Beleagavi: In a big boost for the tourism sector hit Pandemi, the government has allowed kayaks in Gokak Falls in Bellagavi Regency.
The Falls are the main tourist destinations during the rainy season and the initiative likely to attract more visitors, especially fans of water sports.
After the forest and other government departments cleared the project, exploring the free nature, the personal effort owned by Ayub Khan launched a service like about 10 days ago.
More than 350 people have traveled kayak since, besides learning about pedaling and navigation.
At present, five kayaks, Jetski and rafts are available for rent.
30 minutes trip on the Ghataprabha River requires Rs 300 per person.
Visitors are taught the basics of kayak – for example pedaling and how to ensure someone’s balance while sitting – before the trip.
Khan said all safety steps were in place and staff from the company was always ready to help.
In the coming weeks, he expects footsteps to increase because of flowing questions.
He also claims sports will continue in summer without interruption.
“Even in the summer months, the water level will be enough for boats to maneuver and people can visit,” he said.
He said his emphasis was more on training people to handle like not only entertainment so they could manage emergency rescue during the flood.
He also emphasized the security of participants was the priority and members of his team was a professional savior.
Khan, who has helped with search and rescue operations for the past 30 years and who saved more than 130 residents stranded in the villages in Gokak during the flood in 2019, had asked permission for Jalan Ventura in 2014.
Anniversary of adventure sports, Khan has Six hectares of land on the banks of rivers adjacent to the falling area where the company operates.