Another vacation come and gone, and my
family thinks this is the best one we ever had. I could also
not agree more, as I look at the 8 X 11 inch photograph of
ours, charging against the rapids of the mighty Teesta river.
The photograph was taken with some difficulty using our underwater
camera in a plunge through the river rapids. The Teesta, the
main river in the North-Eastern state of Sikkim, originates
at Cho Lhamu Lake and gushes down the mountains, creating
foaming white rapids that are ideal for kayaking or rafting.
Graded on the international scale of II, III and IV, the waters
of the rugged Teesta with rapids of varying intensity and
character, are among the finest rafting stretches in the world.
White water rafting is for those who enjoy the thrill of rushing
down fast flowing, adrenalin pumping mountain streams with
huge waves dashing against boulders and dizzy rapids. Battling
with the raging torrents and white water, one will not miss
the picturesque mountains. Oaring down the staircase rapids
and swirling whirlpools be prepared to take the roller coaster
ride of your life!
Rafting has been a real wild water experience for me, which
pulled me o
ut of everyday existence and threw me into a world of thrills,
chills and spills. Our starting point was at Melli, 2 hours
from Chalsa, a small town which is a 90-minute drive from
Siliguri, in West Bengal. We stayed at Sinclairs Retreat Dooars,
a resort located on the Chalsa Hilltop. Providing the best
accommodation in the region, Sinclairs Retreat Dooars is spread
over 20 acres of verdant greenery. For the convenience of
guests, the hotel makes all arrangements for rafting. The
trips as we found are thoughtfully organized and offer pure
enjoyment of rafting.
Excitement began as I put on the figure hugging wet suit,
and wore a bright red helmet. But at the same time I was a
little apprehensive of all that I would go through once I
take to the water. I knew that rafting was not for the faint-hearted.
Watching the other rafters hopping from one foot to the other
in anticipation, I tried my best to stay calm. Our instructor
led us into the raft and we undertook a series of dry land
maneuvers, which saw us paddling into thin air, from one side
of the raft to the other, and back again. We were given instructions
and told that we needed to be travelling faster or slower
than the river.
The first part of the river proved to be gentle which allowed
our instructor to repeat the procedures once again, for our
benefit. Soon the act had to get serious. We could hear the
roar of the water ahead, and I could see the fine mist marking
the point where the fast flowing stream squeezed itself between
the rocks. The boat's brow cut through the whirling, surging
water with the sun sparkling on the frothy waves. With my
adrenalin pumping, all senses were alert, an unforgettable
thrill as the river exhibited its raw power.
The spraying water soaked the front two rafters, as we bounced
off and sped into the next rapid. "Right forward, left
backside", screamed the instructor as water filled the
raft but mysteriously disappeared. "Paddle right now!
Right!" he shouted, in a bid to keep the raft travelling
in a straight line. The river kept changing, from deep and
fast flowing, it suddenly dropped eight feet, and before we
knew it, the front pointed skywards again. I held on tightly
to the rope beside me, as the raft crashed over yet another
drop. The freezing water got into my bone, as I tried paddling
against the fierce rapids. I felt I had swallowed half of
the Teesta by keeping my mouth open, yelling out of pure enjoyment
of the plunge, coming out sputtering and coughing. Within
moments, the river calmed down, and it was only a few hundred
yards upstream. We were left cold, wet and somewhat benumbed
unsure of what's was going to happen next.
These are the thrills of white water rafting. Safety is the
principal concern, but the team that guided us, is well trained
and courteous, providing us with all the safety equipment.
I always felt "safe" in the very capable hands enjoying
all the thrills.
Rafting excites the spirit of adventure and puts stamina to
test. The foamy, swirling and thunderous waters of the Teesta
provide a feeling that is unforgettable. It has been a life
changing experience for all of us. Our love for the outdoors
was vindicated. I loved it, it was real adventure, nothing
virtual about it at all. |
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