Rishikesh river rafting is one of India’s most popular adventure experiences, offering thrilling rides on the Ganga River surrounded by the scenic Himalayas. The rafting stretch covers different routes ranging from 9 km to 36 km, with rapids classified from Grade I to Grade IV, suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. Popular starting points include Brahmapuri (easy), Shivpuri (moderate), and Marine Drive or Kaudiyala (challenging). Rafting usually operates from September to June, avoiding the monsoon season.
Overview
Rishikesh River Rafting
📍 Location
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – known as the “Adventure Capital of India,” is situated on the banks of the holy River Ganga, flowing down from the Himalayas. The rafting routes pass through scenic gorges, lush forests, and small sandy beaches — combining spiritual calmness with thrilling adventure.
⚙️ About the Activity
River rafting in Rishikesh involves navigating the Ganges River’s rapids on an inflatable raft. The river here has a perfect mix of calm stretches and turbulent white-water rapids, making it ideal for all skill levels.
River: Ganga (originating from Gangotri Glacier)
Best Stretch: Between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh
Season: September to mid-June (closed during monsoon: July–August)
Rapids Grade: I to IV (Grade I = easy, Grade IV = highly challenging)
🚣 Rafting Stretches & Difficulty
| Starting Point | Distance | Time (approx.) | Rapids Grade | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brahmapuri to Rishikesh | 9 km | 1–1.5 hours | I–II | Beginners, families |
| Shivpuri to Rishikesh | 16 km | 2–2.5 hours | II–III | Intermediate rafters |
| Marine Drive to Rishikesh | 24 km | 3–4 hours | II–III+ | Adventurous beginners |
| Kaudiyala to Rishikesh | 36 km | 4–5 hours | III–IV | Experienced rafters |
Each route has famous rapids like Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Double Trouble, and The Wall, which are the main highlights of the ride.
🧑✈️ Safety & Equipment
All rafting expeditions are conducted under professional supervision by certified river guides.
You’re provided with:
Life jacket
Helmet
Paddle
Dry bag (for essentials)
Safety kayak escort on long routes
👉 Note: Rafting is not allowed for children below 12 years or people with heart conditions or recent surgeries.
🕐 Timings
Morning Batch: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Midday Batch: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Batch: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Rafting is generally stopped after sunset for safety reasons.
🧳 What to Carry
Quick-dry clothes or swimwear
Secure footwear (no flip-flops)
Sunscreen, towel, water bottle
Waterproof pouch for valuables (if needed)
Change of clothes (you’ll get wet!)
🚗 How to Reach
From Rishikesh town: Rafting starting points like Shivpuri and Marine Drive are 15–25 km away.
Most operators provide pickup and drop from Tapovan or Laxman Jhula.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun) – 35 km
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh / Haridwar
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
September – November: Post-monsoon flow, lush scenery, great weather
March – June: Peak adventure season with strong rapids and warm water
Avoid July – August due to heavy rains and closed rafting routes
🏕️ Add-On Experiences
Many travelers combine rafting with:
Riverside Camping (with bonfire and BBQ)
Cliff Jumping
Ziplining across the Ganga
Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
Visit to Beatles Ashram
