River Rafting Year-Round

River rafting in India is a year-round activity, with rafting available both in the northern and southern parts of the country. Even in the winter months of December and January, one can enjoy rafting in southern locations such as Coorg and Goa. While Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is the best place for river rafting in India, many other rafting locations across the country are equally amazing.

The high-altitude challenges of Ladakh river currents, the lush greenery of Coorg, or the rocky waters of Beas River near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, all these Indian rivers will challenge and excite every rafter coming their way. They offer different levels of rapids, posing varied levels of difficulty and challenges, beginning with Class I, which denotes easy and gentle rapids, and progressing to Class VI, indicating extreme and perilous conditions.

The Best River Rafting in India

Rishikesh is arguably the best destination for river rafting in India for various reasons. Located close to the capital city of Delhi, Rishikesh is a quick four-hour drive away. The waters of the Ganges here have a good mix of mild and challenging waters. This caters to both beginner and experienced or expert rafters. Rishikesh has been a popular destination for both spiritual and adventure seekers. The former are attracted to the temples and ashrams that make it the Yoga capital of the world. While the latter relish it as a gateway to Himalayan adventure activities like trekking, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, and so on. This makes finding well-trained and experienced rafting guides quite easy, ensuring a safe journey for participants.

White Water Rafting in India

Whitewater is a form of river water distinguished by its rapid flow and shallow stretches. Whitewater rafting in India is the most exhilarating experience as one navigates through such roaring waters. Rishikesh has a lot of such whitewater rafting spots, such as Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala. The distance covered through rafting, packages, and their rapid levels differ across these various posts, and it is advisable to choose one that best suits the participants’ needs.

Another destination well-known for river rafting happens to be in the southern part of India in Kodagu. White water and still water rafting can be done in the Barapole River and Dubare River, respectively. Bradpole, especially, requires sufficient training as it is famous for its turbulent waters, offering one of the riskiest rafting trails.

The Zanskar River Rafting Expedition

The Zanskar river rafting expedition is a lengthy rafting trip of several days that begins with Remala and concludes at the confluence of the Zanskar with the Indus. Along with intensive rafting, the entire adventure is wholesome as it encompasses a captivating exploration of western Ladakh, taking in the picturesque monasteries, palaces, and villages that dot the landscape. It takes the rafters through desolate gorges, canyons, and shining riverbeds and gradually moves from moderate to more difficult towards the end of the expedition.

One can expect to find a great deal of diversity in this adventure, with people from various parts of the world and different walks of life seeking the thrill of rafting in the unique landscapes of Zanskar. Manali, which has been a hotspot for snowboarding, skiing, paragliding, and other alpine adventures also has some of the best stretches for river rafting in India.