Our sacred sanctuary!

"Hey! Where are you spending new years?" was the question we heard from everyone. While most of our friends planned on partying into the New Year at some of the most happening places around town, we decided to try something a little different. After running like headless chickens trying to book tickets, we finally managed to get the last two hard back seats in a modest Government bus, to the wild life sanctuary of Dandeli.
The journey wasn't a joy ride, but the excitement of getting away to a remote forest, kept our spirits up.
After changing a series of buses at Dandeli town, we finally managed to get into a jeep that would take us to our destination, 'The old magazine forest house camp." Getting there was an experience in itself. Holding on with two fingers and half a leg we journeyed along the winding roads of Dandeli, deep into the forest. Tired yet unwilling to give in to exhaustion we hiked the last two kilometers by foot. A mud trail led us into the heart of the forest, there deep inside, we found a beautiful settlement. The old magazine forest house camp, thus named because it used to be a storehouse for dynamites and magazines at one time, today its a peaceful haven offering all necessary comforts in the midst of nowhere.
Huts, pretty little ethnic bamboo huts that can accommodate up to 4 people give the place a very quaint feel. Every hut has a full-fledged bathroom attached with hot water available at certain times. A relaxing hot shower was just what we needed to wash exhaustion away at the end of the day! Our trip was planned for three days and there were a lot of activities to choose from. Whitewater rafting in the Kali River, trekking into the forest, kayaking, canyoning, canoe rides, mountain biking, elephant rides, fishing and lots more. White water rafting, we were told is a must do. We looked forward eagerly to an exciting dawn.
The next morning, our heads reeling with the sweet intoxication of fresh forest air, we followed the delicious aromas of breakfast up to the dining area on top of the 'bunk house.' The 'bunk house' is semi-private cubicles comprising of teak wood bunk beds. It has common bathrooms on the outside, which are kept clean and hygienic. Cheaper than the ethnic huts, this is an economical option for the budget traveller.
We gorged on fresh eggs and toast and washed it down with delicious organic tea. The dining area is charmingly rustic with simple furniture, made of wood. Low cushioned seating lines the sides of the terrace. Sitting there later that night we gazed into the starry skies, never had we seen as many stars as we did that night!
Canyoning is an interesting thing. It involves descending down a waterfall, with water streaming from above. A jeep took us into the forest and we trekked along deeper inside towards the waterfall. We followed a glistening stream all the way to where it cascaded down the rocks. The experienced guides helped us with the safety equipment and gave us the basic instructions. We managed to get through it all right, the only casualty being, a leather shoe that split open from the front. Moral of the story: do not wear leather shoes while Canyoning.
After lunch we set out in high spirits towards the river. We were all given life jackets, paddles, helmets and a crash course in rafting. Soon we found ourselves screaming our way down the white rapids of the river, paddling furiously to keep up with the instructions being shouted over the sound of the water. Apart from knocking a friend off the raft with a paddle and getting another in the eye, our rafting trip was a success! It's one of the craziest things to do and the most enjoyable too. Rafting for 3 hours costs Rs.900 per head but it's worth all that and more!
Dinner was great homely food, piping hot and very tasty. Specialties include wood oven pizzas, barbecues and baked fish. All cooked really well!
It gets pretty cold at night and the bon fire is a blessing. Warm shades of fire, playing upon the dark shadows in the forest, are enchanting to watch. We sat there for what seemed like an eternity, bewitched by the beauty of nature, all of us felt a connection and we shared its magic in silence.
The next day saw us planning a kayaking trip followed by a trek to sunset point. Kayaking is a tad complicated. It requires a lot of practice. A kayak is a solo white water boat, which in our case refused to move forward. Instead it insisted on going into a spin and promptly turned over. After being spat out repeatedly by the kayak, we held our heads high and waded out the water in dignified protest. Only to be ushered back in by the friendly guides. Dizzy and determined, we spiraled our way down the river. Thankfully not through too many rapids!
The Canoe tour is for the true adventure seeker. It's a 2 or 3 day tour on the backwaters of the Supa reservoir, including one or two nights camp on some totally uninhabited islands. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time for this one.
Followed by another delicious lunch buffet, we relaxed a bit and tried to dry out our wet shoes. The weather being very pleasant around the year, the shoes didn't dry and we trekked up to sunset point making squeaky sounds all the way.
The view was unbelievable. The river kali below looked like an ocean and the hills were engulfed in clouds. The whole thing looked unreal. The sunset was spectacular. All colours imaginable enveloped the sky and water below. We were suddenly bathed in myriad shades of the evening sun. Our eyes mesmerized by the deep red setting sun, our spirits soaring to heights of mystical serenity!
Our last day was a quiet one. We strolled around the forest, soaking in the forest air, catching glimpses of the giant red squirrel and many rare species of birds. Animals, on the other hand, are hard to come by, in fact all we saw were buffaloes, which someone claimed were wild ones.
Dandeli is not easy to leave behind and thats perhaps the reason why we never did leave. Even today the memory lingers in the minds eye and we relive it everyday!