With rains finally gaining momentum, white-water rafting in the Mhadei river basin is set to start this week. Introduced in Goa a decade ago, the adventure sport has become popular among tourists during the rains. However, with the monsoon being weak in the initial part of June, the white-water rafting activity was delayed.
“We are set to start rafting in three to four days and hopefully will do well this year,” said Sneha Naik, the head of operations of Southern River Adventures and Sports Pvt Ltd, which conducts the activity supported by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).
Naik said this season a new meeting/pick-up point has been introduced at Cashew House, Nagargao in Valpoi.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation on Sunday launched ‘Monsoon Trekking’ program from Tambdi Surla-Mollem in South Goa to attract tourists in hinterland areas. GTDC chairman Ganesh Gaonkar speaking on the occasion said that the concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is equivalent to God) would be made meaningful in the coastal state.
“Rafting is ideal for beginners. We have two trips a day. Guests are briefed about safety aspects before they get into the rafts,” Naik said.
While rafting depends on rapids and water currents, Naik said last year’s season, the first after the pandemic, did not receive a satisfactory response. Normally, the response is good mid-week, while Mondays and Tuesdays are dull. Perhaps people were still reluctant to mingle back then, she said.
Rafting activity normally starts in mid or late June, depending on the rainfall and concludes by mid-September. It is closed early at times in the first week of September if rain weakens substantially when the monsoon is retreating.
When rainfall is not enough, Naik said, rafting does not get exciting, and is discontinued. “A lot depends on the rain. We are keeping our fingers crossed,” she said.
