With Karnataka being pitched as ‘the’ adventure tourism destination, there is another addition to the list of tourism activities. For water sport enthusiasts who throng the Malabar River Festival in Kerala, there could be something similar closer home with Karnataka set to host its first kayaking festival in Kali river in Dandeli.
To be held in June, the festival will be a joint effort by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and the Department of Tourism.
Anupam Agarwal, director, Youth Empowerment and Sports, said though the execution of the plan is in the early stages, this would be the first such event in the State.
Modelled along the lines of the hugely popular Malabar River Festival, which sees a footfall of close to 10,000, the Kali kayaking festival is expected to host around 50 athletes — from beginners to those in the intermediate level to professionals. The event is being touted as a “fun and competitive” one that will put Karnataka on the “white water map”.
Possible destinations
for kayaking
Kali river
Kempu Hole
Kumaradhara