Whether you are a beginner or an expert, if it’s river rafting you want to do these holidays, then head straight to Rishikesh! Boasting a number of different rafting stretches, you can pick the level of the rapids you want to brave – Basic, Standard, Moderate and Advanced. No matter what your standard of rafting is, the Ganges has everything to suit your needs. So strap in and take a look at the different rides you can take!
Brahampuri to Rishikesh – A stretch of pure exhilaration and family fun, this goes to about 9 kilometres and is a Grade II ride, which is perfect for a novice. The scenic route will take around 2 hours or so to traverse and you will face rapids like ‘Sweet Sixteen’, ‘Body Surfing’ and the ‘Terminator’.
Shivpuri to Rishikesh – Rapids like ‘Roller Coaster’, ‘Return to Sender’, ‘Double Trouble’ and others along this stretch, are meant for those intermediate-level rafters who are hungry for some action! Mainly Grades II and III, this will take you around 3.5 hours to finish, stretching over 16 kilometres of scenic waters that are adventure and fun-filled!
Marine Drive to Rishikesh – Filled with a total of 14 rapids like ‘Black Money’, ‘Cross Fire’, ‘Golf Course’ and the like, this is a challenging but fulfilling stretch that spreads for over 27 kilometres! Obviously, it takes close to 5 hours to finish and requires some amount of experience – the second half, after crossing Shivpuri, is a relaxing, picturesque bit that you can enjoy as a great reward.
Kaudiyala to Rishikesh – Meant for those of you who have experienced rafting to the fullest, this has one of the most difficult rapids in the whole world. ‘The Wall’ is a Grade VI+ rapid that is dangerous and frightening; it requires skill, strength and experience to defeat! Stretching for over 36 kilometres, you will to facing other rapids like ‘Eddy Whirlpool’ and ‘Daniel’s Dip’, all of which can take up to 9 hours to finish! Still, there is nothing quite as invigorating as knowing that you braved the waters and came out happy and yelling in excitement, is there?
Byasi to Rishikesh – A 28 kilometre stretch, this is meant for the intermediate Grade III travellers who will have to face rapids like ‘Roller Coaster’, ‘Three Blind Mice’, ‘Double Trouble’ and the like. Scenic and fun, it takes about 6 hours to complete and is a definite must for a rafting holiday!
River rafting in Rishikesh is best done between February to May and then again from September to November; apart from being one of the most holy places in India, Rishikesh offers beauty, nature and adventure. So strap in now and go straight to those rafts, because the rapids are calling you!
