Valpoi
Heavy rainfall over the past four days has increased the water flow in the Mhadei river in Sattari Taluka, reviving White Water Rafting operations that were facing suspension due to low water levels. After an eight-day dry spell, the river has regained a strong current, allowing rafting activities from Uste to resume.
With the rise in water levels, bookings have reopened for local and domestic tourists, with tourism operators reporting a strong response. Sources said bookings for the next 15 days are almost full.
12-km rafting stretch
Tourists can enjoy a 12-km rafting expedition along the Mhadei river from Uste to Savarde in the Nagargao Panchayat area of Sattari Taluka. The fast-flowing river, natural rapids, forest cover and scenic surroundings make it a popular monsoon attraction for adventure enthusiasts.
The activity also offers visitors a chance to experience the biodiversity of the Mhadei valley and the beauty of the Western Ghats.
The White Water Rafting project in Sattari was launched during the tenure of former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar. Inspired by the popularity of rafting in Dandeli, Karnataka, the Goa Government developed the Uste-Savarde stretch as an adventure tourism destination.
Low water disrupted trips
Rafting is usually conducted during the four months of the monsoon. However, insufficient rainfall until mid-July resulted in low water levels in the Mhadei river, forcing organisers to suspend operations for safety reasons.
The disruption affected rafting guides, transport operators, food vendors and other local businesses dependent on tourism. Several tourists had also postponed their bookings during the dry spell.
Rain brings revival
The recent heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats has improved the river’s flow, restoring the water levels required for rafting. With operations resuming, enquiries and bookings from local and domestic tourists have increased.
Tourism sources said the next 15 days are expected to see high visitor activity.
The revival of rafting has given a fresh boost to adventure tourism in Sattari. While Goa is known for its beaches, its forests, hills and river-based activities are increasingly attracting visitors looking for nature-based experiences during the monsoon.
All rafting trips are conducted under trained supervision, with participants provided safety equipment such as life jackets and helmets. Safety instructions are given before every expedition.
The rafting season supports the local economy by creating opportunities for homestays, resorts, restaurants, transport operators, guides and other small businesses. It has also become an important source of income for many young people in the region.
The administration has appealed to visitors to follow safety guidelines, avoid alcohol before rafting, listen to trained guides, maintain cleanliness around the river and avoid plastic waste.
With the Mhadei river flowing strongly again after the recent rains, White Water Rafting has returned to Sattari, giving a fresh push to monsoon adventure tourism. Tourism stakeholders expect visitor numbers to increase further in the coming weeks.
