Imagine this – You’re furiously paddling on the glistening river Ganges, shouting slogans to power on with ice-cold water splashing on you, and possibly feeling like Bear Grylls himself on Man Vs Wild. This is the type of experience awaiting you if you go river rafting in Rishikesh. The river rafting stretches range from mild all the way to wild. There are floats for everyone – Beginners, adrenaline junkies and even families. How ‘aboat’ we go over the many river rafting routes in Rishikesh so that you know which one suits you best?
Popular River Rafting Routes In Rishikesh
Primary River Stretches
Shivpuri
If you wish to just test the waters, then the rafting point at Shivpuri is the one to head towards. You can reach this river rafting location in a jiffy from the center of Rishikesh. Shivpuri is roughly 40 minutes away from Rishikesh and is well-known for river rafting. By this we mean it’s one of the most chosen options for obvious reasons: the cost, and how easily accessible the location is.
Shivpuri has a mixture of mainly Grade 1 and 2 rapids. The cost of river rafting in Shivpuri is super friendly on the pocket (expect to shell INR 1000 per person). You can take middle-aged family members along with you for this adventure.
Most exciting rapids of this stretch –
- Return to Sender (Grade 3)
- Roller Coaster (Grade 3)
- Golf course (Grade 3)
- Clubhouse (Grade 2)
Shivpuri River Rafting Distance – 16 kms
How Long Does River Rafting At Shivpuri Take? – 2 to 3 hours
Distance From Rishikesh – 30 to 40 minutes
Cost – Approx. INR 1000 per head
Brahmpuri
Brahmpuri is one of those river rafting routes in Rishikesh where the waters keep their calm in check. This makes it most suitable for river rafting beginners who have garnered the guts to give the activity a shot but prefer not being too adventurous. You’ll pass by regular Grade 2 waves on this stretch, giving you the opportunity to take in the vistas of the Himalayas at a comfortable pace.
Most exciting rapids of this stretch –
- Initiation (Grade 2)
- Double Trouble (Grade 2)
- Hilton (Grade 2)
- Terminator (Grade 2)
Brahmpuri River Rafting Distance – 8 kms
How Long Does River Rafting At Brahmpuri Take? – 1 to 2 hours
Distance From Rishikesh – 30 to 40 minutes
Cost – Approx. INR 500 per head
Secondary River Stretches
Marine Drive
When you can’t seem to get your fix of adrenaline rush with rafting on short stretches of the Ganga, it’s probably time to turn things up a notch. For those of you that wish to stay out on the water for longer, consider signing up for river rafting at Marine Drive. Just a heads up, this stretch covers a longer distance, so you’ll have to be physically prepared to paddle that much more.
The Marine Drive rafting stretch covers a distance of 20 km and it’s an adventure thrill that’s not as cool-headed as the timid waters of Brahmpuri and Shivpuri. On this stretch, you’ll be able to enjoy Grade 3 rapids.
Most exciting rapids of this stretch –
- Three Blind Mice (Grade 3)
- Cross Fire (Grade 3)
- Roller Coaster (Grade 3)
Marine Drive River Rafting Distance – 20 kms
How Long Does River Rafting At Marine Drive Take? – 3 to 4 hours
Distance From Rishikesh – 15 to 20 minutes
Cost – Approx. INR 1500 per head
Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala, like Marine Drive, is a secondary river stretch not made for the faint of heart. It can be a literal battle with the fierce waves at some points of this stretch. The thrill levels will be high because the notorious waves put up a challenge. It is highly advisable to be physically prepared before attempting river rafting on this stretch.
The entire journey on water can last for 4-5 hours and you will also have to face waves that get classified into Grades 3 and 4.
