Rafting rush in Ganga at Rishikesh |
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May 6th, 2005, 15:05
| #1 |
| Senior Member  Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Dehra Dun (Uttaranchal)
Posts: 152
| Rafting rush in Ganga at Rishikesh Rafting rush in Ganga at Rishikesh Raju Gusain Rishikesh, May 3, Rafting companies here are experiencing a good season after a long time. What's more, they are even looking forward to a busy trekking schedule. Mandip Singh Soin, Vice President, 'Adventure Tours Operators Association of India' told HT over phone call from New Delhi, "Tourism industry in India has witnessed overall 20 percent increase this time. The Nepal crisis too played marginal role in this hike. But it was mainly due to the effective 'Increditable India' campaign." Rishikesh is a popular destination among rafting lovers. It is especially a big hit among diplomats and executives.Most private rafting companies here indicate 20 to 30 percent increase this year. Incidentally, there are some 30 rafting companies in Rishikesh. The rafting season is of eight-month, which begins from October and goes on till May. YS Pundir, Manager, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) rafting camp at Kaudiyala, disclosed, " Last year 11,69 tourists visited our camp and this time we have conducted rafting for 1305 tourists. At this rate… we expect to cross over 1500 mark by the end of the rafting season." The GMVN is an autonomous organisation of the State Government. Sharing similar experience, Vipin Sharma, owner of Red Chilli Adventure, said, "The rafting season was great this time. I received an additional 20 percent business." It is an unforgettable experience to raft down the sacred river Ganga. Sandy beaches line the river to make the setting picture postcard like. With the slopes on either side are covered with oak, pine, spruce and fir. Incidentally, rafting companies generally offer three packages: Kaudiyala to Muni-Ke-Reti (35 kms), Marine Drive to Muni-Ke-Reti (26 kms) and Shivpuri to Muni-Ke-Reti run (12 kms). But the Shivpuri to Muni-Ke-Reti run is the most popular among visitors. The easy accessibility of Rishikesh from the national capital too has played a vital role in popularizing this destination.Giving another reason for the growing popularity of the sport, Rajiv Tiwari, Director of the 'Great Himalayan Explorer', says, "The rafting rates are very economical. In fact due to cutthroat competition among companies the rafting package offered in Rishikesh is possibly the most economical in India. "The 12 kms rafting run from Shivpuri to Muni-Ke-Reti could cost as little as Rs 450 per person. With a good ongoing rafting season, tour operates here are looking forward to a similar trekking season this year
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May 10th, 2005, 20:38
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