Have You Tried River Rafting in Rishikesh?

Ever faced an extreme life situation? Ever felt that no work pressure is greater than the pressure of saving your own life? Ever imagined how an over-excited office colleague will look like? Ever dreamt how will your best friend look like when faced with an extreme situation? If the answers to all the above or any of the questions is "HELL YEAH!", then you are surely looking for some adrenaline pumping activity this season!

So, welcome to Rishikesh and try the white water rafting in the river Ganges where the water does not flow by you but through you! So, are you ready for some heart pounding activity in the Ganges? If yes, then let’s get started...

White water rafting is all about taking the risk to a whole new level and 100% of team work, if an individual is not opting for ‘sit on top’ kayaks. River rafting is considered as an extreme sport and must be done with extreme care and under expert supervision as it can also prove fatal.

Let’s get started with the do’s and dont’s of river rafting in Rishikesh. It’s not necessary for you to be a champion swimmer; even non-swimmers can be great rafters. Make sure your guide has enough pre-hand experience for navigating through all grades of rapids. Rafts in white water have own specific techniques to navigate through the bumps and are very different from canoes or kayaks.

The starting point for rafting at Rishikesh is divided into various starting points. The table below will give you a rough idea about the rafting zones.

Start point Grades Rafting distance

(kms) Duration (hrs) Suggested age

group

Brahmpuri I 8 to 9 2 to 2.5 7 to 65

Shivpuri I & II 16 3 to 3.5 20 to 35

Marine Drive I, II & III 24 to 25 4.5 to 5 20 to 35

Kaudiyala I, II, III & IV 36 8 to 9 20 to 35

Before you give a kick start to your adrenaline-pumping water sport make sure you have the following necessary articles which will be of great use and help.

• Swimming costume & quick drying shorts

• Sunglasses with retaining cord (for sensitive eyes)

• Sunscreen Lotion

• Waterproof disposable camera with extra battery (if you don’t wanna miss those moments)

• Only use river sandals & old sneakers; strictly no flip flops

So, now that you are all set to rule the waves get ready to step into the clear green water and are about to experience a life time phenomenal ride. It is very important for the guide to be a swimming expert and a hardcore pro to navigate through the high energy waves.

This form of extreme water sports brings you face to face with the extreme situations of nature. The 13 white water rapids that you will rendezvous on your course; depending upon the starting point – will be sweet sixteen grade I, cross fire grade III, three blind mice grade III, roller coaster grade III, golf course grade III & the wall grade IV. Some other commonly found rapids in Ganges are:

• Denial dips

• Black money

• Body Surfing Rapid

• Shivpuri Rapid

• Return to Sender

• Club House

• Rapid Initiati

• Double Trouble

Now, that you have safely completed your rafting expedition... you can also choose to witness the Ganga Aarti at Haridwar if you have extra time to spend. How was that experience? I’m sure it was great and you will be coming back for more. So... see you again at Rishikesh!