Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 18: Udupi district provides a lot of scope for the development of tourism. However, tourism activities currently available in the district do not match up to that reputation. The district has backwater facilities on the lines of Kerala but it has not been efficiently utilized. In the recent past, backwaters in the district are being used more and more. New efforts like houseboats, tours to isles and kayaking are being made and recently, a kayaking trip through the mangrove forests in the backwaters of River Sita near Saligrama has begun to provide new experiences to tourists.

Local youngsters, Mithun Kody and Lokesh have started this new venture. They have started the kayaking activity in the mangrove forest of Sita river backwater near Parampalli bridge. This is an ideal spot for tourism enthusiasts as the kayaking is undertaken through the thick mangroves.

Even people without any experience in kayaking are trained by the trainers within five to ten minutes. The tourists themselves can get into the water with individual boats and ride the boats on their own.

The trip which starts from near Parampalli bridge takes about two hours to complete. Even places where the mangroves are so thick that sunrays find it hard to reach, the boats can be easily navigated. If tired in between, people can sit in their boats in the middle of the backwaters and take rest. Trainers will provide guidance in the front and security persons in the back will accompany. They keep telling you to either increase the speed of the boat or to reduce. When moving through the mangroves, people can listen to the melodious sounds of birds, enjoy the cool atmosphere and look at the huge roots of the mangroves. They can enjoy the dream land created by sun rays,

There are eight boats for kayaking and 12 people can take part in the trip at any given time. The time is from 7 am to 7 pm. Kayaking is conducted based on the high tide and waning of the water level and when the water level is low, it is not possible to get into some intricate places inside the mangroves. As the backwater is not very deep, people of all ages can kayak without fear. Life jackets are provided and expert trainers always accompany the kayakers and therefore the trip becomes enjoyable.