By now, you must have exhausted the perfect list of adventure activities we had put up especially for you a few months ago! Are you searching for more adventures? How about you try white water rafting in India?
Providing a challenging environment for adventure seekers, in river rafting, you basically tackle lots of rapids and turbulence in the water while you are in an inflatable raft. Ideal for anyone in search of a thrill, there are plenty of places for river rafting in India and we have compiled just the list for you.
1. Ganges River – Rishikesh:
Photo Credit: Niyati Shinde
One of the best places for river rafting in India, the city of Rishikesh is a juxtaposition in itself – on one hand it is the epitome of spirituality and on the other, it is one of the most famous destinations for adventure activities. Stretching from Shivpuri to Lakshman Jhula, approximately 16 kilometres in total, the River Ganges in this part is full of whirlpools and rapids.
Best time to go: October to May
Grade: 1 to 4
Suitable for: Beginners as well as experts
2. Beas River – Manali:
There are a few private operators that offer rafting escapades at Pirdi which is situated near Manali, one of the best hill stations in India. Another good river rafting destinations in India, over here, it is done on the bustling Beas River, between Pirdi and Jhiri. A stretch of approximately 14 kilometres, the views along the way are spellbinding.
Best time to go: April to June
Grade: Grade 2 to 4
Suitable for: Beginners as well as experts
3. Zanskar River – Leh:
Image Source: Pixabay
With a limited rafting season since the river is frozen during the winters and lethal during the summers due to the melting ice, the Zanskar River is one of the most thrilling river rafting destinations in India. The route that is followed for rafting is between Padum and Zimo regions in Ladakh.
Best time to go: July to August
Grade: 4
Suitable for: Someone who knows the basics of rafting and experts.
4. Brahmaputra River – Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh:
Want to head over for some adventure river rafting in India? It does not get better than the mighty Brahmaputra River in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Rafting over here is generally undertaken as a 3 to 5 day expedition and is not for rookies and amateurs. With exciting rapids like the ‘Ninguing’, the ‘Pulsating Pulsi’ and the ‘Karo Killer’, this is one rafting experience you would not want to miss out on. It is probably the longest river rafting experience in India.
Best time to go: November and December
Grade: 4 and 5
Suitable for: Experts
5. Teesta River – Bhalkhola, Sikkim:
Image Source: Wikimedia
A fantastic winter destination, if you want to undertake river rafting in December, when the holiday season kicks in, Sikkim is the place you should head over to. Under the guidance of expert rafting instructors, you will be able to manoeuvre the wild waters of Teesta River and even the Rangeet River.
Best time to go: October to April
Grade: 2 to 4
Suitable for: Beginners as well as experts
6. Bhagirathi River – Uttarakhand:
A path of almost 18 kilometres, the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand is a fabulous place for river rafting in India. Having rapids like the ‘Elephant rock’, ‘Sharp S’, ‘Confluence rapids’, Daniel Dip’, ‘The Chute’ and ‘The Wall’, rafting over this river will definitely get your adrenalin pumping! And did we mention the views you will get to witness? They are breathtakingly beautiful.
Best time to go: October to May
Grade: 3 and 4
Suitable for: Beginners as well as experts
7. Kundalika River – Kolad:
Image Source: Pixabay
Like the Zanskar River, the Kundalika River in the state of Maharashtra too has a limited rafting season. It is only during the monsoons that the waters of the river turn wild enough to be conquered by adventure enthusiasts. A stretch of 14 kilometres ensures that rafting enthusiasts get enough grade 3 and 4 rapids to tackle under the supervision of experts.
Best time to go: July to September
Grade: 3 and 4
Suitable for: Beginners as well as experts
8. Barapole River – Coorg:
An upcoming river rafting destination in India, the Barapole River near Coorg offers plenty of rapids to satiate an adventure junkie’s hunger. The rafting takes place along the Deccan Plateau, on the upper section of this ferocious river. The route is scenic as the river flows through the dense forests of Brahmagiri Wild Life Sanctuary. Rapids you will be tackling include ‘Morning Coffee’, ‘Grass Hopper’, ‘Ramba Samba’, ‘Wicked Witch’ and ‘Big Bang’.
Best time to go: June to September
Grade: 2 to 4
Suitable for: Beginners as well as experts
9. Satluj River – Tattapani, Himachal Pradesh:
Tattapani is a cool adventure river rafting destination in India. The rafting takes place on the bustling waters of River Sutlej, which flows through some of the most mesmerising landscapes that the nation has to offer. You can either opt for the 12 kilometres stretch from Chabba to Tattapani or the 5 kilometre rafting stretch from Sunni to Tattapani. Experts can opt for the 36 kilometres stretch from Pandowa to Tattapani.
Best time to go: May and June
Grade: 2 to 4
Suitable for: Beginners as well as experts
10. Tons River – Uttarakhand:
Image Source: Pixabay
The biggest tributary of the Yamuna, the Tons River is a popular destination for adventure river rafting in India. Not for beginners and amateurs, the rapids in this river are vicious to say the least! The river flows thorough the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and boasts of some magnificent views. When you get time from battling the rapids, do check out the beautiful scenery around you!
Best time to go: October to May
Grade: 3 to 5
Suitable for: Someone who knows the basics of rafting and experts.
11. Indus River – Ladakh region:
Flowing through the lyrical landscapes of Ladakh region, the Indus River is a good white water rafting destination in India. The rafting is done generally between Phey and Sasphol and Nimmu and Alchi. Covering a stretch of 25 kilometres, the rapids are mild enough to be undertaken by first timers.
Best time to go: June to August
Grade: 2 and 3
Suitable for: Beginners as well as experts
All set to tackle the force of the mighty rivers?! We are sure adventure seekers would have a gala time testing their endurance. Did we miss out on any of your favourite rafting spots? Do let us know by commenting below.
Note: Some images are for representative purposes only.
Source – triphobo.
