India,
the land of varied landscape offers numerous adventure activities for
adventure enthusiasts. The exhilarating sport of rafting at the white water
of the rushing rivers, waterfalls will be an exciting experience for anyone.
The snow-fed Himalayan rivers are among the best in world for white water
rafting sport.
White water rafting sport means cruising down with water rushing from a
river or waterfall by the help of a rubber raft or water kayak. North India,
especially the Himalayan region, where rivers flows down towards the South
of India makes it one of the best region for this adventure. The main region
for this sport are Ladakh, Garhwal and Himachal Pradesh. Rivers like Spiti,
Alkanda, Sutlej, Narmada, Indus, and Zanskar.
For any kind of adventure sport, it is necessary to have the basics right.
Before water rafting, you will be given training by experienced river
rafting instructors and guides. All the essential equipments will be
provided regarding all your safety. During your white water expedition, one
can stay in night in the overnight tents alongside the river. You are
required to travel in groups, with an instructor and a guide at all times.
While rafting and spending night in the tents, one can experience the real
thrill and excitement.
Ideal Time for White Water Rafting :
There is no particular time for white water rafting or river rafting as the
flow rivers are individual and constant in the Himalayan region. However,
between the months from May to November is the best time for rafting
enthusiasts to try their hands in this adventure sport.
Essential Guidelines and Tips for Rafting :
» The navigator should be qualified and experienced.
» Use all safety equipments like helmets and
rescue jackets.
» Raft should not be overloaded.
» Learn all the basic rafting skills like
breathing.
» Carry the necessary medicine.
» All medical fitness test should be done before.
» Protect the environment and don't pollute the
water.
Popular Water Rafting Sites in India :
Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, Garhwal in Uttranchal, Beas River in Himachal
Pradesh and Teesta River in Sikkim are best for rafting. There are also good
options available along the Indus River and its major tributaries.
Zanskar River - It is the most exciting and difficult
river rafting zone along the Zanskar mountains, between Padom and Nimo
region. This river course is only suitable for well experienced rafting
enthusiasts.
River Ganges - River Ganges near Rishikesh in Uttranchal
is a popular river rafting spot. Stretching about 36 kms long, the rafting
expedition from Kaudiyala and Rishikesh is the most exciting one where it
has 12 major rapids.
Himachla
Pradesh - Chandrabhaga river in Lahaul, Satlej near Shimla, Ravi near
Chamba and the Beas near Kullu offering thrilling white water rapids.
Teesta River - The mountain river Teesta of Sikkim
offers a series of white water rapids with some exciting blend of nature.
Some other river rafting places in India are:
» Gangotri, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttranchal
» Asan Barrage, Uttranchal
» Bhalukpunj, Assam
» Lake Paradise, Nainital, Uttranchal
