Rafting in Rishikesh

                  Rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now closed), and the town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga. The center of town where the train and bus stations can be found is of little interest to most travelers. Further north-east are 2 bridges spanning the Ganges, Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, at either end of these bridges are the main hubs of activity and interest.


Rishikesh, world-renowned as the River Rafting Capital of India, offers some of the most sought after rafting tours. There are mainly four starting points for rafting in Rishikesh, namely Kaudiyala(35km, 5hrs), Shivpuri (16km, 3hrs), Marine drive (27km, 4hrs), and Brahmapuri (9km, 2hrs).The 16 km stretch from Shivpuri to Lakshman Jhula, rich with whirlpools, on the Ganges River at Rishikesh is acclaimed as one of India’s most popular stretches for white water rafting. In fact, with about 13 curiously named rapids like the Roller Coaster, Return to Sender, Three Blind Mice, Tee Off, Double Trouble and Golf Course, ranging from grade 1 to grade 4, along this stretch, it is a perfect escapade for amateur rafters as well as the hardened veterans. In the grade 4 rapids, the currents are so powerful that once in the water, one can get sucked in instantly for over a couple of seconds and only expert maneuvering and firm rafting can save the day.


Being the nearest river rafting destination to Delhi, about 225 kms away, Rishikesh lures in many tourists every year looking to beat the summer heat and engage in adventure sports. It is well connected via road to most of northern India with regular bus service to Rishikesh from Haridwar, Delhi and Dehradun; the nearest airport is at Dehradun while the closest railway station is at Haridwar. Once at Rishikesh, hire a cab to reach the river camp and if possible, hire the cab for the complete stay to easily explore the famous religious hotspots in the vicinity like Haridwar.

Best time to go in Rishikesh

The best time to go to Rishikesh is between September and June, when one can enjoy rafting along with the cool and serene white sand beaches set against the picturesque Kumaon Mountains. One can camp along the river banks at night and battle the rapids during the day to have an intense experience at Rishikesh.