Here's Why You Should Do Kayaking In Odisha

Kayaking is a fun water sport. As the word suggests, it simply involves the usage of a kayak, which is essentially a lightweight canoe, for moving over the water. Kayaking is the activity of sailing, yachting, and canoeing. Along with simply being fun or an enjoyable activity, it has several health and physical benefits. It is one of the most invigorating physical recreation activities which are vigorous enough to get your heart beat faster as a form of active recreation. Such activities build our cardiovascular fitness. They are an actively burning fuel for the soul. Kayaking also helps in weight management, increasing upper body strength, toned legs, better endurance, mood boost, improved focus, etc.

Origin of the Kayak

Kayaks were invented by the native people of Arctic North America. Aleut and Yup’ik people were the first to build and use kayaks. Often referred to as “Eskimos”, these indigenous people live in modern-day Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Initially, Kayaks were used on the sea to hunt marine mammals such as seals, walruses and whales. By the mid-1800’s the kayak became popular and the Europeans got severely interested. German and French men began Kayaking for sport.

Kayaking in India

One-third of our country is surrounded by three significant oceans and India has an abundance of lakes and rivers. There is no lack of water sports in India. We are quickly catching on to numerous innovative water sports and bringing them home to boost travel and get people to indulge in the same in wide numbers. The many backwaters of Kerala, and Goa, their still lakes and river beds are teaming with people seeking a way to connect with nature. There are many options available to partake in watersports. There are some wonderful Kayaking tours in India available for you to choose from. Kayaking in Odisha, luxuriously offered by the Eco Retreat of Odisha is one of them, and an entire experience on its own.

Odisha; fast emerging water sport heaven

Odisha offers many destinations for Kayaking and a growing number of people are exploring the pleasures of this water sport. As the second-largest coastal lagoon in the world and the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent, Chilka Lake has been attracting a considerable number of tourists from all over the world. Long ago, there were only a few takers of this game as they considered it a risky sport. However, with the changing time, Kayaking has emerged as a favorite among adventurous freaks. If you find the lake completely swarmed with people, worry not! Chilika Lake is not the only preferred destination in Odisha for this sport as there are many in the queue which is rapidly attracting a lot of tourists.

Places like Puri Canal, Mahanadi at Cuttack, and Chandrabhaga and Nuanai near Puri have emerged as popular destinations for Kayaking. It is evident with the fast-growing popularity of this sport that people are looking for adventures and they understand that it does not involve any risk. Beginners who don’t know swimming can also enjoy this thrilling experience by putting on their life jackets and getting on the Kayak. Anyone who has done it once is so thrilled with the experience and wishes to do it again and again. Most people weren’t aware of this water sport until recently. Incidentally, kayaking gained popularity after a series of informational events and workshops were organized by Odisha Tourism on “World Tourism day”.

The one true love of fitness lovers

Odisha being the state that boasts an abundance of water bodies is experiencing a sudden rise in the fame of this water sport. Kayaking is attracting fitness enthusiasts from all age groups between 20 to 50. With the increasing crowd, a lot of Kayaking events are being held lately by the state and this sport has become the flavor of the current time. Kayaks come in varieties such as recreational, fishing, whitewater, touring and sit-on-top designs. One can do solo Kayaking, or you can also use a tandem kayak that seats two people. Kayaks are specially designed for the type of water-based activity that you are looking to do.

The different destinations in Odisha provide once in a lifetime experience while Kayaking. The Kayaking expedition to Siddheswar temple and back includes: Kayaking to Siddheswar Temple, Trekking to mountain perched temple, and Visit to the Peacock Valley which houses around 100 peacocks.

Kayaking expedition to Balijatra ground in Cuttack is a daylong expedition. Scared? It’s alright. At the endpoint you will feel an unparalleled sense of accomplishment which will further boost your self-confidence. On your Kayaking expedition to Dhabaleswar Temple, you will have the opportunity to see a lot of river turtles, view migratory birds perching in their nest on the river banks few on their morning hunt as this temple is situated in the center of the Mahanadi river. Kayaking in this location is bliss.

Being one of the wildest rivers in India, Mahanadi scares a lot of people going kayaking, some experience their adrenaline jumping haywire with excitement and some will be on the railings of jumping over their fears to win over it for themselves. Kayaking on the emerald water brings out an immense amount of joy and pleasure that one can ever ask for.

Few tips before the Kayaking Expedition

We have collected a few tips that must be taken before you try your hands at kayaking. As it requires great physical strength, especially of the upper body, you need to follow a strict regime by leaving your bed early and starting to exercise at least a month before. Gaining bodily strength, running, crisp walking and muscular exercises will not only increase your immune system but also your stamina to enjoy the sports activity. As it is a team work you need to communicate well with fellow kayakers through sign language. It is also important to practice paddling at home before hitting the water. Straddle an armless chair while holding a broom or hockey stick and imagine yourself paddling from side to side. It is also important to practice sitting straight. It is also essential for you to survey the river first from the map to understand how to cross the hurdle which falls on the way.

Benefits of Kayaking

Kayaking benefits overall health specifically improved cardiovascular fitness, and increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders, and chest from moving the paddle. Target a tangible increase in your torso and leg strength, as the strength to power a kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso and applying pressure with your legs. Kayaking releases certain feel-good chemicals including serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. It boosts your mood and improves your focus. Better memory and a good night’ sleep are other noteworthy benefits.

Framed by multiple coupled trees, the village of Raghurajpur is one of the most beautiful craft villages in India. It has a heartwarmingly traditional culture of craft making and most villagers invest in the performance in its entirety to ensure it does not stop existing. The works are mostly inspired by the temples and other attractions of the state of Odisha, and have their own stories to tell. Almost every household is covered in art and decorated by craft.

Pipli is another phenomenal village in Odisha that is famous for its applique work, which is essentially carried out by stitching and embroidering different pieces of cloth that are based on the most amazing decorative items such as umbrellas, pouches, wallets, mirrors etc. Take them with you to add a certain twist and change to your homes in the best way possible.