Making adventure a way of life

A maverick from Buldana, he came to Nagpur with his bicycle put on the bus. Today, Amol Khante is showing a complete different face of adventure to Central India through his CAC-Allrounder group. With his effort, Nagpur is all set to become hub of adventure tourism, sports, education and therapy... 

WANDERING through the hills and forests around the town is common weekend feature for the youths in hilly district of Buldana. When Amol Khante came to Nagpur some ten years ago, he realised that this nature trail is considered as ‘Adventure’ activity by urban people.

A born adventure enthusiast, and then a law student, Amol started searching an ‘adventurous’ way of life rather than filing affidavits and waiting for next Tareekh. While pursuing law, psychology and physical education, Amol also got engaged in adventure activities. After a brief stint with National Adventure Foundation (NAF), he founded ‘Central Adventure Council (CAC) Allrounder’ in 2005. Thus, began a complete different journey.

In his office-cum-residence at Dharapeth, Amol is usually busy planning for adventure tours, camps, and scripting new ideas along with his wife, four-year-old son and an extended family of ‘CAC Allrounder’ - a group of several adventure-enthusiast youngsters.

“I set out alone for my destination, but friends kept joining me along the way and formed a multitude,” says always humble Amol. Firstly, he started with the development of adventure day-out facility at Maitraban village, at Mohgaon Zilpi near Nagpur. “We started developing the concept under the guidance of Ravindra Gandhe. Gradually, it started gaining positive response,” Amol says.

Today, CAC Allrounder has developed a well-equipped camping site on the banks of Zilpi Lake opening new horizons of one-day nature trail for children, young couples, groups and friends. Children get introduced with adventures at Maitraban with activities like camping, rock climbing, trekking, river crossing, rafting and others. They learn team spirit and leadership. The place is methodically kept away from pollution, addiction, and other ill-practices.

Presently, Amol is pursuing his Ph D in Adventure sports and recreational activities and his thinking on this subject has a great depth. “Adventure activity is multifaceted. It’s not just tourism, or sports. We have to develop it as adventure education and also adventure therapy,” he says stressing on the fact that adventure therapy is the answer to lifestyle diseases. As part of imparting adventure education, CAC provides training of disaster management and rescue operations to Air Force, Army Jawans, Police and fire officers on regular basis.

The Maitraban magic was recreated on the banks of Ramtek’s Khindsi Lake with the development of Adventure Village. Set against the stunning backdrop of the green and rugged terrain of the Sidnhurgiri, the place has 100% unadulterated adventure sports with the assurance of international safety standards. Supported by skilled trainers, Amol personally looks after the quality and innovation of the activities at Ramtek.

Today, one can enjoy all types of adventure sports -- in air, land, and water -- right there in Ramtek. Its open for schools, colleges, groups and one and all on reliable rates.

“Through adventure tourism, my aim is to open new employment opportunities to local people. A local representative in every village acts as a guide as well as a service provider for visiting tourists. His special focus is on preserving the natural beauty of the place,” when Amol says, one realises how responsibly he has managed the entire scene.

Amol’s CAC - Allrounder has a bright future as now the government is also serious about adventure tourism. Amol is working on several committees and sharing suggestions about adventure. However, the hills and forests around Buldhana are still green in his heart. “Foremost responsibility is to conserve our natural habitat. It’s the one solution of all other problems,” he smiles, while sharing finest Mantra of ‘natural’ success.

Cutting of the same article published  in The Hitavada.