Kali Sharda also known as Mahakali or simply Kali river is one of the many splendid rivers of Uttarakhand. Although the fact that Kali on its upper reaches forms the natural border of India and Nepal makes it all the more special. Imagine floating past some exotic landscapes, with Nepal to your left and India to your right. This is one out of the handful of amazing things the river has to offer.
Kali Sharda river expedition is one of the most exotic, remote and adventurous whitewater experiences one can come across in India. For those of you who have rafted before would be familiar with the joyride that whitewater sport is. Although the thrill and adventure exponentially increases if you are on a rafting expedition. Each day you travel downstream through landscapes only visible through the river. You paddle past a plethora of raging rapids and serene waters just to end your day at the remotest white sand beaches you have ever seen in your life.
The Kali Sharda Rafting Expedition is exactly the same. It is a 3 day trip where each day, you constantly come across Class III/IV rapids amidst the most secluded geographical locations. The trip starts at Pancheshwar, which happens to be the point of Kali's confluence with Saryu. The first night is spent near the confluence which offers some scintillatng panoramic views aided by soothing vibes. The real action begins the next morning.
One major rapid(Class IV +) is the 'Chuka' named after a man eating tiger. There is a beautiful, pristine white sand beach campsite just after this rapid. It is definitely not all about conquering big rapids. Between rapids there is a considerable amount of flat water to chill out, soak up the surroundings and look forward upto the next set of waves. There is an inexplicable ecstasy, a rush, fear and pride in crashing your face in the white of the waves. The fear makes the activity special and the feeling of pride and contentment at the end of it all is the best feeling.
There are not many travel experiences which can offer the perfect blend of adrenaline injecting activity and an equally bigger share of peace in the best of nature's setting. The Kali Sharda Rafting Expedition is in a league of its own.
For those of you who have ever been of a rafting expedition before and are looking to step up their adventure game can opt for whitewater kayaking. Whitewater kayaking unlike rafting is a solo activity, you're the driver of your own vehicle. You literally have to deal with the waves on your own. Yes, there are other safety kayakers accompanying you but still you gotta paddle your way through. Kayaking is an extreme sport and requires adequate training, there are a very few kayaking schools in India. The better ones being in Rishikesh, you can check out this 3 day Kayaking course offered by team4adventure
