Melange of Tales

Day: March 19, 2020

  • Rishikesh – Adventure Water Sports in Ganges

    Rishikesh – Adventure Water Sports in Ganges

    The words ‘water sports’ and ‘adventure’ when put together bring me the memories of Rishikesh and the mighty Ganges. Rishikesh is the finest and safest place for adventure and gives nothing but pure adrenaline rush for people who crave for it. All kinds of adventure water sports are conducted in Byasi which is around 30 kms from Rishikesh.

    River rafting in Ganges
    Ganga and Goodness

    How to get to Rishikesh?

    Flights: Delhi -> Dehradun (45 minutes – 1 hour)
    Bus/Car: Delhi -> Dehradun (6 hours)

    Bus/Cab: Dehradun -> Rishikesh (1.5 hours by road)
                  Rishikesh -> Byasi (1.5 hours by road)

    NOTE: Shared maxi-cabs can be availed from Laxman Jhoola Main Road in Rishikesh to Byasi for Rs.80/person.

    Whom to approach for Adventure Sports?

    When I had gone to Rishikesh a friend from UrbanARCKS helped us get in touch with Camp Rapid Runner. Their site is located in Haridwar-Rishikesh-Badrinath road in Byasi. The owner’s name is Praveen Singh and you can find his contact here.

    NOTE: There are many other companies running adventure sports, but I have given information about the company with whom I personally experienced adventure water sports in Rishikesh.

    What is the Cost for Adventure Sports in Ganges?

    We were a group of 10 friends who went to Camp Rapid Runner and we got a deal of Rs. 2000/- per person for a day’s stay which included many adventure water activities and 3 times food for a day.

    NOTE: I’d suggest you talk to the owner directly rather than booking through any booking websites so that it costs you less.

    Camp Rapid Runners Vehicle
    The vehicle that commuted us from the camp to the river rafting start point

    What are the Adventure Water Sports in Ganges?

    1. River rafting (16 kms / 30 kms)
    2. Kayaking
    3. Cliff jumping
    4. Swimming
    NOTE: Bungee jumping bookings are to be made prior to a month during holidays and it also doesn’t fall under the ambit of adventure water sports.

    Byasi swimming
    Swimming to reach the cliff jumping point

    How was the experience?

    We reached the stay in the afternoon. The camp was clean, had 3 beds in a room and had umpteen number of charging points. There were AC and Non-AC rooms.

    Camp Rapid Runners
    Camp Rapid Runner

    On the evening of the first day we were taken to the Ganges river which was at a trekking distance of 500 meters from the camp. We started with kayaking, followed by cliff jumping and then swimming. This was all safe and it is not necessary that you should know how to swim because you will be given a life jacket. We were engaged in these water activities a day prior so as to get accustomed to the water when we do the 16 kms river rafting the next day.

    White Water River Rafting

    River Rafting in Ganges
    All set for white water river rafting in Ganga

    I had earlier done river rafting at Dandeli which was for few hundred meters but doing it in Ganges was mind blowing and so much fun. Initially we were scared seeing the river but then when we were asked to jump inside the river holding the ropes surrounding the raft we screamed in the thrill of enjoyment. I never knew jumping into Ganga would be so much fun until I did it.

    River rafting in Ganga
    Get Set Go

    Our phones, spectacles and valuables were all kept in a bag safely in the raft. It was just us with our paddles/oars. We were given a 10-minute instruction by the raft lead before we started the adventurous ride.

    Rishikesh river rafting
    Before we are asked to jump into the so called ‘Black Money Rapid’

    What to wear while rafting?

    1. Quick dry shorts/t-shirts
    2. Sunscreen
    3. Flip-flops (any sandals that can preferably be stuffed in the raft while rafting)

    Pictures and videos will be taken by raft leads using a Go-Pro at an additional cost of Rs.500 per raft which is totally worth it.

    I am somebody who craves for adrenaline rush and the adventure sports at Rishikesh gave me the thrill and experience of a lifetime.

    You can find more of my adventures here.

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