Yagachi attracts water sports lovers

HASSAN: Belur in Hassan district is well-known worldwide and attracts tourists for its historical treasures. But a nearby place is attracting water sports lovers from all over the country. Yagachi water reservoir is a hot favourite among adventure sports buffs. Since January 2011, the tourism department with private participation started a boating centre for water sports. The reservoir gets a large number of visitors through the week. The reservoir is located at the outskirts of Belur town and near the main road towards Chikmagalur district. It's about 40km from Hassan city.Kiran, the manager of Capture Water Sports Centre at Yagachi, says, "In the beginning there wasn't much of a response. But for about a year now, people are turning up in large numbers. Many love to ride in speed boats. When a large group comes, they opt for banana rides and boating. Most youngsters go for long rides in banana and jet boats. A banana boat is operated manually and a jet boat runs on fuel."