The challenge of the turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India`s mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams they race along tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids.

With the intricate network of mountain rivers flowing through a myriad of different colours of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.

The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practised mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it frothes and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients.

As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty.

There is, firstly, the pleasure of a gentle canoe trip in a lightweight alloy-metal craft which holds two to three people. The gradient best suited for canoeing is the stage near the river`s entry into the plains where the trip can be combined with moderate hiking and a naturalist holiday in the forest. For this, the suitable area are Rishikesh, Dakpathar and the Ramganga in Corbett National Park. For the slightly more adventurous, kayaking is appealing as it is tandem. The degree of difficulty would depend on the river gradient and its rapids.

The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus September-November and March-April-May are most appropriate. The equipment required is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting wet!