River Rafting ( Most popular adventure sport )

Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. The magic behind River Rafting also referred, as Whitewater River Rafting is the extreme and never-ending thrills in the untamed rivers. Man is always dreaming up of new adventures. River rafting is one of the most adventurous sports, which has been practiced by men through years. Rafting is a white water sport. The term white water refers to foamy and whitish appearance of fast flowing water. River rafting is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid-1970s. The rivers in the upper Himalayas are among the best in the world for river rafting sports, with many staircase rapids that challenge the body and spirit of the river runner. The river cuts against the rocky banks, crash into rocks, crevices and breaking into white water rapids, foaming, swirling, and falling in a thunderous din. India and Nepal has a wide range of river rafting regions, which suits both amateurs and professionals. The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift, swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus September – November and March – April – May are most appropriate. The equipment required is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting wet.

River rafting in Uttarakhand-

Garhwal- Rafting training facilities exist in different parts of Uttaranchal. Many tourist agencies and state departments also conduct courses in river rafting. Garhwal is the origin land of many rivers in Uttaranchal, Ganga being the most significant one. The river courses in Uttaranchal are such that everyone from a novice to an amateur and expert can enjoy this watery thrill. The Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, are the main tributaries of the Ganga, and meet at Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes into a pool drop river. White Water River Rafting in Uttaranchal. This stretch of almost 70-kms is perfect for the beginners, for here the river offers some fine grade III rapids and two grade IV rapids, the ‘Wall’ at Bysi and the ‘Golf Course’ 4-kms. Ganga near Rishikesh in Uttaranchal is a popular spot for white water rafting. The White water River rafting stretch of the Ganges is from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh where the river has 12 major rapids over 36-kms long, most of which are easily negotiable and some require our expertise. There is ample opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. Nature walks along the river are a real treat and for adventure lovers rock climbing can also be arranged. The holy river Ganga is world famous for its river rafting sports, along with many challenges. Rishikesh, Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine drive, Kudiyala, Devprayag are some of the famous places for river rafting

Kumaon- Kumaon region of Uttaranchal is again full of river rafting opportunities for the water sport enthusiasts. The River named the Kali Ganga (or River Sharda) is the best suited river for the sport. This also serves as the apt tourist destinations for Uttarakhand’s rafting. Best time for river raftingin Kumaon is from Mid-September to Mid-May. Kumaon’s Kali Ganga (more popular as Sharda) flows from the Nepal border down the Kumaon hills. The Kali and the Gori rivers meet at Jauljibi. Where the water volume increases, offering adventures to professionals. For over 117 kms from Jauljibi to Tanakpur its rapids are grade IV and more. Professionals should do the tough three days of rafting. Rafting in Kumaon is no less exciting. Infect, it has long stretches of dangerous waters where only the experienced can make a move. Lower down among the forested slopes, the river become calmer offering the Adventure of rafting at Kaliganga. amateur a sporting challenge before flowing out into the plains of Uttar Pradesh.

Rafting in Himachal- For adventure lovers, Himachal Pradesh in India is a destination par excellence. Amongst many adventure sports that can be enjoyed in Himachal, trekking, skiing, gliding and rafting are the most popular ones. rafting, is also known as the white water rafting and can be enjoyed to the maximum extent in the state of Himachal. There are four rivers in Himachal that offer opportunities to enjoy white water rafting. These rivers flow in the north westerly direction and are almost parallel to one another. These rivers are Chandrabhaga (Chenab) in Lahaul, the Satluj near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba and the Beas near Kullu.

Rafting places in Himachal-
Manali- White water rafting in done in river Beas at Manali , Beas riveris good for rafting , kayaking, canoeing etc. Rafting is done in Beas river from  Manaki to Jhiri section near Bajaura in Kullu district, Rafting has become quite popular among the water sports lovers, tourists and corporate groups. Rafting trip starts from Mohal and covers 10 Kms distance. Rafting season starts from mid April to mid-June and rest depends on the arrival of monsoon. The journey takes nearly one & half hour consisting of rapids from grade II & III. Pirdi is 45 kms from Manali and hence, recommended starting time from Manali is 8 o’clock. This activity will require one full day. Various tour operators provide the basic equipment required for the water sports with rafting guides & instructors. The course instructors give a detailed training in safety precautions, equipment use, rafting in actual. The minimum age required for Manali rafting is fourteen and the person should have good physical fitness.

Shimla- Shimla is one of the most fascinating and deserving tourist destinations in the state .it is also a major adventure sport in himachal, The swift flowing rivers of Shimla provides the ideal condition for the river rafting adventure sport. The Sutlej river near Shimla offers exciting river rafting opportunities. River rafting is done on an inflatable rubber dinghy. The sport cannot be conducted during the winter and the monsoons. 35 KM from Camp Nature Trails runs river Sutlej that has some great white water which travelers can run over two days. A high volume river, Sutlej is sure to pump up adrenalin in any adventure buff. A 12 KM section from Chaaba to Tattapani takes around 2 hours and ends at Hot Sulphur Springs.The first important thing to know about rafting in Himachal is the season in which it can be enjoyed. Summers, spring and autumn are the time to go on a rafting since during winters and part of monsoons, this sport is stopped for a while.

Article Source: www.riverraftingtour.com

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