By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! We traded the tranquility of the coast for the roaring rapids of the Ganga River. Our latest trip took the crew—Rahul, Simran, Vikram, and myself—to Rishikesh, the global capital of yoga and adventure sports. This trip was less about peaceful meditation and more about conquering Grade III rapids, followed by finding inner peace (and great food).
Chapter 1: The Plunge into the Rapids (The Epic Challenge)
We weren’t there to sip chai; we were there to paddle hard. The Epic part of this trip was, hands down, the 16 km stretch of white-water rafting. We piled into the raft, received our frantic safety instructions, and launched into the freezing, turbulent waters of the Ganga.
Navigating rapids like “The Three Blind Mice” and the terrifying “Crossfire” required more teamwork than any of our road trips combined. Our voices were hoarse from the guide’s commands and our own adrenaline-fueled screams. There were moments when the raft tilted violently, threatening to throw us into the icy embrace of the river. But every time, we held tight, paddled in sync, and burst out of the foam, soaking wet and laughing hysterically. That shared triumph—facing the raw power of nature together—is the definition of an epic adventure with friends.
Chapter 2: The Campfire and the Calm
After the high-octane thrill of the river, the Lovely moments came at our campsite right on the banks of the river. Tents pitched, wet clothes drying, and a giant bonfire crackling under the stars.
The energy was completely different from the afternoon. We spent the evening sharing stories and watching the river flow by. It’s amazing how facing a shared challenge (like a massive rapid) leaves everyone feeling calm and deeply connected. We talked late into the night, the only music being the river’s steady roar and the occasional distant chant. It was the perfect, peaceful antidote to the day’s adrenaline rush.
Chapter 3: The Spirit of the Ganga Aarti
The final morning brought a touch of the spiritual side of Rishikesh. We crossed the iconic Lakshman Jhula bridge, dodging monkeys and scooters, and made our way to the Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening.
The atmosphere was electric. Hundreds of people gathered, the scent of incense filled the air, and the rhythmic chanting and ringing bells created a hypnotic, beautiful spectacle. Watching the priests offer the fire lamps to the river, with the towering Himalayas in the background, was a profound and beautiful moment. It was a powerful reminder of why Rishikesh is considered a holy city, balancing the chaotic energy of adventure with deep-rooted spirituality.
Rishikesh is the ultimate destination for “fun with friends” because it forces you to embrace both extremes: the wild, untamed adventure of the river and the quiet, collective peace of the Ganga. Go there, get soaked, scream your lungs out, and then find the quietest spot on the bank to just be.
What’s the scariest rapid you’ve ever faced? Tell us your river tales below!
Stay adventurous, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
