Friday, February 15, 2008

Dandeli Wilderness Planning

As some of you already know, I'm planning to be in Dandeli on 29th (Fri), 1st (Sat) & 2nd (Sun). Dandeli is well-known for its Wildlife Sanctuary & white water rafting. I want the friends to join me; best for all 3 days, else atleast on 1st & 2nd of March. I have done some homework & its all here. Please let me know your interest & I would try making arrangements for all the enthusiasts.

Expenses:

Travel, stay & food should cost approximately Rs.1000/-.
I'm not yet sure about white water rafting, but my other rafting experiences suggest that it could cost about Rs.800/- or more/less.

Informative blogs:

http://www.travel-library.com/asia/india/in_20061108144814.html
http://addithebirdie.blogspot.com/2005/11/great-birding-party-dandeli-karnataka.html

Stay options:

Best economical stay option -
Kulgi Nature Camp (Rs.200 to Rs. 250)

Other stay options, but quite expensive -
JLR (Rs.2200) - http://www.junglelodges.com/resort_overview.asp?resort=Kali
Bison River Resort (Rs.1200 - Rs.2800) - http://www.indianadventures.com/BisonRiverResort.htm

Contacts -
http://www.karnatakatourism.org/sites/des_west_dandeli.html
http://www.indianwildlifeclub.com/mainsite/lkdestination.asp

Transport options:

Rani Chennamma Exp (~Rs.250) -http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_metro_trns.html
Closest railway station - ALNAVAR
29th Feb - Onward is available
2nd Feb - Return is unavailable

KSRTC - http://59.162.166.116/AWATAROnline/
Lot of bus options available both ways, best economical option is Rajahamsa Executive (Rs.362)

White Water Rafing -

http://www.aquaterra.co.in/kali_river_rafting.html
http://www.kalirafting.com/

About 9-14 kms of river rafting facility is located here with Class 3 rapids lasting for couple of hours to half a day. Non-swimmers as well as children above 12 are allowed to raft here. Rapids along the route are named as well. The first rapid is known as 'Adi's Beard'. It is a class-2/class-3 rapid depending on the water level. The second rapid or the 'The Stitch' is a wide formation of rocks over which water flows. The other rapids are the Smugglers' Trove, the Stanley's Squeeze, etc. Each rapid has a feature of its own.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Keep Running



'16th December 2007’ marks an important fete in my life history - this line describes the great feeling of completing the BSNL - Bangalore International Marathon, non-stop in 130mins. Non-stop completion was the target; the legs tearing apart in pain did not hinder my will power. The drive behind this fete was just 2 words and they were - ‘Keep Running’!

It was a Sunday and I got up at 5AM. This could happen to me on a Sunday, only if some real action had to follow. It was the BSNL – Bangalore International Marathon that was organised at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. After registration, I met up with the only pal whom I knew was running for the half marathon. The run had to start at 6.15AM; but started only at 6.40AM. I started with my pal, but my pace left him behind in just a few minutes.

The first 10 kilometres were really cool and I ran without difficulties. As I crossed the midway, a race official marked my shirt with ink. The next few kilometres were a little tough; but I could push myself with few gulps of water along the way. I also cheered myself by cheering others; it was indeed fun!

As I approached the 14th kilometre I felt my legs were giving away. I then started to tell myself that I can do it and it kept me going for next couple of kilometres. The last 4 kilometres were the toughest and I could really feel the joints tearing apart in pain and I started to shout to myself ‘Keep Running, Keep Running’. Those words really were the drive for the last few kilometres and I did not stop. Why walk when I can run! Lack of water stations along the last 3-4 kilometres only fuelled my will power.

As I entered the stadium, I started to speed up a little in enthusiasm, only to realize that I had to take another lap inside the stadium. The last lap was indeed the most difficult and also the happiest moment of the entire run. I touched down approximately in 130mins and I felt perfect. I ran with one message in my mind to all the terrorism happening in the world; ‘Please stop it’!