Rafting At Rishikesh......the Ultimate adventure

 What Is Rafting:-

     Rafting is the highly adventurous sport of sailing through a river in an inflatable Raft, Involvs several levels of difficulties, Depending on how turbulent the river is. These ‘level’ of difficulties are categorized according to the presence of rapids, which evolve due to sudden plunges in the river height, and so because of rocks, small or large.

Rafting is a challenging but amazingly fun activity for adult and now a days for the grown children’s also. But you have to follow some point for your safety otherwise it will no more fun and becomes a tragedy. The points are as follows:-

         1.  Listen carefully to the instructor’s safety tips and keep it in mind.

        2. While white water(Rapids) comes it creates fear but river running done properly under professional guidance and with the right training.

       3.While you go for rafting just conform that you are using the appropriate equipment. The raft condition also to be in good condition. This is the prime duty of the agency providing the service.

        4.If you follow international safety and ecological norms (like tightening of the life jacket, using of helmet , use of paddle in danger condition) then it can be an extremely safe, enjoyable, and exciting adventure sport.  

   Generally, the start of rafting took 30 minutes for preparation for all member’s safety equipment ,Inflation of the Raft, and 15 minutes for explaining of the safety instructions. The above things are the most important things because most of the people doing rafting are non-swimmers.

Rapid During Rafting

Equipment for Rafting:-

A.  Rafts are inflatable boats made out of either multi-layered synthetic rubber (Hypalon) or vinyl fabric (PVC) Measurement 3.5m (11ft) and 6m (20ft) in length, and 1.8m (6ft) and 2.5m (8ft) in width) and are exceedingly durable.

B. Helmet 

C. Life Jackets.
D. Hard Paddles

Rafting At Rishikesh:-

     Rafting in Rishikesh is now very popular at the river of Ganges in recent years after spiritual activity. The rising demand for the sport has naturally led to the growth of several rafting tour operators in Rishikesh. It’s important to partner with the right company to have a good experience.

On The Day Of Rafting:-

      In the early morning, the rafting Agency people come to the gate of the Hotel. Usually, they are making a Group of 8 people for one ride. Exactly at 6.30 AM, our vehicle moves to Shivpuri. As we have taken the package from Shivpuri to Laxmanjhula (11KM). After 40 minuted we reached to Shivpuri. When all members gathered the agent provide us all the safety equipment. Then we move forward to the riverside. What a climate that was! In the morning besides the riverside of Ganga full of Oxygenated air and splendid view.

At the gathering Point

On the way to River Belt

As it was our 1st time for rafting we were a little bit excited and also fear what is going to happen with us. 

   At last, we reached the start point. The instructor cum pilot came with the RAFT. He started the safety instructions for 15 minutes. Then he arranged all the material, instruct all the members to sit as per the weight and height for balance. There are about 6 major rapids in between Shivpuri to Laxman Jhula. I was at the front of the raft , our raft starts sailing towards the destination. We all carefully obeying the instruction of the pilot. When the first rapid came we start forcefully paddling against the water force. During this time the heartbeat runs as faster as it can due to fear and secretion of extensive Adrenalin. Anyhow, we crossed the first rapid, and then on the was we gone through some small rapids. Now it was the time of the second rapid, due to the faulty pedal movement of one of our members we suddenly pulled by the current towards a large rock. At that time with the instruction of the pilot, I just stuck my paddle to the rock and changed our direction. It was just like a breathtaking moment for us. After some moment the water flow was quiet and we came across the maggie point. 

Jumping In to the river

Before the Maggie Point

At maggie point, you can take rest and have some break with eating hot maggie near the chilled environment. Then again we started rafting. Crossed the 3rd and 4th rapid easily. Here the pilot told us to jump to the water by holding the raft rope in hand end enjoy the water. as we wear the safety jacket we started floating on the river water. It was a completely different experience for a non-swimmer like me. Anyhow the last rapid was not so difficult for us to cross. After crossing all the hurdles I realized that all the control was done by the pilot, we just do all the hard work for our excitement.  After 1.30 Hour we reached Laxmanjhula ghat with the great experience which can't be forgotten.

There are so many Agencies, providing the rafting facilities at Rishikesh. But always prefer the experienced facility provider with the best quality instructor and pilots.