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Water Sports in Uttaranchal

The rivers of Uttaranchal are inviting enough for both the amateur as well as the die -hard professional. One can opt for Canoeing, Kayaking or Rafting, depending on the nature of the water. Pit your will and skill against nature as you negotiate the rapids, maneuver 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. Adventure seekers like you.

WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING
The challenge of the turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rigged 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 colors of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.

The sport of White Water River 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 froths & foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky out-crops and falls at deep gradients. As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty. There is, firstly, the pleasure of a gentle canoe trip in a lightweight alloy-metal craft, which holds two to three people. The gradient best suited for canoeing is the stage near the river's entry into the plains where the trip can be combined with moderate hiking and a naturalist' holiday in the forest. For this, the suitable areas are Rishikesh, dakpathar and the Ramganga in Corbett national park.

For the slightly more adventurous, Kayaking is appealing as it enables innovation on the river by a solitary oarsman of two, seated in tandem, the degree of difficulty would depend on the river radiant and its rapids. Maneuver 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. Adventure seekers like you.

The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus September-November and March- May are most appropriate. The equipment required is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting wet. In Garhwal region the sacred river Ganga offers the professional as well as the amateur the exhilaration of white water rafting. The Alaknanda & Bhagirath are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet at Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are of grade IV to V, challenging the expert to savor the thrill.

Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes into a pool drop river. The stretch of almost 70 kms. is perfect for amateur and the novice, for here the river offers some fine Grade III rapids and two Grade iv Golf Course' 4 kms. Below Shivpuri Village; each followed by rapids, the 'Wall' at byasi and the deep and placid pools. Sandy beaches line the river at intervals. Allowing river rafters to pull up alongside.

The slopes on either side are covered with oak pine spruce and fir. With the occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Wildlife is visible at a distance. Comprising mainly of spotted deer, monkey, leopard, while multi-hued butterflies flit among flowering bushes. Spiritual and ashrams overlook the river and add to the spiritual experience.

RAFTING IN KUMAON
In Kumaon, the Kail Ganga (sharda) flows down from the Nepal border through kumaon hills. The kail and Gori Rivers meet at Jauljibi where the water volume increases. Offering adventure to professionals. For over 117 kms. from Jauljibi to Tanakpur its rapids are grad iv and more, the tough 3 day of rafting should be done by professionals Lower down among the frosted slopes.

The river become calmer offering the amateur a sporting the amateur a sporting challenge before flowing out into the plains of Uttaranchal Mahakali Ganga river flows along the border between India and Nepal a self contained river journey as and Expedition or mega trip up to Tanakpur can be undertaken.

POTENTIAL SITES FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING CANOEING & KAYAKING IN GARHWAL

RIVER YAMUNA :
Barkot to Bernigad . Both professional and tourist stretch Mori to tuni (khoonigad ) 30 kms tourist stretch .

RIVER ALAKNANDA :
Kaliasaur to Srinagar -16 kms .Tourist stretch Srinager to Bagwan - 20kms.Tourist stretch. Kaliasaur to Rishikesh.

RIVER BHAGIRATHI:
Matli to Dunda - 12kms. Both professional and tourist stretch Harsil to Uttarkashi Dhaeasu to chham-12kms. Both professional and tourist stretch. Jangla to Jhala-20 kms. Both professional stretches.

RIVER MANDAKINI:
Chandraqpuri to Rudraprayag 26 kms. professional stretch.

IN KUMAON:
RIVER MAHA KALI:
Jaulibi to Tanakpur.

KAUDIYALA RAFTERS CAMP

GMVN conducts river-rafting courses at Kaudiyala. They provide rafts, equipment, riverside camping items beside all safety precautions and trained guides who make the sport a pleasure. Nestled amongst the dense Rishikesh- Badrinath highway at an altitude of 380 mts., here the mighty water of Ganga are ideal for white water rafting there is also ample opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. Natural walks along the river are a real treat and for adventure lovers rock climbing can be arranged.


Important Distances:
Dehradun ( 78 kms.)
Haridwar (62 kms)
Rishikesh (37 kms.) &
Delhi (260kms.)

RAIL:
Rishikesh is nearest railhead (38 kms.)

AIR:
Jolly Grant is the nearest airport (55 kms.)

RESCUE:
Every raft for river running is equipped with a first aid box and other essential life saving devices which are essential part of rafting sports . All rafting companies have a panel of doctors in case of any eventuality. HOSPITALS: Govt. Hospital & Private Hospital run by trusts.

WATER SPORTS IN STILL WATERS ASAN BARRAGE WATER SPORTS RESORT
GMVN has developed a water sports resort at asan barrage. The resort is only 43kms. Drive from Dehradun- Chandigarh- Shimla highway, with water sports facilities like water skiing, sailing, boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, etc there are also two hovercrafts and two power boats. For migratory birds can be sighted in the vicinity. 14kms. From asan barrage is dakpathar, an aquatic complex with a swimming pool, located at the foothills of Shivalik hills and on the bank of river Yamuna. The tourist bungalow here is also an ideal resort in winters.

NAINITAL LAKE PARADISE:
In the beautiful "lake district" of Nainital, facilities of boating through yachts, paddle boats and traditional rowing bots are available. The Nanital boathouse club exclusively holds the man agreement of yachting in Nainital. In Nainital district, Sat Tal, Bhim Tal, and Naukuchiyatal also have water sport &boating facilities.

NANAK SAGAR MATTA:
In district Udhamsingh Nagar of U. P. hills is a place known as Nanaksagar. The total area of the reservoir is approximately 18 sq. mtr. The place is suitable for water sports activities. The various activities for water sports which can be organized in this reservoir are water skiing, yachting, boating, canoeing, kayaking, wet parasailing etc. the large size of the reservoir is thus suitable for water sports activities throughout the year, particularly in the winter months. The place being nearer to the Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh etc. can attract large number of water sports loving tourists also.

ACCCESSIBILITY:
RAIL: Nearest railhead 15kms. away from Khatima distance from Naintal 119 kms.
Airport: nearest air strip is Pantnagar . (62kms)

Season :
Round the year (except monsoon)



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