 |
RAFTING IN GARHWAL
 |
|
Uttaranchal became
the 27th state of the Republic of India on the 9th of
November 2000. The State is carved out of Uttar Pradesh. It
occupies 17.3% of India’s total land area with 51,125 sq.
km. It has a population of about 6.0 million at 94.4 per sq.
km. It borders Tibet, Nepal, Himachal Pradesh.
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. |
 |
WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING
 |
|
The challenge of the
turbulent 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 silverly 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 practiced 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.
As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting
too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of
difficulty.
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 area are Rishikesh, dakpathar and the
Ramganga in Corbett National Park. For the slightly more
adventurous, kayaking is appealing as it tandem. The degree of
difficulty would depend on the river gradient and its rapids.
The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of
water volume. Thus 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 !
|
|
