White
Water Rafting - Overview
One of the most exciting and an extreme sport - white-water rafting
captures and controls the turbulence of the fast flowing streams. Rafting
typically means navigating through the channels of flowing water. Streams
and rivers happen to be ideal places for such exercises. River rafting is
classified into six classes - Class I to Class VI. Class I rafting involves
navigation through fast flowing streams but with lesser turbulence, ripples
and waves. It is the beginners level. Class VI, on the other hand - the
expert level, needs great skills and security systems as the waters are in
their full swing. White-waters refer to the fast flowing streams that
originate from the mountains.
White Water Rafting in Uttaranchal
Uttaranchal, that falls in the North Indian Zone, is supplanted with
several major rivers of India. The rivers in Uttaranchal originate from the
mighty Himalayas, where glaciers melt and run down the slopes in various
rapidly flowing streams. It is these streams which invite adventure sports
enthusiasts from all over the places, to come for a fast row. One such
prominent course includes the tributaries of Ganga - Bhagirathi, Alakananda,
Mandakini. Garhwal district is a popular base for river rafting in
Uttaranchal.
River Rafting at Garhwal : Garhwal or Tehri Garhwal is one
of the total 13 districts of Uttaranchal state. The place lies in the
foothills of the mid Himalayas and in the north of India. This hilly tract
sees a number of major tributaries of the great Indian rivers. Alakanda and
Bhagirath, the two main tributaries of Ganga witnesses much of the rush and
is ideal for Class IV and Class V rafting. These tributaries flow down hill
and meet at Devprayag. The flow is comparable and amateurs can try their
luck. It is one exciting ride for 70 kms.
Rafting Stretches in Uttaranchal
Some popular river rafting stretches in Uttaranchal are as : Barkot to
Bernigad, Damta to Yamuna Bridge, Mori to Tuni, Kaliasaur to Srinagar,
Srinagar to Bagwan, Kaliasaur to Rishikesh, Matli to Dunda, Harsil to
Uttarkashi, Dharasu to Chham, Jangla to Jhala, Baldyana to Tehri, Ghansali
to Gadolia, Chandrapuri to Rudraprayag.
Reaching Uttaranchal
By Air : Uttaranchal is served by three airports, which
are Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun Airport (at Garhwal) and Pantnagar
Airport. One can catch a flight from north Indian cities.
By Train : The state of Uttaranchal is connected with
other states and cities by rails. Major railheads are at Dehtadun, Haridwar,
Kathgodam and Roorkee.
By Road : State run buses as well as private owners
provide the services from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar
Pradesh.
