The most scenically located white water river rafting camp on the Ganges: An adventure travelers' haven

About the Camp | Logistics | Itinerary| Cost | Fine Tuning | Activities | Suggestions | Photographs

 

How about a golf trip down the Golf Course on the Ganga (without the normal jazz of your clubs and related tons of equipment). Or simply a Roller Coaster ride on the waves, or may be a climb up to the best Wall (not quite like the Pink Floyd type but equally psychedelic) Ganga has to offer? May be a simple Daniel's Dip will satisfy your eternal needs. The more adventurous ones might want to chase the Three Blind Mice (no responsibilities for what you catch at the end of the day!!). But Sweet Sixteen is bound to be a hit among the young. Let me warn you about the Double Trouble that might be in store once you are through with the Club House. Black Money is easy but hard to digest, provided you make it well through the Marine Drive.

The River Ganga has every possible avenue to boost up your adrenaline. Make you want for more and never get enough. All milestones enroute will invite you to witness this Grand River in all its splendour at the Camp RapidFire at Singthali Village Rishikesh.

Basic tented accommodation, good food, a wide array of activities supplemented by the normal stretches of rafting provide for a holiday option where in every penny spent is worth it. 

Apart from Rafting the camp has other activities to offer. You may want to try you hands at rock climbing or rappelling or may be river crossing. When the time is right we can even arrange for you a Wildlife Safari to the Chilla National Park. Here you witness some majestic sights of the Wild Elephants, Wild Boars, Sambhars and other animals. A small trip to Devprayag to watch the confluence of the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda Rivers where the Ganges emerges is sure to leave you speechless at the end of it. Numerous treks around the camp and seasonal waterfalls will always keep you occupied. But our normal experiences tell us that once you come to the camp you don't want to do anything but laze on the beach as long as you can.

So come, accept this invitation, and share with us a time you will remember for the rest of your life. And may be just maybe you'll get to discover your own little BodhiSatva.

Camp RapidFire is set up on a beach at the village Singthali some 35 kms from the town of Rishikesh. Here you can challenge and face the fury of some of the best rapids that the River Ganga has to offer. You can just choose to relax on the beach and bask in the sun by the river, going in for that very occasional swim in the river every now and then. There is just no end to what you can do at the camp so come and explore it for yourself.

The route to Camp RapidFire is as follows - Delhi - Merrut (Bypass) - Khatauli - Muzaffarnagar (Bypass) - Roorki - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Shivpuri - Byasi -(3 KM)- Singthali Village, Camp RapidFire.

One can take the daily over night train Musoorie Express which leaves the old Delhi railway station at 2030 hrs to reach Haridwar early morning. From here one can take a cab to reach the camp. The Shatabdi Express leaving daily from New Delhi Railway station every morning to reach Haridwar at 1100 hrs also makes a good travel option to the camp.

We have occupancy for 30 people on double share in fifteen 10 feet by 10 feet tented accommodation units, which have a center table and two beds with mattresses and sleeping bags. The tent also has an extension canopy of 3 feet in front of the entrance to the tent. Each unit is weather proof and well ventilated with six roll up windows and two top ventilators. At certain times we also extend occupancy by pitching additional accommodation units.

Keeping up with the forest department guidelines we have dry pit toilets at one end of the camp which also houses a bathing tent and general wash area. People at the camp generally prefer to bathe at the river but hot water is also made available on request.

Drinking water at the camp is sourced from a natural water spring about 200 meters from the camp. Alternatively bottled water is procured for drinking and cooking purposes. Adequate supply of bottled drinking water is also maintained at the camp.

The camp kitchen takes care of the meals in a buffet arrangement with a large spread. The meal pattern is generally vegetarian (this is because Rishikesh, Haridwar are meat less areas and good quality meat products are difficult to obtain at short notices) but non vegetarian dishes are prepared and served on advance request and information. Chinese and continental food is also served at the camp with prior information and request. As such we prefer you give us a break-up of vegetarian and non vegetarian participants.

We believe camping is a wonderful concept to enjoy nature and tourism with minimal impact on the environment. As such we outright promote the idea of camping in innovative designs to most of our clients.

Shooting the Rapids at Camp RapidFire
Season - September 25 – May 5

From a quick getaway for a night to a week of white water rafting and fun camp RapidFire has the programmes to suit your requirements of time. Given below is a standard two nights and three-day itinerary. At any given point of time a customised itinerary can be designed to suit your requirements of time and budget as well.  Feel free to contact us for the same, you won't regret it ever.

