What
do you think about the town of Rishikesh? Undoubtedly, it is one of the
famous pilgrimage centres of India, but Rishikesh is not only confined to
its single identity. In fact, apart from temples, shrines, ghats and several
other religious spots, Rishikesh makes a good option for adventure seekers,
especially for those who are looking forward to experience river rafting in
the holy Ganges.
River rafting is certainly a better way to witness Rishikesh and its
attractions like Laxman Jhula, Geet Bhawan, Muni-Ki-Reti and numerous
ashrams, yoga and meditation institutes. River Rafting across the river
Ganges is a lifetime experience, it provides you a unique opportunity to
explore the far-flung areas and also to experience the nature at its best.
Moreover, if you have an open wind and want to discover the new areas, then
you are fit to join any of the river-rafting trips that are organized on the
Ganges near Rishikesh.
Rudraprayag- Rishikesh (Alaknanda), Rafting Stretch : One
of the most popular rafting stretches of India, Rudraprayag- Rishikesh run
starts at Rudraprayag situated at the confluence of two of the main
tributaries of the river Ganges namely - the Alaknanda and the Mandakini.
For this rafting expedition, you have to start your journey a little beyond
the main town of Rudraprayag.
On your rafting expedition, you will pass through a series of rapids,
narrow and quieter gorges. Rudraprayag - Rishikesh rafting expedition takes
around four to five days, passing through the towns of Srinagar and
Devprayag. It provides you a good chance to see the densely forested
Himalayan foothills as well as plenty of opportunity to visit the old
temples en-route.
Tehri- Shivpuri (Bhagirathi-Alaknanda) Rafting Stretch :
Condisered one of the best runs of India, it begins at the town of Tehri,
the district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal. Tehri is well-linked by several
buses to major towns in Northern India that include Rishikesh, Haridwar and
Dehradun.
Starting at Tehri, this scenic and exhilarating run goes down the river
Bhagirathi, passes through foaming rapids until it reaches the town of
Devprayag. At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi merges with the Alaknanda and
becomes more quieter than its upper reaches. Further passing Kaudiyala, the
run goes on to Shivpuri, and finally to the town of Rishikesh.
River
Rafting Seasons in Rishikesh
For the adventure sport of river-rafting, the suitable season depends on
the adequacy of water volume in the rivers. In Rishikesh, the ideal seasons
for river-rafting are September to November and the period between March to
May.
Camping in Rishikesh
For rafting enthusiasts, camping is the best way to stay in Rishikesh. A
number of private operators have their camps near the river Ganges above
Rishikesh. The camps remain operational from the last week of September to
mid-December and from mid-February to last week of April.
In Rishikesh, camps are equipped with facilities like two single beds with
mattresses, complete bedding, towels etc. Apart from a comfortable stay, the
tour operators also arrange river-rafting excursions varying in duration
from one-day runs to extended camping-rafting expeditions. From the camp
base, you can head for a half-day rafting trip, which doesn't require
previous rafting experience. In addition to fine camping facilities, the
operators also provide experienced guides as well as essential rafting
gears.
