The rugged Teesta River, the main river of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong Hill Region, with a series of rapids with varying intensity, has been rated at Grade 4. The turbulent Rangit, a tributary of the Teesta, with its multi-dimensional rapids, it offers a challenge to more experienced rafters. In Teesta rafting is confined to the winter months, between October and April. Spring or early summer is ideal for river rafting. Paddle rafting and oar rafting can be done in the Teesta River.

The riverbanks of both the rivers have deep forests, with some patches of terraced cultivation, and small villages. Innumerable white sandy beaches offer good campsites. Rapids of classification 2 to 4 are interspersed with placid floats, making rafting an enjoyable experience. Adequate facilities for overnight River beach camping is also available. Beginners as well as experienced adventurers can seek the assistance of the Department of Tourism and travel agents for arranging river rafting trips

 Teesta river is said to be the lifeline of the Indian state of Sikkim, flowing for almost the entire length of the state and carving out verdant himalayan temperate and tropical river valleys. The river then forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal before joining theBrahmaputra as a tributary in Bangladesh. The total length of the river is 309 km (192 mi). It drains an area of 12,540 km².

The Teesta River originates from the Pahunri glacier above 7,068 m (23,189 ft), and flows southward through gorges and rapids in the Sikkim Himalaya.It is fed by rivulets arising in the Thangu, Yumthang and Donkia-La ranges. The river then flows past the town of Rangpo where the Rangpo River joins, and where it forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal up to Teesta Bazaar.

Major River Rafting Routes in Sikkim: Makha - Sirwani - Bardang - Rongpo ( Teesta), Sikip - Jorethang - Majitar - Melli ( Rangit).

Here in teesta, rafting has been a thrilling experience during most of the seasons.

 

Location- Melli, Sikkim,India.

Capital- Gangtok.

Activities to do- mountaineering, bird watching, boating, river rafting.

Best time to visit- October to May.

1) By Road- National Highway no. 31 serves as a connecting link between the state capital Gangtok and Siliguri, one of the major towns on the northern fringe of West Bengal. Gangtok is also well connected to Kolkata (721 km) and Darjeeling (139 km) with a good network of roads. Kalimpong is another well connected destination with Gangtok.

 

2) By Air- Bagdogra near Siliguri, 120 km from Gangtok is the nearest airport to the state. Regular flights connect it to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata from where daily flights are available to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and all the major cities of India.

 

3) By Rail- The nearest railhead to Sikkim is in New Jalpaiguri near Siliguri at 117 km from Gangtok. Overnight trains can be boarded from Kolkata to Sikkim that reaches New Jalpaiguri Station in the morning. Another railway station at Siliguri is also well connected with Gangtok in Sikkim.