Weekend full of adventure

BANGALORE: Rushing through the early morning breakfast, getting stuck in the traffic, the work load, patiently listening to the boss ranting and crawling back again in the traffic at the speed of a snail. Sounds like any other day? In times like these you need to have that mind numbing experience which shakes you back to life itself, and what better way than to go on a weekend involving adventure sports?Water rafting, mountain biking, snorkelling, kayaking, elephant rides, trekking, rock climbing, the list can go on. It is surprising but true that these adventure sport activities are available in and around Bangalore and can be pursued on an individual level or one can take up the package tours arranged by various organisations operating in the city.Some of these organisations include CARE (Centre for Adventure and Rejuvenation of Environment) who have been in the business for the past 20 years. Jungle Lodges and Resorts – who organise eco and adventure tourism in Karnataka and have been doing so since 1980. Woody Adventures Inc. which started operations over fifteen years ago – offers terrestrial activities in and around the city. One could take a look at the company websites –  which have all the contact details. They operate through mails and one can book the trips online as well.   Some suggestions for the weekWater rafting can be done in the Cauvery river at Bheemeshwari which is approximately 105 kilometres from Bangalore. The swift and powerful river stretch is through beautiful valleys. For the non-swimmers, the rafters are provided with life jackets and a trainer is on board to assist. Only 45 kilometres from Bangalore is Ramanagaram. One of the most sought after places for rock climbing, the terrain is challenging and  ideal for treks and camps. Bandipur National Park (BNP) is located approximately 215 kilometres from Bangalore. Wild life sightings and elephant rides are a treasured experience of this park. This reserve is the home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants along with leopards, dholes, gaur and sloth bears providing a truly wild experience.