River
Rafting in India
Water Sports in Uttaranchal

The
rivers of Uttaranchal are inviting enough for both the amateur as well as the
die -hard professional. One can opt for Canoeing, Kayaking or Rafting, depending
on the nature of the water. Pit your will and skill against nature as you negotiate
the 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.
WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING
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 in 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.
Rafting On the Ganges
The Indian sub-continent perhaps had the largest network of rivers in the world.
The northern rivers with their origins in the lofty Himalayas provide an exciting
adventure for the white water enthusiasts. These rivers race, surge, whirl,
froth and crash over and around boulders, as though rushing to get to the freedom
of the great plains, rejoicing in their escape from captivity of the mountains.
Of all the rivers, Ganga is the most beautiful river. The mighty Ganges originates
from Gaumukh in Garhwal region of the Himalayas. It is a superb river for inflatable
rafts. Rafting on its water of wisdom is certainly an unusual experience. To
ride these rapids and to come to terms with their strength and wildness is to
grow in spirit and to nurture the very stuff that dreams are made of.
The Greate Escape
White Water Rafting
Duration: (03 Days/02 Nights)
DAY 01 - Arrive at our rafting camp at Kaudialaya, north of Rishikesh.
After lunch, our expert instructor will have a brief introductory session explaining
all about rafting - it's equipment, knowledge, fears, excitement, do's &
don'ts etc. We then set out for a hike to explore the jungle area next to our
campsite. Return to the beach camp by evening for campfire and dinner. Overnight
in tents.
(LUNCH, HIGH TEA, DINNER)
DAY 02 - After beach breakfast, we drive to Marine drive. Arrive and
enboat to raft down till Shivpuri. Today we hit The wall, Black Money, Cross
fire, and tree blind mice rapids. Arrive Shivpuri. After beach lunch at the
campsite, evening free at leisure for beach games like beach volleyball, body
surfing, cliff jump etc.We have dinner around camp fire and overnight at camp.
(BREAKFAST, LUNCH, HIGH TEA, DINNER)
DAY 03 - After breakfast we drive to Shivpuri and raft down to Rishikesh.
Today we hit some of the most exciting rapids on the river e.g. return to sender,
roller - coaster, golf course, club-house and many others. Arrive Rishikesh
and transfer to the campsite. After beach lunch tour finishes. (BREAKFAST &
LUNCH)
COST PER PERSON: ON TWIN SHARING BASIS
PRICE PER PERSON: RS. 2999.00
PRICE INCLUDES:
1. All meals as per itinerary
2. All camping and gearing equipment for rafting.
3. All accommodation in tent on TWIN sharing
4. River rafting for 2 half day.
5. All rafting gear and services of experienced river guides.
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Rafting in kumaon

In
Kumaon, the Kail Ganga (sharda) flows down from the Nepal border through kumaon
hills. The kail and Gori Rivers meet at Jauljibi where the water volume increases.
Offering adventure to professionals. For over 117 kms. from Jauljibi to Tanakpur
its rapids are grad iv and more, the tough 3 day of rafting should be done by
professionals Lower down among the frosted slopes.
The river become calmer offering the amateur a sporting the amateur a sporting
challenge before flowing out into the plains of Uttaranchal Mahakali Ganga river
flows along the border between India and Nepal a self contained river journey
as and Expedition or mega trip up to Tanakpur can be undertaken.
POTENTIAL SITES FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING CANOEING & KAYAKING IN GARHWAL
RIVER YAMUNA :
Barkot to Bernigad . Both professional and tourist stretch Mori to tuni (khoonigad
) 30 kms tourist stretch .
RIVER ALAKNANDA :
Kaliasaur to Srinagar -16 kms .Tourist stretch Srinager to Bagwan - 20kms.Tourist
stretch. Kaliasaur to Rishikesh.
RIVER BHAGIRATHI:
Matli to Dunda - 12kms. Both professional and tourist stretch Harsil to Uttarkashi
Dhaeasu to chham-12kms. Both professional and tourist stretch. Jangla to Jhala-20
kms. Both professional stretches.
RIVER MANDAKINI:
Chandraqpuri to Rudraprayag 26 kms. professional stretch.
IN KUMAON:
RIVER MAHA KALI:
Jaulibi to Tanakpur.
KAUDIYALA RAFTERS CAMP
GMVN conducts river-rafting courses at Kaudiyala. They provide rafts, equipment,
riverside camping items beside all safety precautions and trained guides who
make the sport a pleasure. Nestled amongst the dense Rishikesh- Badrinath highway
at an altitude of 380 mts., here the mighty water of Ganga are ideal for white
water rafting there is also ample opportunity to view wildlife in its natural
habitat. Natural walks along the river are a real treat and for adventure lovers
rock climbing can be arranged.
Important Distances:
Dehradun ( 78 kms.)
Haridwar (62 kms)
Rishikesh (37 kms.) &
Delhi (260kms.)
RAIL:
Rishikesh is nearest railhead (38 kms.)
AIR:
Jolly Grant is the nearest airport (55 kms.)
RESCUE:
Every raft for river running is equipped with a first aid box and other essential
life saving devices which are essential part of rafting sports . All rafting
companies have a panel of doctors in case of any eventuality. HOSPITALS: Govt.
Hospital & Private Hospital run by trusts.
WATER SPORTS IN STILL WATERS ASAN BARRAGE WATER SPORTS RESORT
GMVN has developed a water sports resort at asan barrage. The resort is only
43kms. Drive from Dehradun- Chandigarh- Shimla highway, with water sports facilities
like water skiing, sailing, boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, etc there are
also two hovercrafts and two power boats. For migratory birds can be sighted
in the vicinity. 14kms. From asan barrage is dakpathar, an aquatic complex with
a swimming pool, located at the foothills of Shivalik hills and on the bank
of river Yamuna. The tourist bungalow here is also an ideal resort in winters.
NAINITAL LAKE PARADISE:
In the beautiful "lake district" of Nainital, facilities of boating
through yachts, paddle boats and traditional rowing bots are available. The
Nanital boathouse club exclusively holds the man agreement of yachting in Nainital.
In Nainital district, Sat Tal, Bhim Tal, and Naukuchiyatal also have water sport
&boating facilities.
NANAK SAGAR MATTA:
In district Udhamsingh Nagar of U. P. hills is a place known as Nanaksagar.
The total area of the reservoir is approximately 18 sq. mtr. The place is suitable
for water sports activities. The various activities for water sports which can
be organized in this reservoir are water skiing, yachting, boating, canoeing,
kayaking, wet parasailing etc. the large size of the reservoir is thus suitable
for water sports activities throughout the year, particularly in the winter
months. The place being nearer to the Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh etc. can
attract large number of water sports loving tourists also.
ACCCESSIBILITY:
RAIL: Nearest railhead 15kms. away from Khatima distance from Naintal
119 kms.
Airport: nearest air strip is Pantnagar . (62kms)
Season :
Round the year (except monsoon)
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