River Rafting in Rishikesh - A Detailed Travel Guide

Rishikesh Rafting Season: The thrilling adventure of river-rafting on the rapids of the Ganges can be enjoyed in Rishikesh during any season except monsoon. River-rafting in Rishikesh remains closed from 1st July to 15th September. Though the peak season for rafting is March, it can be best enjoyed from mid-September when the river is opened for rafting to the beginning of December when the water starts to turn too cold. River-rafting in Rishikesh has 4 different stretches with different lengths and different time windows.

Brahmpuri Rafting Season: This is the basic stretch. The length of this stretch is 9 km and it mostly has grade II rapids. Rafting can be enjoyed here between mid-September and June-end.

Shivpuri Rafting Season: This 16 km long stretch mostly has grade III rapids, and is a recommended stretch. It opens soon after the Brahmpuri Stretch and is closed down around the beginning of June.

Marine Drive Rafting Season: This is a thrilling stretch with mostly grade IV rapids and is not a recommended one for the first-timers. This 25 km long stretch normally opens in simultaneity with Shivpuri Rafting Season but is closed down 1-2 weeks before it.

Kaudiyala Rafting Season: This is an advanced stretch and is definitely not recommended if you’re inexperienced, since it has grade V rapids, rafting at which is an extreme adventure. It has the shortest time window as it opens up in mid-October and closes down around mid-May.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Rishikesh For a Fun Vacation

Rafting in Rishikesh costs approximately Rs.450 to Rs.1800 per person. There are four different rafting stretches which vary depending on the level of adventure they prefer and so does their cost. It further varies, depending upon the number of participants. 

1. Brahmapuri to Rishikesh River Rafting Cost:

• The Brahmapuri to Rishikesh is the most preferred route chosen by several rafting enthusiasts in Rishikesh.

• This route is not very challenging and hence is suitable for every age group.  

• The length covered is approximately 9 Km

• The estimated time taken is 1.5 hours

• The cost goes up to Rs.450 per person.

2. Shivpuri to Rishikesh Cost:

• The stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is said to be a melange of excitement and delight.

• This route has some very spine-tingling challenges waiting for you thrill seekers.

• It is advisable that those who are naïve at white water rafting and those who do not know to swim should avoid taking this route.

• The length covered is approximately 16 Km

• The estimated time taken is 3.5 hours

• The cost goes up to Rs.650 per person.

3. Marine Drive to Rishikesh Cost:

• If you are looking forward to feeding your adrenaline rush and at the same time enjoying mesmerising vistas, then the Marine Drive to Rishikesh route is an ideal choice.

• This route is partially difficult and partially smooth sailing; one can skip a heartbeat and then later experience nirvana amidst the picturesque Mother Nature.

• The length covered is approximately 24 Km

• The estimated time taken is 4.5 hours

• The cost goes up to Rs.850 per person.

4. Kaudiyala to Rishikesh Cost:

• Tagged as one of the most difficult rafting routes, the stretch from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh proffers an extremely thrill full experience.

• This extensive and rough route tests the calibre every rafter. So wear your determination and embark on this expedition.

• The length covered is approximately 34 Km

• The estimated time taken is 8 hours

• The cost goes up to Rs.1800 per person.

Bestowed with the gurgling Ganges and its tributaries and some of the deep ravines, Rishikesh river rafting promises endless enthralling moments to the rafter. It is in this quaint Garhwal city, you can enjoy rafting through many different rapids of various grades.

Just like the white water rafting, With a range of grade-I to grade-V,  rafting in Rishikesh will surely keep you engrossed with its unique charm and thrill! Mentioned below are the classification of rapids, you can find and enjoy in this city:

1. Grade-I: These are the easiest among all the types of rapids. They are classified as grade-I due to the fact that they involve a lesser amount of challenges and mostly occur in the plains. Due to this fact, the flow and speed of these rapids are considerably among as compared to other grades.

Known to be ideal for the beginners, grade-I rapids also involve a lesser amount of manoeuvring techniques and skillsets. Also, since these rapids involve a mild amount of current and are conducted in the shallow region, even a non-swimmer can participate in grade-I river rafting.

