Activities at Saguna Baug Neral

There is never a dull moment at Saguna Baug, Neral. Other than exploring on your own once you know your way around, you can enjoy some or all of the fun things to do. Note that all the activities mentioned are not to be done independently on your own. Each must be done accompanied by a guide (staff member).

Fishing

Don’t expect any fancy fishing rod! You will be given a very basic fishing line and tackle to try to catch fish from a pond (not the river).

Boating

Part of the day’s activity for day visitors and also guests includes a boating trip on the pond. It is a paddle boat and seats 6-7 people. There are 2 sets of paddles in the boat so one staff member and one of your group can do the paddling. It is good fun, though a bit tough on the knees when you are doing the paddling backwards (which is the case if you are seated on the opposite side).

Swimming/Bathing in the River

The shallow river waters near the steps permits a fun time of splashing and dipping! You can also sit atop the buffalo in the river and then wash the buffalo’s back for a while. If not interested in any of these, do at least slip off your footwear and let your feet enjoy the cool waters.

Group visits 

Trips are arranged for large groups, including school children, college students and corporate houses. During our stay, two Tata Power officials had come to arrange for a treasure hunt and activities for team-building. Interesting!

School trip

On our first day, two bus-loads of school kids came on a picnic. They had a grand time, first being taken on a short bullock cart ride and then enjoying a boat ride around the pond which was across the Pond House (not the pond in which our rooms were located). Even more exciting was the fish-catching session in the pond. Young lads on the staff cast a huge net in the pond, caught large fish and then threw them back into the pond’s waters to a round of applause. The kids were even allowed to touch the larger fish to squeals of delight!

Rifle shooting, archery and cycling are other activities, but none of these were available for us during our stay due to the staff member in-charge not being available. Kayaks are available on hire for river kayaking, with Rs.100/- is charged for one round. Horse riding is also available (Rs.100/-). You can even experience a bumpy ride in a gaily painted bullock cart for a short distance (Rs.15/-).

Archery rate: Rs.50/- for 6 arrows

Rifle shooting: Rs.50/- for 10 rounds

Cycle on hire: rate not known

A full body massage is also available in your room (for male guests) at a cost of Rs.250/-. My uncle availed of this service & felt fresh & rejuvenated after a one hour thorough massage with oil. The masseur brings large mats which are placed on the floor or, if you are unable to lie down on the floor, on the bed itself.