Rishikesh – the holy city in Uttarakhand needs no introduction. Apart from being the Yoga Capital of India, Rishikesh is popular for trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and bungee jumping, among many other adventure activities. But, indeed, the white river rafting in Rishikesh gets the maximum attention. The travelers choose river rafting in Rishikesh for an adventurous and enthralling vacation. The waters of River Ganga permit voyagers to enjoy rapid rides, which are an instant adrenaline booster. The rafting activity is carried out under the guidance of expert practitioners.
The holy river Ganges presents several strenuous rapids to adventure seekers who love to encounter splashing waves. If you also plan to book a river rafting trip to Rishikesh, then this informative guide will help you plan your trip for water rafting in Rishikesh.
Rapids For River Rafting in Rishikesh
Rapids is known as the fast-flowing and turbulent sections of the river. They are present in almost all rivers due to variations in steepness. But the length of 2525 m makes the river Ganga in Rishikesh more thrilling. The rapids are classified from Grades I to VI, according to the level of difficulty in maneuverability. The rapids are classified in five different grades mentioned below:
- Grade I Rapids are easiest to navigate and have mild current with no risk involved.
- Grade II Rapids have some obstacles or rocks that are distinctively apart and offer a clear passage and easy maneuver.
- Grade III Rapids are more technical and need some professional assistance.
- Grade IV Rapids provide the real thrill of river rafting and are very tricky. The waves are powerful enough and rafts can topple as well.
- Grade V Rapids are can dangerous and only the lucky ones can get through them without falling from the raft under the strong waves.
- Grade VI Rapids are very extremely hard. But there is not anywhere in Rishikesh.
Best Stretches for River Rafting in Rishikesh
Some of the stretches of white water rafting in Rishikesh include:
Brahmapuri To Rishikesh
This stretch is a suitable rafting option for people of all ages, the stretch from Brahmapuri to Rishikesh is quite easy. The beginners can try this raft for the first time, this is where white water rafting in Rishikesh is more fun-filled.Length: 9 km
- Time Taken: 1.5 hours
- Toughest Grade: Grade II
- Main rapids: Sweet Sixteen, Body Surfing, Hilton & Terminator, and Double Trouble
- Price: INR 450 per person
Shivpuri To Rishikesh
This stretch is the true blend of thrill and pleasure, it begins from Shivpuri. The rapids of grade III sometimes make the rafters skip a beat time and again. The faint-hearted and people who don’t know swimming, are advised not to opt for this rafting in Rishikesh.
- Length: 16 km
- Time Taken: 3.5 hours
- Toughest Grade: Grade II, Grade III
- Main rapids: Golf Course, Roller Coaster, Return to Sender.
- Price: INR 650 per person
Marine Drive to Rishikesh
This rafting is intermediate to difficult and consists of a total of 14 rapids. The most challenging part of this rafting is that rapids come one after the other. However, once the difficult phase is over, there is a long stretch with very less chances of less strenuous rafting letting rafters enjoy the picturesque backdrop.
- Length: 24 km
- Time Taken: 4.5 hours
- Toughest Grade: Grade II, Grade III
- Main rapids: Black Money, Cross Fire, and Three Blind Mice
- Price: INR 850 per person
Kaudiyala To Rishikesh
It is one of the deadliest rapids near Kaudiyala. Not just it is a very long stretch but it is difficult as well. This stretch tests the rafters’ strength and determination. The Wall, one of the rapids on this stretch of river rafting in Rishikesh, is considered the most difficult rapids.
- Length: 34 km
- Time Taken: 8 hours
- Toughest Grade: Grade III, Grade IV, Grade V
- Main rapids*: Wall and Daniel’s Dip
- Price: INR 1,800 per person
Overnight River Stretch @ Devprayag
If you have much time and want to enjoy river rafting to the fullest in Rishikesh, then the ultimate experience is Devprayag. This rafting adventure goes up to 2 days as the distance will be covered in parts. The experience involves camping overnight by the riverside and then starting rafting the next day. The overall distance of this river rafting is 70 km. It’s worth giving this river stretch a shot if you wish to cover a mix of several exciting rapids.