Most exciting rapids of this stretch –
- Three Blind Mice (Grade 3)
- Cross Fire (Grade 3)
- Return To Sender (Grade 3)
Kaudiyala River Rafting Distance – 35 kms
How Long Does River Rafting At Kaudiyala Take? – 4 to 5 hours
Distance From Rishikesh – 1.5 to 2 hours
Cost – Approx. INR 2500 per head
Overnight River Stretch
Devprayag
If you have plenty of time to dedicate towards river rafting as an adventure sport, your best bet for the ultimate experience is Devprayag. This rafting adventure goes upto 2 days since the distance being covered is broken down into parts. The experience involves camping overnight by the riverside and then picking up from where the raft was parked. In total you’ll be covering a river rafting distance of 70 kms! 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
How Long Does River Rafting At Devprayag Take? – 2 days
Distance From Rishikesh – 2 to 2.5 hours
Cost – Approx. INR 8000 per head
Best Time For River Rafting In Rishikesh
Most tourists choose September and October for river rafting in Rishikesh. This is mainly because the monsoon season in Rishikesh just ends and the rain-fed rivers make it perfect for river rafting. March to June is the second-most favorable time for river rafting in Rishikesh. You can also go river rafting in November, December and January; these are the winter months but bravehearts who can withstand the freezing river water can go for the challenge! Most river stretches remain inaccessible during the monsoon season (mid-June to early-September).
Average Cost Of River Rafting In Rishikesh
The cost of river rafting in Rishikesh varies, but there is something for everyone. You can opt for short river rafting stretches or do an overnight camping one if you have the budget for it. Here’s a breakdown of your options and associated costs to expect –
Budget-Friendly – Shivpuri and Brahmpuri – Cost between INR 500 to INR 1000 per head.
Slightly Over Budget – Marine Drive and Kaudiyala – Cost between INR 1500 to INR 2500 per head.
Not Very Affordable – The Devprayag river stretch – Approximate cost is INR 8000 per head.
Tips For River Rafting In Rishikesh
- Wear breathable clothes that can dry quickly when you go river rafting. For your footwear, don’t wear flip-flops or sandals that can easily slip off your feet. Sneakers and footwear that straps tight to your feet is ideal.
- Pay attention to everything your instructor is telling you. The instructor is trained to handle various situations and has much more foresight than anyone else on the boat. Listen carefully to the commands and ask questions you may have before sitting in the boat.
- Be picky about the lifejacket and helmet you choose. It should fit you next to perfectly and if it doesn’t, don’t restrain yourself from stepping out of the activity.
- Don’t carry or wear anything that is of extreme value to you. Carry minimal items that don’t weigh much, like your phone, bottle and wallet that can go in a waterproof bag.
Things To Keep In Mind For River Rafting In Rishikesh
- You have to understand the rapids and it’s grade levels before you choose a river stretch that suits you. You can find all the information you need on this in our complete guide to river rafting in Rishikesh.
- Opt for a professional and licensed rafting organizer that has a good number of reviews. You can ask the accommodation you’re staying at to guide you to pick a reputable company.
- Non-swimmers can attempt to go river rafting but ideally it’s better to avoid the more difficult rapids if you can’t swim. Grade I and II rapids are suitable for non-swimmers.
Conclusion
And that’s all, you’re set to experience the fun of the river rafting routes in Rishikesh! You have every single bit of information you need, all in here. Make sure you have enough buddies with you on the float to paddle and cheer each other on. You won’t have much trouble in finding comrade‘ship’ at our goSTOPS in Rishikesh. Our staff will also be more than happy to guide you with where to go once you’re there too.
FAQs
What Are The Best Adventures In Rishikesh?
River rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, cliff jumping and waterfall trekking are some extremely popular adventure activities in Rishikesh. These activities draw thrill-seekers to the region like a moth to a flame.
How Many Days Are Enough For Rishikesh?
If you want to do justice to the spiritual and adventure sites in Rishikesh, then a minimum of 7 days is enough. But if you wish to slow down your pace of travel and see more of Rishikesh, it’s very easy to spend more than a week in Rishikesh.
What Should I Wear For Rafting In Rishikesh?
When you go river rafting in Rishikesh, make sure you’re wearing clothes in which you have maximum movability. Wear something that can dry quickly and also ensure you’re wearing shoes that give you a good grip.
Is It Safe To Go River Rafting In Rishikesh?
Like every other adventure sport, river rafting also comes with a set of risks. Afterall, it is an extreme sport. The level of risk is much lower if you opt for Grade I and Grade II rapids.
