The mighty Ganges in Rishikesh offers river rafting adventures that will make you feel like you’re on an episode of Fear Factor. It certainly provides a greater rush of adrenaline than summoning the bravery to chat with a stranger!
It’s also an adrenaline-pumping sport to try in Rishikesh, since there’s a float for every sort of adventure seeker. Beautiful river stretches are ideal for beginners, families, and seasoned adrenaline junkies. Rishikesh offers full-day, overnight, and half-day rafting; whichever sort of rafting you’re searching for, you’ll find it here. But, before you try this and tick it off your bucket list, read through our complete guide to river rafting in Rishikesh.
Why go for Rafting in Rishikesh?
Rishikesh River Rafting is an ultimate adventure that will set your heart pounding and make it one of the most memorable excursions of your life.
Rishikesh has recently become a mecca for rafting and kayaking aficionados from around the world.
The Ganga is India’s holy river, and rafting or camping near it is a refreshing experience in and of itself. River rafters can enjoy stunning scenery, various grades of rapids, and the thrill of a thrilling journey on the Rishikesh River.
Rafting in River Ganges : It allows your team members to bond with one another, which will benefit their productivity in the office. The rafting activity requires teamwork, with everyone working toward the same goal. It helps corporate to motivate their employees and helps in increasing the performance.
Team Building: It helps your team members get to know one another, which will benefit their job in the office. The rafting activity requires teamwork, with everyone working toward the same goal. It assists businesses in motivating their personnel and improving performance.
Building long-lasting friendships: Camping and rafting provide plenty opportunities for bonding. People often improve their friendships when participating in such activities as trekking, rafting, and camping.
Boost Mental health: Rafting instils in you a good attitude, a fighting spirit, and a great deal of joy. It’s always a mental lift to overcome your worries and overcome problems.
Best Rapids For River Rafting In Rishikesh
Rapids, as previously stated, are the river’s fast-flowing and tumultuous sections. Due to differences in steepness, they can be found in practically any river. With a length of 2525 metres, the Ganga River, on the other hand, includes several rapids classified into five grades. A list of 16 notable rapids in and around Rishikesh is shown below:
Different Grades of Rapids
The rapids are graded from Grade I through VI depending on how challenging they are to manoeuvre. However, only category V rapids are available in Rishikesh. People who aren’t very competent swimmers should avoid rafting with grade III and higher rapids.
Grade I: Easy, Small Waves, No Obstacle:
‘Sweet Sixteen’ is one of the most popular Grade I river rapids. It is the most popular rafting destination for adventurous and family vacations. Some of the most popular grades in Rishikesh are: The easiest and shortest rafting point is Brahmpuri, which is about 8 kilometres long. It is the most convenient starting location for any rafting trip from Rishikesh.
Grade II: Moderate Difficulty with Clear Passages:
Shivpuri’s rapids are divided into two categories: Grade I and Grade II. These are medium to moderately challenging grades. The rafters will need some direction. They can be found in areas where the river travels through rocky or uneven terrain. It is approximately 16 kilometres long. It begins in Shivpuri and concludes in Laxman Jhula. Shivpuri River Rafting offers thrilling rapids. On the route, tourists can enjoy cliff jumping.
Grade III: Difficult, Narrow Passages, Irregular High Waves:
The Grade III rapids CrossFire and Three Blind Mice present substantial challenges in the form of many high, erratic waves and rocks. Marine Drive is the third starting point, or the third closest location from Rishikesh, for a rafting expedition. The Grade-III rapids are usually when the excitement and thrill of river rafting begins. The biggest waves that require solid navigating techniques and suitable direction can be found here. It begins with a boat ride to Rishikesh.
Grade IV: Difficult, Very Powerful Waves
Rafting gets more action-packed and exciting while paddling through the Grade-IV rapids. Offering challenging waves, uneven flow of the water and sudden drops, these rapids, at times can topple the raft easily. The adventure of the Ganges from Kaudiayala to Rishikesh spans over a distance of 36 km. There are 13 excellent rapids along this stretch. An excellent example of these rapids is ‘The Wall’, where 9 out of every 10 raft boats flip over. Generally, tourist prefers grade IV for rafting.
Rishikesh is the place to go if you want to feel the real thrills of adventure. Tourists’ safety measurements were also made here so that they might feel comfortable while rafting. “Safety comes first,” after all. Before each rafting trip, the teacher provides the tourists some guidelines. As a result, don’t be fooled into underestimating their knowledge of rafting techniques and river rapids. To make river rafting even more enjoyable, pay attention to them and follow their advice.
Best Stretches For Rafting In Rishikesh
1. Brahmapuri To Rishikesh
The section between Brahmapuri and Rishikesh is a modest rafting option for individuals of all ages. This is where white water rafting in Rishikesh will be pleasant for people who are trying to raft for the first time or who are truly terrified of water, without the magnificent excitement.
Length: 9 km
Time Taken: 1.5 hours
Toughest Grade: Grade II
Major rapids: Sweet Sixteen, Body Surfing, Hilton & Terminator, and Double Trouble
Cost: INR 450 per person
2. Shivpuri To Rishikesh
The stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is of intermediate difficulty and offers the perfect combination of thrills and pleasure. The grade III rapids can make rafters’ hearts skip a beat time and time again. This stretch is not recommended for the faint of heart or those who lack swimming ability when rafting in Rishikesh.
