Adventure India : River Running - 9

This is the most organized and developed water sport in the country. It includes rafting, canoeing (travel by canoe) and kayaking (travel in a small canoe). India's rafting stretches are mainly on the rivers Beas, Sutlej, Mahakali ang Ganges, of which the Ganges is considered the safest. River trips are organized in the Indian Himalayas from the Zanskar and Indus rivers in Ladakh, to the Brahmaputtra and Lohit rivers in Arunachal Pradesh.

If you are lucky you might even catch the night rafting, when the runners raft by the light of the full moon that casts eerie shadows all over the flat Himalayan deserted land. In Sikkim, rafting is organized on the Teesta river. However, the Teesta is definitely not for beginners and strictly for those who are looking for a little adventure in rafting. River rafting is also done on the Sutlej, Chenab and Tons. Kayaking is becoming increasingly popular in India and can be done on the Beas.

White water rafting expeditions in India are organized and managed by professional Indian teams who have trained abroad in some of the difficult water stretches of the world. One such team recently won the prestigious Engadine Trophy at the international river rafting competition on the Inn river in Switzerland.

The Ganges affords some of the most spectacular river running in the country. Ideal for both paddle rafting and oar rafting, the river descends towards Rishikesh, passes under the Lakshman Jhoola and the run concludes at the dam beyond Rishikesh. The early stages of the Ganges offer the exhilarating alaknanda and the Bhagirathi rivers. The Indus snaking through Ladakh and the Zanskar and Chenab in Kashmir provide very different river running experiences.

Rafting on the magnificent River Kali is also popular in the Western Ghats of north eastern Karnataka. The programme is carefully designed and managed by rafting professionals. Safety aids such as PFD's (Personal Floating Devices) including life jackets and helmets are provided and are mandatory for all participating guests.

Garhwal, lying in the north western region of Uttarakhand offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

Sikkim Tourism organizes package programmes during October to November. On request, it prepares tailor-made itineraries too. Kayaking is undertaken on the Teesta and is arranged for groups. Some experience in kayaking is required. Permission is required from Sikkim Tourism for conducting rafting trips by private parties. Contact the adventure Division, Sikkim Tourism or any recognized travel agent for further information.

Best Time : October to May

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8