2. Grade-II: After the grade-I, there are the grade-II rapids that are also considered ideal for the novice rafters. Taking the fun and thrill of Rishikesh rafting one step further, these rapids offer are usually tougher than the previous type, and can be found in those regions where the main river passes through the uneven regions or slightly rocky trails. Due to this, they also offer a bit of challenge and a reasonable or moderate amount of challenge to the rafters.

To navigate through them, one surely needs prior rafting experience and navigating skills; rafting with a skilled guide is advisable in this case! Grade-II river rafting is one of the most popular and sought-after activities among the rafting enthusiasts to this region.

3. Grade-III: The first step to the fascinating world of white water rafting in Rishikesh, grade-III rapids will take you through some of the tiring and strenuous rapids in the Ganges and its tributaries. Due to the high speed and size of these rapids, whenever they crash against the rock surfaces, they appear to be foamy-white and thus called white water rafting! These types of rapids are commonly found in the regions where the river flows downward with great speed and also passes through some of the rugged and rocky patches.

One surely needs a rafting guide while manoeuvring through the grade-II rapids. Adding more to the thrill and excitement of this type of Rishikesh rafting, there are the high amount of challenges and requires very skilled cruising techniques or skills.

4. Grade-IV: Once you are acquainted with the tips and tricks of rafting in Rishikesh, you must begin the fun and experience the thrill with the grade-IV rapids. Compared to the first three types, these rapids are more fearsome and are known for the various levels of challenges they offer. Mostly found in the regions where the river descends down through rocky patches at high speed, these rapids require a lot of potential and manoeuvring techniques along with high endurance level!

The city has a number of grade-IV rapids and is known to the most enthralling place for the same. Taking the fun, vigour and excitement of river rafting to almost the zenith point, it is always advisable to challenge these types of rapids only after you are very well versed with all the tips and tricks involved in river rafting in Rishikesh.

5. Grade-V: The grade-V rapids are the epitome of Rishikesh river rafting! Recommended only for the expert rafters, they require an ardent set of rafting skills and plenitude of encounters with the white waters. Mostly found in the regions where the river passes through extreme rocky patches or are accompanied by sudden drops, there are a handful of such rapids in the whole country, and most of them are found in Rishikesh itself.

Also, as the river goes deep, grade-V white water rafting Rishikesh is only recommended for those rafters who are well acquainted with swimming. Most of the times, this type of rapids are also accompanied by large whirlpools as they occur mostly at the confluence point of water current from different sources of water. Extremely challenging, grade-V rafting must not be tried without the proper consent of the rafting guides and must also be done under the expert supervision of highly experienced rafting guides and instructors!

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Owing to all these factors, it mainly attracts the novice or the beginner rafters; families with kids or junior members can also indulge in Sweet Sixteen rafting in Rishikesh.

Passing through some of the sharp edges and amazing turns, this rapid offers an enthralling and equally safe rafting experience! In addition to rafting, you can also indulge in body surfing and cliff jumping by the end while cruising through this rapid.

Though can be enjoyed by amateur rafters, strict guidance from the rafting guides or instructors are recommended for a promising experience through Three Blind Mice!

1) Non-swimmers or minors can also enjoy rafting, but abide by all the rules and regulations and follow the guide's instructions for safety.  

2) Before joining the rafting expedition, one should get a health check-up done; fitness is extremely important for this activity.

3) Do not involve in the consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicants during rafting.

4) Always paddle as a team and not individually. 

5) Pay heed to all the guidelines and instructions from the tour guides or facilitators.

6) Wearing life-jackets is mandatory. In case of a mishap, do not panic; follow your guide's instructions.

7) Avoid getting into the water, because it might be an exhilarating experience, but it leads to disorientation.

8) Do not wear casual sandals. It is preferable that you wear sports shoes or river sandals.

1) Carry an extra pair of clothes, shoes and towels.

2) During rafting, wear suggested clothes only. One can wear a swim suit. T-shirt and shorts are also acceptable. Avoid wearing cotton.

3) One can carry their own cameras or video cameras at their own risk.

