Rafting on Brahmaputra

Rafting on the Brahmaputra River: An Unforgettable Adventure in Assam

Rafting on the Brahmaputra River is not just an adventure sport; it’s an exhilarating journey through the heart of Assam’s stunning landscapes. The Brahmaputra, one of the mightiest rivers in the world, offers an unparalleled rafting experience, combining the thrill of navigating powerful rapids with the serene beauty of its surroundings. For thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, rafting on the Brahmaputra is an adventure that should not be missed.

The Thrill of Brahmaputra River Rafting

The Brahmaputra River, originating from the Angsi Glacier in the Himalayas, flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. In Assam, the river transforms into a force of nature, with its rapids ranging from Grade III to Grade VI, making it a premier destination for white-water rafting.

Nameri National Park to Tezpur: This stretch is perfect for beginners and intermediate rafters. The rapids here are mostly Grade III and IV, offering an exciting yet manageable adventure. The journey starts from the scenic Nameri National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, and ends in Tezpur, a historic town known for its ancient temples and cultural heritage.
Pasighat to Dibrugarh: This route is for experienced rafters, featuring Grade IV and V rapids. The breathtaking scenery along this stretch includes lush green forests, remote villages, and the majestic Eastern Himalayas. Rafters will experience the raw power of the river and the thrill of navigating its challenging rapids.
Siang River Expedition: The Siang River, as the Brahmaputra is known in Arunachal Pradesh, offers one of the most challenging rafting expeditions in the world. The rapids here can reach Grade VI, reserved for only the most seasoned rafters. This expedition requires meticulous planning and expert guidance, promising an adrenaline-pumping adventure through uncharted territories.

The Importance of Brahmaputra River Rafting for Assam

Rafting on the Brahmaputra River holds immense significance for Assam, both economically and culturally. Here are some key aspects of its importance:

Boost to Tourism: Rafting attracts adventure enthusiasts from across the globe, significantly boosting Assam’s tourism industry. The influx of tourists not only generates revenue but also creates job opportunities for local communities.
Promotion of Eco-Tourism: Rafting on the Brahmaputra promotes eco-tourism, encouraging sustainable practices that protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of Assam. Eco-friendly rafting expeditions minimize the impact on the river's ecosystem and raise awareness about conservation.
Cultural Exchange: Tourists who come for rafting often explore the local culture, traditions, and cuisine of Assam. This cultural exchange fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Assam’s rich heritage, contributing to the preservation and promotion of its cultural identity.
Community Development: The growth of adventure tourism, including rafting, leads to the development of infrastructure in remote areas. Improved roads, better connectivity, and enhanced facilities benefit local communities, improving their standard of living.
Adventure and Wellness Tourism: Rafting is not just about thrill; it’s also about wellness. The experience of being close to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, has a rejuvenating effect on both body and mind. This aspect of wellness tourism is gaining popularity, attracting tourists seeking holistic travel experiences.

Practical Information for Rafters

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for rafting on the Brahmaputra River is from November to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the river’s flow is conducive for rafting.
Permits and Regulations: Rafters are required to obtain permits, especially for routes that pass through protected areas or international borders. It is advisable to plan the trip through a certified tour operator who can handle the necessary paperwork and ensure compliance with regulations.
Safety Measures: Safety is paramount in rafting. Always wear a life jacket and helmet, and follow the instructions of your guide. It is also essential to check the equipment and ensure it is in good condition.
What to Pack: Comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and waterproof bags for valuables are essential items to pack for a rafting trip.

Conclusion

Rafting on the Brahmaputra River is an adventure that offers more than just the thrill of navigating rapids. It is an immersive experience that showcases the natural beauty, cultural richness, and the spirit of Assam. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, rafting on the Brahmaputra promises an unforgettable journey through one of India’s most majestic rivers.

At Explore Assam Tour Agency, we are committed to providing you with the best rafting experience, ensuring safety, adventure, and a deep connection with the breathtaking landscapes of Assam. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime and discover the wonders of the Brahmaputra River.

in RIVER CRUISE

Mighty River Brahmaputra

Assam History

Assam is the eastern most sentinel of India endowed with enchanting and picturesque natural beauty. The State is adorned with beautiful lush covers of greenery, a chain of hills and rivers mainly the Brahmaputra and the Barak. It has been the living place of various races, tribes and ethnic groups since time immemorial. The dynamics of synthesis and assimilation of the races make Assam glorified and rich.

There are several opinions to the origin of the name “Assam”. In the ancient Sanskrit literature both the names ‘Pragjyotisha’ and ‘Kamrupa’ were used as designation for ancient Assam. Its antiquity can be established from the fact that it has been mentioned in the two great epics- The Mahabharata and the Ramayana and also in the Puranas. Regarding the name ‘Prajyotisha’ or ‘Pragjyotishpura’, Gait (1992, reprint) writes that Prag means ‘former’ or ‘eastern’ and Jyotisha ‘a star’, astrology, shining. Pragjyotishpur may, therefore, be taken to mean the ‘City of Eastern Astrology’.

