7 Best Places for River Rafting in India

The roar of the rushing water; the bumps, tilts and spins along the way; the blood pumping in your veins mixed with adrenaline; the sheer force of Mother Nature— river-rafting is an experience like no other.

The best time for river rafting in India is from March end to mid-May and from September end to mid-November.

If river rafting is on your mind, then choose one of the spots mentioned below and embark on your next adventure.

1. Rishikesh (River Ganga).

Over the last decade or so, Rishikesh has become a famous spot for adventure sports— especially, river rafting.

In fact, it is one of those places that shares credit to have taken water sports in India to the next level.

The fast pace of the River Ganga makes river rafting at this location quite exhilarating.

Thrill- seekers can find Rapids from Grade I to Grade IV while river rafting in Rishikesh.

There are different stretches of river that cover varying distances.

Depending on the one you choose, it might be a half- day or a full day of river rafting.

The river rafting trips available are from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh, Shivpuri to Rishikesh, Marine Drive to Rishikesh, and Brahmapuri to Rishikesh.

The beautiful blue waters of the river are surrounded by the majestic Garhwal Mountains making river rafting through these places an affair to remember.

2. Coorg (Barapole River).

The River Barapole in Coorg is another river that provides an amazing white water rafting experience.

Situated on the Deccan Plateau, the river has two sections for adventure lovers to explore.

One is the upper section, which has about five rapids. The other is the lower section, which has about six to seven rapids.

These rapids can be ranked from level two to level four.

The rapids have some interesting names— Milky Churn, Big Bang, Grasshopper, Morning Coffee, The Wicked Witch and Ramba Samba.

3. Uttarakhand (Yamuna River).

When it comes to adventure sports, Uttarakhand is right at the top.

Paragliding, ziplining and bungee jumping are few of the many sports that adventure enthusiasts can take part in while travelling across the state.

When it comes to river rafting in India, Uttarakhand is a people-favourite.

The River Yamuna has two stretches for rafting. One is from the Yamuna bridge to Juddo. The other is from Nainbagh to Juddo.

While river rafting at this location, you can cover a distance of about 9 km.

4. Darjeeling (Teesta River).

When it comes to water sports, river rafting on Teesta River is perhaps one of the most heart-pumping experiences in the country.

The scenic hilly vistas surrounding the river only add to the whole river rafting experience.

The River Teesta has a number of rapids with diverse intensity.

If you choose this place for your river rafting adventures, keep in mind that the rafting season is different from other places.

At the Teesta River, river rafting or white water rafting is done from October to April. So, plan your trip accordingly.

5. Ladakh (Indus River).

Indus happens to be the longest river in Asia. Originating in Tibet, it flows through the Indian Union Territories of Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

River Rafters rushing through the Ladakh stretch of Indus River get magnificent views of fascinating monasteries, charming little villages, snow-capped mountains and deep gorges.

There are various rafting routes that water sports enthusiasts can choose from. Upshi to Nimo, Upshi to Kharu, Phey to Nimo, and Phey to Indus Zanskar confluence at Nimo

The River Rafting season in Ladakh starts from July and stays open till mid-September.

6. Himachal Pradesh (Spiti River).

Covering a distance of 180 km, this river rafting route in Himachal Pradesh is perhaps one of the longest in the country.

Beginning at Tuting and ending at Sumdo, the rafting route at Spiti River winds through Pasighat.

Vast greenery, serene villages, and snow-peaked mountains greet rafters on their journey.

The best time to go river rafting at this location is during the months of July and August.

The facility of river rafting at Spiti River has helped a great deal in taking adventure sports in India to the next level.

7. Karnataka (Kali River)

In recent years, Dandeli has become a popular spot for river rafting and other adventure sports.

The Kali River offers some exciting stretches of water with varying levels of rapids. The river rafting tour covers a distance of about 12 km.

It can be completed in about four hours.

The best time to go rafting at this location is from November to February.

As fun as river rafting is, it can also be somewhat dangerous.

You need to stay cautious and follow some rules & regulations while river rafting in India or anywhere else in the world.

Check out these river rafting safety tips if you are a novice in river rafting.