White Water Rafting in India

White Water Rafting in India

White water rafting means cruising down the gushing waters of river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over roaring waves and swirling fast-moving water for the excitement of a lifetime. India has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Its rushing waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalayas, offer matchless thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in India.

These rivers meander through fabulously beautiful, largely unexplored tropical wilderness. Whether an expert or amateur, nature lover or thrill seeker, rafting enthusiast or active kayaker, there is an unforgettable experience awaiting you.

Standing on the shore you can hear the deafening roar and view the white foam, the walls, the holes and the waves, but you cannot imagine the raw power of the river. The excitement builds as you and your teammates climb aboard in calm water. You can feel the anticipation of the river flowing under your boat. A certain level of fitness is required while try a hand at this adventure sport in India. You need to be mentally and physically fit. Those suffering from cardiac or mental ailments should not indulge in rafting. Same is the case with the expectant mothers and children below the age of 14.

India has a multitude of rivers and abundance of locations that are perfect for white water rafting. Most of the water rafting destinations are located in the Himalayas, and the River Ganges is the most popular of them all. Several camps are organized along the 70-km stretch from Rishikesh to Devprayag to Rapids have been graded according to the difficulty of their run. The rivers Yamuna, Alaknanda, Tons, Mandakini, Kalisor, Bhilangana and Bhagirathi offer many stretches, for both professionals as well as amateur rafters. Ranges in Ladakh and Sikkim also offer great river stretches for rafting.

There is no particular best time during which rafting activity can be undertaken in India since the flow and fury of various rivers are individual. However, on the whole the months from May to November are the best months for the adventure seekers to indulge in rafting.

You would rquire permits or licenses for rafting in the restricted areas. The consulate office of India in your country, or the Ministry of Home Affairs, foreigners' regional registration offices (FRRO) may be contacted for seeking the prior permission.

The following guidelines will prove to be help in planning your adventure white water rafting holiday:

- Qualifications and experience of the navigator
- The credibility and reputation of the organizers
- Dress appropriately with safety helmets and rescue jackets
- Ensure that the raft is not overloaded as it may prove to be dangerous
- Learn how to breathe while under a rapid or when you are submerged
- Calculate and decide upon the stretch according to the grading of the river before taking to the water
- Consider the length of run and your level of physical fitness
- Learn how to breathe while under a rapid or when you are submerged
- Speed up and fix the runs as are comfortable.
- Carry the necessary medicines
- Gain proper training of handling the oar and the other equipments.
- Get the medical fitness test done before hand
- Consider the level of difficulty with your physical fitness.
- Participate in peak climbing or high-altitude trekking as may be comfortable.
- Protect the environment and do not pollute the water.

The white water rafting is truly a high-altitude, high adrenaline and unforgettable experience that will have you raring to go for your next water vacation. Even amateurs can indulge in the easier rapids, for latest safety equipment makes it possible even for non-swimmers to undertake an expedition without fear.