The Ganga, especially, is the river of India, beloved of her people, round which are intertwined her memories, her hopes and fears, her songs of triumph, her victories and her defeats. She has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization, ever changing, ever flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga.


Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, born in Allahabad on the Ganges.

What makes river rafting in Ganges unique is that it takes on forms that delight both the novice and the professional. GIO's river rafting trips on the Ganges vary from gentle sightseeing floats to ones involving some of the most exciting and exacting rapids. From Grade IV rapids like the "Wall" and "Golf Course" to the wide expanses of deep green placid pools.

Base for this program : Rishikesh - Shivpuri
Rishikesh, lying at the foothills of the Himalayas and with the Ganges flowing right through it, is the spiritual capital of India. It gained international acclaim as the place where the Beatles met Maharishi Yogi. Rishikesh has tourists coming from all over the globe to visit the numerous ashrams and bathing ghats that dot the riverbank. Rishikesh is flooded with centres teaching yoga, meditation and ancient medical techniques. It is a great place for adventure sports too. 18 kms from Rishikesh is this quaint village of Shivpuri. Here, situated by the riverbank and surrounded by dense forests is Camp GIO, an ideal retreat for adventure and spiritual endeavours.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Best Time: October - May


Day 1 :
Report at the Adventure in IndiaRiverside camp at Shivpuri by 1300 hrs. After lunch, depart for Marine Drive (10 kms). Explore the beautiful surroundings and attend a briefing on river rafting techniques. The group would then raft down to the camp. Relax in the tranquil surroundings of the camp and soak in the natural beauty. In the night, enjoy a sumptuous dinner by the riverside, dancing and singing around the bonfire, gazing at the star-studded sky and listening to the music of the mountains.

Day 2 :
After breakfast, set out on rafts for Rishikesh. The Shivpuri - Rishikesh stretch is 16 kms and will be negotiated at a leisurely pace. Lunch to be served on one of the many picturesque beaches en route. At this pit stop one can swim in the green placid waters, play a game of beach football or take a stroll in the surrounding forest. Complete the stretch to Rishikesh, load the rafts on to the jeep and return to the camp. In the night bonfire and dinner by the riverside.

Day 3 :
After breakfast, the group can proceed to their onward destination.