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Top Reasons Why White Water Rafting in Rishikesh is a Must-Try
If you are an adventure lover and try different adventures, then you must be aware of white water rafting. It is one of the amazing adventures that is practiced in Rishikesh and gives a thrilling experience to the adventurers. Along with its nature, white water rafting is also famous among people due to its benefits, such as reducing stress, providing fresh air and sunshine, teaching teamwork, and many more. All these together make it one of the most loved and preferred activities among people. So, do you want to try this one in Rishikesh? If so, then you are about to welcome a great experience of your life. Let’s learn why you should try white water rafting in Rishikesh.
What is White Water Rafting?
White water rafting is a fun water sport where you sit in a rubber boat (called a raft) and paddle down a river. The river has fast-moving water, called rapids, which make the ride bumpy and exciting. You are always with a group of people and a trained guide who keeps you safe and shows you how to enjoy the ride.
Best Time for River Rafting in Rishikesh
Choosing the right time for rafting is very important. It makes the ride safer and more fun.
October to June – The Main Rafting Season
This is the best time for river rafting in Rishikesh. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the river flow is just right.
October to February: Cool weather and crystal-clear water. This time is perfect for those who love winter adventure and want to enjoy rafting in peaceful surroundings.
March to June: This is the most popular time for rafting. The sun is warmer, and the river is active. Families, students, and tourists visit Rishikesh in large numbers during this time.
July to Mid-September – Rafting is Closed
During the monsoon season, rafting is mostly not allowed due to heavy rainfall and increased water levels. The river becomes very dangerous, and most rafting companies stop operations for safety reasons.
So, if you are planning to enjoy river rafting, make sure you visit Rishikesh between October and June.
River Rafting Stretches in Rishikesh
Rishikesh offers different rafting stretches depending on your age, fitness level, and how much thrill you want. The Ganga River is divided into parts where rafting is done. These parts are called “stretches” and they vary in distance and difficulty.
1. Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km)
Grade: I to II (Easy)
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Best for: Beginners, children, and families
This is the shortest and easiest stretch. It has simple waves and fewer rapids, making it great for young kids and elderly people who want to try rafting safely.
2. Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km)
Grade: II to III
Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Best for: First-time rafters, school groups, adventure lovers
This is the most popular stretch. It includes fun rapids like Return to Sender, Roller Coaster, Golf Course, and Double Trouble. It also includes body surfing and cliff jumping at some points.
3. Marine Drive to Rishikesh (26 km)
Grade: III+
Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Best for: Those who want more thrill and longer experience
This stretch has more waves and rapids compared to the previous ones. It passes through beautiful forest areas and gives you more time on the water.
4. Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (35 km)
Grade: IV+ (Difficult)
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Best for: Experienced rafters and strong swimmers
This is the most difficult stretch and includes a famous rapid called “The Wall”, which is very powerful and challenging. Not all operators allow this route unless the water level is safe and the group is experienced.
Cost of River Rafting in Rishikesh
The price of river rafting depends on the stretch, company, and season. Here’s an approximate rate list for different stretches:
Brahmapuri (9 km): ₹500 – ₹800 per person
Shivpuri (16 km): ₹800 – ₹1,200 per person
Marine Drive (26 km): ₹1,000 – ₹1,600 per person
Kaudiyala (35 km): ₹2,000 – ₹2,500 per person (not always available)
These prices usually include transportation to the starting point, safety gear like helmet and life jacket, and a trained guide.
Some companies also offer packages that include rafting with other activities like camping, cliff jumping, body surfing, and meals. These combo packages range between ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 depending on services and location.
Top River Rafting Operators in Rishikesh
There are many companies in Rishikesh that offer river rafting. Here are some of the top and trusted ones:
1. Red Chilli Adventure
One of the oldest and most trusted adventure companies. They offer rafting, camping, trekking, and customized trips.
Website: redchilliadventure.com
Known for: Safety, trained staff, good service
2. Ganga Valley Adventure
They offer group rafting packages, camping, and other adventure sports.
Good for: School trips, college groups, large families
3. Himalayan River Runners
They are known for organizing multi-day rafting expeditions and longer stretch rafting.
Best for: Serious adventurers and experienced rafters
4. Outbound Adventure
They offer rafting, bungee jumping, camping, and other thrill activities in Rishikesh.
Known for: Affordable pricing, good equipment, friendly staff
5. White World Expeditions
Their services are professional and they are known for proper safety standards and clean camps.
Best for: Safe rafting, hygienic facilities, good customer service
Before choosing any operator, always check:
Their rafting license
Safety records
Group size
Type of equipment used
Age and weight restrictions
Why Rishikesh is the Best Place for Rafting
1. Ganga River – Clean and Full of Thrill
The river Ganga in Rishikesh is not just holy, but also a perfect river for rafting. The water here is clean, cold, and full of rapids. These rapids have names like Roller Coaster, Golf Course, and Double Trouble. They sound fun, don’t they?
Some rapids are easy and perfect for beginners, while others are more powerful for experienced rafters.
2. Safe and Guided Tours
In Rishikesh, you will always raft with certified guides. These guides are trained in first aid and know how to handle any situation. You also get safety gear like life jackets and helmets, so even if you don’t know how to swim, you can still enjoy rafting!
3. Different Options for Everyone
Whether you are a first-timer or someone who loves adventure, there is a rafting option for you. Some popular stretches include:
Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km) – Great for kids and beginners
Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km) – Moderate fun with more rapids
Marine Drive to Rishikesh (24 km) – For adventure lovers
Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (36 km) – Only for experts
White water rafting in Rishikesh: Towards thrill and adventure
None of us is aware of the fact of how famous white river rafting is in Rishikesh, but why so? To understand this, we have mentioned some of the reasons below that you can look at and understand the root cause of it.
Chance to witness scenic beauty
While doing water rafting in Rishikesh, you will get the chance to see the mesmerizing beauty, such as the Himalayan foothills, greenery, temples, and many more. By this, you will feel refreshed and peaceful.
Promotes good health
White water rafting is an adventure sports in Rishikesh that provide you a chance to improve your health in a joyful way. It helps you to do a full body workout, reduce stress, promote cardiovascular health, and bring mental stability, which in total promotes overall well-being of the body.
A sense of spirituality
While doing rafting, you will see various temples and spiritual places along with the adventure. This will allow you to have a deeper connection with god and respect towards the religion.
Easy to access
Water rafting in Rishikesh is accessible to all people throughout the country due to its reasonable prices. Along with this, it is connected with the roads and rail, due to which it becomes easy for people to visit here and enjoy the rafting without worrying about the budget.
Promotes teamwork
Successful rafting can only become possible due to good teamwork and coordination. So it gives a chance to an individual to speak and connect with others properly and create a bond with them. This brings trust and respect towards each other and maintains the dignity of the activity.
Other Adventure Activities to Try in Rishikesh
If you love rafting, you’ll enjoy many more adventure activities in Rishikesh. Some popular ones are:
Flying Fox in Rishikesh – Want to fly like a bird over the river? Try this amazing zip line ride!
Rock Climbing
Trekking
Camping by the river
You can easily spend 2–3 days in Rishikesh enjoying all these fun things.
Final thoughts!
If you planning to visit Rishikesh and try white water rafting, then the Best time for rafting in Rishikesh is during late September to mid-November and early March to late April. At this time, you can enjoy the activity with your friends and family and add one more amazing experience to your life. So don’t wait for any moment and plan for it as soon as possible. You can also connect with the The Neeraj Luxury hotels to do so. They will provide you with the best and cozy environment to spend time after rafting and relax to feel energized and relaxed for the next day.