4) Carry a small first aid kit that has basic necessities like antiseptic cream and lotion, painkillers, etc.

5) It is advisable to carry Sunscreen lotion or any similar lotion.

6) Carry sunglasses or swimming goggles, if necessary.

Check Out: Things to do in Rishikesh For an Amazing Trip

By Road: Rishikesh is well connected with several major tourist destinations and other places of interest. Considering this, road journeys prove to be best ways to reach this adventure capital of India. Be it from Delhi (229km), Haridwar (20km), Mussoorie (72km), or other places, you can always avail the bus service and reach Rishikesh without much hassles.

By Train: Haridwar Railway Station is the closest railway station to Rishikesh. After your arrival in here, you can hire a cab or take a bus to the main city; both the cities are extremely well-connected and offer plenty of communication options.

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun serves as the nearest airport to Rishikesh. Since it is a domestic airport, you can easily reach there from various corners of the country.

With an experience of more than 10 years, Ravers Camp takes the pride of being one of the most sought after rafting camps in the entire of Rishikesh. Located on the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy Ganga River, this holiday home in Brahmagiri is nestled amidst lush and evergreen thickets and holds a unique charm!

Whether you are on for any of the rafting expeditions or is planning for one, Ravers Beach Camp is the ideal getaway that will introduce you to some of the most enthralling rapids and will also arrange for the tour. Run and maintained by a group of adventure junkies, it promises fun, thrill and excitement like any other rafting camps in Rishikesh! In addition, the facilities and services offered by this camp will allow you to participate in a range of other adventure activities like rappelling, kayaking and several others.

Activities and Amenities:

- Rafting, rappelling, kayaking, camp activities, and beach volleyball.
- Tent stays, seating area, bonfire, and nature trails.

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Though a jungle camp, Royale Rainbow Resort is counted among the best and most ideal retreats that offer a relaxing ambience to the visitors. Nestled amidst a pictorial valley in Rishikesh, guarded by some of the lofty peaks of the Garhwal Range, and embraced by the Heul River, it is one such getaway that echoes the perfect blend of nature along with all the luxury and comfort required to freshen up a tired soul!

Whether you are on a rafting expedition or on for any other adventure activities, on a family vacation or for fun frolic with friends and corporate friends, you can always check-in into Royale Rainbow Resort and enjoy its warm hospitality. While the Swiss tents spreading across the lush mangrove forests will serve all your accommodation requirements, its delicious range of Indian and Continental cuisines will keep you immersed in taste and flavour!

Adding more to your stay at Royale Rainbow Resort, there is its warm hospitality and a range of delightful service. Also ideal for corporate meetings and events, you can also plan social gathering and lot more in this holiday home in Rishikesh.

Activities and Amenities:

- Rafting, para motor gliding, air safari, body surfing, cliff jumping, and rock climbing.
- Paintball, swimming, nature walk, waterfall trekking, river crossing, tree jumaring, rope climbing, and bungee jumping.
- Flying fox, giant swing, jungle jeep safari, cycling, biking, trust fall, body boarding, rappelling.
- Cricket, football, badminton, volleyball, bonfire, conference and banquet halls, water geysers, and attached washrooms.

After an amazing rafting cruise in Rishikesh, you truly deserve a soothing and serene stay! Be it in a rustic cottage, exciting tent or in a fully equipped room, a comfortable stay is a must after such an enthralling sojourn in the Ganges; and to experience this, you must head towards the Elephant Brook Resort.

Seated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, this holiday home is guarded by the Shivalik Hills and is canopied by thick and lush vegetation. Located within a close proximity to the Heul River, the resort also attracts a large number of leisure travellers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts from various corners of the country.

Offering an array of heart-warming facilities and services to its guests, it also arranges for several other adventure activities and things to do. Along with endless options for fun and thrill, one can also relax around the bucolic settings of the resort. For those who seek mental peace and relaxation, can indulge in the various yoga programmes and help themselves to relax and rejuvenate. Adding more, the resort also hosts marriage parties and other social gatherings for its guests.

Activities and Amenities:

- Rafting, jeep safari, wildlife safari, nature trails, cycling, camping, and bonfire.
- Yoga, indoor and outdoor games, conference halls, wildlife movies, pickup and drop.

