Rivers have always been a crucial component of human life. From their infinite depths, our stories emerged. Their waters have served as a moving exhibit of life on their banks, sometimes calm and tumultuous. They are limitless, ageless, and timeless. They have inspired authors, and travel enthusiasts are encouraged to imitate the real-life heroes and protagonists of classic cultural tales generated by the countless iconic riverbank voyages in cult and mainstream history and pop culture. Here are some river treks you can sign up for on your next holiday.
The Sharavati
Follow the Sharavati River from its origin in an estuary to the Arabian Sea via a combination of treks, boat rides, and walks. The route showcases historical islands, the course of the river, and the various landforms created by the river. The treks are by BuDa Folklore, an organisation dedicated to conserving the rich biodiversity and folk tales of the indigenous people of Uttar Kannada. Find more information here.
The Kaveri
Explore the numerous islands that are created along the Kaveri, some of which are only accessible by river trekking and barefoot jungle walking. The trip follows the Kaveri as it enters the fascinating portion of its journey through Karnataka after starting in the Brahmagiri Mountains of the Western Ghats. The walk travels through valleys, deep canyons, and dense forests.
The Zanskar
The Chadar Trek takes place over the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh every winter. Among the toughest treks in India, it lasts approximately six to ten days and reaches altitudes up to 10,900 feet. The trek was revived in 2023 after a two-year hiatus owing to the pandemic. The name of the trek comes from the appearance of a frozen Zanskar River (a tributary of the Indus flowing through Jammu and Kashmir). The ice layer on its frozen surface looks a lot like a white chadar (or sheet). The trek route is down the remote Zanskar gorge, where walls rise a few thousand feet out of the riverbed. Find more information here.
The Ken-Betwa And Sindh
Why not take some time out to explore rivers thoroughly The Moving Upstream Fellowship programme by Veditum attempts to bring new perspectives through which we can look at India&rsquos river ecosystems and the lives of riparian communities. The river walks document India&rsquos rivers extensively, understanding the implications of waterworks development and collecting accounts of the lived realities of riparian communities. Find more information here.
Cover photo credit Depositphotos
