In the Floodplain

The Chakranadi and Kali are two of the primary rivers that flow down from the Himalayas and through the Anandapur District, feeding into the Bugia Sea. In summer, when the snow on the lower portions of the mountains begins to melt, the rivers overflow and flood part of the neighboring area. Anticipating this, structures built closest to the floodplain have been constructed on stilts, so they'll still be protected when the waters come.

The home beneath which Fastpasses are distributed for Kali River Rapids is one such structure. Power lines feed into the residence, strings of beads provide an element of decor and old shirts create makeshift curtains for a bit of privacy. In dryer months, access to this home is from the steps up the back. In a flood, a small boat would be relied upon.

The ebb and flow of water across the floodplain has affected life here for thousands of years, although the path of the flooding has changed from time to time. In recent decades, the ancient temples near the water's edge have sustained significant damage. A revitalization project is underway to help restore the temple ruins to some of their original glory.

Of course, with the workers away for the day, groups of gibbons and siamangs have wandered over from the nearby jungle to examine the scaffolding. (This story line also affords Disney's Animal Programs team opportunities to provide enrichment for the animals in their care. As long as props, like the pitcher in the photograph below, look like they may have been left behind by project workers, they can be used to create interest and mental stimulation for the apes.)

The floodplain not only helps tell the story of this region, but also contributes to one of the principle themes of Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom: the balance between the natural and the man made.