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Ganges River Rafting Tour

Perennial rivers like the Ganges (or Ganga) have been held in high regard by the Hindus in India. The sacred river originates in an ice cave in the Himalayas around 10,300 ft above sea level. There exists an intimate relationship between nature and the basis of the Indian system of beliefs. The Ganges (or the Ganga) is a religious icon and the source of all the spiritualism in India. The divine river find its mention in all the sacred scriptures of the Hindus including the Vedas, the Puranas, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Several interesting legends are associated with the Ganga, as per the Hindu mythology. It is along the Ganges that one can witness some of the most surreal scenes relating to Hindu customs and traditions. If you are looking for a living lesson on Hinduism, you need to get to the ghats and towns that are located along the banks of this revered river.

 

Course of the River Ganges :- The sacred Ganga has its origin in the Gangotri glacier of the Himalayan massifs. The holy river flows through the Northern Plains and empties itself finally in the Bay of Bengal. The river where it originates is referred to as Bhagirathi. The Ganga as it flows passes through a number of pilgrimage destinations in its upper reaches as well as when it descends down to the plains of northern India. The river, during its course, passes through the states of Uttaeakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. About 250 miles before it coalesces in the ocean, it gets divided into a number of streams and tributaries.

 

Pilgrimage Towns along the Ganges :- While it flows down from the mountains and descends down to the plains, the Ganges crisscrosses through a number of pilgrimage destinations and towns. In the state of Uttarakhand it flows through world famous pilgrimage destinations including Badrinath, Rishikesh and Haridwar. While crossing the states of Uttar Pardesh in Bihar it cuts its way through the ancient pilgrimage towns of Benares (Varanasi) and Prayag. Prayag, religiously known as the Triveni Sangam, is the place where the Ganges meets the River Yamuna. The ghats of Varanasi hold strong significance to the Hindu community.

 

Legends Associated with the Ganga :- How did Ganga originate, according to the Hindu mythology? Hindus believe that the sacred river came into being when Brahma washed the feet of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Vamana. According to legend, it was Bhagirata, who through his self-mortification, brought river Ganga down to earth. It was done with a view to purify the mortal remains of his ancestors. The earth in the beginning, it is believed, was unable to bear the force of this river. Seeing this the Gods pleaded Shiva to bear it on his matted locks. Thus, Shiva bore its force and brought down its energy. There are a number of other legends that narrate how River Ganges was originated.

 

Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations covered : Delhi - Rishikesh - Rudraprayag - Devprayag - Kaudiyala - Shivpuri - Rishikesh - Delhi.

Alaknanda River Expedition takes you close to the Himalayas. The expedition begins at Rudraprayag and sails to Rishikesh. The adventure down the Alaknanda and Ganges is a expedition of lifetime and graded as IV.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival at the airport you will be met by the Indian Holiday representative and transfered to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 : Delhi - Rishikesh - Shivpuri
Morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh and check into the camps at Shivpuri located on a large sandy beach on the banks of river Ganges. Afternoon a briefing at the camp of the activities and the trip to follow. Evening campfire would be organized. Overnight at Shivpuri

Day 03 : Shivpuri - Rudraprayag
Early morning you have the option to hike or take kayak lessons. After lunch proceed to Rudraprayag, enroute stop at Devprayag to see the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi which meet to form the Ganga. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 04 : Rudraprayag - Maletha Beach
Morning after breakfast get yourself ready to begin the expedition. A detailed safety briefing follows with instructions on paddling commands, rapids to be encountered etc. Expedition begins with a big Grade IV rapid, "The Holy Hole", at the confluence with the Mandakini. Rapids keep coming in quick succession.

Soak in the sun, river and scenery, staying alert to help negotiate rapids. Lunch at a waterfall and continue to make camp for the night after Srinagar. Long day on the river, covering about 36 river kms till Maletha beach. Campfire dinner and overnight at Maletha Beach.

Day 05 : Maletha Beach - Beas Ghat
Morning after breakfast raft down to Devprayag the confluence of the Alaknanda & Bhagirathi rivers. Camp at Beas Ghat, a famous fishing spot for the Mahseer also called the Ganga Gold. Overnight at Beas Ghat.

Day 06 : Beas Ghat - Kaudiyala
Your day begins with few rapids. A day for swimming, body surfing, relaxing and spotting wildlife. Make 30 kms to reach camp below Kaudiyala, after running a couple of Grade IV rapids, "Daniel's Dip" and "The Wall". Overnight at camp below Kaudiyala.

Day 07 : Kaudiyala - Shivpuri
Day begins with negotiating a few small rapids, followed by "Three Blind Mice", "Crossfire", and the "Body Surfing rapid". Cover 15 kms to reach Shivpuri and drive back to Silver Sands for the last night on river.

Day 08 : Shivpuri - Rishikesh - Delhi
Drive down to Shivpuri after breakfast to begin the final day's run with big rapids, the "Roller Coaster" and "Golf Course" to make it an exciting end to a grand adventure. The trip ends near Rishikesh-lunch and depart for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to Hotel. Overnight stay.

Udaipur

Mr.Shantanu (Tour Manager)
76, Ekling Nagar, Goverdhan Vilas, Udaipur - (Rajasthan) India.
Mobile No :- +91-9521480383 Customer Care 24 Hour Support 9509025926
Email Id :- [email protected]