River Rafting places in India- Adventurous yet safe

In India, rivers are flowing almost through all types of terrains, states, and periphery of the country. Covering such a huge amount of land through flowing, become accessible to all types of people. The adventurous ones utilize the rivers for river rafting.

This sport has become very popular through the last decade and emerging out to be on top of the list of adventure enthusiasts. The top spots for river rafting in India are:

1. River Ganga at Rishikesh
2. Teesta river at Sikkim and Darjeeling
3. Indus river at Ladakh, Jammu and Kahmir
4. Barapole river at Coorg
5. Brahmaputra river( Lohit River) at Himachal Pradesh
6. Spiti river at Himachal Pradesh
7. Kameng river Himachal Pradesh
8. Alaknanda river Uttarakhand
9. Dandeli Karnataka
10. Beas river Kullu Manali
11. Bhagirathi river Uttarakhand

Thrill in the Waters

River Rafting in very simple terms means to cross a river (usually in teams) using a raft. Raft is an inflatable structure like a boat used to cross the river with a thick wooden stick to row the river. It becomes a sport when several teams compete to reach a spot on the riverside at the earliest

Rapids (white waters) create fear. Hidden rocks get you surprised and challenged. It takes great focus and patience to keep dominating the river rafting race, staying on the raft in a safe position and avoiding the raft from turning upside down by the high water tides.

Exploring the Spots 

1.River Ganga at Rishikesh

This is the hub of white water river rafting. Surrounded by Garhwal Himalaya, the waters are extremely thrilling. The rafting is completed in four stretches namely The Brahmapuri to the Rishikesh stretch (9 km), the Shivpuri to Rishikesh stretch (16 km), the Marine Drive to Rishikesh stretch (24 km), and the Kaudiyala to Rishikesh stretch expanding upto 36 km. Rapids here are from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Some of the famous rapids are The Wall, Three Blind Mice, Return to Sender, Golf Course. June to Septmber is the ideal time to visit here.

2.Teesta river at Sikkim & Darjeeling

A Major part of the river used for rafting is graded from 2 to 4. The Most popular spot for rafting in Teesta is Melli. The river flows through Sikkim and Darjeeling. The landscape around teesta makes the experience a mesmerizing one with the total stretch length ranging from 11km to 37km

3.Indus river in Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir

Indus and Zanskar are the major attractions here for rafters. Most of the stretches range from grade 1 to 3. Both beginners and experienced can enjoy it here. The best months to visit is June to September.

4.Barapole river at Coorg

The river originates from the Kithu Kakathu river and is turbulent. The rapids range from Grade 2 to 4 and the total stretch is about 3 to 4 km. Some famous rapids are Morning Coffee, Grass Hopper, Ramba Samba, Wicked Witch, and Big Bang. Also, knowledge of swimming is not mandatory and this adds up the numbers.

5.Brahmaputra river (Lohit river) Himachal Pradesh

The stretch is about 108kms long from Tuting to Pasighat plains. Rapids, Big drop, and Riffles are the big challenges here. Zebra Rock, Cherring, Roaring Rikor, Tooth fairy are the mighty rapids here. One enjoys the experience of a lifetime passing once through the 

stretch.

6.Spiti River at Himachal Pradesh

The total stretch is about 80kms completing in three parts on the Spiti river. First is from Rangrik to Sichling of about 25kms with grade 1 to2 rapids, Second is from Sichling to Nadang of about 16kms with grade 

2 to 3 rapids and the Third is from Nadang to Sumdo of about 36kms with grade 3 to 4 rapids.

7.Kameng river Himachal Pradesh

The river is situated in Tawang and is originating from a glacial lake below the Gori Chen mountains. The total rafting stretch is about 25kms. Grade 3 to 5 is the difficulty level of rapids here and the best time for rafting in Kameng is February to March and November to December.

8.Alaknanda river-Uttarakhand

Satopanth and Bhagirathi Karak are the two glaciers giving birth to the river Alaknanda. From Chamoli to Badrinath, more than 75 rapids of grades 3 to 5 challenge you. Hillary Fall (in Nandprayag-confluence of Nandakini and Alaknanda), Kakkar Fall (at Koteshwar near Rudraprayag), Confluence Rapid (Karnaprayag and Rudraprayag), Holy Hole (near Rudraprayag), etc. are the major encounters here in the stretch

9.Dandeli river- Karnataka

12 km is the total stretch of rafting. River rafting is done here in the main course of river Kali. The meanders and rapids here are of grades 2 and 3. River rafting ideally starts here just after the monsoon and the scenic beauties consist of lush green landscape and vegetation.

10.Beas river-Kullu Manali

Starting from Manali to Bhuntar, total rafting is about 20kms. The ideal months to visit for rafting are June and July and after the Monsoon ends, again the rafting season starts. Manaki to Jhiri near Bajaura en-route Manali from Bhuntar is one of the best stretches for rafting here.

11.Bhagirathi river-Uttarakhand

The total rafting stretch is about 150kms starting from Tehri dam. Rapids here are of grades 3 and 4. 15kilometers is the stretch from Tehri to Nagar. Then three stretches of 20kms with rapids of grade 2 take you to Kaudiyala. Three visually impaired mice rapids, the Daniels Dip and Divider are rapids with grade 3 taking to marine drive fast at Rishikesh.

Safety while Rafting

Make sure to take a licensed and professional rafting outfitter. They provide you with life Jackets or Personal Floatation Devices and training is conducted on a simpler stretch for beginners. Paddle’s T-Grip is advised to be held when in the raft to assure safety and also to avoid hurting self or others. They also train you with the proper swimming techniques in case if you fall out. These instructions must be followed strictly.

Expenditure for the raft

     The rafting costs you around 1000-1500 rupees per person. They will provide training and essentials for rafting. Other than that there is the charge for the resort or hotel you take to stay charging around 80-1500 rupees depending upon the facilities and services included. It is ideal to visit in groups than solo as the trip becomes enjoyable and the budget can also be adjusted.