Nestled amidst lush and evergreen mango and litchi orchards, Glasshouse on the Ganges boasts of its pictorial setting and unique location. Seated on the locales, where the gurgling Ganges turns around and flows northward, this holiday home in Rishikesh truly serves as a pleasant and charismatic getaway for the tired souls! Whether you are yearning for a nature stay or an enthralling option, an eventful or a peaceful holiday, this is the place for you to visit!

Also, as the getaway is located within a close proximity to several holy and sacred places, you can always embark on a spiritual tour and witness the sanctity of Rishikesh at its best. Talking about the amenities and facilities of the resort, it offers a different type of rooms to its visitors.

Rooms are mainly classified according to the range of amenities and services available within them; however, irrespective of the type of room you opt for, you will surely have a pleasant stay in the Glasshouse on the Ganges. It also caters much to events like business meetings, wedding parties and other social gatherings.

Activities and Amenities:

- River rafting, rock climbing, wildlife safari, bird watching, trekking, cliff jumping and temple visits.
- Private terrace, river-view sitting area, attach bathrooms, ayurvedic massage, and spa therapies.

Check Out: Luxury Resorts in Rishikesh for comfortable stay

One of the newly introduced camps for the rafters, Aspen Camps is among the very few retreats in Rishikesh that offers the best of nature and adventure holiday to the visitors. Following and abiding the rules of nature, this holiday home also encourages the guests to indulge in activities that not only caters to thrill and adventure but also contributes a lot to the conservation of nature.

The perfect blend of the outdoors and the luxuries of life, it promises an extremely exciting holiday to all its patrons. Spreading across 6 acres of evergreen patches, it is run and maintained by a group of expert outdoor facilitators who belong to various backgrounds and holds expertise in their respective fields.

In addition to the thrill, excitement and the luxury quotient, Aspen Camps also offer a flavoursome range of foods and delicacies to its visitors; expert chefs and cooks within the camp will keep you soaked with their multi-cuisine menu.

Activities and Amenities:

With the Shivalik Hills serving as its backdrop, Hermitage in Rishikesh promises the best experience with the untouched beauty of nature to the visitors. Located within a close proximity to the Laxman Jhula and other major landmarks, it also boasts of being one of the most pocket-friendly retreats that are aesthetically designed to bring out the best essence of Rishikesh and its pristine beauty.

A perfect place to wind up after an enthralling rafting experience, Hermitage also ensures pleasant and relaxing moments with its meditation therapies and yoga sessions that are conducted daily morning and evening. Rooms here are decked with all the required amenities and facilities and offers amazing views of the surroundings along with ample of space within them. The getaway also serves a delicious range of foods that are prepared in the most traditional and healthy ways.

Activities and Amenities:

The perfect combination of the fascinating outdoors and ultimate luxury and comfort in Rishikesh Cradle of Life proves to be an ideal testing ground for the adventure junkies, especially the river rafting enthusiasts! Located in Shivpuri; on Badrinath Road, this campsite will not only incite thrill and excitement but will also usher you to sit back and enjoy the pristine beauty of nature during your holiday in here.

A wonderful host of family, friends', school and corporate getaways, the campsite boasts of its warm hospitality and enticing settings that comprises of several hillocks, dense thickets and natural pools. While the adrenaline junkies can indulge in an array of enthralling activities within this retreat, nature and leisure seekers can also satiate all their cravings toward Mother Nature and make their holiday much more exciting.

Among the other offerings of the camp, there are outdoor various activities like rope courses, paintball and much more. In addition to all these, you can also embark on the exciting riverside and live camping while holidaying around Cradle of Life.

Activities and Amenities:

- Rafting, camping, commando net, swinging ladder, jumaring, rappelling, tyre crossing, and Burma Bridge.
- Loop bridge, paintball, indoor and outdoor games, team building activities, and rope tree house.
- Conference facilities, day picnics, business meetings, audio/video and OHP facilities.

