“Then one day, when you least expect it, the great adventure finds you.”– Ewan Mcgregor
In immediate need of your daily dose of adrenaline rush? Rishikesh River Rafting is the ultimate answer to all your questions regarding where to go this weekend. Right in the middle of gushing rapids, River rafting in Uttarakhand is one of the most sought after activity amongst adventure enthusiasts. A delightful and challenging adventure activity, Rafting in Rishikesh has a lot more to offer than any other rafting spot in India, thanks to the turquoise water of Ganges that is full of surprises at every step of the way.
A perfect opportunity for both experts and beginners, Rishikesh Water Rafting takes your experience to whole new levels thanks to the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. There are a variety of rapids which makes it an appropriate spot for everyone according to their level of experience and expertise. In this article, i will be covering all the important facets of River Rafting in Rishikesh.
Variety of Grades of Rapids in Rishikesh
Based on the level of difficulty, the rapids in categorised in six different grades. We have 5 grades of rapids available in Rishikesh.
Grade: 1 – The easy breezy rapids that requires navigation across mild streams. There is almost no risks involved in these rapids and one can actually get into the waters and enjoy a cool splash as well obviously with a precaution.
Grade: 2 – There are noticeable obstacle in the form of rocks but can be easily maneuvered if you have a little experience in rafting.
Grade: 3 – From here on, the level of expertise needed is high as these are reasonably adventurous rapids and need a good level of judgment.
Grade: 4 – Grade 4 rapids are strong enough to tumble the raft so you need to be extra cautious and only step into these if you are physically fit as well as only with an expert should you get into this level of rapid.
Grade: 5 – Getting into this one is a dangerous affair and novice or beginners are not allowed to go to these rapids. These are strictly for experts with a certain years of experience.
When Is The Perfect Time To Plan Your River Rafting Adventure in Rishikesh
The Names Of Major Rapids in Rishikesh:
| Grade | Major Rapids in Rishikesh |
| 1 | Black Money, Good Morning, Sweet Sixteen, Body Surfing |
| 2 | Club House, Double Trouble, Terminator, Initiation, Hilton, Shivpuri Rapid |
| 3 | Cross Fire, Three Blind Mice, Roller coaster, Return to Sender, Golf Course, Daniel’s Dip |
| 4 | The Great Wall |
Rafting Stretches in Rishikesh
There are 3 major rafting stretches found in Rishikesh:
Stretch Length: 9 Kilometers
Grades of Rapids: II
Major Rapids: Body Surfing, Sweet Sixteen, Terminator, Double Trouble and Hilton.
Approx time of the ride: 1.5 to 2 hours
A suitable option for kids, families and elders, this stretch offers refreshing water splashes with mild rapids. So for all the beginners out there, try this sport with the Brahmpuri to Rishikesh stretch.
Stretch Length: 16 Kilometers
Grades of Rapids: II and III
Major Rapids: Return to Sender,Roller Coaster, Golf Course and Double Trouble
Approx time of the ride: 3 to 3.5 hours
With rapids of intermediate difficulty level, Shivpuri River Rafting can make you skip a beat. Rafting in Shivpuri is neither too easy nor very tough and therefore is an apt spot for the second timers. A perfect blend of pleasure and thrill to the adventure enthusiast, it is an amazing rafting experience.
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Stretch Length: 27 Kilometers
Grades of Rapids: I, II and III
Major Rapids: Cross Fire, Black Money, Three Blind Mice and Golf Course.
Approx time of the ride: 4.5 to 5 hours
A totally thrilling rafting stretch, it offers Grade II and III rapids which would give you the major dose of adrenaline rush. Starting from Marine Drive, once you reach Shivpuri, the rapids becomes easy and hence gives the rafters time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings as well.
Stretch Length: 36 Kilometers
Grades of Rapids: Grade I, II, III and IV
Major Rapids: Eddy Whirlpool,The Wall and Daniel’s Dip
Approx time taken: 8 to 9 hours
A word of caution people. Do not try this one if you lack experience as this one is an extremely invigorating rafting route and has one of the most challenging rapids around the world that is The Wall (a VI+ Grade rapid). Not only the distance but the perilous rapids needs a load of determination, skill and strength.
The Best Season to Go
The best time to visit is from mid-February to Jun and from Mid-September to November.