Two nights and Three-day Programme

Day 1: Seven seconds to Countdown - The Wall

Early morning pick up and drive to Camp RapidFire(255 km). Arrive at the camp and have lunch. After lunch a short brief from your river guide you get started on the rafting for the day. Listen to your guide carefully it will come in handy during the day. Today you start your trip from Kaudiyala going downstream. The first rapid you hit is called the Daniel's' Dip (Grade IV). The next big Rapid is The Wall (Grade IV+).  Between these two there are some Grade II and II+ Rapids with long float stretches with enough option to do body surfing as well (Something you will never get to do in Beas). You will cross the Singthali rapid, Marine Drive and various others that don't have a name. But the highlight of the day will be Daniel's' Dip and the Wall. We can promise you that after The Wall (which happens to be about 15 seconds of the total trip) you don't want to hit another grade IV+ very soon. The total run will be about 14 Kms up to Marine drive which with all the body surfing and games on the raft will take about two and a half to three hours. Back to the camp for evening tea. Bonfire and evening activities. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 2: Chasing the Mice - The Three Blind Mice

Get up in the morning, have a cup of hot tea and go river bathing (the only place most people love to bathe at). Post breakfast we drive to up to marine drive to start our rafting for the day. Today we raft up to Shivpuri another 14 Kms. Crossing Rapid like initiation, body surfing Rapid, cross fire and again others, which don't have a name. We finish rafting at Shivpuri and drive back to camp for Lunch. Lunch at the camp and hit the river for a river session on tube floats. Once the sun goes down behind the mountain on the opposite side lets get started on the volleyball matches. And play till the lights go out or till you fall whichever is earlier. Once again its time for Bonfire. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 3: The Much Awaited Day - Show you learnt it all

Today should be the most exciting day of rafting. (In case your pre planned itinerary does not offer three rafting trips, the option is relax on the beach, go for a long walk for three hours, indulge in body surfing or just plain volleyball) After an early breakfast we pack up and proceed to Shivpuri where we begin the run today. By the end of the day you'd be glad we did the last two days of practice sessions for today. With rapids like Roller Coaster, Double Trouble, Golf Course (9 Holes), Club House, Body Surfing and various other today will be an action packed day. And we also will have a picnic lunch at Brahampuri beach. We finish rafting by around 1300 Hrs. And you depart for onward destination.

End Of Services.

The total Package price ex camp would be Rs. 5800.00 per person for a minimum of 8 Pax

The cost includes

• Three rafting trips on the river and services of professional and experienced river guides, with all safety gear. Additional rafting trip at Rs. 700.00 per person.
• All meals at the camp from Lunch on Arrival on day 1 to Lunch on Departure till Day 3.
• Unlimited Soft Drinks and Sodas
• Unlimited Tea/coffee at the camp.
• Daily Evening snacks around the bonfire
• Accommodation at the camp RapidFire on Twin sharing in Tents
• Escorted walks and small treks around the camp area.
• Daily bonfires and other games at the camp like beach volleyball, carom, darts, rugby. 
• Supervised body surfing in the river under the presence of a camp life guard. 
• One Session of Rock Climbing at the Camp Climbing Pitch.
• Transport from Delhi to Delhi in a vehicle that seats eight.
• Pre and Post Rafting Transfers.

The cost does not include

• Personal expenses like telecalls, liquor or any cost not explicitly mentioned above.
• Any changes in the cost structure due to change in factors beyond our control.
• Insurance, can be provided at an additional cost of Rs. 100.00 per pax.

• Carry a torch for everybody),
• A pair of T-shirts & shorts (at least two changes),
• floaters (sandals),
• sun screen / block lotion, Any prescribed Medicine,
• sunglasses, hat/cap, Beachwear
• All toiletries and a towel
• One jacket preferably warm for the night.
• Your own liquor,
• Smokers should carry enough stock to avoid desperation at odd times. The nearest place to buy cigg (specially if you are brand savvy) is three kilometers away.
• A waterproof wind cheater.
• Your sense of humour
• Your outdoor self

Optionally you can also carry

• A camera with spare film and spare cells
• A book to read and pass time (though we are very much sure you won't need it)
• A small diary to record your trip
• A walkman to feed your need for some music
• Any musical instrument that you can play (A guitar or harmonica should be just fine). Big stereos are a big NO NO at the camp

• White Water Rafting - You don't have to be an ace swimmer to be able to experience the thrill of rafting. Especially when you have our well equipped, expert team of friendly instructors who considers it beyond them to leave anything to chance. And you get to experience the sheer power of Ganges in a true adventurer style. A two day rafting expedition at Rishikesh with us would cover about 36 km of the river and you come back all full of the thrills of rapids like The Wall, Golf Course, Roller Coaster (Grade IV+ rapids).

• Elementary Rock Climbing - And we'll also teach you how to beat lizards at making it to the top of a steep mountain, but of course in a more urbane manner. The technique is called rock climbing, where you learn to find your own niches and steadily climb your way to the top. You also get to learn how to land back on the surface and safely by rappelling, besides other exciting techniques as Bouldering and River Crossing.

