The super-fast flow of the river, splash of the waters on your body and you aided with a life jacket on a raft, what better adventure can you wish for?
River Rafting in India is one of the most popular adventure activities in the country. Adventure enthusiasts are enjoying the wild waters of rivers with water rafting as it is called. The mighty rivers flowing down from the heights of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges make India one of the world’s best places for adventure.
We bring to you the top 10 places to go for river rafting in India
1.Ganga River, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
River Ganga in Rishikesh is one of the world’s best rafting destinations. Adventure enthusiast can enjoy river rafting down rapids ranging from grade 1 to grade 4. This almost 16 km stretch is rich with whirlpools and rapids. There are as many as 13 rapids. Return to Sender, Roller Coaster, Three Blind Mice, Double Trouble, Tee Off and Golf Course are some incredible names. Camping on the beautiful white sand river beaches against the scenic Kumaon Mountains is also a popular adventure. The real charm of this region of Shivaliks is river rafting in Rishikesh.
Best Season for Rafting: September to June.
Level of difficulty: Grade I – IV
Distance Covered: 16 to 36 Kilometers.
2.Teesta River, Sikkim and Darjeeling
The Teesta River flows through Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong Hill Region. The mighty river is another thrilling river rafting spot. Blessed with a string of rapids rated at Grade 1-4, it creates a true invigorating experience. The turbulent Rangit, a tributary of the Teesta, has multi-dimensional rapids and is perfect for a challenge to more experienced rafters.
Best Season for Rafting: October and April.
Level of difficulty: Grade I – IV
Distance Covered: 11 to 37 Kilometers.
3.Brahmaputra River, Arunachal Pradesh
The Brahmaputra River, is mysterious and ferocious. River rafting in this river is done when the river finds its way in Arunachal Pradesh, down the Tibet region by cutting Greater Himalayas. River rafting here is rated at Level 4 -6. Brahmaputra River Rafting is for an exhilarating experience of a lifetime. Rapids such as the ‘Pulsating Pulsi’, ‘Toothfairy’ is the biggest jolt of adrenaline. The rafting expedition of the entire river last for more than a week. Camping is available along the river blessed with tropical forests, gorges and beautiful scenery.
Best Season for Rafting: November to March.
Level of Difficulty: Grade IV – VI
Distance Covered: 180 Kilometers over the period of 7 Dyas.
4.River Barapole, Coorg, Karnataka
River Barapole in Coorg, Dakshina Kannada, provides excellent rafting opportunities. Flowing down the Western Ghats edging along the Deccan Plateau, the grades range between 2 and 4.There are approximately 4 to 5 rapids in the upper section and about 6 to 7 rapids in the lower section. Some enchanting names are Morning Coffee (Grade 2), Grasshopper (Grade 3), The Ramba Samba (Grade 2), The Wicked Witch (Grade 3), Big Bang (Grade 4), Milky Churn, etc.
Best Season for Rafting: Monsoon and post-monsoon months of June to September.
Level of Difficulty: Grade II – VII
Distance Covered: 8 Kilometers.
5.Kundalika River, Maharashtra
Kundalika is the fastest river of the South at Kolad. It is an excellent rafting destination South of the Himalayas. Flowing amidst the wonderful Sahyadris, the almost 15-kilometre stretch of rapids provides ample opportunities for an exciting adventure. Rapids range between Grades 3-4. The best months for rafting are in the months of monsoon. When waters are at their full capacity you enjoy the thrill to the maximum.
Best Season for Rafting: Monsoon and post-monsoon months of June to September.
Level of difficulty: Grade III – IV
Distance Covered: 16 kilometers.
See Also
6.Indus River, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Indus River offers a wonderful river rafting opportunity. Originating in Tibet, the river flows through the cold desert landscape of Ladakh and is extremely cold. The challenging rapids on the river range from grade 1-2 at some places, has grade 3-5 rapids. These are months when the river Indus water levels are high. The more challenging route for river rafting lies between Alchi and Khalsi, where a kilometer long series of rapids thrill the rafters. Camping along the river adds to the thrill of the adventure.
Best Season for Rafting: Months of June upto late August.
Level of difficulty: Grade III – V
Distance Covered: 25 kilometers.
7.Beas River, Kullu-Manali
In Kullu Valley, river rafting is enjoyed in the River Beas. Rafting starts at Pirdi and continue 14 km down to Jhiri. This river has got 1-4 grade rapids. The full day adventure is definitely exhilarating. Enjoy the thrill of the rapids and the picturesque scenery which shall certainly create wonderful memories of your adventure. River rafting is available throughout the year except during the period from 15-July to 15-September.
Best Season for Rafting: March to July
Level of Difficulty: Grade I – IV
Distance Covered: 14 kilometers
8.Dandeli, Karnataka
The newest addition to thrilling river rafting is Dandeli in Karnataka. Flowing through the altitude of 1549 feet in the mighty Western Ghats, rafting is enjoyed in the swift flow of River Kali. The river Kali in Dandeli makes for one of the best places for rafting for beginners and professionals. The 12 Km stretch comprises of grade 2 and 3 rapids.
Best Season for Rafting: November to June.
Level of Difficulty: Grade II – III
Distance Covered: 12 Kilometers.
9.Alaknanda River, Uttarakhand
The Alaknanda River flowing in Uttarakhand is among one of the most difficult and challenging sites. The second largest tributary of the mighty Ganga offers the ultimate river rafting experience. The rafting stretch is almost 25 km between the Chamoli and Rudraprayag. The river has over 75 to 80 grade 3 to 4+ rapids. The grade 5 ‘Hillary Fall’ named after Sir Edmund Hillary’s upstream jet boat expedition known as “Ocean to Sky” is a rush of adrenaline. Embark on the thrilling adventure. Embark on the thrilling adventure. Camping along the river adds to the fun.
Best Season for Rafting: October to June
Level of Difficulty: Grade III – IV
Distance Covered: 25 Kilometers approx.
10.Zanskar River, Ladakh
Re-defining the thrill of river rafting, Zanskar River Ladakh is an adventure like never before. The ice-cold river flows at a height of more than 12, 000 feet. The rapids are of Grade 3 and Grade 4. Rafting is held between Padum and Zimo regions. Fortifications of mountains rise to hundreds of feet on both sides. The rafting route ends as the river merges with the Indus. The route passes through some rough terrains and isolated places in Ladakh. Best time to go is July to August as the river flows in this while remains frozen rest of the year.
Best Season for Rafting: July to August.
Level of Difficulty: Grade III – IV
Distance Covered: 30 Kilometers approx.
Debashree Chakraborty
A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature, momos, dancing, music and travelling, Debasree Chakraborty has all interesting things to share. Go through her penned down travel experiences and collected intelligence in her write ups. Read on!
Source : www.indianholiday.com
Source : www.indianholiday.com
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