Tips for River Rafting In Rishikesh

Many of the mavericks seek fun in thrill and adventure. River rafting can be a good substitute for them. The month of January in north India’s hilly regions seems sending invitation to the weather for getting well off with the snow and cold breeze. This is the pleasure which the tourists love to have. However, the snow has begun blanketing the mountains but the stream of the rivers is finely tuned. In India, Kullu in Himachal and Rishikesh in Uttaranchal are the most captivating places. These sites offer not only the streams but also the opportunity to learn river-rafting. Professional as well as amateur rafters can try their hands at rafting. Although rafting, water skiing, canoeing and kayaking can gift an exhilarating experience during north India tour yet these adventurous activities require strong heart and have desire to do and learn something new.  

Why Rafting is known as ‘White Water Rafting’?

Rafting is also known as ‘White Water Rafting’. Actually, this water activity is arranged in the river water which collides with the rocks while streaming and creates froth. The surging water appears milky at that time. The surging water, bouncing rafts and flowing parallel to the stream make this adventure peculiar.

How to select the river for rafting?

River for this water-activity is selected after examining the risk-factor.  Inspecting how much perilous is the current and rocks helps in classifying the rivers into 6 grades. Rafting in the river water of ‘Grade 1’ is the easiest of all. On the contrary, enjoying this water-adventure in the river of ‘Grade 6’ is very dangerous. All these points help the tourists to decide in which river they want to raft.    

Rafting in Rishikesh:

‘Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam’ is located in Kaudiyala which is 40 km from Rishikesh in Uttaranchal. It is a famous rafting-learning center. Around INR 3500 and INR 5000 are charged as its course fee of three and five days respectively. It is inclusive of accommodation, food and training sessions. The provision of discount on these charges is kept for students only. 3-day course is conducted from October to January whereas 5-day course lasts from February to March. All information regarding rafting courses is distributed to the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam every year.

Apart from that, some private tour companies and operators offer north India tour packages in which river rafting in Rishikesh is also included. The tourists must do thorough research before reaching for the tour packages. The most important thing to be kept in mind is to examine the precautionary measures offered by the travel companies. The river with 1 or 2-Grade needs zero compulsion of knowing swimming because life-jackets are provided to the rafter for their protection.

Rafting in Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers is the riskiest

The branches of the Ganges River namely Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers converge at Devprayag in Rishikesh. These two branches of the Ganges pose threat to the lives of the rafters. But the risk factor diminishes when the rafter comes slightly down from Devprayag.  Byasi has a water-wall and after moving ahead for 4 km, marine gulf-course appears.

It was breathtaking experience while flowing parallel to fast current of the river. But that does not mean it’s all about jaw-dropping adventure only. The rafters can stop at the stretched bed of sand for enjoying nap. The panoramic view of long trees, like Pine and Cedrus Deodara, in the jungle and scenes of terrace-farming can steal their heart. At one time, they catch the beautiful sight of villages in the valley and at another time, they can astound themselves by watching Cheetal, Monkey, Tiger and so on. All in all, it’s an enthralling experience which should be grabbed whenever it comes to anyone.       

Where are rapids of rafting in Uttaranchal?

Yamuna, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Bhilangana, Mandakini and the Ganges rivers have rapid for rafting. These places are developed for marine-activities especially. Bairaj, Jauljibi in Kumao and lakes of Tanakpur and Nainital are also famous for it. Bairaj is situated at the confluence of Yamuna and its sister rivers. It is the best sight for the bird-lovers.