White Water River Rafting

The rivers of Kumaon, Uttarankhand are inviting enough for both the amateur as well as the die-hard professional. One can opt for canoeing, kayaking or rafting, depending upon the nature of the water. Pit your will and skill against nature as you negotiate the rapids, manoeuvre the bends, speed along gorges and break into sparkling surf. After all, water sports are for those adventure seekers for whom land is not enough.

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 silvery 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 Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.

The sport of white water 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 forthes & foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients.

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!