Places to do White Water Rafting in India

Rafting in India

Rafting is one of the most challenging adventure sport. It is navigation of water bodies through an inflatable raft. In India, white water rafting is usually done on fast moving North Indian rivers which derive their source from the High Himalayas. It is quite a fun activity.

Rapids and grades of rapids

Rapids are the sections of a river where the depth of the river bed is low and thus the velocity and turbulence of water increases. White water rafting activities are held in a river which has rapids. These rapids have grades. These grades are:

Grade 1: These rapids usually have flat water or very little current. Very basic paddling skills are required to raft through them.

Grade 2: These rapids have slight currents with small bubbles oozing out from beneath. Very basic paddling skills are required to raft through them.

Grade 3: These rapids have average currents and may have a slight fall as well. There may be small rocks as well. Anyhow they do not pose any danger as such. Experienced paddling skills are required to raft through them.

Grade 4: These rapids have large currents and may have a steep fall as well. There may be big rocks as well. Anyhow they do not pose any danger as such. Whitewater paddling skills are required to raft through them.

Grade 5: These rapids have larger currents and may have a very steep fall as well. There may be huge rocks as well. They do pose some any danger. Advanced whitewater paddling skills are required to raft through them.

Grade 6: These rapids are unnavigable. Most of them have never been experienced on a raft till date. Rafting through them may be life threatening as well.

Rafting in the Ganges River

Rishikesh is the most popular location for rafting in India. It is located near Haridwar in North India and is easily accessible by rail and road. Here, rafting starts from four points: Brahmapuri (9 km), Shivpuri (16 km), Byasi (26 km) and Kaudiyala (40 km) and ends at Rishikesh. Rafting for Brahmapuri is quite tame and is suitable for family trips. Anyhow this is not the case with rafting from Shivpuri and Byasi. This is because many grade 4 rapids like Black Money, Cross Fire, Three Blind Mice, body Surfing , Roller Coaster, Return to Sender, Golf Course, Club House, Return to Sender, Double Trouble, Hilton and Terminator come en route. Only mentally and physically fit young men can go for this adventure. Rafting from Kaudiyala can only be done by experienced people as there is a grade 4+ rapid called 'The Wall' in the way which cannot be tackled that easily. 

 

Rafting in Alaknanda River

If rafting in Rishikesh seemed too tame, don't worry. There is more nearby. Take a 6 hour 165 km drive to Chamoli. You can find many grade 4+ and grade 5 rapids here. This expedition will take about 4 days.

 

Real Heroes Raft at the Brahmaputra

Unlike the Ganges, the Brahmaputra is really really wild. When the river enters India, it enters an area which receives heavy rainfall. This is where the river gains its vigour from. The river has many strong rapids like the 'Pulsating Pusi' and the 'Toothfairy' en route which are strong enough to give you the most fearful experience of your life. This rafting is a true adrenaline booster. You will first have to reach Arunachal Pradesh to reach here.

 

Risking life at the Zanskar River, Leh

So you think that the Brahmaputra was still not enough. No problem. There is a better (worse for some) option. Welcome to Zanskar River, Leh. At 11,450 rafting in the Zanskar river in no doubt the highest rafting expedition in the whole world. It's damn cold here. Water is 7-degree celsius and surroundings frozen. The river is situated in Ladakh which is itself quite inaccessible so don't expect any help in case of emergency. No mobile signal, no safety, too cold, toughest rapids, highest falls, roughest terrain. This is what I call fun. 

Hobby Rafting at the Kali, Dandeli

So you are just a hobbyist and not an experienced adventurist and have no plans to go to the Alaknanda or the Brahmaputra or the Zanskar. You can raft at the Kali in Dandeli. This rafting is tame enough for first timers. Anyhow its quite expensive and short length.

Time Pass Rafting at Kundalika river, Kolad

Kolad is situated at a distance of 123 km from Mumbai. Rafting at the Kundalika river starts from here. There are a few grade 3 rapids here. Remember to book online in advance as there are no arrangments for the same on reaching Kolad.

Chilling Rafting in the Beas, Kulu

The Beas is a cold river and rafting here is quite pleasing especially because of the surrounding mountains which make a beautiful scenery. Rafting in usually done across two lengths - 7km and 14 km. The best the here is to jump out of the raft and go for body surfing in the chilling water.

 

Family Rafting at the Cauvery in Bhemeshwari

Okay, so you want to go on a family rafting trip. Go to the Cauvery river in Bhemeshwari. It is fine to rafting there even for little kids.

Rafting at Barapole River in Coorg

This river 'Barapole' has a few number of grade 2 and grade 3 rapids. First timers can also raft here.