River Rafting in India
SIKKIM
Lepchas, the first known inhabitants of Sikkim, aptly call their mountain home Paradise. Here you are surrounded by tropical forests with 600 species of orchids and 46 varieties of rhododendrons, apart from a colourful palette of flora and fauna that paint the landscape a real masterpiece. Waterfalls splash down mountains and power prayer wheels. Tidy hamlets with prayer flags flapping in the breeze and cultivated terraced fields occupy idyllic valleys with the majestic Kanchenjunga watching over all.
White water rafting is a late entrant to adventure sport in Sikkim. Only the Teesta and Rangit rivers offer long stretches which are ideal for safe rafting. Teesta has been graded on the International scale at Grade 4. The icy cold waters of the rugged Teesta have a series of rapids with varying intensity and character. It offers one of the finest rafting stretches in the world. Rangit, a tributary of the Teesta, has more turbulent waters and offers a challenge to more experienced rafters.
On both the rivers, the riverbanks have deep forests, with some patches of terraced cultivation, and small villages. Plenty of white sandy beaches exist, offering good campsites. Rapids of classification 2 to 4 are interspersed with placid floats, making rafting an enjoyable experience. Facilities for overnight River beach camping is available.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
From the Class VI "Tooth Fairy" rapids to long stretches of peaceful floating, the 180-kilometer rafting run on the Siang River in Arunachal offers some of the best whitewater in the world. Between massive rapids, the expedition also offers tranquil paddling between swathes of virgin rainforest, where canyons sweep across the landscape and silvery beaches lie along the banks. |
