If you are a normal healthy person and
without any fear of water, then rafting
can be your sport. A river journey is
one of the most enjoyable ways to
experience the rural areas and natural
environments of any country. White water
rafting in Uttaranchal has become the
modern-day centerpiece of complete
vacations that can include a world of
activities. The key ingredient, of
course, is still the tremendous
whitewater that courses through the
state's spectacular mountain scenery.
Uttaranchal offers one of the broadest
array of river experiences available
anywhere in the world, from mild to wild
with everything in between. The river
Ganges cuts against the rocky banks,
crash into rocks, crevices and breaking
into white water rapids, foaming,
swirling, and falling in a thunderous
din.
White Water River Rafting in the north
Indian state of Uttaranchal is the
extreme and never-ending thrills in the
untamed rivers. The rivers in the upper
Himalayas are among the best in the
world for river rafting sports, with
many challenges, challenging the body
and spirit of the river rafter.
Uttaranchal has an array of river
rafting regions, which suits both
amateurs and professionals.
Major Sites for White
Water River Rafting
In Garhwal Himalayas, the sacred river
Ganga offers the professional as well as
the beginners the thrill of whitewater
river rafting. The rivers Alakananda &
Bhagirathi are the main tributaries of
the Ganga and meet Devprayag, frothing
from their racy descent. Their waters
are grade IV to V, challenging the
expert to survive the thrill.
Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga
changes into a pool drop river.
This
stretch of almost 70-kms is perfect for
the beginners, for here the river offers
some fine grade III rapids and two grade
IV rapids, the 'Wall' at Bysi and the
'Golf Course' 4-kms. Below Shivpuri
village; each followed by deep and
placid pools. Sandy beaches boundaries
the river at intervals, allowing river
rafters to pull up alongside. The slopes
on either side are dominated by oak,
pine, spruce and fir, with the
occasional village. Wildlife can be seen
at a distance, especially spotted Deer,
Monkeys, Leopard, while multi hued
butterflies can been seen flying from
flower to flower.
Situated amongst the thick forest on the
Rishikesh-Badrinath highway at an
altitude of 480 m, is the place of the
mighty waters of Ganga, which are most
ideal for whitewater river rafting.
Riding the Ganges is an exciting
experience and its this apparent
invincible power of this majestic river
that has attracted the adventure seekers
to the challenging sport of river
rafting.
River Rafting Places in Uttaranchal
Ganges River, Garhwal,
Gangotri, Garhwal Himalayas,
Lake Paradise, Nanital,
Asan Barrage
Kudiyala Rafters Club
River Rafting Tips
Rafting training facilities exist in
different parts of Uttaranchal. Many
tourist agencies and state departments
also conduct courses in river rafting.
Many tourist agencies and state
departments provide rafts, equipment,
river side camping items besides all
safety precautions and trained guides
who make the sport a pleasure.
Essentials For River
Rafting
Carry dry bags or boxes to keep your
small personal items you may bring with
you. Be sure to take any necessary
prescription medications such as
inhalers, bee-sting kits, insulin etc.
Don't carry your car keys, wallets, cell
phones etc. with you for the rafting
trip. Also take along sunscreen,
sunglasses with a strap to secure them
and a camera. Disposable waterproof
cameras are easily available, easy to
take along with you and take good
quality pictures.
The perfect rafting gear on most rivers
during the summertime is a simple
swimsuit, nylon shorts, tennis shoes or
sandals, and a hat. Spring and autumn
rafting trips are the ones that require
additional clothing. In any case be sure
to dress in layers so that you can
easily add or remove articles, as you
need. Avoid cotton clothing while
rafting, except in summers as cotton
takes away the warmth from your body.
Wool, polyester fleece and other
synthetic materials will keep you warmer
and will dry faster than cotton. Many
rafting clubs have wetsuits available
for rent.
