River Rafting in Rishikesh - A Detailed Guide On Everything You Wanted To Know!

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 offers 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.

Rishikesh rafting is best enjoyed during the post-monsoon seasons. Usually, it starts from September and continues with the fun and thrill of rafting in Rishikesh till June.

Though rafting can also done during the months of December-January, the drop in the winter temperature makes it a bit challenging to step into the gurgling rivers.

Experience this and you'll forget even white water rafting.

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 proffer and so does their cost. It further varies, depending upon the number of participants. 

1. Brahmapuri to Rishikesh River Rafting

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Tagged as one of the most difficult rafting route, 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:

These are the easiest among all the types of rapids. They are classified as grade-I due to the fact that they involve 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 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.

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 offers 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 guides 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.

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 crashes 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 high amount of challenges and requires very skilled cruising techniques or skills.

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.

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 recommend 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!

Talking about the grade-I rafting, Sweet Sixteen boasts of being the most popular and captivating rapid across the Ganges. Passing through shallow regions, it offers easy passage, lesser amount of challenges and can be successfully cruised by almost all the types of rafters. 

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.

During your visit to the renowned Ram Jhula in Rishikesh, you will surely come across this fascinating rapid called the Hilton and Terminator. A grade-II rapid, it starts from the vicinity of Brahmapuri and winds up after reaching Ram Jhula. 

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.

After cruising through the grade-I or II rapids for a couple of times, you can plunge into the raft and manoeuvre towards the Three Blind Mice in Rishikesh! Graded as third level of rafting in Rishikesh, it passes through a series of sharp and enthralling passes that adds an extra amount of thrill and adventure to the 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!

Another grade-III rapid that offers you to cruise through the holy Ganges at its full glory, Cross Fire is known for the series of challenges difficulties associated with it. During the course, this rapid passes through one of the most strenuous and roughest phase of the river and thus entices a large number of rafters. Prior experience and expert guidance is a must in case you are planning to cruise through Cross Fire!

The extreme level of turbulence, current flow, vast size of the waves and the rocky terrains associated with Roller Coaster make it a must to challenge rapid while rafting in Rishikesh. Classified as grade-II/IV rapid, it requires an expert level of rafting techniques along with high manoeuvring skills. Also, since there are numerous rock formations along the trail, you will be witnessing frothy waves while cruising through it; this also makes it an ideal rapid for amazing white water rafting experience!

This is one of the rapids that will surely test all your paddling skills while rafting in Rishikesh! Though classed as a grade-III rapid, you must have prior experiences of grade-II or III rapids before you hop into the raft and start cruising through it. Unlike other rapids of the same grade in Rishikesh, Golf Course offers extreme challenges and during the course, it passes through some of the fascinating trials and extremely uneven paths. Get the adrenaline boost you always craved for and cruise through this rapid under the strict observation and guidance!

For the skilled and experienced rafters, The Wall proves to be an ultimate rapid in Rishikesh! Graded with the fourth level of rapids, this enthralling rapid will surely take you for a toss with the extreme level of challenges and difficulties involved with it. Highly recommended only for the expert rafters or those with prior experiences with grade-III rapids, it should only be tried under the strict vigilance of an expert guide or rafting crew members!

You should try this rapid only after you have mastered the skills and techniques of rafting in Rishikesh! Known to be the most enthralling rapid in the entire region or in the Ganges, Daniel’s Dip is among the very grade-V rapids in the entire country. Keeping in mind about the series of challenges and difficulties involved with it, you should never try cruising through the Daniel’s Dip without a full-fledged rafting crew or an expert rafting team!

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.

Nestled amidst the fascinating foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas and adorned with the charm of the Chandra Bhaga River, The Amaris also serves as an ideal getaway for the Rishikesh river rafting enthusiasts. Well connected with other major and popular places around the city, this is the retreat that will surely make you feel fresh and crave for more fun and excitement while in Rishikesh!

Offering the best of luxury and comfort to its patrons, it also pampers their taste buds in the most tempting ways. Welcome drink along with a buffet breakfast, in-house spa, complimentary dinner, and other delightful services and facilities of The Amaris will make your rafting expedition much more engrossing for sure!

Activities and Amenities:

• White water rafting, riverside camping, jungle camping, bungee jumping, yoga, and spa.
  
  
• Table tennis, billiards, pool, carom, and chess.
  
  
• Multi cuisine restaurant, roof top cafe, tea/coffee maker, Wi-Fi facility, and drinking water.
  
  
• Intercom facility, room service, minibar, room heater, daily newspaper, and direct dial phone.

With the Shivalik Hills serving as its backdrop, Hermitage in Rishikesh promises the best experience with the untouched beauty of the 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 is 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:

• Rafting, camping, mountaineering, yoga, meditation and reiki.
  
