White water rafting is one of the most exuberant, water sports activities, you should try at least once in a lifetime! The enthralling experience is so captivating, you won’t say no to try a ride… Here are a few endearing Destinations, that proffer White water rafting. To know more, read on…
- River Ganges ~ Rishikesh
- River Beas ~ Kullu
- River Indus ~ Ladakh
- River Cauvery ~ Barapoole – Coorg
- River Yamuna ~ Yamunotri
- River Teesta ~ Sikkim
- River Kameng ~ Tawang
- River Kundalika ~ Maharasthra
- River Bhagirathi ~ Uttarakhand
- River Spiti ~ Himachal
- River Lohith ~ Arunachal pradesh
- River Kali/Sharda ~ Pittorgarh (Kumaon)
- River Zanskar ~ Leh
- River Kali ~ Dandeli
- River Bhadra ~ Chikkamagalur
- River Tejaswini ~ Kerala
- River Jhelum ~ Srinagar
- Meghalaya
Umtrew – Bhoi District
Umngi – Khasi Hills
Umrew – East Khasi Hills
Umngot – Jaintia Hills
Kynshi – West Khasi Hills
Khri – West Khasi Hills
01 - River Ganges ~ Rishikesh
You can go on a white water rafting adventure, from September to June in Rishikesh, when the Ganges river is neither too feral, nor very serene. The river Ganges comes cascading down the mountains, passing through Kaudiyala, which is at 40kms, and Shivpuri, which is just 19kms, before it reaches Rishikesh. Once it reaches Rishikesh, it slows down a bit, before taking a plunge, into the white water rapids, as it tumbles, into the plains. White water rafting in Rishikesh is famous for rafting and other water sports in general, named after the rafting.
The most thrilling part of white water rafting in Rishikesh is that you can enjoy from the simplest to the hardest adventure sports levels. Rafting in the rough waters is an experience, worth remembering in your lifetime… River rafting is an activity that can be an ideal gift for the people you love… As an extreme sport, rafting certainly has its impediments, however, going with an experienced guide, and taking the necessary safety measures, can avert fatal accidents.
A life jacket is a mandate, as it can save your life in case the boat you are traveling in, turtles. Rishikesh is termed as a rafting capital of India. Whether you are an inexperienced or a skilled rafter, anyone can raft in Rishikesh with the assistance of professional trainers. You can have a fiesta, enjoying the winsome beauty of the Ganges, and the magnetizing scenery enveloping the river.
You can opt between 5, white river rafting packages. They are – 9km River Rafting: Bhrampuri to Laxman Jhula, 16km River Rafting: Shivpuri to Laxman Jhula, 16km River Rafting: Kodiyala to Shivpuri, 24km River Rafting: Marine Drive to Laxman Jhula, and 35km River Rafting: Kodiyala to Laxman Jhula. 9km rafting costs Rs. 600/- per person, 16km costs Rs. 1000/- per person, 24km costs Rs. 1500/- per person, 35km costs Rs. 2,500/- per person.
02 - River Beas ~ Kullu
If you are looking for a good place for a riveting adventure, then river rafting in Kullu’s Beas river is just for you. Kullu offers river rafting packages that last for 14kms. You can experience the rapids, and exhilarated waters of Beas river, which adds to the whole excitement, a factor of river rafting. An instructor is a must when you are rafting in the river Beas. You can not only have an enthralling adventure but, can also be safe.
Before this winsome river rafting expedition, you need to abide by a few norms attached. As soon as you arrive, you will be given a set of instructions and briefings about this activity, and a gear check will be done. After this, the rafts are accessible in the river to climb, and you can embark on a rip-roaring water rafting feat. Though everyone will be eagerly waiting to go on a river rafting spree, there are certain age limits attached to it. Only age-groups ranging from, 16yrs-45yrs are allowed. In the Kullu Valley, the river rafting commences at Pirdi, and continues upwards, towards Jihri covering an area of 14kms. Generally, you will come across 1-4 rapids in the river. The picturesque scenery of the river Beas and the elates of the rapids is certain to make this day memorable, and a must-visit place in Kullu, for all the adventure seekers. Except on the days from, 15th of July to 15th of September, you can go rafting, all through the year, in Kullu. The best season for rafting is from March to July.
