Madikeri, March 5 -- Dubare, Kodagu's prized tourist hotspot, now looks deserted as the once-mighty Cauvery River has run dry. The rhythmic gush of water, the thrill of whitewater river rafting and the laughter of tourists have all vanished - leaving behind an eerie stillness.

With water levels plummeting due to the scorching March heat, rafting activities abruptly stopped on Monday, forcing hundreds of visitors to turn back disappointed. The once-bustling riverbanks, where boats danced over frothing rapids, now lie strewn with stranded rafts, baking under the relentless sun.

Dubare thrives when the Cauvery River flows. The sight of its shimmering waters, teeming with adventure-seekers, has long been the lifeblood of the region's touris...