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ADVENTURE IN THE TURBULENT WATERS
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged
mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of
India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams, they race along
tortuous boulder-strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into
silvery-white rapids. 
With the intricate network of mountain rivers flowing through a myriad of
different colours of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain
villages, the Garhwal and Kumaon Hills provide ideal locales for the
perfect water adventure.
The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift
swirling river, as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practised
mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it
frothes & foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and
falls at deep gradients.
KINDS OF ADVENTURE IN RAFTING
All the rivers can be graded on the basis of the water stretches and the
adeptness required, to negotiate their waters. The grading ranges from 1
to 6, starting from calm water to moderate flow to extremely torrential
flows.
Canoeing:
There is, firstly, the pleasure of a gentle canoe trip in a lightweight
alloy-metal craft, which holds two to three people. The gradient best
suited for canoeing is the stage near the river's entry into the plains
where the trip can be combined with moderate hiking and a naturalist
holiday in the forest. For this, the suitable areas are
Rishikesh, Dakpathar
and the Ramganga in
Corbett
National Park .
Kayaking:
For the slightly more adventurous, kayaking is appealing as it enables
innovation on the river by a solitary oarsman or two, seated in tandem.
The degree of difficulty would depend on the river gradient and its
rapids.
BEST TIME TO GO RAFTING
The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water.
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!
RAFTING IN GARHWAL
In
Garhwal region, the sacred river Ganga
offers the professional as well as the amateur, the exhilaration of white
water rafting. The Alaknanda
& Bhagirathi are
the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet at Devprayag, frothing from
their racy descent. Their waters are of grade IV to V, challenging the
expert to savour the thrill.
Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes into a pool drop river. This
stretch of almost 70 kms. is perfect for amateur and the novice, for here
the river offers some fine grade III rapids and two grade IV 'golf course'
4 kms. below Shivpuri village; each followed by rapids, the 'wall' at
Byasi and the deep and placid pools.
Sandy beaches line the river at intervals, allowing river rafters to pull
up alongside. The slopes on either side are covered with oak, pine, spruce
and fir, with the occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the
landscape. Wildlife is visible at a distance, comprising mainly of spotted
deer, monkey, leopard, while multi-hued butterflies flit among flowering
bushes. Spiritual retreats and ashrams overlook the river and add to the
spiritual experience.
RAFTING IN KUMAON
In kumaon, the Kali Ganga (Sharda) flows down from the Nepal border
through Kumaon Hills. The Kali and the Gori rivers meet at Jauljibi, where
the water volume increases, offering adventure to professionals. For over
117 kms. from Jauljibi to Tanakpur its rapids are grade IV and more. The
tough 3 days of rafting should be done by professionals.
Lower down among the forested slopes, the river become calmer offering
the amateur a sporting challenge before flowing out into the plains of
Uttranchal .
Mahakali
Ganga River flows along the border between India and Nepal. A
self-contained river journey as well as and expedition or mega trip upto
Tanakpur can be undertaken. Rafting can also be undertaken through Kumaon
Mandal Vikas Nigam in Mahakali River.
Potential Sites For White Water Rafting, Canoeing & Kayaking
There are many sites in garhwal and kumaon region of Uttranchal that can
be tapped as the perfect sites for providing the pleasure of water sports.
There are quite a few places, especially in the Garhwal region, which have
a latent potential as tourist recreation centres and some hold immense
potential for professional rafting.
IN GARHWAL
River Yamuna:
Barkot to Bernigad. Both professional and tourist stretch.
Damta to Yamuna Bridge- both professional and tourist stretch.
Mori to Tuni - (Khoonigad) 30 kms tourist stretch.
River Alaknanda:
Kaliasaur to Srinagar- 16 kms. Tourist stretch.
Srinagar to Bagwan- 20 kms. Tourist stretch.
Kaliasaur to Rishikesh.
River Bhagirathi:
Matli to Dunda- 12 kms. both professional and tourist stretch
Harsil to Uttarkashi. Dharasu to Chham- 12
kms. Both professional and tourist stretch.
Jangla to Jhala- 20 kms. Both professional & tourist stretch
Bhaldyana to Tehri- Both professional and tourist stretch.
Bhilangana river: Ghansali to Gadolia: 32 kms. Professional
stretch.
River Mandakini: Chandrapuri to Rudraprayag 26 kms. Professional
stretch.
IN KUMAON
River Maha Kali: Jauljibi to Tanakpur.