If you want to get really close to nature, Dakshina Kannada offers one of the best opportunities. But one has to be really adventurous. One such spot is Gundya, about 90 km from Mangalore on the DK-Hassan district border.
There flows the serene Kempu Holey, which offers the best picnic spot.
This river swells during the monsoon and offers the best opportunity for river rafting. After the monsoon from September to May, it offers a lovely picnic spot for families. It is not certain why the river is named so, but one thing is for sure the river turns red during the monsoon, especially now as there are excavations going on for a couple of hydel projects upstream.
It takes less than three hours to reach the spot from Mangalore as it is adjacent to the Mangalore-Bangalore National Highway 48. A right turn at the checkpost and a km drive will take you to the picturesque spot.
Those who are interested in trekking, the spot offers a lot, but should be done with the help of an experienced trekker, otherwise there is every chance of getting lost in the thick jungle.
It is a good idea to pack the picnic basket with lunch as the food is not very palatable at the dhaba-like hotels in Gundya.
Those who stay overnight may have to depend on nearby town or go to Subramanya which is 22 km from Gundya. But the road is treacherous. The forest inspection bunglow should be given a miss as locals say it is not safe anymore.
Article Courtesy: Stanley Pinto/TNN
Author: R. K. Bhat Team Mangalorean