A lot has been said about river rafting in Rishikesh. In fact, recently, the sporting activity and several beach campsites were under the National Green Tribunal's eye for violating norms. But that is not why I am writing this piece; I am writing it to talk about how river rafting in Rishikesh changed the way I perceive things and look at a few things in life. Okay, okay, I am not going to be overly dramatic and say it changed my life but it was something alright.
First off, let me tell you how to go about the whole thing because somehow when I was researching online, I didn't come across many sites that were very informative.
- You have to go to one of the gazillion adventure sports centres and book yourself the experience. It should cost you around Rs 400-600. That's all. It is advisable you do this instead of going all the way down towards Shivpuri village and then booking something. Ask your hotel for more information.
- It is completely safe and you will be made to go through a drill before getting into a raft. Nobody is allowed onto the river without life jackets, provided by the company.
From the moment you start paddling the raft into the river, a thrill settles and takes over. The adrenaline rush is something incomparable, the high like nothing else. You are all set to raft 16 kilometres, or longer, down the river and all you shall see around you are high cliffs, greenery, the lapping water and the wide sky.
It is amazing to think that an adventure sports activity can bring you as much peace as it can fetch excitement. And excitement comes your way in the form of the many rapids that you meet on the stretch. As far as grades of the rapids are concerned, they are relatively easy - between grades one and three - and reasonably adventurous. I rafted from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, down rapids like Roller Coaster and Double Trouble.
There are stretches where, after a nod from your guide, you can just just into the river and swim away. For those who can't swim, there are ropes you can hold onto and float along. If you do the full 36 kilometer course from Kaudiyala, brace yourself for The Wall, a grade four rapid and the most challenging that Rishikesh has to offer.
I will probably not be able to explain in as many words why the clarity that comes during and after the experience is so enriching and exhilarating, but I strongly recommend going to Rishikesh and experiencing the adventure yourself.
You would wonder why people do drugs at all.
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