Page 191 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

UT T AR PR ADESH & UT T AR AKHAND  189

8 River Tour Along the Ganges

From September to April, the Ganges, swollen by the
monsoon rains of the upper catchment areas, becomes
a torrent, gushing over rocky boulders as it hurtles out
of the mountains to the plains. During this period a few
stretches of rapids, where the flow is rough but safe,
become a popular circuit for enthusiasts of white-water
rafting. Only organized tours, run by certified experts, are
allowed. For the less adventurous, a scenic driving tour
meanders through this valley of the sages, whose ashrams The Ganges flowing serenely
nestle in the surrounding forests along the holy river. through a forested valley

Gangotri

Devprayag

The Wall rapids
1 Kaudiyala 2 Marine Drive J J
The most popular This camp site is named after a
starting point of Mumbai promenade (see p462), Three Blind
the river tour, famous for its views. J Mice rapids
Kaudiyala has
camp sites on Ganges
the river bank.
Golf Course rapids
3 Shivpuri
One of the most
scenic camp sites,
Shivpuri also has the
beautiful Glasshouse on
Haridwar the Ganges, offering
splendid views
of the river.
Key
4 Brahmapuri
This camp is also the Tour route
location of an ashram, one Road
of many along the Ganges. River
0 kilometres 10
5 Lakshman Jhula 0 miles 5
A modern suspension
bridge (jhula) across the Tips for Rafters
Ganges, replaced the old rope
bridge in 1929. This lies at the Length: 36 km (22 miles).
northern end of Rishikesh, and Getting around: Rafting can be
offers fine views of the river. done over two or three days, with
night halts at camps situated at
Kaudiyala, Marine Drive, Shivpuri
and Brahmapuri. A shorter tour
6 Rishikesh of the same stretch can also be
An ancient spiritual centre, done in one day. For organized
Rishikesh is serenely located tours, tour operators and
on the banks of the Ganges equipment hire (see p731).
amid lush, wooded hills.

For keys to symbols see back flap

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