If you have always wanted to experience something out of the ordinary and to test your adventure skills, it’s time to try some white water river rafting in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand). Rishikesh which is a much revered pilgrim center for Hindus is also well-known for white water rafting and for beach camping. Besides being considered India’s holiest river, the Ganges is also one of the best white water rafting spots in the world. Although, Rishikesh receives visitors all year around, river expedition becomes an impossible task during the rainy season which begins in July & August. River rafting in Rishikesh is best enjoyed between September to May when the waters of the Ganges make rafting a fun experience.
Besides, river expedition in Rishikesh has something on offer for beginners and experts as there are plenty of rafting tracks with different grades and unique rapids. Some of the popular beach camps with good camping facilities and awesome river rafting facilities are: a. Brahmpuri: Brahmpuri offers a rafting stretch of 8 kms to Rishikesh and is a grade 2 plus rapids. The high waves found here are best suited to rafters who have prior rafting experience. It’s advisable for family and kids above 5 year. b. Shivpuri: Shivpuri offers a rafting stretch of 16 kms to Rishikesh and is a grade 3 plus rapids. The waves are often irregular and pose moderate difficulty to rafters due to the narrow passages found here. Some of the more popular rapids include Return to Sender, Roller Coaster, Golf Course and Double Trouble. Jungle Trekking and Beach Camping facilities are also available. c. Marine Drive: Marine Drive offers a rafting stretch of 24 kms to Rishikesh and is a grade 3 plus rapids. The waves can often be irregular with narrow passages and is best suited for tourists with prior river rafting experience.
Tourists will enjoy taking on rapids with unusual names like Bodysurfing and Crossfire. d. Kaudiyala: Kaudiyala offers a rafting stretch of 34 kms to Rishikesh and is a grade – IV plus rapids (The Wall). This means that due to the powerful waves, only experienced rafters can try rafting here especially since excellent maneuvering skills are required. Tourists get a chance to see wild animals as well as birds. Plenty of tour operators offer wonderful Rafting packages which feature Rishikesh river rafting on the itinerary. Besides excellent river rafting arrangements, many operators also provide imported equipment that adheres to International safety standards. A trip to Rishikesh promises to be a memorable one.