Few experiences compare to that of sparring with rapids while taking in some of the most stunning sights the country has to offer. We’re paddling through India’s most popular river rafting destinations. By Eshita Srinivas
Summers call for leisurely beach vacations and long workations in the hills. But for adventurers, these months are all about river rafting. This adrenaline-pumping experience is best defined as exploring tumultuous waters (white or rough) on an inflatable raft. Often, this involves racing with other teams.
Those who dare to take up the challenge are strapped onto a life vest and handed double blades to steer their raft, but not before being warned of the possibility of being flung headfirst into the river. And while some experiences will have you holding on for dear life, others involve being drenched by friendly waters at best. Whether you’re a novice in the world of adventure sports or have conquered grade two and three rapids, these river rafting destinations in India have something for you.
Experience the ride of your life at these river rafting destinations in India
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
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This destination is near synonymous with river rafting in the country. And for a good reason. The roar of the river Ganga against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas makes for an experience like no other. The rapids here reportedly vary from easy to difficult – grades one to five. Most operators engage with four stretches, from Brahmpuri to Rishikesh, Marine drive to Rishikesh, Kaudiyala to Rishikesh, and Shivpuri to Rishikesh, each with varying degrees of distance covered. Expeditions can range from half day to full day, and there are several packages to choose from.
Best time for rafting: September to June
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
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If you’re headed to the hills this summer, you’ve got to experience white water rafting in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the Kullu-Manali region. Here you’ll get acquainted with the many moods of river Beas as professionals guide you through stretches that cover Bajaura, Katrain, Mohal and other spots along the way, with rapids usually going from grades one to three. Most rafting experiences begin at Pirdi, about four kilometres from Kullu and go on for a little over 10 kilometres. Don’t miss out on the jaw-dropping sight of the Pir Panjal mountain range.
Best time for rafting: April to June; September to October
Ladakh
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Between mountaineering and mountain biking, there’s no dearth of adventure sports in the land of high passes. Adding to the lineup is river rafting in the region’s two popular rivers, Indus and Zanskar, where rapids go from grades one to five. And most stretches here cover Phey, Upshi, Nimo, Kharu, Saspol, Alchi, and Khaltsey. Along for the ride are Ladakh’s chilly winds and towering mountains. Few places offer an experience as dramatic as this destination.
Best time for rafting: June to September
Kolad, Maharashtra
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This popular tourist spot in Maharashtra is a little over two hours away from Mumbai. Travellers often visit the town for water-based adventure sports and the region is home to lush flora, stunning waterfalls, and picturesque rolling hills. Naturally, the rafting experience here is both a feast for the eyes and your adventurous spirit. Rafting is conducted in the Kundalika river, which is at its roaring best during the monsoons, tamed only by a dam. The usual stretch is about 14 kilometres with easy-to-conquer rapids of grades two and three.
Best time for rafting: June to September
Coorg, Karnataka
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A popular summer destination for Bengaluru locals who’d like a break from the hustle of city life, Coorg is known for its coffee plantations and chocolates. However, if you’ve got a hankering for some adventure, all you need to do is look for the town’s wild side. There are two stretches in river Barapole – the upper comes with grade four to five rapids while the lower comprises grades six to seven rapids. Professionals reportedly often refer to the rapids with quirky names like morning coffee, grasshopper, and wicked witch. Along the way are lush forests as well as the popular Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary.
Best time to go rafting: June to September
Ravangla, Sikkim
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If you’d like to challenge the rafter in you, Sikkim is the place to visit. River Rangit and its tributary Teesta meet at Triveni to present experienced adventurers with the most challenging set of rapids. Deep ravines, mesmerising birds, towering mountains, and lush vegetation underscore a typical rafting experience. Rapids can go up from grades three and four in Teesta, while Rangit hosts rapids of grades two to four. Most experiences begin at the conjunction of Yumthang, Donkia-La, and Thangu, where the Teesta river emerges. While most of these are challenging, experienced rafters aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the waters here. Professionals have stretches of calmer waters that beginners can experience this activity at.
Best time to go rafting: December to June
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
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Another popular destination to go rafting in North East India, the river Kameng in Tawang offers a rafting stretch of 25 kilometres with rapids of grades three, four, and five. This makes it a challenging experience for even experienced rafters. Along the way are lush forests and fascinating birds. Most rafters camp in the region as well, most in Seppa. As the river meets Bichom along the path, the rapids get stronger, testing your grit and sense of adventure. That said, beginners have options here as well.
Best time to go rafting: November to May
Goa
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Wildly popular for water sports like surfing and scuba-diving, Goa couldn’t be too far behind when it comes to river rafting as well. Most activities here are conducted along the Mhadei river, which flows through the Valpoi village. The 6-kilometre stretch here is believed to have rapids ranging from grades two to three. Names of rapids range from big daddy to pipeline, and a protected wildlife sanctuary, lush vegetarian, and rocky outcrops keep you company as you battle it out with the waters. Unlike most spots on this list, it’s best to head here over the monsoons.
Best time to go rafting: July to September
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