Location: It is located, 39 km from Mall Road Square of Manali and you can reach here by either taking public transport or by hiring a private cab. Cost: Rs. 400/- to 600/- per person
03 - River Indus ~ Ladakh
Indus River is one of, the longest rivers in Asia. Also known as the Sindhu river, this river flows at a distance of 3,180kms approximately. In Ladakh, rafting season begins in July and continues, until late September. At that time, the water level in the Indus river will be huge, making it the best river rafting place in India.
Many even, term Indus as ‘Singhe Khababs’, since the river has several rafting points such as Phey to the Indus Zanskar confluence at Nimo, Phey to Nimo – both of these are villages in Leh, Upshi to Nimo – Upshi lies on the Leh Manali Highway and Nimo is a village in Leh, along with Upshi to Kharu – Kharu is a small village in Kashmir.
Rafting in the Indus River is truly one of the splendiferous experiences that you’ll cherish all your life. This river takes only one basic rapid., and covers a distance of 25kms. The ideal time for rafting is from July to September. Approximately, it will cost Rs. 1,500/- per person. The rapid range in Ladakh denotes that the adventure of river rafting can be enjoyed, by inexperienced as well as experienced ones. The best places to admire river rafting in Ladakh are, its two popular rivers – Indus and Zanskar that have rapid grades ranging from 1 to 5.
Things to Know About River Rafting in Ladakh:
- Book your river rafting tour with a licensed, professional rafting agent.
- Listen to the instructions and wear a life jacket, even when you know how to swim.
- Make sure that your outfit and life jacket are comfortable.
- Listen to your guide in case of any issues and do not act on your own accord.
04 - River Cauvery ~ Barapoole - Coorg
You can, not only raft in North Indian places but also can cherish the happiness of river rafting, even in South Indian places, like Coorg’s Barapole River. Coorg’s Barapole river proffers exceptional opportunities, for white water rafting enthusiasts, in India. Situated in Dakshina Kannada district, this river is amidst the Deccan Plateau, in the Western Ghats. The river is asundered into the upper section and lower section. In the upper section, it has 4-5 rapids, whereas, in the lower section, there are 6-7 rapids.
Depending upon the level of water, these rapids usually are between grade 2 or 3 or 4. Some of the names of the grades that you’ll hear from your guides there would be, Milky Churn, Morning Coffee i.e. the Grade II, The Rumba Samba i.e. again Grade II, Grasshopper i.e. the Grade III, The Wicked Witch i.e. anew would be Grade III. The rapids here are very challenging. Pre and post Monsoon season, (July to September) is the perfect time to river raft in the Barapole River. Approx charges for a person would be Rs. 1200/-
05 - River Tons ~ Yamunothri
There are two stretches in the Tons river that provide a good opportunity for river rafting. Here, not only the experts but also amateur rafters can also partake. Whilst one expanse starts from Nainbagh and ends at Juddo, another route begins from the Yamuna Bridge, and ends at Juddo again.
Most of the people opt for the previous stretch as it offers a breathtaking experience, to the rafters with as many as 3 challenging rapids. The rapids range from 1-3 here and proffer exquisite break to aficionados. The best time to raft in this river is from Mid September to Mid June. Distance covered is 9kms.
06 - River Teesta ~ Sikkim
Teesta, is one of the famous rivers in Sikkim. This is also an amazing river rafting destination, in India. The unique thing about this place is, the captivating environs, you get to see while you are river rafting. To add icing to the cake, the stones and rocks in the midst, adds more elegance. Rapids here in the river are capricious and largely depend on the flow of the water. In this place, you can as well try Paddle Rafting. The scenic moment is when River Teesta converges into River Rangit.
This point is considered intimidating, for adventure aspirants, and fun lovers.
Tip: Rafting in Teesta, is circumscribed strictly to, the winter months that are from, October to April.
You can even visit during early Summer or Spring. Teesta river offers, Grade II and Grade IV Rapids. It will cost around Rs. 785/- per person to raft in this river. The whole distance covered will be 309kms.
07 - River Kameng ~ Tawang
Placed in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang, Kameng River proffers spectacular landscapes, enveloping this river. The river originates from a glacial lake, which is located beneath the Gorichen Mountains and is stretched at a distance of 264kms. Though it’s 264kms, the rafting distance is just 25kms, amid rough waters. The more, you continue rafting, the more pleasant you will feel. This impulsive river holds the potential to delight even veteran adventure lovers.
