KOCHI:Wayanad is famous for its picturesque locations, high-range hills, hairpin bends and is a favourite among tourists. It is an ideal area for off-roading, and Saji Joseph has harnessed the potential of his beautiful region by starting the first off-road camping centre, 4,500 feet above sea-level.
Dare 5000, started in 2015, boasts of numerous adventure activities, including zipline, laddering, Burma bridge, trekking, valley crossing, parallel walk, along with campfire night.“Though Wayanad has had an off-roading culture for many years, giving such facilities at such a height was a new concept. The camping and adventure are provided in an area of 500 acres with 11 rooms and tents accommodating 50-60 at a time,” Saji said, adding it is difficult to get all these adventures under one roof, making his project stand apart from others.
Saji always had a passion for adventure and has also travelled to different cities in search of new thrills. He knows the importance of providing a safe experience. “Till now, we have not had a single no casualty; we provide all possible safety measures to visitors. I turned my passion to my profession and am happy to provide such experiences to others,” he said.
Saji noted that from the base camp at Vythiri, people will be taken on a 4-wheel drive to the camping centre. “People come here not only to experience adventure, but also to spend time in the midst of nature. Many of them come to read or write,” he said.
He mentioned up to 35 per cent are families, and the rest are young adults or student groups. They offer discounts for large groups, he added.Saji said they have regular customers from the state and also from Bengaluru and Mysuru. He also mentioned within about five months, he plans to set up similar adventures at their base camp.
“Some feel they won’t be able to do the adventure. I want to eradicate such fear and instil confidence among people, especially the youth,” he added. So he wants people to brace up and dare themselves for some real adventures.