Rafting at Sattari

Experience the thrills and spills of white water rafting at Sattari

Goa has taken a major step towards marketing itself as a 365-day holiday destination with its recently commissioned white water rafting activity in the emerald environs of Sattari drawing a number of locals, Indian and international tourists.

Getting to the starting point of the white water course sees adventurers walking through the hamlet of Ustem in Nagargao village and settling by the river bank where Pollard issues instructions and safety tips before the adventure begins.

Adventure sport enthusiasts are provided with rafts, paddles, life jackets and have a trained guide aboard each raft accompanying them. After going through the rules and regulations, Pollard also insists that volunteers from the group jump into the water to simulate an emergency situation. Once that is done with, its time to cast away the moorings as adventurers have to negotiate a series of rapids including one aptly named 'Big Daddy'. If the thrill of the ride is not enough, one can also savour the pristine environs of the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, and if one is lucky enough, even spot a wild animal or two.

On the way, the rafters are allowed to dive into the waters where the flow is much stable. The nine kilometer ride takes about 90 minutes and concludes at Sonal where one has to make their way back to the main road either by their own transport or one hired from the organizers.

At present, the facility is available through booking which can be done only through GTDC, either directly at one of its residencies, at its offices or online. Currently, two trips are offered per day; the first one at 11am and the second one at 2pm. The facility will continue till October 15. For villagers of Ustem, this is a totally new experience and locals too assemble on the banks of the Mhalshekar Puran to watch the adventure sports.