Packrafting begins at Kodenchery – The Hindu

Packrafting in progress on the Iruthulli river at Kodenchery.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Packrafting is the latest adventure at Kodenchery these days. The upland hamlet, which has recently gained the status of an adventure tourism hub with the annual Malabar River Festival and the recently opened International Kayaking Centre, is fast becoming a sought-after destination for packrafting with the Kayaking Centre offering assisted rafting facilities here.

The facility is being provided by the JellyFish Water Sports and Outdoors, the agency that is managing the Kayaking Centre under the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS).

“The three-kilometre distance between Valanjapara and Irudu Kainadi Estate on the river Iruthulli is ideal for packrafting and we are making the best use of it,” said V.K. Akshay, the Centre In-charge of the Kayaking Centre.

Packrafting gets its name from the unique inflatable raft that resembles a kayak. Once deflated, it can be packed in a bag and hence the name packrafting. The rafters will be accompanied by trained kayakers from Uttarakhand for safety.

Meanwhile, kayaking training that started at Kodenchery a few years ago gained momentum after the opening of the Kayaking Centre. Training is being carried out by a team led by head trainer Pavan Thapaliyal from Uttarakhand. Mr. Akshay said that the river Iruthulli was ideal for sit-on-top kayaking in which two persons can row the kayak at the same time.

The Kayaking Centre also offers facilities for trekking, mountain biking, tent camping on the river banks, farm tours and river walks along Iruvazhinji, Chalippuzha and Iruthulli.