Ruled by the rapids
This is the best season
to go for white water rafting. Here we profile seven places where you can have
a rollicking time tackling those rising rapids.
RISHIKESH,
UTTARAKHAND
White water rafting in
Rishikesh has been gaining popularity not only among Indians but also among
foreigners who throng the place in large numbers once the season begins. The
main reason behind this is the presence of a wide range of rapids, ranging from
mild to ferocious along the stretch from Shivpuri down till Ram Jhula.Shivpuri,
Marine Drive, Brahmpuri and Kaudiyala are the four hottest spots to pick
between. The best way to do it is by going in a group of six, though you can
jump aboard one of the packed rafts if you're alone. Each raft has a trained
guide to help steer through the rapids and handle the situation in case of an
emergency. Furthermore, wearing a life jacket is a must as sometimes the
gushing rapids can overturn a raft. As you meander down the swells and falls of
the river, it does require some amount of stamina to row your paddle in keeping
with your guide's instructions.
CHIKMAGALUR, KARNATAKA
River Bhadra skirts around
the hills of Chikmagalur, gushing and bouncing in places, making it an apt spot
for white water rafting.Besides providing a wonderful backdrop to parts of
Chikmagalur, this river is perfect to add an adventurous twist to your
holiday.June to October is the best season to hit the rapids when the monsoons
are in full swing, swelling the river to its most thrilling form. The Magundi
to Balehole segment is the most popular and filled with ample rapids to
manoeuvre. One can choose between day trips and longer rafting expeditions that
may involve camping by the riverside.Once the rains have subsided and the water
is calmer, the river becomes conducive for kayaking trips, too. Many homestays
and hotels are available and private operators offer day trips for rafting
amateurs. The rafting spot lies far from the Mullayangiri sector of
Chikmagalur, so plan accordingly if this is the main highlight of your trip.
PIRDI, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Quite a few private
operators offer rafting at Pirdi, near Kullu. Here rafting is done on Beas
river from Pirdi down to Jhiri, which is approximately 14 km. There are grade
III and IV rapids available at this location. And we must mention that the view
is simply breathtaking. White water rafting facilities are offered by private
operators at Pirdi where a water sports centre has been set up to provide
one-stop water sports adventure experience to tourists. Rafting is done on
stretches of the Beas, where rapids of high grades can be negotiated safely,
providing an exhilarating experience for adventure enthusiasts. Season for rafting
in Pirdi is from January to June and October to December.
ORCHHA, MADHYA PRADESH
Madhya Pradesh Tourism
Board organises two river safaris on the mighty Betwa river. The turbulent
current and rough landscapes nestled in lush greenery offer the perfect setting
for river rafting.
Confined to the central
region, high and massive architecture, flora and fauna and the absolute
stunning locations in Orchha create the perfect backdrop for this water sport.
Pump up your adventurous genes and experience the thrill of river rafting
during your visit to the beautiful town of Orchha. The river is wide and its
placid flow is intermittently broken by Grade I to Grade II rapids and gives
another reason to adventure lovers to experience one of the most enjoyable
water adventures.
TATTAPANI, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Tattapani is an amazing
spot for river rafting, which is done on the Satluj river. Apart from this
activity, the spot is also popular for its hot water springs. Tattapani, which
is about 55 kilometres away from Shimla, has become a favourite tourist
destination owing to the opportunity for pursuing adventure sports and to enjoy
the region's scenic beauty. Local travel agents confirm that there has been
tourist influx during the winter season as people want to enjoy snowfall and
other adventure activities as well. The rafting stretch from Chabba to
Tattapani is a really nice one. It takes around one-and-a-half hours to
complete this stretch.
KOLAD, MAHARASHTRA
Situated on the Sahyadri
mountain range in Raigad district, Kolad is a hotspot for white water rafting,
which is done on the Kundalika river. It has a 14-km stretch full of rapids. It
is a popular monsoon destination among adventure seekers. River rafting on
Kundalika started a few years ago and now it has become a year-round activity,
the only rafting facility in India which is operational throughout the year.
River rafting spot at Kundalika river is about two-hour drive from Pune and
Mumbai.White water rafting in Kundalika Kolad is controlled by the release of
the dam on the Kundalika River and offers Grade II and Grade III rapids.
DARJEELING, WEST BENGAL
While Rishikesh and Kolad
have been in the list of popular rafting destinations in India for many years
now, this sport is relatively new in Darjeeling. River Teesta and Rangeet
gushing down the slopes offer not only a scenic view but also rapids for
beginners as well as those seeking high levels of adventure. The turbulent
currents of these two mighty rivers make a formidable challenge to even the
seasoned rafter. There is, however, a wide range in the intensity of the rapids
making it adequate for all, including the young and the aged, to enjoy the
spectacular scenery while leisurely snaking down the river. Because of the
successful promotion by state government, this place provides a safe and
pleasant ride to all visitors.
ETTR30MAY16
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