Top and Best River Vacations in India

1 ZANSKAR CHADAR WALK
If you thought you needed a boat to navigate a river, think again. In winter, when the roads are snowed in, the frozen Zanskar River is the sole link for Zanskaris to Ladakh. The chadar walk on the 150km, frozen river is the trip of a lifetime. But with ice that can be clear one moment and patchy the next, extreme terrain and severe cold, it is not for the faint hearted. Moving from cave to cave, the swirling waters separated from your feet by just a sheet of ice, this is boot camp for trekkers.

Season: January to February. The trek takes around 19 days, prices start at Rs 75,000 per person. Contact: 011-26912641/7829, www.ibexexpeditions.com


2 DOWN THE GANGA

A boat ride on the Ganga from Allahabad to Varanasi is the quintessential river journey, up there in the 50 things to do before you die. Although it flows through one of the most densely populated regions of the country, a boat ride on the Ganga is evocative of a gentler way of life. The river sets the pace for the 180km trip, and with roughly eight hours on the boat each day, you have all the time to watch life unfold along the banks.

Season: November to March. It takes a minimum of five days and six nights to cover the distance and can cost you upwards of Rs 25,000. But check with your tour operator. Contact: 011-51523666, www.shikhar.com


3 BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER CRUISE

The Brahmaputra does not take too kindly to intruders—it changes course at whim, is prone to floods, sand banks appear out of nowhere and strong currents lurk in its depths. But this formidable river slashes its way through one of the most scenic regions in the country. And when you get an opportunity to explore it in style, you should grab it. The Assam Bengal Navigation Company has been organising luxury cruises along the river for four years now. Itineraries range from four to seven days, and you also get opportunities to visit far-flung communities and the Kaziranga and Manas national parks.

Season: October to April. Prices start at $150 per night. Contact: 0361-2664121/0890,


4 NILA IN THE RAINS

There was a time when numerous vanjis and vellams could be seen ferrying farm produce and people across the many rivers of Kerala. Not too long ago, you could navigate the Bharathapuzha or Nila from Palakkad in the east to Ponanni in the west. But today, owing to extensive sand mining, many of these rivers are shadows of their former selves. So if you want to navigate a boat down one of Kerala's beautiful rivers, you should do it fast. We recommend the Nila. Each monsoon, the river springs back to life and you can go bamboo rafting or cruise leisurely on country boats along it as well as on its tributaries, the Tootha and the Tirur. With the rain in your face and the gentle rhythm of life on the banks, just let the river carry you along.

Season: June to Sept. The Blue Yonder offers 2D/1N rafting and cruise packages for Rs 3,700 per person. Contact: 080-32906620, www.theblueyonder.com


5 SHIKARA SAFARI ON THE JHELUM

Everyone knows about the houseboats on the Dal and the shikaras that take you on a spin around it. But fewer know of the shikara ride down the Jhelum. The Mughals used to do it and so should you, before the hordes get wind of it. The water trek will take you through the Dal, Manasbal and Watlab lakes. With snow-capped peaks in the background, willows and chinars lining the banks and shikaras heaped with fresh vegetables and flowers keeping you company, the ride is memorable. You can try your hand at rowing, check out apple and apricot orchards, visit villagers, hear them sing and watch them weave, and eat freshly cooked fish on riverine islands.

Season: May-September. It takes a minimum of three days to cover the trip. Tariff starts at Rs 7,000 per person. Contact: Yasin of Mascot Travels at 9419005714.