River rafting @rishikesh
Monday, March 06, 2006

Been there,Done that.

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when i say Tee off,Golf Course, Double trouble,Three Blind Mice, Sweet Sixteen, Marine Drive, Cross Fire,roller coaster,The cashflow and the The initiation.I guess most of us would say these are random phrases that have no association with each other but that's not true .These are name of the rapids ,one would find at rishikesh while rafting.Now what are rapids?

A rapid is a section of a river where it loses elevation over a relatively short distance causing an increase in water flow and usually results in turbulence. river gets shallower and rocks get exposed above the flow surface. As flowing water splashes over and around the rocks, air bubbles become mixed in with it and the water takes on a white colour, forming what is called whitewater .

From what i've learnt from Discovery and National

geographic channel is that, the best place in this earth to enjoy rafting is the Colorado river(right pic) through grand canyons.Iam sure , if i get a chance to go to US ,then i would visit the place.That's been one of my US dreams ,Another being standing on brooklyn bridge facing towards the Manhattan skyline.Something i saw in so many hollywood flicks,that i can't help but thinking about it.

Coming back to rapids,these can be classified into 6 types

Class 1: An easy, slow-moving current
Class 2: small waves
Class 3: rapids have medium waves with some technical maneuvers required
Class 4: faster current, bigger waves ,very technical and scouting recommended
Class 5: very fast current, large waves and scouting is necessary
Class 6: virtually un-runnable, only attempted by professional racing teams

Roller coaster and double trouble are class 4 rapids and very very dangerous.The waves struck us so bad there,that for a moment it felt the water is going to topple the boat.We were thrown very high in the air .With rocks on the otherside of waves,it seemed like we're going to hit the rocks ,next moment .but i guess the instruction by our rescue technician "left back,right forward","left back,right forward" saved us .Let me tell you here .The raft is divided into two parts .6 people on left and 6 on right. I was the group leader of Left side and the people behind me were following my pedal movements.Left back means people at L.H.S would row towards back and R.H.S towards forwards .that swirls the boat towards right hand side . there are 7 rafting commands.The one we enjoyed most, was "hand on deck and relax".

In the middle we're allowed to body surf , which i must say is a great thrill . Specially for people who don't know swimming and want to know how it feels like . the body suits act like insulators to water and keep you afloat .

The total strech is 26 kms from malakunti ,that's where most people start their journey.and besides rafting one can indulge in cliff jumping,rappeling,trekking,beach volleyball,kayaking .This is one place that brings to close to nature and gives you an experience like never before. unarguably,this is the best way to spend your weekend ,if you happen to be a Delhite.

There is lot more to write.which of course would come later..for the time being ..enjoy the pics and if you ever get a chance to go to rishikesh . don't miss this for your life. It is the best kept secret of the Himalayan hills, now catching the fancy people in India and abroad.Spread over 100 acres.

Specialities :

Ayurvedic massages , yogic exercises ,meditation,sauna,hydrotherapy . Though a little bit expensive but then most good things come with a price tag. This is world's best spa.Officialy declared .Now. that says a lot about it, Isn't it

. Ananda in the himalayas

www.flickr.com

posted by Vj @ Monday, March 06, 2006,

9 Comments:

At March 07, 2006 10:20 AM, Ektz said...: Great Place! and great Pictures!!

Damn! i need to take a good long vacation and try white river rafting sometimes!
At March 07, 2006 5:54 PM, off-it said...: Hey there.. thank you for visiting mty space and linking to me .. find your link in my blogroll and i maybe coming to see where vj is this week :)

also check this thread http://knt.bouncyservers.co.uk/blog/?p=24 in my blog if u would please.. help support Global MSN Name Change Day.

greetings
off-it from off-itology :)
At March 08, 2006 3:22 AM, someone out there said...: hey man you have a real cool blog... nice pics and the info about rapids was real cool... you just gave me a great holiday idea :-)
At March 08, 2006 3:28 AM, Vj said...: @ektz --just 4 days would be enough
@off-it -enrolled for Global MSN Name Change Day already. thanks.
@someone out there - how about Solang valley . i hear they have paragliding sessions there. and it's near from chandigarh too..

Than you all for the comments
At March 27, 2006 8:08 AM, Rama Ananth said...: Great pictures.Would like to go river rafting .Nice space.
At June 12, 2006 1:09 PM, Rashi Jindal said...: Hey man ! Abs awesome Blogs maintained ! Well as u mite remember .. We did river rafting ths weekend at rishikesh together & i told u abt my tryst wth TCS !
Anyways Ur Travel escapades truly arouse any reader to go n Explore it all ! :p Wish to do it myself too & follow ur footsteps ! cheerz ! happy travels & adventures ahead !
At June 12, 2006 1:10 PM, Rashi Jindal said...: Hey man ! Abs awesome Blogs maintained ! Well as u mite remember .. We did river rafting ths weekend at rishikesh together & i told u abt my tryst wth TCS !
Anyways Ur Travel escapades truly arouse any reader to go n Explore it all ! :p Wish to do it myself too & follow ur footsteps ! cheerz ! happy travels & adventures ahead !
At April 20, 2007 3:44 AM, Dalvir said...: Hi Guys
Can anyone inform me about a good camp nearby Rishikesh for river rafting and other team building activities for corporate teams.
And the charges they take for that.
At July 19, 2010 11:55 PM, Spa Institute said...: Nice post. Thank you for sharing