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Kalimpong is a beautiful district situated in the state of West Bengal, India. This quaint town is surrounded by the timeless beauty of the verdant Himalayan mountain range and stunning views of the mesmerising Mount Kanchenjunga. Kalimpong is one of the top places in West Bengal where you can come across several Buddhist monasteries. The high passes, lakes, and rivers, provide a natural aura like no place else. Deolo Hills, Morgan’s House, Pine View Nursery, Durpin Monastery and Phodong Monastery are the best attractions that tourists can pay a visit to when they are in Kalimpong. Apart from the innumerable natural and Buddhist places of interest, Kalimpong is also flocked by a different set of tourists – those who are looking for thrilling sports and adventure.
Kalimpong offers a wide spectrum of adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting and mountain biking, to the tourists who visit here year-round. White water river rafting in Kalimpong is one of the most popular of them all and in today’s blog we are going to discuss it. Keep reading to know more about the details.
Best Time For River Rafting In Kalimpong
Summer months between the months of April to June are the ideal time for travelling to Kalimpong. Every season in this small town is unique and brings a whole new experience to the travellers who visit here. Many people also like to visit Kalimpong from October to December, to enjoy the cold weather. October is literally when monsoon ends and a chill in the weather starts to set in. Winter is in full swing when you travel here during November and December, with an average temperature of around 4°C to 6°C on most days. Snowfall is rare in this part of the mountains, but at times the temperature can also fall below 2°C. That is why this is not the time you would want to travel for white water rafting in Kalimpong during winter.
April to June, as we already mentioned, are the peak time to visit Kalimpong. The summer season sets in by the end of March and continues till the middle of June or till the end. The weather during this time is pleasant and very soothing, making it easier for all the travellers to explore and go sightseeing conveniently. The temperature ranges anywhere between 25°C to 28°C and there is ample sunshine throughout the day. The evenings are, however, cool and windy. For white water rafting, this is also an ideal time when you can visit the Teesta for the sport.
Make sure to double-check the weather that will prevail during the monsoon season before you book white water rafting in Kalimpong. It is mostly rainy with light to a mild storm. Rafting in the monsoon season in Kalimpong is a must no.
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Best Places For River Rafting In Kalimpong
River rafting in Kalimpong is a very popular water sport and adventure activity. It has become surprisingly one of the most sought-after experiences in the past few years in this region. The Teesta is the main river on which the white water tours are carried out when you are in Kalimpong. mountain slopes and lush vegetation all around. You will come across a wide range of birds, fishes and different animals can be seen in the route of the Teesta. There are numerous points along the river from where you can start your rafting journey. Each of the rides is for a specific period of time, the cost depends on the level of the trip you have selected and the duration of the trip as well.
River rafting in Teesta is absolutely ideal for those who want to participate in other water sports activities other than rafting. This brings a brand new excitement to all the adventure lovers in Kalimpong. The dense natural vegetation and pristine blue water of the gushing river make way for the most memorable rafting trip. The usual route of the rafting course is from the Melli Bridge and to the Geilkhola in Kalimpong. The gushing Teesta river promises to deliver a fantastic river rafting tour in Kalimpong.
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Average Cost For Rafting In Kalimpong
The cost of river rafting in Kalimpong depends on a certain number of factors – duration of the trip, course of the rafting trip, number of people onboard and a few others. But, the average cost of rafting in the Teesta river is anywhere between Rs.1500 to Rs.3500. However, the prices can vary as well in the peak season.
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Tips For Rafting In Kalimpong
River rafting is a tad bit risky. Take a look at some important tips that will help you on your river rafting in Kalimpong trip.
- Make sure to know all about the local agencies who operate in this area for river rafting. Get some feedback and reviews from the people who have already visited for river rafting in Kalimpong. This will help you to get hold of the best agency to offer the river rafting tour.
- Learning about the hand commands and signals is a very important thing to learn before the trip starts. You need to check all of them out with your guide and make sure that you have understood the significance of all the signs.
- You must carry sunscreen lotion and apply it on your skin before setting out for the journey. This is going to help you to protect the skin from the rays of the sun and helps to keep it properly moisturized until the end of the trip.
- Always wear clothes which you find comfortable. Wearing comfortable clothes allows you to make movements more freely and much more easily. Do not wear jewellery or any other object that can get tangled with your body.
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What To Pack For Rafting In Kalimpong
When you are going for white water rafting in Kalimpong, you will need to pack some important things for sure. You need to carry some dry shorts or a bathing suit that you can wear during the trip. These clothes are comfortable and allow you to make free movements. Sturdy and non-slippery shoes are a must during a rafting tour. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops when you get on the boat. Don’t forget to carry a separate pair of clothes and shoes to wear as you get down from the boat.
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These are the top river rafting tips that you will need to know when you are going for river rafting in Kalimpong. Being located on the perch just above Teesta River gives Kalimpong an added advantage. Tourists from all over the place make a point to spend a few days in Kalimpong on their vacation in West Bengal.
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