River rafting in India has emerged as one of the most popular sports. Steering through the unbridled water and passing through parlous rapids, it is something only an adventurer at heart can realize and appreciate. If you haven’t yet been able to get a chance to experience this utterly thrilling water sport, then pack your bags and be ready to become adventurer this summer.
There are numerous places for river rafting in India where you can enjoy the sport to your heart’s content. Each place is admired for its natural beauty and therefore rafting in one of them would be an experience worth having.
15 Best Places For River Rafting In India
Here’s the list of the places where you can indulge in the best river rafting in India with your other adventure-hungry friends.
- Indus River
- Kullu-Manali
- Yamuna River
- River Ganga, Rishikesh
- Tons River, Uttarakhand
- Kameng River
- Lohit River
- Spiti River
- Zanskar River
- Barapole, Coorg
- River Bhagirathi, Uttarakhand
- Alaknanda River, Uttarakhand
- Kundalika River, Maharashtra
- Teesta River, Sikkim And Darjeeling
- Brahmaputra River Rafting, Arunachal Pradesh
1. Indus River
Nothing can be more adventurous then river rafting in Indus river- known as ‘Singhe Khababs’ or ‘Out of the Lion’s Mouth’. Offering magnetising views of Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges, rafting in Indus makes for one unforgettable experience in India. Imagine taming the rapids while gulping down majestic views of mighty mountains all around!
Level of difficulty: Very basic – Grade I Rapids
Distance Covered: A stretch of 25 kms is covered
Best time for rafting: early November to March end
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2. Kullu-Manali
Kullu is one of the most popular destinations for white water rafting in India. Sail on the stretches of river Beas, where rapids provide an exhilarating interlude to enthusiasts. It’s definitely one of the best places for a refreshing session of river rafting in the country.
Level of difficulty: Very Basic – Grade I Rapids
Distance Covered: Raft on river Beas from Pirdi (4 kms ahead of Kullu town) down to Jhiri, on a stretch of approximately 14 kms
Best time for rafting: June to July
Suggested Read: Go River Rafting In Manali This Winter For A Serene Yet Exciting Experience
3. Yamuna River
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Yamuna is a hub of river rafting in India, which is suitable for both amateur and skilled rafters. There are two stretches- Nainbagh to Juddo and Yamuna Bridge to Juddo among which Nainbagh to Juddo is most ideal for rafting. The rapid grades range between I and III which are challenging and can be dealt with little effort.
Level of difficulty: Moderate – Grade I and III Rapids
Distance Covered: Yamuna bridge to Juddo 9 kms stretch
Best time for rafting: mid-September to mid-June
4. River Ganga, Rishikesh
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The River Ganga certainly offers the best experience of white water river rafting experience in India. Rafting on the Ganga can be enjoyed at Rishikesh which is nestled in Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand. There are four stretches- Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9kms), Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16kms), Marine drive to Rishikesh (24kms) and Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (36kms).
Level of difficulty: Basic levels to Challenging- Grade lies between I and IV rapids
Distance Covered: You could choose a half day trip or a full day trip which involves a run of 26 Km while river rafting in Rishikesh, India
Best time for rafting: late September to mid November
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5. Tons River, Uttarakhand
Tons is the tributary of River Yamuna and is considered to be one of the most challenging places for river rafting in India. As the river meanders through the remote areas, it tells about the core culture and traditions of Uttarakhand. Tons invites daredevils to sail on its glinting waters.
Level of difficulty: Moderate: Grade III and IV rapids
Distance covered: Approx 10 kms rafting
Best time for rafting: NA
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6. Kameng River
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Kameng River is one of the best destination for river rafting in India. With each passing kilometre at Kameng the thrill never ends, the impulsive river has the caliber to fill one with extreme exhilaration! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your oars, put on your gear, and set out!
Level of difficulty: Moderate- Grade IV rapid
Distance Covered: A distance of 25 km is covered in rafting
Best time for rafting: April to early June
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7. Lohit River
If you’re looking for a rafting adventure in the North East, Lohit river, flowing through Arunachal Pradesh is where you need to be. This lesser known river is one of the most interesting rivers for water sports like river rafting and kayaking in India. With fierce rapids and serene views, a river rafting feat in these waters won’t disappoint!
Level of difficulty: Moderate- Grade IV rapid
Distance Covered: Total distance of approx 100 km from the Line of Actual Control to Hayuliang
Best time for rafting: September to June
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8. Spiti River
Spiti River that flows through the magnificent Spiti valley is the best place for river rafting in India for thrill seekers. The end point being Sumdo, one can expect to spend at least 6 days in the river. Right from the glaciers to the pristine villages, you will be able to witness the spectacles of Himachal Pradesh.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance Covered: It covers a distance of 180km starting from Tuting to Pasighat
Best time for rafting: NA
9. Zanskar River
Trek on the river in winters and raft in summers! Sail through Padum and Nimmo stretch that mainly consists of III and IV grade rapids. The whirling rapids and the icy cold water thrown in together with beautiful surroundings landscapes creates memorable experiences of white water rafting in India.
Level of difficulty: Moderate – Grade III and IV Rapids
Distance Covered: Padum to Nimmo run covers a distance of 120 kms
Best time for rafting: May to October
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10. Barapole, Coorg
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South India has its own chunk of thrill! The Barapole River that crosses through Coorg is an ideal place for river rafting in India. The stretches are divided into 2 parts- the upper section of the river and the lower one. The upper section has IV to V rapids and lower section has VI to VII rapids.
Distance Covered: Around 150 km in rafting
Best time for rafting: July to August
11. River Bhagirathi, Uttarakhand
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For a thrilling river rafting experience, raft in the waters of Bhagirathi. The course of the river takes you through two parallel mountains, with the rushing stream, offering a glance of exquisite landscapes. The major rapids that are encountered here are Bhagirathi are Elephant rock, The Chute, Sharp S and Confluence rapid.
Level of difficulty: Challenging
Distance Covered: The 150 km stretch of Bhagirathi is exemplary for river rafting in India
Best time for rafting: April to June
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12. Alaknanda River, Uttarakhand
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Alaknanda River is here to give you a good dose of thrill and shrill! Cascading from the Garhwal Indeed challenging it takes about 6 days in the river and rafter has to survive through grade IV and V rapids. By the end of expedition not only you will be excited but also, full of knowledge and experience!
Level of difficulty: Challenging and difficult – Grade IV and V Rapids
Distance Covered: A stretch of approx 25 kms
Best time for rafting: October to April
13. Kundalika River, Maharashtra
In western India, the Sahyadri river is perfect for white water rafting. Kundali enters Kolad where a dam is constructed that majorly controls the gradient and turbulence of the river. Kolad has become a popular spot for weekend getaways. Monsoon is the perfect timing to go for rafting in Kundalika when the river is flowing in full force, offering an exhilarating session of rafting to adventure seekers.
Level of difficulty: Challenging
Distance Covered: Approximately 10 km in the water
Best time for rafting: June to March
14. Teesta River, Sikkim And Darjeeling
The point where Teesta meets with Rangit River forms a formidable place for rafting for veterans. Don’t forget that outstanding beauty of the landscape further graces the rafting experience in Teesta River in Sikkim.
Level of difficulty: Challenging
Distance Covered: 309 kms from the Himalaya joins
Best time for rafting: December to June
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15. Brahmaputra River Rafting, Arunachal Pradesh
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This river is one of the best places for river rafting in India. The starting point of rafting is at Tuting and the end is situated in Pasighat. It takes approximately a week to cover the entire stretch. The rafting expedition makes one well aware of the life, culture, and tradition of Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh is rightly considered to be one of the best river rafting places in India.
Level of difficulty: Challenging
Distance Covered: The starting point of rafting is at Tuting and the end is situated at a distance of 180 km in Pasighat
Best time for rafting: September to June
Important Tips For River Rafting In India
Given below are some of the best tips that you can follow when going for river rafting in India.
- Ensure that you are aware of all the precautions that are needed to be taken for your own safety, as this sport is a bit risky and unpredictable
- Don’t sit idle and do your part in maneuvering, as rafting requires everyone’s efforts
- You may not expect it but there’ll be times when you’ll end up fully immersed in the water owing to the aggressive current. In such cases, do make sure you have properly fastened the belts of your life jacket
Further Read: 10 Refreshingly Insane Water-Adventures In India For Couples
So, how many places have you covered from our list of destinations for the best experience of river rafting in India? Not enough, right? Well, it’s time that you should! Plan your trip to any of these amazing spots for a fun river rafting session and get going!
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Frequently Asked Questions About River Rafting In India
Still confused? See if the following helps clear your doubts:
What city is famous for river rafting?
Cities like Rishikesh, Darjeeling, Ladakh, Coorg, and Goa are famous for river rafting in India.
Is rafting open in Rishikesh in December?
No, river rafting in Rishikesh remains closed in December.
Where is river rafting in India?
River Ganga at Rishikesh is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular spots for White Water River rafting in India
How do you do river rafting?
Here are some Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips
1. Choose a licensed and professional rafting
2. Always wear a life jacket, or personal flotation device
3. Be safe and comfortable
4. Make sure you have the right outerwear for the day
5. Hold the paddle properly.
6. Know the proper swimming techniques.
7. Know the commands – High-Siding.
Is rafting dangerous?
You do have a small chance of being injured on a rafting trip, about 1:558 and a 1:100,000 chance of being a fatality.
Why is river rafting thrilling?
The strong and extreme current and turbulence in the water makes it very thrilling. The main goal of this sport is to maneuver and navigate the raft through rapids or turbulent waters
What happens in river rafting?
Rafting involves riding down the waves of a river in an inflatable raft, with a few rapids along the way that you encounter.