References of Kamarupa are found in literature as well as in many epigraphs. The mythology regarding the origin of the name Kamarupa tells us the story of Sati who died due to the discourtesy shown to her husband by her father Daksha. Overcame by grief, Shiva carried her dead body and wandered throughout the world. In order to put a stop to this, Vishnu used his discus to cut the body into pieces, which then fell into different places. One such piece fell down on Nilachal hills near Gauhati and the place was henceforth held sacred as Kamakhya. But Shiva’s penance did not stop, so the Gods sent Kamdev, the cupid to break his penance by making him fall in love. Kamdev succeeded in his mission, but Siva enraged at this result, burnt Kamdev to ashes. Kamdev eventually regained his original form here and from then onward the country came to be known as Kamarupa (Where Kama regained his Rupa or form).

The name ‘Aham’ or ‘Asom’ was probably given by the Ahoms who came to Assam in 1228 A.D. Even though the origin is ambiguous but it is believed that the modern name Assam is itself an anglicization.

The Ahom’s entered Assam fully assimilated and ruled Assam for nearly six hundred years. The period of Ahom rule is a glorious chapter in the history of Assam. The Ahom dynasty was established by Sukaphaa, a Shan prince of Mong Mao who came to Assam after crossing the Patkai Mountains. It is between 13th and 19th century that several tribal communities also came into the historical forefront of Assam. Kacharis, Chutias and Koch were the prominent tribal groups that were found in the medieval times of Assam. The rule of this dynasty ended with the Burmese invasion of Assam and the subsequent annexation by the British East India Company following the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. The British emperor took charge of the state and thus begun the colonial era of Assam.

Assam lost much of its territory to new states that emerged from within its borders. The British annexed Cachar in 1832 and Jaintia Hills in 1835. In 1874, Assam became a separate province with Shillong as its capital. Sylhet was merged with East Bengal on partition of India. With the partition and independence of India in 1947, the district of Sylhet (excluding the Karimganj subdivision) was ceded to Pakistan (the eastern portion of which later became Bangladesh).

However, like all other states of India, Assam was also involved in various freedom movements. With the enthusiastic participation of many courageous activists Assam, Assam became a constituent state of India in 1950. It saw further reduction of its area when Dewangiri in North Kamrupa was ceded to Bhutan in 1951. The capital of Assam was formerly Shillong (now the capital of Meghalaya), and later shifted to Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, in 1972. The States of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram got their own separate states.

The history of Assam has passed several stages of development to reach to its present state. The history of Assam can be divided into four eras. The ancient era began in the 4th century with the mention of Kamarupa in Samudragupta's inscriptions on the Allahabad pillar and the establishment of the Kamarupa kingdom. The medieval era began with the attacks from the Bengal Sultanate, the first of which took place in 1206 by Bakhtiyar Khilji as mentioned in the Kanai-boroxiboa rock inscription, after the breakup of the ancient kingdom and the sprouting of medieval kingdoms and chieftain-ships in its place. The colonial era began with the establishment of British control after the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, and the post-colonial era began in 1947 after the Independence of India.

The first Governor of independent Assam was Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari and Chief Minister was Gopinath Bordoloi who witnessed the foundations laid of Gauhati University (1948), Gauhati High Court (1948) and Guwahati station of All India Radio (AIR). When Gopinath Bordoloi passed away in 1950, Bishnu Ram Medhi took over as the next Chief Minister of Assam. During his tenure from 1950 to 1957, the First Five-Year Plan was started, Panchayat system of governance was introduced and the agricultural sector got more importance.

Bimla Prasad Chaliha was the third chief minister from 1957 to 1970. In 1958th the 66th session of Congress was held at Jalukbari, Guwahati. The Saraighat Bridge was constructed over the Brahmaputra river (1965), an Oil refinery was established at Noonmati, Guwahati in 1962 during his time. In 1959-60 the famous language revolt took place in Assam, and as a result Assamese became the official language of the State and Bengali also enjoyed the same status in the Cachar District of Barak Valley.

Mohendra Mohan Choudhury assumed the mantle of chief minister in 1970. The foundation of Bongaigaon Petro-Chemicals, Paper Mill at Jogighopa and Jute factory at Silghat in Nagaon were laid in his tenure. In 1972 Sarat Chandra Sinha came to power after Congress secured absolute majority. In 1974 the capital was finally shifted to Dispur in Guwahati.

The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a popular movement against illegal immigrants in Assam. The movement, led by All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP), developed a program of protests and demonstration to compel the Indian government to identify and expel illegal, (mostly Bangladeshisi), immigrants and protect and provide constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to the indigenous Assamese people. The agitation programs were largely non-violent, but the Nellie massacre was a case of extreme violence. The agitation program ended in August 1985 following the Assam Accord, which was signed by leaders of AASU-AAGSP and the Government of India.

The Assam Accord (1985) was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord.

Today Assam has an area of 78,438 square kilometers. It consists of thirty three districts and is credited to be the most populous state in the entire Northeast India.

Detail View About Assam on Assam State Portal

Data Reference fron Assam State Portal :- https://assam.gov.in/about-us/394