River
Rafting in India
White Water Rafting in Garhwal Region
The
challenge of the turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rigged mountains.
The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers.
Fed by innumerable streams they race along Tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting
deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids.
With the intricate network of Mountain Rivers flowing through a myriad of different
colors of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Garhwal
and Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.
The sport of White Water River rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling
river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practiced mainly in the
upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it froths & foams, crashing
against narrow gorges, rocky out-crops and falls at deep gradients.
As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been
classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty. There is, firstly,
the pleasure of a gentle canoe trip in a lightweight alloy-metal craft, which
holds two to three people.
The gradient best suited for canoeing is the stage near the river's entry into
the plains where the trip can be combined with moderate hiking and a naturalist'
holiday in the forest. For this, the suitable areas are Rishikesh, dakpathar
and the Ramganga in Corbett national park.
For the slightly more adventurous, Kayaking is appealing as it enables innovation
on the river by a solitary oarsman of two, seated i
n
tandem, the degree of difficulty would depend on the river radiant and its rapids.
Maneuver the bends, speed along gorges and break into sparkling surf. After
all, water sports are for those adventure seekers for whom land is not enough.
Adventure seekers like you.
The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume.
Thus September-November and March- May are most appropriate. The equipment required
is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting
wet.
In Garhwal region the sacred river Ganga offers the professional as well as
the amateur the exhilaration of white water rafting. The Alaknanda & Bhagirath
are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet at Devprayag, frothing from their
racy descent. Their waters are of grade IV to V, challenging the expert to savor
the thrill.
Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes into a pool drop river. The stretch
of almost 70 kms. is perfect for amateur and the novice, for here the river
offers some fine Grade III rapids and two Grade iv Golf Course' 4 kms.
Below Shivpuri Village; each followed by rapids, the 'Wall' at byasi and the
deep and placid pools. Sandy beaches line the river at intervals. Allowing river
rafters to pull up alongside.
The slopes on either side are covered with oak pine spruce and fir. With the
occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Wildlife is
visible at a distance. Comprising mainly of spotted deer, monkey, leopard, while
multi-hued butterflies flit among flowering bushes. Spiritual and ashrams overlook
the river and add to the spiritual experience.
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