Also Read: Camping In Rishikesh for adventure freaks

If you are yearning for a pleasant and tranquil ambience after your rafting experience, you must check-in into Camp Wildex on the Neelkanth Road. Tucked away from the hustles and bustles of city-life, this riverside camp is guarded by the lush and evergreen thickets of the Rajaji National Park on both sides and serves as one of the most pictorial destinations to the holidayers to this part of Uttarakhand.

Being a guest to this exciting camp, you will be introduced to a range of activities and things to do along with an array of services and facilities. On offer here, there are comfortable tents with proper bedding arrangements and running water facility. The tents are also lined up with Indian/Western toilets and have a continuous power supply.

Be it for a family vacation, adventure getaway, corporate outing or any other types of holidays, Camp Wildex always make it for a fun frolic experience and proves to an ideal spot in Rishikesh. While days in this wonderful camp get you introduced to a myriad list of activities, nights will be cossetted by lively bonfires accompanied by barbeque sessions.

Activities and Amenities:
- River rafting, body surfing, cliff jumping, rock climbing, rappelling and valley crossing.
- Waterfall trekking, forest walk, obstacle courses, Burma Bridge, parallel rope, volleyball, rugby, badminton.
- Indian/western toilets, running water facility, buffet meals, electricity and power backup, conference facility with audio/video facility.

Facing the gurgling waves of the holy Ganges, EllBee Ganga View in Rishikesh overlooks the Rajaji National Park and promises to relinquish moments to the guests! Located in the heart of this pictorial city, it can be easily accessed from Dehradun Airport; around 16km, and Haridwar Railway Station; around 24km.

With plush rooms and an exciting range of amenities, this luxury stay ensures you a pleasant and contended stay after a tiresome rafting expedition in Rishikesh. Divided into Executive Suite, Ganga Royale, Premier and Deluxe, it also offers complimentary yoga sessions that will help you relax and rejuvenate while staying close to the immaculate beauty of Mother Nature. In addition to this, EllBee Ganga View also conducts several other adventure activities and games that will add an extra amount of fun frolic to your Rishikesh rafting.

Activities and Amenities:                                                                  

For those of you who are looking for some adventurous activity in Rishikesh then Bungee Jumping is definitely the option for you. We know that rafting in Rishikesh is very famous, in the same way, bungee jumping is another favourite activity here which is very popular among them. Bungy Jumping is an activity that includes jumping from a tall structure while associated with an extensive flexible rope.

The tall structure is normally a settled protest, for example, a building, extension or crane; however it is additionally conceivable to hop from a portable question, for example, a hot-air-inflatable or helicopter, that can drift over the ground. 

The best part is when you start free-falling and the bounce back. At the point when the individual hops, the rope extends and the jumper flies upwards again as the line backlashes and keeps on wavering here and there until the point that all the vitality is dispersed.

Flying Fox is another activity which is very popular in Rishikesh. The experience gives a chance to appreciate the gravity and the full speed of wind current as you fly in your protected outfit. The perspectives are more than sensational as you fly at top speed over the mountain hill of the Himalayas and the blessed waterway Ganga. The flying fox adventurous ride begins from a platform 120 meters high from the stream bed on the Ganges.

The whole game is taken care of by specialists with pressure driven security gear. On a link, the flying fox enterprise member is tackled with a protected rigging. As the individual is prepared, they are discharged to appreciate a flight up to a kilometre.

Appreciate the speed, the thrill and the wind stream as you enjoy this activity. The speed of your ride goes up to a 150 km/hr. the view is totally exciting, spread your arms and make the most of your flight.

Suggested Read: Adventurous Trekking in Rishikesh 

Other than rafting in Rishikesh, camping is another activity which is very famous in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is known as a camping destination and offers a delightful climate to set and appreciate camps. The scenic views of nature lighten the moods of travellers and the awe-inspiring adventures bubble up their excitement. The impact gets all the more inebriating when one gets the joy of setting up at campgrounds in the lap of nature and under the covers of stars.

Families, friends, company friends or explorers appreciate camping in the wild as it brings memorable moments that are cherished throughout their life. Any person who likes to investigate new places and appreciate the excellence and peacefulness of nature can set out on a camping activity. 