Length: 16 km
Time Taken: 3.5 hours
Toughest Grade: Grade II, Grade III
Major rapids: Roller Coaster, Return to Sender, and Golf Course
Cost: INR 650 per person
3. Marine Drive To Rishikesh
This stretch, like the previous one, is of intermediate difficulty. The stretch, however, has 14 rapids. The fact that the grade III rapids follow one another makes it difficult. After the challenging section, there is a long stretch of less tough rafting. The rafters will have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Length: 24 km
Time Taken: 4.5 hours
Toughest Grade: Grade II, Grade III
Major rapids: Black Money, Cross Fire, and Three Blind Mice
Cost: INR 850 per person
4. Kaudiyala To Rishikesh
Stay put, novice rafters! This stretch is only for the most experienced. The long stretch is not only exhausting, but also demanding. The rafters’ strength, dedication, and ability are put to the test. One of the rapids on this stretch of river rafting trp in Rishikesh, The Wall, is regarded as one of the world’s most difficult rapids.
Length: 34 km
Time Taken: 8 hours
Toughest Grade: Grade III, Grade IV, Grade V
Major rapids: Wall and Daniel’s Dip
Cost: INR 1,800 per person
Famous Rapids You Can Experience During Rafting In Rishikesh
During the 36-kilometer rafting trip on the Ganga, there are around 16 rapids between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh. At Kaudiyala to Rishikesh, there are rapids ranging from grade I to IV. Rafting. Grade II rapid flow is slightly faster than Grade I rapid flow. Grade III rapids are dangerous and require skilled guidance. White water and pebbles can be seen in the Grade IV rapid.
- Black Money (Grade 1)
- Sweet Sixteen (Grade 1)
- Good Morning (Grade 1)
- Body Surfing (Grade 1)
- Club House (Grade 2)
- Initiation (Grade 2)
- Double Trouble (Grade 2)
- Hilton (Grade 2)
- Terminator (Grade 2)
- Shivpuri Rapid (Grade 2+)
- Three Blind Mice (Grade 3)
- Cross Fire (Grade 3)
- Roller coaster (Grade 3)
- Golf Course (Grade 3)
- Return to Sender (Grade 3)
- Daniel’s Dip (Grade 3+)
- The Great Wall (Grade 4)
Safety Measures For River Rafting
Before engaging in this activity in the currents, keep the following safety precautions in mind.
- Before participating in this sport, it is recommended that you have a physical examination because river rafting requires a high level of fitness.
- During rafting, it is forbidden to drink any intoxicants or alcohol.
- After thoroughly inspecting all safety gear, such as a helmet and a life jacket, put them on.
- When going river rafting, never bring any precious stuff with you.
- If you go river rafting near sunset, you’ll have plenty of time to return to your starting place before it gets dark.
Things To Do During Rafting In Rishikesh
- Wear Light: Dress appropriately! Wear light, breezy, and quick-drying clothing to make the rafting trip more exciting. Remember to bring an extra set of clothes to change into after the activity.
- Wear a life jacket: It is a requirement for all participants in the expedition. Throughout, make sure the jacket is snug and buckled.
- Wear a helmet and all of the other safety gear provided.
- Wear proper footwear instead of flip-flops and slippers. Water rafting is best done in old sneakers, water shoes, or sandals with ankle straps.
- Help your fellows back: If one of your fellow rafters falls into the water accidently, assist them back to the raft. Don’t dismiss them just because you don’t know them.
- Pay attention to the instructor: Attend to the instructor’s instructions: Pay attention to your instructor’s safety procedures since they will keep you safe.
- Rafting is a Team Activity: Rafting is a team sport, so paddle with the group rather than alone.
Things You Should Avoid During Rafting
- Do not stand up while in a moving current. If you happen to fall. You can float on your back, facing downstream, with your toes pointed up.
- During the vacation, do not drink or carry any alcohol. It’s risky since you can feel drowsy. It is harmful to everyone.
- Don’t be overconfident in your abilities or try to impress people while rafting.
- Avoid unwelcome particles by taking a different route if you encounter fallen trash or tree branches on the river.
- Cotton clothing should be avoided because the weather stays windy. Cotton clothing will make you cold. Wear wetsuits or woollens in the cooler months to stay dry.
- Life jackets that are torn or large should not be worn.
- River rafting is not permitted for pregnant women or individuals with Asthmatic Heart Disease. If you have a fracture, an injury, or any other medical condition, avoid rafting.
Finally, and most importantly, never go rafting by yourself!! Have fun with your friends, family, or coworkers.
How To Reach Rishikesh?
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun; 20 km from Rishikesh
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Junction; 21 km from Rishikesh
Distance from Haridwar: 21 km
Distance from Delhi: 229 km
So, are you ready for an unforgettable rafting adventure in Rishikesh? Simply pack your belongings and head out to raft among the majestic mountains and sparkling rapids. It’s the perfect time to plan a trip to Rishikesh with your buddies and participate in this fascinating activity. Start planning and packing now, before you waste another minute.
Rafting Safety Tips & Precautions in Rishikesh
Rafting is certainly enjoyable, but it is also important to be mindful of the risks and safety concerns. You can enjoy rafting safely if you take some basic precautions. Rafting is also closed during the monsoon season to ensure the safety of travellers. The following are some Rafting Do’s and Don’ts.
Want more adventures, Read our latest article on “Top Scuba Diving Courses in India (PADI Certification)“