Kemeng is the perfect destination to luxuriate, White Water Rafting experience. Here you can witness Grade III, IV, and V rapids. February to March and also during November and December is the best time to raft, in this river. The price of this rafting expedition depends on the package, chosen, by an individual.
08 - River Kundalika ~ Kolad - Maharasthra
Have you traveled to Western India? If so, have you been on a white water rafting, across the river Sahyadri? If not, read on… River Sahyadri is a quintessential place for doing white river rafting. River Kundalika amalgamates, with River Kolad at a dam that controls the rough, and gradient Kundali river. Kundali river is a small stream that flows, from the Sahyadri Hills to the Arabian Sea.
Bhira, a small Maharashtrian town, is where this river originates. Kundalika is as well termed as, one of the swiftest flowing rivers. Kolad is the only place in India, which caters to white river rafting, throughout the year. It is also an archetypal weekend, getaway, in this region. October to Mid-of May, during the monsoon months, is an ideal time to raft in this river, as the river will be full. The charges would be, approximately Rs. 785 per person, for river rafting here. The distance covered would be 10kms.
09 - River Bhagirathi ~ Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, is well-known for its exquisite places to explore, river rafting in India. Bhagirathi is a very enticing, and turbulent river that streams across Uttarakhand. Rafting in this river is very challenging, and transports you, through gushing streams, and bewitching scenery that is situated amid two parallel mountains.
Some of the rapids here have unique names such as the Elephant Rock, Confluence rapid, Sharp S, and The Chute. Here you can also experience two of the best rapids of the River Ganges that is known as, ‘The Wall’ and the ‘Daniel Dip.’ Grade III and Grade IV, are the types of Rapids offered. Approximately, 150kms is the distance covered. Price, per person, depends upon the distance chosen.
10 - River Pin and Spiti ~ Himachal Pradesh
Spiti River is a renowned white water rafting spot, in Himachal Pradesh. Located at a distance of 180kms, the river stretches from the Tuting region and continues up to Pasighat. If you plan to raft the whole expedition till the endpoint, which is called Sumdo, this entire thing would take a minimum of 6 days to finish. One of the biggest advantages of undertaking this rafting journey is, that you will be delighted with the serene view of the pristine villages and the valleys of Himachal Pradesh. Moderate to Grade IV, are the types of Rapids offered here. July and August are the best times to go on a rafting expedition. Charges vary, depending on the opted distance.
11 - River Lohith ~ Arunachal pradesh
If you are thinking of exploring white river rafting in the North-East, then the Lohit River is an ideal place for you. Situated in Arunachal Pradesh, this river is a tributary of the Brahmaputra river. Though the Lohit River is not so renowned, it is an ultimate spot for activities, like Kayaking, and river rafting, in India.
Per person, it is charged Rs. 400/- to raft in Lohit River. November to March is the apt period to go on a rafting spree here. The distance covered is approximately 100 km, starting from the Line of Actual Control, stretching to the Hayuliang.
12 - River MahaKali/Sharda ~ Pithorgarh - Uttarakhand
Kali/Sharda river rafting, is one of the best places to go, on a white water rafting adventure. Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand is the origin place of the Kali river, which flows across the Garhwal and Nepal region. The river is known as Mahakali in Nepal and is considered to be a sacred river. More than its rafting expeditions, the river is acclaimed for its lush green surroundings, which include pristine mountains, splendid landscapes, and emerald green woodlands. Rafting here is lucid, compared to other travel places as there are not many rapids, in this stretch, which starts at Jauljibi and ends at Pancheshwar.
Many people visit this place to spot several birds and, animals that are rare to watch. Due to this reason, numerous nature lovers come here, for an angling trip. March to Mid June, is the best time to raft, in this river. Rafting in this river is easy, and it offers some of the Grade II to IV rapids, named as Chooka, Dimberghat, The Creek, Purnagiri, and many others. Goddess Kali, whose temple is located in Kalapani, on the border of India and Nepal. Nevertheless, the river is a treasure of thrills for all the rafting, along with Mahseer fishing enthusiasts, in the borders of Uttarakhand and Mahakali Zone, in Nepal.