• Wildlife Safari to Chilla National Park - This National Park is about two and a half hour drive from the camp and promises some majestic sights of wild elephants, wild boars, Sambhars, spotted deer and even barking deer, for that matter. You might even get lucky and spot a tiger for yourself.

• Singthali Village trek - Experience a bit of Garhwali hospitality on your trek to this sleepy village and share a thing or two about different cultures and traditions. Or perhaps how their quiet life centres around this holy river. We promise by the end of your trip you wouldn't even realise that it took you two hours to trek up to the village! Apart from the Singthali Village trek there are endless opportunities for walking in the surrounding hills.

• Camp Games - For the sports freak, there's enough to keep the energies charged. Take your pick from Volleyball, Badminton, Carom, Dart and Chess. And if its your mind that you need to exercise, you could always pick up a nice book from camp library. Or perhaps, simply laze on the hammock and let your thoughts drift with the sound of flowing river. Games like Levitation, Boston Lap Game, Plank Bridge are played at the bonfire with a lot of group interaction.

• Visit to Deoprayag - While you are there you simply cannot come back before experiencing the spectacular sight of the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. And witness the mighty Ganga take birth. A holy town in its own right, Deoprayag is bustling with sadhus and Sun worshippers giving you a feel of the era gone by. The town is just about one hour drive from the camp.  Small galis, laid back life and the pundits at the ghat are sure to be etched in your memory for years to come.

• Visit to the holy town of Rishikesh - Take a journey down the world famous yoga ashrams and meditation centres. Lures even the Beatles and Kate Winslet could not resist. And watch Ganga come to its full form after drawing strength from its slender subsidiaries. There's even a small market that tucks many a little souvenir for you to carry back home. You can even try you hand at bargaining. The experience of the evening aartis at the ghats, complete with traditional oil lamps, sounds of ringing bells and flowers set afloat in the river and the quiet of the ashrams nearby is something that will linger with you for a long time to come.

• Night Trek (1 km) - Pay obeisance to Lord Shiva right in the middle of the jungle, after making you way over a small suspension bridge in the middle of the night. You may even get to see or maybe hear an odd barking deer.

• Body surfing /swimming - Take a dip in the river and let yourself afloat. The current is just right for even a novice to handle. Or try the sport of body surfing in the baby rapids. Even the non swimmers can try out the sport, of course with a life jacket on. We even have a few tube floats on which you can relax in the middle of the river. Of course we'll tie you and the float to something at the beach to make sure you don't get carried away with the current.

• Visits to the Waterfalls - All along the road up in the mountains there are hidden waterfalls, some perennial, some seasonal. You can ask anyone from the camp to take you to one of the many falls that we have located in case waterfalls are your fascination.

• Yoga at the camp - On prior request and some charges we will arrange for a yoga instructor to guide you through basic yoga exercises.

• Evenings at the Camp - Loosen up in the evening with the hip swinging ‘n’ singing session, complete with bonfire at the camp beach. Or participate in one of the campfire games. And if there's a musician in any of you, there's always the option of carrying your instrument and creating your own ambience. Then there is always getting involved in Levitation, Knots and Boston Lap games to name a few of the campfire games.

• Respect the environment at the camp and keep your surroundings clean. Please be eco-sensible and follow the rules of the great outdoors, take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints.
• Do ensure all litter is disposed sensibly. Waste bins are kept all over the camp.
• Ensure that your tents are zipped when not in use, just in case of a freak and sudden sandstorm.
• Follow the meal schedules at the camp
• Do not wander near the river without a life jacket and specially not at night.
• Do not throw things in the river.
• It is everyone's responsibility to keep an eye on the children at the camp
• Anything of value should be kept out of sight and may be deposited with the kitchen staff who are always at the camp.
• People with problems of Asthma and Heart ailments should inform in advance.
• Leaving nothing on the sand at the beach, it tends to disappear.
• Shorts, T-shirts and floaters are ideal for rafting. Nylon/synthetic T-shirts are better than cotton for the river.
• Waterfront safety - The water can be really inviting at times, specially under the mid day sun, but you must take care. The beach does not decline like a regular sea beach but very abruptly at certain places. When you decide to go swimming or enjoy yourself with the tube floats, please ensure a life jacket and preferably a helmet as well. It is advisable to inform one of the camp staff so that he can oversee the safety aspect. Also don't swim too far out. The current can take you swiftly downstream.
• Anyone consuming alcohol before a rafting trip will not be allowed on the raft.
• Please avoid individual tipping and in case you decide to tip the staff please leave the same with the camp cook, who is in charge of camp staff welfare activities.
• We regularly donate things that are no more of use to us like old clothes, shoes and books etc. to the villages nearby, you are most welcome to be a part of this endeavour by donating stuff to the camp manager for distribution.