While the Mhadei and Surla tributaries, with their crystal clear waters and high frequency of rapids, offer scope for the promotion of white-water rafting, river adventure groups say that other rivers have potential for similar development.
"The potential is definitely good during the monsoon, especially in some rivers in South Goa," said John Pollard, managing director of a South India-based river adventure group. "However, more explorations are needed to identify it. The government also needs to contribute by supporting the research," he added.
The Mhadei river has a greater frequency of rapids than any other river in South India, claims Pollard. Forest areas also offer more panoramic views from the river, and the environment is pristine. A massive quantum of water unleashed during the monsoon in the Western Ghats surges through the serpentine river, leaving its beautiful impact on nature, he says.
In Dandeli too, white water rafting has grown from strength to strength after the activity was pioneered in the Kali river in the late nineties. Considered to be the most popular white water rafting destination in South India, thousands of tourists enjoy the thrill of rafting during the eight-month season, barring the monsoon period. "In Dandeli there is one rapid every kilometre - 9 for 9 km - while in the Mhadei section there are 12. Coupled with the 18-km Surla stretch, there are as many as 35 rapids," Pollard said.
Ralph D'Souza, spokesman of the Tourism and Travel Association of Goa (TTAG), on the other hand, said that the state has lost several years of white water rafting as the potential hasn't been tapped. "The scenic beauty of the monsoon has drawing an increasing number of young tourists and honeymooning couples. Goa's soul resides in its charming interiors with its evergreen forests and idyllic rivers, and rafting can be an added feather in the monsoon tourism package," he said.
Seconding D'Souza's opinion, Gaurish Dhond, TTAG president, said that the state needs to promote adventure tourism activities like white water rafting. "It will add to the state's tourism profile," he maintained.
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