  
• Roof top restaurant, hot and cold water facility, laundry service, and doctor on call.
  
  
• Wi-Fi facility, TV, travel counter, room service and car/bus rentals.

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 the 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 in 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.
  
  
• Paint ball, 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.

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.

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 on 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 host 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.

The perfect combination of the fascinating outdoors and ultimate luxury and comfort in Rishikesh Cradle of Life proves to be an ideal resting 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 to 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, the 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 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.

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 has 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 with 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.

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!

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 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.

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 the 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 offers 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:

• White water rafting, jeep safari, bungee jumping, cliff jumping, body surfing, rock climbing, and waterfall trek.
  
  
• Cricket, badminton, tug of war, human dragon, and volleyball.
  
  
• Bonfire, barbeque, live music, carpet flooring, electricity, side tables, utility kits and mineral water bottles.

Facing the gurgling waves of the holy Ganges, EllBee Ganga View in Rishikesh overlooks the Rajaji National Park and promises relinquishing 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:                                                                  

• River rafting, trekking, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and jeep safari.
  
  
• LED TV, Wi-Fi facility, minibar, modern bathrooms, and dual line telephones.
  
  
• Tea/coffee maker, solar water heater, banquet halls, musical evenings, pickup and drop facilities.

1. Is there any age restriction for the river rafting in Rishikhesh or it can be enjoyed by anyone?
Ans. River rafting in rishikesh is fit for the people of all age groups. Whether children or elderly, it is completely safe for everyone and there is no age bar. But you do need the adequate strengths in the upper arms and shoulder, if you want to enjoy the adventure to the fullest.

2. What is the best time to indulge in river rafting in Rishikesh?
Ans. The perfect time go for river rafting in Rishikesh starts from the early summer to the end of spring.

3. How far is Shivpuri from Rishikesh?
Ans. Shivpuri is just 19 km from Rishikesh.

4. What about the mobile connectivity in the area?
Ans. The mobile connectivity in the area is very good and all the networks work well during your trip. 

5. Will the electricity be provided in the tents?
Ans. No, there is no electricity provided in the tents, though you will have the lanterns to provide the light during the night hours.

6. Is it required to carry the medication during the river rafting trip from our side?
Ans. Yes, it is recommended that you carry the necessary medications with you during your trip, which include insulin, inhalers, bee sting kits etc.

7. I do not know swimming, can I go for river rafting?
Ans. Yes, you will be provided with the life jacket during the river rafting activity.

8. How are the toilets at the campsite?
Ans. All the camps have the proper running water clean flush toilets.

9. What is the distance of Bungee Jumping station from Rishikesh Camp?
Ans. The Bungee Jumping Station is located at a distance of 7 km from the Rishikesh camp.

10. Is it fine, if I carry my camera during the rafting activity?
Ans. We will not recommend to carry the camera during the activity, as you are going to go through various ups and downs and it will be difficult to hold the camera.

The next big thing for the adventure freaks, bungee jumping is indeed one of the most enthralling and adrenaline pumping activities in Rishikesh. Though there are several other destinations for this spine-chilling activity, Rishikesh is considered as the Mecca for bungee jumping.

Last, but not the least in this list, flying fox is also among the must to do activity in Rishikesh. Embark on such an enthralling ride and enjoy the bird's eye views of this gorgeous city while zooming down at great speed while being harnessed to a safety cable from a higher to lower point.

For the adventure junkies who also love to stay close to the nature's untouched beauty, camping in Rishikesh is the most wonderful way to witness and enjoy its bucolic charm. 

Fringed with several towering mountains and jotted with pictorial valleys, this city offers a wide range of camps and camping destinations that should not be missed during your Rishikesh visit.

The trick of climbing down a hill or rock while being harnessed with a rope is known as rappelling. Owing to the fact that Rishikesh has numerous small hillocks and protruding rock bodies, rappelling in this city has become of the most sought after activities among the adrenaline junkies.

While in rappelling, the descent is slow and steady and is done with the help of rope, cliff jumping involves jumping directly from the peak of the cliff into the water. Fun, thrill and adrenaline rush is guaranteed in cliff jumping!

Rishikesh, also known as the 'Yoga Capital' of India is a perfect place to indulge in yoga and seek mental peace and solace. The salubrious settings and the tranquil ambience of the city entices yoga enthusiasts from different corners of the world and encourages them to indulge in yogic practice along with meditation.

For the nature lovers who yearn to step into the wilderness and have an exciting encounter with the dwellers of the jungles, Rishikesh is one of the best places to be! Located within a close proximity to Rajaji National Park and the Jim Corbett National Park, nature and wildlife lovers can quench all their desires to witness and enjoy the fascinating wildlife in the Garhwal Himalayas.