Jun 12, 2007 03:41 PM
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Rishikesh, when you hear the name of this place what comes in your mind. Mighty Ganges, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and string of temples?
Did you say, adventure, fun in lap of our very own mother nature? Yes that’s the new Rishikesh for all of us. Arrival of adventure sports has just changed the image of this place.
If you are looking for a break and want to have some adventure then a River rafting trip to Rishikesh is what you are looking for.
I have been to such a trip recently and it was one of my best vacations. I chose a camp stay just at banks of Ganga packed with River rafting and few other sports like Rock climbing, Repealing, which cost us some where 2800/person. If you could devote some time in research you can get much cheaper deals as well.
Its very important the inquire and confirm you itinerary from your travel agent for your camp.
And you have two options to plan your trip. Either you chose to stay in camp and take their planned package or you can stay in Rishikesh or few other hotels and guest houses scattered in the stretch of 30-40 KM from Rishikesh. KMVM has very good guest houses offered on quite inexpensive rates.
There are a lot of travel agents who offer River rafting trip Starting from Marine Drive till Rishikesh.This is a 25 KM stretch divided into two phase: Marine Drive to Shivpuri and Shivpuri to Rishikesh. You experience rapids from grade1 till grade 4.Golf course and Rollercoaster are the most thrilling ones.
River rafting is close in rainy season and winters. It advisable to go in the month of March, April or early October.
Staying in camps is one of the experience. Away from all modes of communication, electricity and all electronic mediums of entertainment. There you are very close to yourself to sit and stare clear sky with bright stars. All the time you got to hear the rhythmic roaring of the river.
We started our journey by car early in the morning from Delhi and reached around 4 our destination “Beach resort” near Shivpuri.7-8 hours but as roads are not very good in UP you have to sacrifice few more hour in journey.
We got a decent welcome from the camp manger and he showed us our tent. Tent were occupied with two beds and a table, candle and mosquito repellent.
After the refreshment we enjoyed a game of basket ball followed by bonfire. Luckily we meet a group which was full of entertainers, we enjoyed playing few games with them. eventually most of the groups and family staying there joined in which doubled our fun.
We started our rafting trip from our camp till Rishikesh. The nature has thrown few of her jewels on this stretch. White shiny sand, black rocks and green water of ganges creates magic on the way. The trip was full of adventure and we had fun rafting in big rapids.
The instructor gives you enough information to be ready for the fun but taking security measures seriously is a must.
After rafting we enjoyed rappelling and rock climbing but it was very tiring to club all the sports one day. We enjoyed a peace full evening and a clam stay for one more night and headed back to Delhi next morning.
It was one of the experiences to have a trip like this….and I know even next time if I’ll find myself looking for fun, adventure and peace together, I’ll be heading…… Rishikesh.
