The Thrilling White Water Rafting in Rishikesh, India

Most people just go to Rishikesh as a sightseeing spot from Haridwar. However, there are so many things to do in Rishikesh that it deserves an exclusive visit. Rishikesh has a uniqueness to it that needs to be experienced. Rishikesh is calm and this charm makes it the Yoga capital of the world at the same time it is a hot spot for adventure junkies. Even though I am not an adventure junkie, at times, I too like sparks of adrenalin rush. White water rafting in Rishikesh was my major reason for visiting this lovely river town at the Himalayan foothills.

River Rafting

White water rafting in Rishikesh was my dream and so it was the first thing I wanted to tick off among all the things to do in Rishikesh. I had requested our hotel to book rafting for me and the agency picked us up from the hotel itself. We boarded the van with a boat on top and drove uphill to a point called Shivpuri. River Ganga ran parallel to the road and the water looked greenish. My excitement knew no bounds. At Shivpuri, I was given the rows with which I had to climb down a forested hilly path to the rocky river bank. Two rafters carried the boat down. The trainers instructed us about how to row, explained certain signs and symbols, and finally, told us what to do during rapids. The instructions were initially making me nervous but my excitement ruled over the fear and I confidently sat on the boat. The view from the boat was spectacular.

Unique Rafting Experience

The green hills on both sides of the river and the cloudy sky looked mysterious. The raft was bumping with the waves. Well, when the first rapid came, my heart seemed to have popped out of my mouth. The boat was crashing too hard on the waves. The huge waves ran over our heads, drenching us completely. I could hardly see anything. It was difficult to handle rapids. The professional rafter stopped the boat by a waterfall and we stood on the rocks and had tea. Then we headed to the waterfall and a cliff from which ‘cliff jumping' is done. During rafting one can do ‘cliff jumping' which I didn't try. Then there were more rapids, more fun, and finally a dip in the Ganges near Ram Jhula during sunset. The final dip in the holy river was soul-touching. White water rafting in Rishikesh can be life-changing for people.

Take Away from the Experience

White water rafting in Rishikesh teaches one to be a team player, besides teaching one to push oneself beyond set limits. You have to focus and realign your thoughts and follow instructions carefully. Rafting teaches one how to manage stress and unpredictability and keep calm. The benefits of the natural beauty around are no less. In the end, one comes out confident, at least it was a boost to my confidence level when I completed the rafting route successfully.

Scope of White Water Rafting in Rishikesh

It is said that in India, Rishikesh offers the best white water rafting possibilities. Three different stretches of the River Ganga, ranging from 9 km to 26 km, are open for rafting. So if you are seeking hardcore adventure or you are a beginner, white water rafting in Rishikesh is ideal for all; just choose your grade (stretch) properly.

Rishikesh is molded in the shadows of the flowing river Ganga. It is a puzzle, providing serenity, peace, and calm and an adrenalin rush at the same time, pretty similar to the flowing Ganga here which at places is calm and at places flows wild.

Author

Dipannita

A versatile writer and travel freak, discovering the world in her own casual way. Loves to immerse into the core of Mother Nature and extract her inherent beauty.