimum age requirement of 16 years
5. Overnight 2 Gorges
a. Over-night camp and meals on the river side – first day lunch, dinner as well as second day breakfast and lunch included
b. Done only in lower / medium water levels when rainfall is less
c. Minimum age requirement of 16 years
Q) Can I indulge in white water rafting if I do not know how to swim or have a fear of water?
A) Sure you can! In fact this is one of the best ways to overcome your fear of water quite easily by way of one of our rafting trips. Since we are very used to non swimmers and people who have a fear of water, we take special care to ensure that you feel comfortable. Simple tasks like taking a dip in the river whilst wearing a life-jacket during our training session contribute to this purpose.
Q) How fit must participants be?
A) A moderate level of fitness is a prerequisite for taking part in the Upper Gorge 2 hour rafting tour. For the full day and overnight trips an above average level of fitness is necessary; swimming ability is an advantage.
Participants who are perceivably unfit (including those under the influence of intoxicants) and over 110 kilo grams in weight will not be allowed to indulge in white water rafting. As part of helping those who have a phobia of water, it is mandatory to take a training float in the river and those who refuse to do so will not be taken them on the more advanced tours.
Q) Is there a minimum and maximum age limit for activities?
A) The minimum age requirement is 14 years for rafting; participants must be at least 16 years of age for the full day and overnight trips. This is a strict criterion and we will cross check if necessary and we therefore request you to be honest. It is in your own interest that this age criterion is strictly adhered to, which also is in line international rafting guidelines.
We do not have a maximum age – as long as guests are fit and healthy and more importantly feel up to it, they are most welcome to participate. The oldest rafter we have had was 79 years of age.
NOTE: We do reserve the right to refuse anyone on grounds of safety if necessary.
Q) How safe are the activities?
A) Our operations are run with a ‘safety first’ policy according to internationally accepted norms. In fact, we are even more safety conscious than many rafting companies in Europe and the U.S., since we are more likely to handle guests who are generally not used to water based sports and have limited swimming ability.
We use CE (European standard) or U.S. Coast Guard approved imported rafting equipment and our instructors / guides are first-aid as well as advanced first-aid trained, ready to take control of any situation that may call for their intervention.
Most importantly, we know the river like our own backyard! Over 30,000 river rafting enthusiasts who have visited us over the last decade will vouch for the high levels of safety and precaution that we take.
Q) Do I need to bring rafting gear / refreshments for the rafting trip?
A) No! All safety equipment is provided by us. Along with this, experienced river guides coach you on the rafting tips and tricks. We also provide transport to and from the river from the rafting base, hot coffee or tea and biscuits after the trip as well as bowls of piping hot soup. In case of extended trips, food is also included along with sleeping and camping equipment.
Q) What are the facilities that are available at the rafting base?
A) Facilities that are provided at the premises include a reception/briefing area, hot water showers, toilets and changing rooms as well as a bon fire to keep you warm. Rafting souvenirs are available for purchase too at the base.
Q) What are the facilities available for food and accommodation?
A) We recommend ‘home stays’ in the area, since there are no resorts or high quality hotels in the vicinity. Although the prices and comforts vary, they are all well-kempt and hygienic, and also serve very nice local food. A list of these options is available on our website or you can also contact us over the telephone for details about the same.
Q) How many days must guests ideally spare to completely enjoy the break?
A) At least 1 night and 2 days are required to travel around neighboring areas and make most of your trip to Coorg. Here are a few suggestions for these extra trips that will not dent the pocket too hard:
The Irrupu Falls is a good sight seeing option – this is a very scenic tourist spot which is particularly enjoyable during the monsoons.
A night drive through the nearby Wayanad Sanctuary usually ensures sightings of Bison, Elephants and several other mammals. The road is offers a smooth drive and more importantly, is open for traffic at night. Try not to be too adventurous though, for your own safety!
Q) What kind of clothing and footwear should I carry?
A) Attire recommendations:
Sweaters in the evenings may be required (particularly the winter months).
Floaters or strap on sandals are best to wear in the water; it is important that shoes should not slip off your feet since we do not allow guests to raft barefoot.
Swimming gear or shorts and shirt is always best but try to avoid cotton since this will keep you cold when wet. Man made or synthetic fibers are best.
Please avoid the following:
Waterproof jackets
Loose, baggy or heavy clothing, saris
Covered shoes / slippers
Pants / jeans
Veils
Q) What must bring with us on the activities?
- Change of clothing
- Warm clothing for after the trip
- Towel, torch, umbrella
- Sturdy footwear like strap-on sandals or jogging shoes
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Drinking water
- Rain jacket (not to be taken aboard the raft)
- Any specific medication if required
Q) What should I NOT bring along on the activities?
- Electronic gadgets (video cameras and cell phones included)
- Excessive jewelry
- Food or beverages (alcohol strictly prohibited)
In simple terms, just anything that should not get wet! These can be used off the river though.
Q) Are there a minimum number of participants that are required for a tour to be conducted?
A) Ideally, a minimum of 4 people on all tours are required to run our rafting trips while the longer trips usually require 6, depending on how busy it is. It is therefore important to check with us beforehand to see if you can join a scheduled tour and make up the numbers.
Q) Where are you located and how to get there?
A) Our base is at Ponya Estate, which is approximately a kilo meter further down along the Birunani road, after the K.K.R Bridge in the TATA Glen-Lorna Tea estate. This is on the T.Shettigeri to Birunani Road.
NOTE: We can meet you at the bridge in case you are not sure of the directions – just ensure that you are on time!
The route to get there would be as follows (See Route map Below)
Mysore --> Hunsur --> Gonikoppa --> Ponampet --> Hudikere --> T.Shettgeri --> Tata Tea Estate Bridge.
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