River Rafting in Uttaranchal
River
Rafting in Uttaranchal
Come Uttaranchal, the land of holy rivers and there origins. These
rivers flow freely across the state criss-crossing the forests, rocky
terrains, mountains, and snow filled stretches. The rivers flow very
fast in the state, due to it being a downslope area. Most of the rivers
of North India originates in Uttaranchal, be it mighty Ganga, Alaknanda,
Bhagirathi or Yamuna. White water rafting in Uttaranchal can be very
interesting, as well as equally adventurous. Garhwal offers some very
exciting opportunities for the water sport lover. The Ganga with its
frothing and foaming waters throw up a challenge that no rafter on this
earth can look away from. The rivers in Uttaranchal are said to offer
the best rafting oppurtunities in world. Equipments and other related
items are arranged by rafting agencies.
Rafting Sites
White Water Rafting in Garhwal
Garhwal has origin of many rivers. These rivers start and find there
way to flow freely across the land of Uttaranchal. The speed, when the
rivers flow downstream, is perfect for rafting,. The rafting standards
in Garhwal meet upto grade IV and V in some stretches. In Garhwal, the
sacred river Ganga offers the professional as well as the amateur the
exhilaration of whitewater river rafting. Alakananda & Bhagirathi
rivers are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet in Devprayag,
frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are grade IV to V,
challenging the expert to survive the thrill.
At Kaudiyala, nestled amongst the dense forest on the
Rishikesh-Badrinath highway at an altitude of 480 mts., the mighty
waters of ganga are ideal for whitewater river rafting. There is ample
opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. Nature walks along
the river are a real treat for nature lovers. Uttaranchal tourism has
recently developed a water sports resort at Asan Barrage, Dakpathar in
the Dehradun district, which is located at the foothills of the
Shiwaliks and on the banks of river Yamuna.
White Water Rafting in Kumaon
In Kumaon, the Kali Ganga (Sharda) flows down from the Nepal border,
through the Kumaon hills. The Kali and the Jori rivers meet at Jauljibi,
where the water level increases, perfect for ace professionals. For over
110 kms from Jauljibi to Tanakpur, its rapids are Grade IV, and more.
The tough rafting session should be attempted only by professionals.
Lower down among the forested slopes, the river becomes calmer, offering
the amateur a sporting challenge, before flowing out into the plains of
Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh.
Equipment and Availibility
GMVN conducts river rafting courses at Kaudiyala. They provide rafts,
equipment, river side camping items besides all safety precautions and
trained guides who make the sport a pleasure. River rafting agencies are
also available to service the learner.
Tips and Important Info
One should take dry bags or boxes to keep small personal items. Any
necessary medicines and prescriptions such as inhalers, bee-sting kits,
insulin etc. must be carried. Car keys, wallets, cell phones and other
important items should not be carried. One can always take along
sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap to secure them and a camera. 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.
Avoid cotton clothing while rafting, except in summers as cotton takes
away the warmth from body. Wool, polyester fleece and other synthetic
materials keeps body warm and dry faster than cotton. Many rafting clubs
have wetsuits available for rent.