Camping in Rishikesh on the Ganga shoreline offer a situation to wake up wake up with the birds cher chew and can swim in the fresh water of the river Ganges.

When you are heading for a fun-filled trip to Rishikesh don’t forget to try another exciting activity here. Rappelling has been among the favourite activity in Rishikesh and a lot of thrill seekers come here to enjoy this activity. To rappel is means actually roping down a cliff as you may know. Rappelling campaigns for the two fledgelings and also gifted travellers are sorted out in Rishikesh. Rappelling is one of the up and coming enterprise exercises that have picked up fame lately.

Rappelling implies restricting down a precipice, which is a fun movement as well as an exciting knowledge. Rappelling is likewise called as Abseiling, a standout amongst the bravest experience exercises offered in Rishikesh. In Rappelling in Rishikesh, a rope is tied to the most astounding purpose of a stone going about as a base, from where you should rappel down on the ground.

There will likewise be an additional rope appended to the outfit which will guarantee your security while the assignment. The educator controls the well-being rope as you drop yourself down and he or she will discharge it constantly while you rappel down.

Recommended Read: Adventurous Water Sports Activities in Rishikesh

Another activity which is very famous among the adventure seekers in Rishikesh is cliff jumping. Cliff is one of the thrilling activities in Rishikesh which pumps up the energy by simply the sound of it. Jumping from a cliff in the cold current water of River Ganga is nothing like other adventurous activities. Globe-trotters from everywhere throughout the world come here to encounter this thrilling sport and enjoy the best time of their life.

Cliff Jumping is, for the most part, attempted by thrill seekers in light of their physical stamina and mental capacity. Beginners like to appreciate bouncing into waterway water from precipices which are shorter in the range from the stream surface with a specific end goal to get the vibe of this action. The activity of Cliff Jumping has fabricated universal records and individuals do it either for no particular reason or to finish their enthusiastic objectives.

What could be a better way to rejuvenate yourself than with a power yoga in the morning. Whether you are starting your day or after a long tiring day of exploring you can always revive there. There are a lot of places which offers different yoga session in Rishikesh. The objective of this yoga program is to deliver qualified and moving yoga educators who can draw all alone practice and individual train in granting the yoga experience to others.

The point and target of these yoga educator instructional classes fundamentally to give a solid foundational comprehension of yoga alongside the morals of carrying on with a yoga existence with amending postural alignment, breath regulation, ways of concentration - meditation and clarity regarding the philosophy of Yogic life. Get a chance to enjoy this amazing power yoga at Rishikesh.

Popular Read: Yoga Sessions in Rishikesh You Should not Miss

It is a national park and a tiger reserve spread across an area of 820 sq km in Uttarakhand, near the foothills of Himalayas, encircling the Shivaliks. It is located at a short distance of 18 km from Rishikesh.

If you are a nature and wildlife enthusiast, this national park is an ideal location for you to witness the wilderness in its most pristine form. Jungle safari of this park is popular and attracts tourists in huge numbers every year. Jungle safari in this national park can be enjoyed between 15th November to 15th June because it remains closed between June-end to mid-November.

The park has a 34 km long safari trail that offers an undiluted experience of lush green forests, beautiful valleys, river beds and sprawling grasslands. Elephant Safari in Rajaji National park is an experience you should not miss out on. However, you may also choose to take a safari in a jeep.

The fauna species that can be sighted during the 2-3 hours long safari here are Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Elephant, and Leopard Cat among many others. The park also boasts of a rich diversity of unique flora species.

Emerging out from lofty, cool-green mountains of Rishikesh, this exceptional waterfall is a peaceful place to be. A few minutes of trek from the ticketing point and you will reach the pinnacle of the tumbling waters.

At the base of the falls, there are two bathing points. One is approachable by foot/wheels and the second can be approached by foot only. Over the bathing spots, there are two bridges perching on a backdrop of beautiful scenery. Food facilities are also available in the vicinity.

Location- Neer Gaddu Waterfall is located at a distance of 9 km from Rishikesh Railway Station.

Timings- 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee- INR 20 per head for Indians and INR 50 per head for foreigners