River rafting is one water adventure that gives an adrenaline rush in between the gushing waves of the rivers and is on the bucket list of many adventure lovers. It is one water adventure activity that is not only challenging but also gives one immense joy after ticking this off our bucket lists. There are many river rafting destinations in the world. India as well as many destinations that do river rafting activities. Rishikesh undoubtedly is the rafting capital and is the best destination for river rafting in India. Moreover, the waves of the Ganga give a lot of scope for rafting through their waves.

Grades of Rapids in Rishikesh

The rapids are categorized based on the level of the challenges each one offers. Moreover, there are six grades of rapids found around the world. In Rishikesh, five grades of rapids are available

Grade: 1 – Easy navigation across mild streams. Almost no risk involved.
2 – Holds notably apart obstacles or rocks and offers easy movement
3 – Reasonably adventurous rapids and need good judgment.
Grade: 4 – These rapids are strong enough to tumble the raft.
Grade: 5 – Dangerous rapids which can be performed only by experts.

Rapids in Rishikesh

• Black Money (Grade 1)
• Sweet Sixteen (Grade 1)
• Good Morning (Grade 1)
• Body Surfing (Grade 1)
• Club House (Grade 2)
• Initiation (Grade 2)
• Double Trouble (Grade 2)
• Hilton (Grade 2)
• Terminator (Grade 2)
• Shivpuri Rapid (Grade 2+)
• Three Blind Mice (Grade 3)
• CrossFire (Grade 3)
• Roller coaster (Grade 3)
• Golf Course (Grade 3)
• Return to Sender (Grade 3)
• Daniel’s Dip (Grade 3+)
• The Great Wall (Grade 4)

Rafting stretches in Rishikesh

Brahampuri to Rishikesh

This stretch offers great excitement and it is a suitable choice for elders, kids, and families. In addition, the refreshing water splashes offer utter delight to the adventurers. The rapids in this stretch are mild in nature. In addition, for all those newbies who wish to try a river rafting expedition in Rishikesh for the first time, the Brahamapuri to Rishikesh is the ideal stretch for them.

• Stretch Length: 9 Kilometers
• Grades of Rapids: II
• Major Rapids: Sweet Sixteen, Body Surfing, Terminator, Hilton, and Double Trouble
• Also, Approx time taken: 1.5 to 2 hours

Shivpuri to Rishikesh

This stretch provides of intermediate difficulty level. The rapids are of Grade II and III and can make the rafter skip their heartbeat. It is neither an easy nor a very tough stretch. Moreover, Shivpuri to Rishikesh stretch provides a fascinating combination of thrill and pleasure to the adventure enthusiast.

• Stretch Length: 16 Kilometers
• Grades of Rapids: II and III
• Major Rapids: Roller Coaster, Return to Sender, Double Trouble, and Golf Course
• Also, Approx time taken: 3 to 3.5 hours

Marine Drive to Rishikesh

It is a difficult and thrilling rafting stretch. This stretch provides Grade II and III rapids full of thrills and spills. After crossing Shivpuri, the rapids become low and give a lot of time for adventurers to relax and relish the photography worthy backdrop. Also, there are 14 rapids on the route. However, it is an ideal route for all the rafters to have some rafting experience.

• Stretch Length: 27 Kilometers
• Grades of Rapids: I, II, and III
• Major Rapids: Black Money, CrossFire, Golf Course, and Three Blind Mice
• Also, Approx time took: 4.5 to 5 hours

Kaudiyala to Rishikesh

This stretch is strictly for experienced rafters. Also, it is an extremely energizing rafting route and consists of one of the most difficult rapids around the globe – The Wall (a VI+ Grade rapid). Moreover, the rapids on the route are risky and need loads of strength, determination, and skill.

• Stretch Length: 36 Kilometers
• Grades of Rapids: Grade I, II, III, and IV
• Major Rapids: The Wall, Eddy Whirlpool, and Daniel’s Dip
• Approx time took: 8 to 9 hours

Best time to visit Rishikesh for rafting

Mid-February to May and then from Mid-September to November

Rishikesh is not just the yoga capital of the country, but also a paradise for all those who love nature, and water and have an adrenaline rush in their hearts and live every day to the fullest, and believe in living every moment of their life.

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