Rishikesh - Rafting on the Ganges

October 18, 2008.

Ready for some rafting!!!

I woke up all eager to start the day. I had met up with my Israeli friends, Orly and Eyal, whom I met at Delhi on the last day, before I left to Rishikesh. We had written a few emails to each other and had already decided in Delhi that we'd meet in Rishikesh, sometime this week. As time went by, it was hard to find their hotel, and I thought we wouldn't meet. But finally, I had managed to locate their hotel, it had been called something else and had only recently changed their name, thereby making it hard to locate both by word of mouth and on the net. It was a great pleasure to finally get to meet them, and it's a special feeling to meet your friends for a second time in a complete new environment. Once again, re-united for at least a day or two.


Rafting on the Ganges has recently become very popular, as it offers some good rapids. I had read about it in my guide book, LonelyPlanet, and was very eager to try it out. So the day before I had been around to several different travel companies asking for the best rate. My friends were eager to join and try it as well, and we had found an even better rate, cosidering our group had increased to a number of six people. The price, 550 rs, ca 93kr, per head for 26km rafting. Excellent!


And so, today, 0830, we meet at the second bridge, Lakshman Juula, for a jeep ride up the mountains 26km north. The jeep was old, one that lacked power steering, and had some old tires on it. The ride took us up the moutains, following the Ganges, and it was an intersting ride up, seeing the constant construction work, the amount of traffic, and the way people drive, on the mountains, not the safest mind you. There was the occasional cow here and there too. After surviving the adventrure ride up and down the moutains, playing chicken several times with some big trucks and buses, and being in a near scratch with another car, we arrived to the river bank safely. "Manali Drive" was the starting point. There were a total of 14-15 rapids, of which only 3-4 of them were Class 3 and 4 rapids. It was peacefull to be out, away from the crowds, and closer to nature. Once the boats were inflated we recieved a short introduction to rafting, describing the general terms used to directing the group. Life jackets checked, and helmets on, we entered the boat. The calm of the river in some portions made it for very smooth sailing, as if just enjoying an evening ride on a lake. The first few rapids proved to be baby rapids, and I yearned for something more exciting, and before I knew it, we hit a big one, and the rush of adrenaline came at an instance, as you wave through the water, feeling the power of nature. Once out, and completly soaked, we continued our trip down the river. We hit several more strong rapids and small ones, and at one point we were allowed to jump into the water and hold the boat and swim. Of course it was in the calm segments of the ride. The crisp coldness of the water was a welcome calmness to the amount of blood rushing through your body. Halfway through the ride, we stopped by a river bank and went up the street to grab a bite to eat. Scrambled eggs and bread, a great breakfest and a much needed energy boost. Half an hour later, we continued our trip and enjoyed the strength of the ganges as well as its smoothness. There was another point where you could jump in the river and free float in the Ganges, and the feeling was amazing. Floating and enjoying the view around, letting the river take you whereever it takes you. Freedom in a sense. A few minutes of that, and feeling the chill of the river to the bones, it was time to get up on the boat and continue. Another highlight was when you could jump from a cliff, about 5-6 meters above the river. The whole rafting was a great highlight of Rishikesh, and a great way to finish this part of my journey. And to enjoy this great day with my friends, made it even more special, one that will remain with me for the longest time. I would definitly love to go rafting again, as I see now why it is soo exciting. It was once again great to meet Orly and Eyal, friends who have a kindness that radiates naturally from within, and who are very easy to befriend, because of their kind nature.