White-water rafting is a high-altitude, high adrenaline water adventure that has few other adventure sports matching its unique excitement and thrill! The turbulent water, the uncontrollable speeds, and the challenge of making it over the churning rapids is a hair-raising high that has one raring to go!

White water rafting has not really caught on as an adventure sport in India yet, signs indicate that this adventure sport is fast being recognized for its excitement, novelty and thrill. The risks are as high as the waves that sweep you, and your life depends on a fragile, inflatable rubber raft or dinghy! And yet, more and more are turning to this soaking adventure experience for its unmatchable thrill!

For engaging in this adventure sport in India, you need to meet certain levels of fitness. You need to be mentally and physically fit. Patients of cardiac or mental ailments should not try a hand at rafting. Expectant mothers, children below the age of 14 should be cautious while undertaking this activity.

India has a host of rivers and plenty of locations that are ideal for white water rafting. Most of the water rafting destinations are located in the Himalayas, and the River Ganges is the most popular of them all. Several camps are organized along the 70-km stretch from Devprayag to Rishikesh. Rapids have been graded according to the difficulty of their run. The rivers Yamuna, Tons, Kalisor, Alaknanda, Bhilangana, Mandakini and Bhagirathi offer many stretches, both for professionals as well as amateur rafters. Other ranges in Ladakh and Sikkim also offer great river stretches for rafting.

There is no particular best time can be marked for rafting in India since the flow and fury of various rivers are individual. However, on the whole the months from May to November are the best months for the adventure seekers to indulge in rafting.

Permits or licenses are required for rafting in the restricted areas. The consulate office of India in your country, or the Ministry of Home Affairs, foreigners' regional registration offices (FRRO) may be contacted for seeking the prior permission.

The following guidelines will prove to be help in planning your adventure white water rafting holiday:

• The credibility and reputation of the organizers

• Qualifications and experience of the navigator

• Ensure that the raft is not overloaded as it may prove to be dangerous

• Dress appropriately with safety helmets and rescue jackets

• Calculate and decide upon the stretch according to the grading of the river before taking to the water

• Learn how to breathe while under a rapid or when you are submerged

• Consider the length of run and your level of physical fitness

• Speed up and fix the runs as are comfortable.

• Get the medical fitness test done before hand

• Carry the necessary medicines

• Gain proper training of handling the oar and the other equipments.

• Consider the level of difficulty with your physical fitness Participate in peak climbing or high-altitude trekking as may be comfortable.

• Protect the environment and do not pollute the water.

The experience of white water rafting is truly a hair raising and unforgettable experience that will have you raring to go for your next water vacation. Even amateurs can try their hand at the easier rapids, for latest safety equipment makes it possible even for non-swimmers to undertake an expedition without fear. So welcome to the terrific rivers of India!

Book Your Tour