All
of you who want to get some kick or fun or change in your life, white water
rafting along the Ganges will satisfy all of your desires. While you cling
for dear life dependent on a fragile, inflatable rubber raft or dinghy, feel
the thrill of rushing down fast-flowing mountain streams a froth with huge
waves and dashing against dangerous boulders and dizzy rapids. Vacationers
enjoy battling with raging rapids and torrents while the rivers flowing
through picturesque mountains. Icy water froths over boulders and cuts its
way through deep gorges. You also may sit back and enjoy floating on the
river. White-water rafting or river rafting has emerged as a favourite
adventure sport in India. A number of rivers, mostly originating in the
Himalayas, provide perfect white water rafting locations.
Levels of Difficulty
White water rafting on Ganges invites all abilities. Rivers are graded on
an international scale of 1 to 6. The scale depends upon the state of the
water and the skill required to navigate the rivers. Level 1 is for
beginners in river rafting while level 6 is for hard-core adventure.
Physical Requirements
All of the people who are suffering from diabetes, a weak heart, epilepsy
or any other serious ailments or expecting mothers are advised not to go on
the rapids. Minimum age limit for white-water rafting is 14 years but it is
relaxed to 10 years on float trips. Sometimes, on the advice of river guide,
non-swimmers may be restricted to certain sections of the river.
Equipment
Main equipment used while white-water rafting is a raft made of strong and
light materials. Generally rafts have inflatable compartments which are
vulcanized rubber bodies reinforced by nylon fabric and neoprene. It enables
the raft to go over sharp rocks without tearing. Raft is often made
available by the clubs and organizers through which you participate in the
program. Helmets and life jackets are included in other kits. Tourists are
also advised to carry with them sneakers, a sleeping bag, light synthetic
quick drying clothes for the river, shorts and T-shirts, swimsuit, sun
shades/glasses, suntan lotion, two pairs of shoes and a torch.
Best Time
Although there is no fixed time to indulge in the adventure of white water
rafting, preferably you have a stretch of around 8 months starting from May
to November to participate in your favorite pastime.
Major River Rafting Sites in India
River Rafting In
Uttranchal
River rafting in Uttaranchal means a hell lot of fun. Both professionals as
well as amateurs can satisfy their adventure thirst rafting on the Ganges
here. Rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, chief tributaries of River Ganges,
happen to join at Devprayag. The waters of the Ganges here are of Grade IV
and Grade V. Moving down from Devprayag, the Ganges transform into a pool
drop river. Around 70 km in length, this stretch is best suited for novices
as the water of the Ganges here is of Grade II and Grade III. River rafting
on Garhwal Ganges is pure fun for adventurers.
River Rafting In
Himachal Pradesh
Rivers like Chenab, Satluj, Ravi and Beas in the state of Himachal Pradesh
also offer abundant opportunities for river rafting in India. River Chenab
in Lahual, Satluj close to Shimla, Ravi near Chamba and river Beas near
Kullu invite a number of rafters from across the world. The 20 km long
stretch between Shamsi and Aut along Beas river is excellent for river
rafting. Beginners can start from river Spiti which offers gentler rapids to
begin with.
River Rafting In Sikkim
Sikkim is also much popular with tourists when it comes to river rafting in
India. Particularly, rivers like Teesta and Rangit are excellent river
rafting sites in Sikkim. River Teesta offer Grade IV rapids, as declared on
the international scale. For professional and tough river rafting you have
the Rangit (a tributary of river Teesta) river with vigorous rapids.
River Rafting In
Jammu and Kashmir
Rafting expeditions along the river Indus are much popular in Jammu &
Kashmir, especially between June and August. You can choose to raft along
two routes - the stretch between Spitok to Indus-Zanskar junction and from
Nimmu to Alchi. The route from Alchi to Khalsi is meant for professional
rafters. River rafting in Jammu and Kashmir means soaking up adventure with
some of the most brilliant landscapes along the route.
