The Thrill Of White Waters: The Best Places for River Rafting in India

White water rafting is one of the most captivating as well as physically demanding adventure sports around the world. Best places for river rafting in India are limited to the hills in the North. Rivers originating from the Himalayas like Ganges, Teesta, Brahmaputra, Indus and Zanskar flow towards the plains, gushing between steep gorges and densely forested hills. Tumbling down in swift currents across boulder strewn beds, these fast flowing rivers provide a high-action adrenaline rush like no other.

Rishikesh

The mystique of the holy Ganges is intricately interwoven in the social fabric of Indian culture. It is also a powerful and fearsome force of nature plummeting from the towering heights of the mighty mountain range. River rafting on the Ganges is an experience of a lifetime. Bhagirathi and Alaknanda, the northern tributaries of the river, offer high graded rapids. Rishikesh is, however, one of the best places to raft on the Ganga. The 16 kilometre stretch from Shivpuri to Laxman Jhula has rapids of all grades and with interesting names like Return To Sender, Roller Coaster, Three Blind Mice, Double Trouble and Golf Course. When I first heard of “Return to Sender” I wondered aloud if that was their idea of warning rafters that we might not live to tell the tale this time? But wait till you hit “The Wall”! Most rafts hit the wall and overturn. Only very skilful manoeuvring and hard rafting can save the day here. The currents are so strong that once in the water, you get sucked right in for more than a couple of seconds. The good part about river rafting at Rishikesh is that people with no skill and zero experience can try their hand at it.

Brahmaputra

Snuggled in a remote corner of the world, the ferocious Brahmaputra is perhaps one of the most challenging rivers. It weaves its course from Tibet, cutting its way through the highest mountain range in the world, forming deep trenches and dangerous gorges along the way. The water gushes down at a high speed to reach the plains at Pasighat where it eventually becomes placid. This rafting experience provides a great insight into the river valley and the tribal way of life. Rare Siberian migratory birds, Ganges river dolphins, tribal villages and dense jungles are expected sightings along the way. To reach the northern Brahmaputra, one has to take a boat from Dibrugarh to Pasighat and then drive up to Tuting with the river tumbling on one side and dense tropical forests on the other. Tuting is the entry point of the Brahmaputra in to India and here is where the fun begins. Rafters encounter the magnificent Brahmaputra in all its glory. We begin by navigating several Grade III and IV rapids including the huge Pango rapid to reach the legendary Marmong and Ningguing gorges. These gorges are set amidst deep impenetrable jungles and lofty hills. The Zebra Rock, Roaring Rikor, Moying Madness, and Tooth Fairy are all top grade rapids that require expert skill and experience to negotiate. If you are a first timer, make sure you are rafting with skilled rafters and the latest equipment. It's a 180 kilometre stretch from Tuting to the pristine white river beach at Pasighat where the journey ends.

Ladakh (Zanskar)

Ladakh is a surreal land. The snow-capped peaks and grey mountains are dauntingly beautiful. This desolate landscape dotted with green meadows, colourful hilltop monasteries and hamlets by the hillside present a paradisical picture. Ladakh also offers many scenic and swift flowing rivers and streams. In recent years, this heavenly place has become one of the top destinations for lovers of white water rafting. Many argue that this is one of the best places for river rafting in the world! The Zanskar gorge is simply spectacular. The sheer walls of the gorge rise thousands of feet from the river bed into oblivion. The river offers several rapids up to Grade V and passes through some very rough terrain and remote places. River Indus offers popular rafting points from Phey to Nimo, Upshi to Nimo and Upshi to Kharu. Nimo is the confluence point of Indus and Zanskar rivers where the jade waters of the first mixes with the mud coloured waters of the second. White water rafting in Ladakh is also the best way to experience the incomparable beauty of the region.

Sikkim

The rivers of Sikkim sparkle and beckon with the promise of a passage through some of the most beautiful riverside landscape of the Himalayan region. The rugged Teesta and turbulent Rangit offer multi-dimensional rapids ranging from Grade I-IV. Some of these thundering rapids are challenging to even the most expert rafters. Melli in Sikkim is the starting point for river rafting, easily accessed by road from Gangtok. These rivers serve both amateurs and professionals. First timers have the option of half a day of rafting over low waters and amid scenic beauty of north east India. The experienced hands can try and tame the bigger and rougher rapids. The river rages over rocks and crags, churning and frothing its way down to the plains making it perfect for both oar and paddle white water rafting. The river winds through deep forests interrupted in patches by terraced cultivation or small villages. The thrill of riding on the white waters of untamed rivers is an experience that little else can match. The mighty rivers flowing down from the unchallenged height of the Himalayas across high cliff suspended gorges and flanked by lush greenery make India the go-to destination for river rafting. Hordes of adventure loving tourists from all over the world come to India to test and tame its rivers. The remote locations add to the adventure where trekking up hills to visit mountain hamlets and hilltop monasteries and studying exquisite flora and fauna in dense tropical forests becomes part of the experience.