- Devprayag River Rafting Distance – 70 kms
- Duration – 2 days
- Overall distance From Rishikesh – 2 to 2.5 hours
- Cost – Approx. INR 8000 per head
Must Read: – 7 Best Luxury Hotels in Rishikesh Near Ganga
Best Time for River Rafting in Rishikesh
Excluding the monsoon season that stretches from mid-June to September water rafting in Rishikesh always remains in huge demand. The months from February to June and then again from October – November receive the highest number of rafters. The summer season is the peak season to enjoy rafting.
River Rafting Timing
The standard timings for river rafting in Rishikesh begin from 9 am till evening 5 pm. The months from March – May and from September – November is considered the best time for river rafting. These two are peak seasons for tourists to enjoy river rafting adventure activities in Rishikesh.
Things to Carry for Rafting in Rishikesh
- Since there are higher chances of getting wet during rafting, thus it is important to keep an extra pair of clothes, shoes, socks, and undergarments while opting for this activity
- Also don’t forget to carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimming glasses to stay away from the scorching sun.
- The rafters will be provided with all basic first aid requirements, however, it is suggested to carry your own personal first aid kit for cases of emergency.
- Pay attention to the instructions given the professional river rafter. Since the instructor is trained to manage several situations, so listen to them carefully.
Safety Tips while doing River Rafting
- Beneath mentioned are the few safety tips that all rafters must keep in mind before going for this activity:
- It is important to understand the rapids and their grade levels before you select a river stretch that suits you.
- It is suggested to get a proper health check-up done before going for this activity as fitness is a very important factor while doing this thrilling activity.
- It is prohibited to consume any type of intoxicant/ alcohol while rafting.
- Wear all the required protective gear such as a helmet and life jacket after checking them thoroughly.
- Don’t carry any kind of valuable items while 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 Rishikesh river rafting to avoid any mishappenings. So, do river rafting in the right month only.
Must Read: – 13 Best Places to Visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh
How to Reach Rishikesh
By Air: The closest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun. The airport is connected with several flights from different parts of the country reach including Delhi, Lucknow, Pune, etc. On reaching the airport, travelers can take a local cab or bus to reach Rishikesh.
By Road: Rishikesh can easily be reached from different locations. From cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Mussoorie, etc. travelers can easily reach Rishikesh by road.
By Rail: Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh and is located almost 22 KM from the main city. From the railway station, you can easily find taxis and local bus services to cover the remaining distance.
Conclusion
So, are you all set to have the most awe-inspiring experience of river rafting in Rishikesh? Start packing your bags to enjoy some of the most thrilling tides amidst the majestic mountains. Plan your vacation to Rishikesh with Honeymoon Bug ad have a splendid vacation this time.
FAQs About Rishikesh River Rafting
Is Camping safe in Rishikesh?
Yes, camping in Rishikesh is considered safe. It is in fact one of the safest places for groups and for solo travelers as well. But it is advisable not to raft during the monsoon.
Is there any minimum age limit for river rafting in Rishikesh?
Rafting from Brahmpuri to Rishikesh is recommended for children above 10 years. However, for Kaudiyala to Rishikesh river rafting, the minimum age should be 18.
What is the best time to indulge in river rafting in Rishikesh?
The ideal time to go Rishikesh for river rafting is the summer season which starts in March and ends in June/July.
Should I carry the medication on my river rafting trip?
Yes, it is suggested to carry the required medications on your trip including insulin, inhalers, mosquito cream, etc.
What is the river rafting in Rishikesh price?
There are different packages available that come in different variants varying from Rs 400 to Rs 2500 per person. The average river rafting in Rishikesh price is written below:
- Brahmpuri (10 Kms) 400 per person
- Shivpuri (16 Kms) 1000 per person
- Marine Drive (25 Kms) 1500 per person
- Kaudiyala (35 Kms) 2500 per person
What is the distance between Shivpuri and Rishikesh?
Shivpuri is only 19 km from Rishikesh.
Can I do River rafting in Rishikesh in December?
If you want to take the adventure in December then it is advised that you take it in the first half of December because it does not operate after mid-December. From September to mid-December the river rafting season is full-blown with lots of crowds at this point.
How many days are needed to explore Rishikesh?
An ideal Rishikesh trip is of 1-2 nights based on the availability of time and point of interest.
Which month is best for river rafting in Rishikesh?
The months from March to June are the best months for river rafting due to favorable weather. Also the world famous International Yoga festival is celebrated in Rishikesh during these months. Since June is the hottest month, so river rafting becomes more pleasurable.
