Reed Rafting in Kerala
This article discuss the scope of reed rafting in Kerala and some rafting tips for the tourists.
Reed Rafting in Kerala
Kerala is an excellent destination for adventurous water tourism like reed rafting. It is one of the rare water sports which you can get only in Kerala and not in any part of the world. Tourist destinations in Kerala like Kappayam provide excellent opportunities for reed rafting along the serene rivers of Edamalayar. The reeds are collected from the reed cutters of Kappayam and hundreds of reeds are tied together to form a reed stretch structure. These are carried along the river by the Yamaha Engines.
The journey through these reeds will be mind thrilling enjoying the beautiful sceneries like waterfalls, mountain heads etc. This will certainly be a heavenly journey dissolved by white sky and the blue stream. The journey will be quite safe. Some guides will accompany you through out your journey. The reed rafting through the Edamalayar backwaters are only restricted to the reed cutters of Kappayam, So the tourists have to take special permission from the Forest department. The tourists have to take the permission of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest for their journey. Reed Rafting Tips for the Tourists
- If you are rafting along the reed cutters of Kappayam, it will not be easy to come back on the same day. So don't forget to take the basic accommodation materials like tents, blankets, match sticks torches, batteries etc.
- Those who don't know swimming are not recommended to take part this journey.
- Keep your life jackets ready always. Life Jackets are available in Edamalayar Range Office. Don't forget to take this while you are enquiring the Range Office.
- Please be seated in your reed boats always when the boats are moving. If you are standing on the reeds, there is chance for the mis alignment of tied reeds and probability to slip from the boat, So kindly avoid that.
- If you are going alone, please carry your food also. If you are going along with the reed cutters, you have to pay them for your food.
- Keep your mobile phones safely in the Range Office as there is no signals for mobiles in these rafting areas.
- If you are coming during the summer season, you are requested to bring some sun screen lotions, sun glasses, hat, tee shirts, Bermudas, Three forth etc. If you are visting during the rainy season, kindly bring a rain coat.Trip Cost for Reed Rafting
If it is not the time of reed collection, you have to pay around Rs 4500 towards kerosene charges (depends on the market rates). So it is better to accompany the team during reed collection periods with the permission of forest department. The trip charges will be lesser then. Negotiate with the reed collecting contractor.
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