The holy river Ganges offers many strenuous rapids to the adrenaline junkies who love the thrill of encountering the splashing waves. But before we discuss more about these sections of the river Ganga with steep gradients that result in an increase in velocity and turbulence, let us quickly scan through basic information that will help you plan your trip for water rafting in Rishikesh.
Best Time For River Rafting In Rishikesh
The rafting season in Rishikesh begins post monsoons. However, the low temperatures during December – January makes it very difficult to enjoy rafting in this period.
Best time for river rafting in Rishikesh: September – November and February – June
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Best Rapids For River Rafting In Rishikesh
Rapids, as mentioned before, are the fast-flowing and turbulent sections of the river. They are present in almost every river due to variation in steepness. However, with a length of 2525 m, the river Ganga has many rapids that have been classified in 5 different grades. Here is a list of 16 prominent rapids in and around Rishikesh:
Different Grades of Rapids
The rapids are classified from Grade I to VI, based on the level of difficulty in manoeuvrability. In Rishikesh, however, there are rapids up to grade V only. People who are not extremely good at swimming, must not try rafting with rapids of grade III and more.
- Grade I Rapids are easiest to navigate, with mild current and no risk involved.
- Grade II Rapids are rapids where obstacles or rocks are distinctively apart and provide a clear passage and easy manoeuvre.
- Grade III Rapids are quite technical and require good judgement by the guide.
- Grade IV Rapids offer the real thrill of river rafting and are very tricky. The waves are powerful enough to topple the raft.
- Grade V Rapids can be quite dangerous. Only lucky ones will be able to get through them without being toppled by the strong waves.
- Grade VI Rapids are those that are believed to be suicidal as they are extremely hard to manoeuvre. Luckily, there aren’t any in Rishikesh.
Best Stretches For Rafting In Rishikesh
1. Brahmapuri To Rishikesh
A suitable rafting option for people of all ages, the stretch from Brahmapuri to Rishikesh is a mild one. For those trying to raft for the first time or those who are actually afraid of water, this is where white water rafting in Rishikesh is going to be fun for you, sans any breathtaking thrill.
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
*For more information on these rapids, refer to the image titled Rapids in Rishikesh
**Cost includes only rafting and cliff jumping. Stay, food, and camping cost extra
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2. Shivpuri To Rishikesh
Image Credit: Sumita Roy Dutta
A perfect amalgamation of thrill and pleasure, the stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is of intermediate difficulty level. The rapids of grade III can make the rafters skip a beat time and again. For the faint-hearted and people with no swimming skills, this stretch is not a suggested option for 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
*For more information on these rapids, refer to the image titled Rapids in Rishikesh
**Cost includes only rafting and cliff jumping. Stay, food, and camping cost extra
3. Marine Drive To Rishikesh
Akin to the above stretch, this too is of intermediate difficulty level. However, the stretch covers 14 rapids. What makes it challenging is that the grade III rapids come one after the other. However, once the difficult phase is over, there is a long stretch of less strenuous rafting. This gives the rafters ample time to relax and relish the picturesque backdrop.
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
*For more information on these rapids, refer to the image titled Rapids in Rishikesh
**Cost includes only rafting and cliff jumping. Stay, food, and camping cost extra
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4. Kaudiyala To Rishikesh
Novice rafters, stay put! This stretch is strictly for the experienced ones. Not only is the long stretch very tiring, but also very difficult. It is a test of the strength, determination, and skill of the rafters. The Wall, one of the rapids on this stretch of river rafting trp in Rishikesh, is considered as one of the most difficult rapids around the world.
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
*For more information on these rapids, refer to the image titled Rapids in Rishikesh
**Cost includes only rafting and cliff jumping. Stay, food, and camping cost extra
Best Spots For Rafting & Camping In Rishikesh
Here is a list of the top spots for river rafting in Rishikesh. Check them out and see which one are you going to choose!
