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Rafting in Ganga

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Rafting: Amazing Water Sport Activity

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Upload By: Kabir Ansari on 23 June 2024
Adveture Sport,

Overview: Rafting


Rafting, the high-adrenaline sport of navigating a river in an inflatable raft, involves several levels of difficulty, depending on how choppy the river is. These ‘grades’ of difficulty are arrived at according to the presence of rapids, which evolve due to sudden plunges in the river’s height, and also because of rocks – small or large – that may be lurking in the waters. Rafting is a challenging but tremendously fun activity – just remember to keep the instructor’s safety tips in mind! White-water (rapids) does invoke fear but river-running done properly – under professional guidance, with the right training, using the appropriate equipment, taking all safety precautions, and by following a set of international safety and ecological norms – can be an extremely safe, enjoyable and exciting soft-adventure sport.

The sport’s popularity is probably due to the fact that almost anyone, including non- swimmers and those with no prior experience can, go rafting. All it takes is 15 minutes of instructions and you can have the time of your life – riding the waves, getting splashed and enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the river.


Know more about popular sites for River Rafting in India.

Rafting, White River Rafting

River Rafting History:

It was the “Ocean to Sky” expedition of 1977 – led by Sir Edmund Hillary and organized by Capt. M.S. Kohli – which evoked tremendous interest nationally, and quite a flutter abroad, about the potential of river sports in India. The jet-boat expedition started in the Bay of Bengal, going up the River Ganges and on towards Nandprayag on the River Alaknanda. In 1984, the Uttar Ganga rafting expedition led by Ken Warren and organized by A.C. Kohli, rafted over 300km on the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and Ganga rivers. This marked the first time that Indians had actively participated in a river-rafting expedition - Shaukat Sikand, Yousuf Zaheer, Akshay Kumar, Pawan Sher Singh and Ajeet Bajaj were part of the first pool of Indian river-runners. Glen Upperman, an American rafter, stayed back after the expedition and trained the first batch of Indian rafters in oar-rafting techniques. The following year, two Canadian rafters, Mark Daniel and Ben Webster, trained Indian rafters in paddle-rafting techniques and kayaking.

The age of river exploration in India took off when local river-runners logged enough experience to join rafting expeditions, including the first descent of the Sutlej from Rampur to Tattapani below Shimla (1985); the first descent of the Teesta in Sikkim and West Bengal (1986); and the first descent of the Sarda in Kumaon, Uttaranchal (1987). The Indian Armed Forces have also played a pivotal role in the development of river- running in India, organizing training courses and leading expeditions. Although many rivers in India have been explored, with some being rafted commercially, this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.To quote Peter Knowles (chairman, British Canoe Union Expeditions committee), “There is still probably more scope in India for ‘first descents’ and exploratory river-running than in any other Himalayan country.”

Rafting, White River Rafting

Along the entire expanse of the culturally diverse Indian Himalayas – more than 3000km long and between 150km and 300km wide – there are rivers still awaiting descent. Furthermore, there’s tremendous scope for river exploration in the states of the northeast and in South India.

River Rafting In India:

Boasting world-class rafting potential, cultural and geographical diversity, easy access to most rivers, a host of international-standard river-running outfitters (with state-of- the-art equipment), an ethos steeped in hospitality, and – conveniently – no permit requirements for river running (except in the ‘inner line’, close to the border areas), India is emerging as ‘the river-running destination’ of the world. Rafting is certainly well on its way to becoming the most popular adventure sport in the country, and India a Shangri La for river-runners. With myriad rivers gushing through its heart, unspoilt environs, the riverine flora and fauna and the region’s rich and ancient culture, the Indian Himalayas make up an exciting destination for hard-core rafters. And while commercial rafting has come of age in the country, there are opportunities aplenty for first-timers, from juniors to septuagenarians, to learn and master the skills of ‘river-running’ – 9-year-old schoolchildren and 70-year-olds have rafted down rivers in India.Currently there are over 50 commercial outfitters in India organizing trips ranging from two-hour runs to multiple-day expeditions.

Rafting, White River Rafting

Know more about popular locations for River Rafting in India.

Best season for River Rafting in India:

Spring. Late May to late June, springtime runoff from snowmelt makes for the most exciting time of rafting season for whitewater, with cooler river temperatures and smaller crowds.

What's to Carry when you go for Rafting?

Must carry extra petrol can if you travel off the road
Must Carry some cash because there are limited network and Banking Facility
Carry some food items
Carry extra warm cloths
Not to travel alone



Popular Rafting Destinations






Best Time for Rafting
  JAN     FEB     MAR     APR     MAY     JUN  
  JUL     AUG     SEP     OCT     NOV     DEC  





Ideal Conditions for Rafting

 Blue Skies
 Not too hot
 Not after heavy rains





What Should Wear

 Nylon shorts/tights, T-Shirt (preferably not cotton), sandals/floaters or sneakers,cap.
 If Rafting during the winters, you'd need extra layers of clothing.
 Also bring along: Sunscreen, shades, mosquito repellent, antiseptic cream, camera, torch, dry bags, first aid box.
 Safety Equipment: Life Jacket, Wet Suit Ropes, Winch and Carabiners.



Popular Destinations of India




Travel Around India




International Destinations


Activity's Location

Rafting in Rishikesh

FAQs about
Rafting

Which Rafting should I choose if I am coming for the first time in Rishikesh?

Rafting comes with lots of planning and revision on the same course. So it may not be same for anyone and everyone who comes to participate and enjoy the drive. It is therefore essential to be clear and confident before going to any particular rapid of grade of water drive. Depending on the terms and experience level one can choose the process to go for rafting, since the rapid and grade for each course is different. The distance covered in a single stretch can vary from person to person; hence it is always an advisable course to take the suggestions from the instructors.

What is the check list for Rafting?

While stepping ahead for Rishikesh River rafting activity, one should be well coordinated and in sync with the guidelines and instructions provided by the expert. It is necessary to understand the guidelines before joining any such adventure. Hence the foremost one being in a good health condition to get approve, secondly one should read and make a note of the basic things required. Also the equipments and others safety measure and precautions should be carried out well before going for the drive. Protecting eyes is essential and hence take the eye glass traps before jumping into any conclusion. Similarly a small bag that keeps a store of all the essential stuffs can be used anytime.

Which is the best season for Rafting?

Rafting is not a welcome phenomenon for every season, rather it should be undertaken in a time frame which is favorable and can be enjoyed on a more relishing side. There is always a best time to enjoy the adventure course and ideally the time ranges from- February, March, August-October. One should avoid the temperature of the May and June as it becomes quite unnatural to regain the same essence. Checking with the climate and surrounding is highly important before chalking out the plan on the arrangement cards. Everything should be understood before going on a trip that can play good for all and not a spoilt sort of weather.

Is rafting dangerous?

Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild, and unbelievably fun. However, as with all adventure sports, there is inherent and assumed risk involved. Risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy rafting at all levels.

If I can’t swim can I still go rafting?

Yes. Everyone on commercial rafting trips wears a coast guard approved ‘life vest’ or personal flotation device (PFD). Many non-swimmers go on rafting trips, and they have a great time. Your guides will give you an in depth and engaging river orientation talk before your trip explaining what you should prepare for and do in the event you fall out of the raft.


Viewers/Readers Comments:
   Admin Reply 
Sanjay
10-03-2023 00:00:00
May I
     



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