Learning the ABCs of Whitewater Rafting in Rishikesh

Whitewater-Rafting-in-Rishikesh

If you have been thinking that Rishikesh is just a pilgrimage center, it is high time you know the truth. Whitewater river rafting in Rishikesh is world renowned and rafters, amateur and professional, from around the world rush to Rishikesh to get a taste of the mighty and thrilling rapids of the Ganges in this holy site. Rafting in Rishikesh has been singularly responsible for uplifting Uttarakhand Tourism by several notches. These rafting expeditions have contributed to the creation of river and forest camps along the river and serve as perfect reasons for holidaying in this city.

The River’s main Rafting Course

Whitewater Rafting in RishikeshThe main course of whitewater river rafting in Rishikesh begins from Kaudiyala that is located 40 kms away from Rishikesh. There are about 13 major and tough rapids along the course with each of them being named distinctly like Black Money, The Wall, Three Blind Mice, Roller Coaster, Club House and Terminator. The river winds its way through major obstacles, sharp rocks, whirlpools and challenging terrains. The rapids along the course range from Grade II and III to even Grade V. While Grades I and II are relatively easier to handle and can be handled by amateur rafters even with the help of guides and trainers; rapids above Grade III are meant exclusively for professionals rafters with adequate safety measures.

How and When to Raft?

Conquering the rapids is no easy task and cannot be done in a day. The whitewater rafting course in Rishikesh is done only with adequate breaks to help rafters recuperate and be energized for the next course. Rafting is very strenuous and can easily exhaust you if you do not stop to rejuvenate yourself. Whitewater rafting is best done in the months of February to May and October and November in Rishikesh. This is also when the region witnesses the maximum number of rafting enthusiasts. Several rafting expeditions by international rafters happen during these months. It is generally not recommended to raft in the monsoon season from June to September.

There are many other adventure activities you can explore at Rishikesh alongside rafting like bungee jumping, cliff climbing, mountain biking, rappelling, body surfing and camping.

Besides whitewater river rafting in Rishikesh, the region is also known for many other attractions including an abundance of temples, shrines and ashrams. Haridwar, the most sacred temple town of India is only 24 kms away from Rishikesh. A number of the most popular hill stations of India can be easily and quickly accessed from Rishikesh if you plan to continue your adventure holiday beyond rafting.

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Arjan Kripal
Arjan comes from a family of professional cricketers. His grandfather, father and uncle have all represented India. Arjan himself captained the Indian Under 19 Team, and has played first class cricket for Tamil Nadu. He is a qualified coach, a BCCI match referee and even holds a world record in cricket! Arjan’s cricket career saw him travel extensively across the world. He has since discovered that he has an insatiable wander lust and a flair for planning itineraries for family and friends – a love and skill that has naturally progressed into setting up Get Up and Go. Arjan is a certified scuba diver and has bungee jumped, sky dived and paraglided several times. He has been to every continent and corner of the world, reveling in exotic foods and myriad photo ops; from walking the Inca Trail in Peru, to swimming with Whale sharks in Mexico… Arjan has even come face to face with a Great White Shark in South Africa! “I want to share all my varied journeys with fellow travellers so they can experience, first hand, something that has been so rewarding for me.”