1. Ravers Beach Camp: Best River Rafting Camp In Rishikesh
Activities and amenities: Rafting, rappelling, kayaking, beach volleyball, trekking, and bonfire
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2. Cradle Of Life: Ultimate Adventure Camp In Rishikesh
Activities and amenities: Rafting, rappelling, kayaking, beach volleyball, trekking, bonfire, commando net, swinging ladder, jumaring, tyre crossing, Burma Bridge, loop bridge, paintball, team building activities, and rope tree house
3. Camp Gold Coast: Rishikesh Rafting Camp Hidden In Nature’s Lap
Activities and amenities: Rafting, rappelling, kayaking, beach volleyball, trekking, bonfire, Burma Bridge, swimming, frisbee, hiking, volleyball, campfire, nature walks, bird watching, trampoline, cliff jumping, and team building games
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4. Camp Wildex: Guarded By The Rajaji National Park
Activities and amenities: River rafting, body surfing, cliff jumping, rock climbing, rappelling, valley crossing, waterfall trekking, forest walking, obstacle courses, Burma Bridge, parallel rope, volleyball, rugby, and badminton
5. Glasshouse On Ganges: Luxury Nestled Among Mango & Litchi Orchards
Activities and amenities: River rafting, rock climbing, wildlife safari, bird watching, trekking, cliff jumping, temple visits, private terrace, river-view sitting area, attached bathrooms, Ayurvedic massage, and spa therapies
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Things To Remember
- If you do not know swimming, do not attempt stretches with rapids of grade 3 and above.
- Always wear the life jacket while rafting.
- Always follow instructions given by the guides strictly.
- Carry an extra set of clothes, including the inners, for the clothes get drenched entirely.
- Ideal Trip Duration: 2 Days 1 Night in Rishikesh
Safety Measures For River Rafting
If you are planning to go River Rafting in Rishikesh in February, here are a few safety measures that one must keep in mind before going for this activity in the currents.
- It is advisable to get a health check-up before going for this activity as fitness is an important factor of river rafting.
- It is prohibited to consume any kind of intoxicants or alcohol during rafting.
- Wear all the protective gears like a helmet and life jacket after checking them thoroughly.
- Never carry any valuable items with yourself while going for river rafting.
- Never go for river rafting near sunset as it will give you plenty of time to get back to the starting point before it gets dark.
- It is always suggested to choose the best time for river rafting in Rishikesh to avoid any mishappenings. So, choose the right month for this activity.
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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 the awe-inspiring experience of river rafting in Rishikesh? Just pack your bags and go raft in the midst of the majestic mountains and silvery rapids. It is the right time to plan your vacation to Rishikesh and indulge in this thrilling activity with your friends. Without spending one more minute, start planning and packing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About River Rafting In Rishikesh
What is the age limit of river rafting in Rishikesh?
The minimum age limit for river rafting in Rishikesh is 14 years, as set by the Ganga Nadi Rotation Samiti (Rishikesh Rafting Samiti).
What are the River Rafting charges in Rishikesh?
The cost of River Rafting in Rishikesh ranges from ₹600 to ₹2500 per person, depending on the rafting stretch.
Is Camping safe in Rishikesh?
Yes, camping in Rishikesh is safe. Rishikesh is perhaps one of the safest places for you and in recent years this place is become trending for women-centred tours and solo travelling. The only thing one should avoid is a late-night walk in the nearby camping areas.
Is December a good time to visit Rishikesh?
Rishikesh can be visited throughout the year. The weather of Rishikesh in December makes it an ideal spot to witness the city at its best.
What should I wear for rafting in Rishikesh?
Life jacket is the most essential while rafting in Rishikesh. During the summer, wear a swimsuit, shorts, a t-shirt and old sneakers. Carry an extra set of clothes for the clothes get drenched entirely.
What is famous in Rishikesh for shopping?
Rishikesh’s main market is near Triveni Ghat area. It is very popular among local people for clothes and items of daily use.
What is the best time for river rafting in Rishikesh?
The rafting season begins post-monsoon in Rishikesh. The best time for rafting is from September to November and February to June.
Does Rishikesh have snow?
Rishikesh does not come in the hilly area and hence one cannot expect snow here. You must head towards the hill to see and enjoy snowfall.
What are the various activities that can be done in Rishikesh?
Some of the fun activities you can engage in at Rishikesh are bungee jumping, bonfire and camping, trekking, cliff jumping, rock climbing, kayaking and more.
How many days are enough for Rishikesh?
An ideal Rishikesh trip is of 1 night and 2 days. If you are not running short of time, you can extend your trip and cover the places at a slow pace.
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Kushal is a communication strategist, with 5+ years of experience in creating communication for diverse industries. His passion for helping the readers comes from his prior experience of running a travel agency with his dad. And he does that by addressing the actual travelers’ pain points in his blogs. And his work at TravelTriangle has also earned him multiple invites to speak about travel blogging at conferences & seminars. When he is not creating marketing strategies or content, he can be found reading about Harry Potter, DC, Marvel, or other anime. Find him on other social media channels here:
