Water Sports
Water sports may appear an alien concept in Rajasthan but the presence of large
lakes has actually made the development of such sports possible. Even though
they are not popular yet, the opportunities exist, a fact that was brought home
when the water games during the prestigious Asian Games in 1982 were held at
Jamua Ramgarh on the outskirts of Jaipur.
STEAMER RIDES: The Chambal river can be navigated from Kota to Dholpur
aboard a steamer, with the help of the Forest Department of Kota.
BOATING: Regular boating is offered at several places in Rajasthan, whether
on the lakes in Udaipur, or at places such as Siliserh near Alwar. Rajasthan
Tourism Development Corporation has made paddle boats available at a number
of lakes.
WATER- SKIING: This is a new sport in the arena. An upcoming added sport
for visitors.
ANGLING: For the angler, Rajasthan's lakes and streams teem with game
fish. The fishing expeditions can be undertaken with appropriate licenses in
most of the lakes in Rajasthan. Expensive angling equipment is difficult to
hire locally, and thus is recommended to carry your own rod.
The
lakes of Rajasthan are known for water sports. During the 1982 Asian games,
rowing competitions were held at Ramgarh lake near Jaipur. Ramgarh lake is a
man-made reservoir around 4 kms. in length and 2 kms in width.
Throughout the year, water sports of all kinds can be arranged here. Facilities
for swimming, boating etc. are available. Boating is a regular feature, conducted
by trained Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation staff. A fully equipped
tourist village with 10 huts is situated here.
Drive for about 10 kms from Alwar and you enter dreamland. The undulating hills
flaming with bougainvillea and gulmohar cradle the majestic Silliserh Lake.
A beautiful Palace Hotel which is run by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation
provides all facilities.
Udaipur - the lake city of India, is also good for water sports with boating
being a regular feature. The ideal place for water sports is Jaisamand Lake
situated 50 kms south of Udaipur. This lake is the second largest artificial
lake in Asia (the water spread area is 90 sq kms.). Throughout the year, water
sports of all kinds can be arranged here.
The Chambal river offers the exhilaration of water rafting in the Kota region.
From Jawahar Sagar to Dholpur, the intricate network of the Chambal river, flowing
through rocky gorges and forests, provides ideal locales for the perfect water
adventure. While traversing the river by boat, one Jjcan see the gavial (crocodile)
basking in the sun on river banks.
Plans are underway to introduce a ferry service on the Chambal river from Kota
barrage upstream to Bhensrodgarh - a fine opportunity to ride on the gushing
waters. Rajasthan also offers angling sites. Bandh Baretha in Bharatpur, Siliserh
and Jaisamand in Atwar, Mansarover near Sariska, Kukas, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh
in Jaipur are an angler's paradise. However, the enthusiasts are advised to
carry their own eaubment and obtain permission from the Fisheries Department,
Patience and perseverance in angling, as in life, has rich rewards.
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