Being the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh, the venerated city in Uttarakhand imparts various alternatives for breathtaking adventures like trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and river rafting. River rafting in Rishikesh is considered the most alluring activity that captivates both national and international tourists. You can gather an indelible experience with this sport of your lifetime. The pristine Ganges river that we Indians pray with a belief of attaining salvation is seen to be enveloped with different colors here in Rishikesh. Not only this sport provides you with an adrenaline rush but also binds you with beautiful nature. Many adventure lovers across India visit here especially for Rafting in Rishikesh. You are guided by certified and authorized instructors for every grade of rafting which ensures the utmost safety for you and your dear ones.

Based on difficulty, length, and price, the river has been segregated into different sections. Through this article, you will get a detailed insight into this adventure sport and sort you plan your trip for Rafting in Rishikesh.

Rapids

Rapids are usually found near the mountains due to obstruction, constriction, gradient, and flow rate. You experience the ecstasy of waves and the thrills of rafting in Rishikesh due to the rapids. Various rapids are there in the 2525 km long Ganges river and have been classified into six different grades depending upon the current and danger quotient. In Rishikesh, there are up to Five grades only that are suitable for rafting. Non-swimmers are not advised to try rafting with rapids of grade three and above, the rest are safe and do not require many skills.

First grade Rapid- lenient currents, uncomplicated with no risk.

Second grade Rapid- Rapids with some rocks and clear transit is seen.

Third grade Rapid- small waves are there but require proper guidance.

Fourth grade Rapid- powerful and medium waves, require exceptional training.

Fifth grade Rapid- large waves and rocks, very dangerous and requires professional expertise.

Sixth grade Rapid- unnavigable, dangerous and may cause serious injury or death.

The stretches for Rafting in Rishikesh

  1. Rishikesh – the tourists can have this thrilling experience with the instructor anytime a year except for the monsoon months from July to mid-September. The level of currents rises in these months so rafting remains close. The tourists enjoy this thrill most in the month of March, also holy- the festival of colors adds to the pleasure more as the restaurants here in Rishikesh conduct this festival in such a way that the people become exuberant and ecstatic. Other than that, rafting in Rishikesh can be relished at its best from mid-September to early December.
  2. Brahmpuri- This stretch has the grade two rapid, is about nine km long, and does not do much testing. The supreme time to relish this sport starts from mid-September to June, you can also do body surfing, and cliff jumping on your transit while completing.
  3. Shivpuri- This stretch has the grade three rapid; is about sixteen km long, less expensive, and is most praised. This stretch imparts you with an electrifying experience in your life of rafting in Rishikesh, even for non-swimmers, it opens just after Brahmpuri and terminates at the beginning of June. The duration is around two to four hours.
  4. Marine Drive- This stretch has the grade four rapid; is about twenty-five km long, opens as soon as Shivpuri, and closes earlier than it. This route imparts a complete experience of rafting, you can put up your jeopardy slowly from moderate rapids towards harder ones. This is recommended to everyone who wants an ecstatic experience of rafting in Rishikesh. The duration of this stretch is around three to five hours.
  5. Kaudilya- This has the grade five rapid, also popularly known as “the wall”. It is about 32km long, extremely adventurous, and the most thrilling one in the rafting activity. But it is demanding and it is not recommended without experienced professionals.

 

Safety tips and precautions

No doubt that River Rafting is a thrilling and fun sport but at the same time you need to be aware of the perils involved. Plan your river rafting trip in Rishikesh as per the season so that you can enjoy it very safely. To be safe, you must follow the basic precautions provided by your tour guide.