13 - River Zanskar ~ Leh
Well-known as one of the ravishing, white water rafting places, in the Himalayas, the Zanskar Valley is situated amidst, the snow-clad mountain, glaciers, and alluring landscapes of the Zanskar river. This captivating river flows, right next to the valleys of Zanskar. Rafting in this river is, not an easy task, as the river is very turbulent. Yet, this adventure is very, enthralling. The scenic views from, Leh to Remala where the river rafting begins, are placed amid the spectacular scenery, with beautiful passes, villages, and some monasteries. Overall, Zanskar river rafting is one of the most sought over, rafting destinations.
Rafting enthusiasts can bounce against, challenging rapids and enjoy an exciting experience, on the banks of the Zanskar River. This exuberant feat is enhanced by, the breathtaking landscapes, that make this a wonderful trip. Activities offered here are rafting, camping, and sightseeing. The difficulty level is, tough.
14 - River Kali ~ Dandeli - Uttara kannada
Dandeli is a picturesque tourist place, situated in Karnataka State. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, with its trails and dense forests, is a dwelling place for animals, including black panthers, monkeys, elephants, as well as many bird species. A temple stands at the entrance, to the limestone Kavala Caves, which is famous for its, stalagmite formations. Dandeli is situated in Uttara Kannada district.
The Dandeli rafting trail stretches for around 12km, making it one of the most exciting and exhilarating, places of rafting. The rapids in the Dandeli River Rafting can be classified into, grade 2 and grade 3 rapids which are ideal for both, professionals and inexperienced rafters. October to February, are the best period for, river rafting in Dandeli.
Rafting is operated by the Karnataka Forest Department. The booking counter operates in JLR’s Kali Adventure camp reception. Numerous, private resorts and online portals also help you book your rafting excursion in Dandeli.
15 - River Bhadra ~ Chikkamagalur
Bhadra river is, located in Chikmagalur district, which is known for adventure activities. This alluring river originates in the Western Ghats, and streams across, Deccan Plateau through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, providing rafters with a splendorous outlook of the lush greenery, in the Western Ghats, quaint villages, and plantations.
River Bhadra has three tributaries namely, Somavahini, Thandabehalla, and Odirayanahalla. The rapids span, over a distance of 8 km, and the rafting activity takes 1.5 hours to complete. The average cost of rafting in the Bhadra river Chikmagalur is, charged between Rs.1800 to Rs.3500. However, prices may vary, depending upon the tour operator.
It is essential, that you get good grip and support while wearing the shoes so that you do not slip while walking on wet surfaces. Constant sun and wet conditions can harm your skin.
Hence, you must pack a sunscreen lotion. It soothes burned skin and provides the right protection that you need. Always carry an extra plastic bag, for storing all of your wet clothes in one place.
If you keep your wet clothes in the same bag as your dry clothes, they will become moist.
Hence, you need to carry a separate plastic bag for the purpose. Also, pack some warm clothes, and a lightweight jacket so that you can keep yourself warm, after a cold rafting trip.
16 - River Tejeswini ~ Kerala
Rafting, in the river Tejaswini is splendorous. Cherupuza in Kannur is where this captivating, rafting escapade begins. Those who desire, an extreme adventure activity, can have a wonderful time here. The river, which is also known as Kariamkode, originates from the Brahmagiri hills of Coorg forest and streams through, the districts of Kannur, and Kasaragod before, meeting the Arabian Sea near Nileswaram.
The river is, 64 km in distance, of which about 20 km is ideal for rafting. Tejaswini river lays out an excellent rafting experience, for everyone. The rafting starts from Kolladi near Cherupuzha, where you can let your inflated boats to the rough waves of Tejaswini. You have to pass the thick forest of Kasaragod and Kamballur to reach Chemmaram kayam, the deepest point in the river.
On the way, there are many trees. So, keep your heads down in order to, escape from the enervated branches. Be cautious, as you might even encounter some snakes in these woodlands. June, July and August are the ideal months for rafting. The strong currents of the Tejaswini river will gradually settle, and the river will join Kasaragod. Even after, finishing rafting here you will be feeling elated.
To reach the Tejaswini river in Kerala, you need to opt for a bus from Kannur to Payyanur, and from there take another bus to Cherupuzha. The starting point Kolladi is just about 4 km from here.
Nearest railway station: Payyanur Railway Station, about 35 km.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 150 km; Mangalore Airport in Karnataka, about 119 km
Even though there are, plenty of other interesting white river rafting places, the list is never-ending. Therefore, keep traveling, and stay safe.
