The article introduces readers to the magical realm of Water Rafting in India, delivering an escape from metropolitan life. Here’s the list of top 10 water rafting spots in India:
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand:
Considered as one of the best spot for water rafting in India, Rishikesh offers thrilling rafting along four stretches of the Ganges River. Best time: June to September.
Teesta River, Sikkim & Darjeeling:
Teesta River in Sikkim offers exciting rapids in varying sizes, along with its tributary Rangit. Best time: October to April.
Indus River, Ladakh:
Rafting in Ladakh’s Indus River gives you a views of deep gorges, monasteries, and snow-capped peaks. Best time: July to September.
Yamuna River, Uttarakhand:
Despite its calm reputation, Yamuna River gives you an exciting rafting experience with its rapids. Best time: Mid-September to mid-June.
Barapole River, Coorg:
Located in Karnataka, Barapole River offers exciting monsoon rafting adventures. Best time: July to September.
Kundalika River, Kolad:
In Kundalika River situated in Maharashtra you can get year-round rafting in its rapids. Best time: June to March.
Brahmaputra River (Lohit River), Arunachal Pradesh:
Get a challenging rafting experience amid lush forests in Lohit River, which is a tributary of Brahmaputra. Best time: November to March.
Kameng River, Arunachal Pradesh:
Kameng River in Tawang offers thrilling rafting with rapids ranging from Grade III to V. Best time: February to March, November to December.
Spiti River, Himachal Pradesh:
Spiti River offers a six-day rafting adventure covering 180 km, starting from Tuting region to Sumdo. Best time: July and August.
Zanskar River, Ladakh:
Experience unique frozen water rafting experiences in Zaskar River which is located in the Padum and Zimo regions. Best time: July and August.
If you are a nature lover, the sight of gushing waters surrounding you and splashes drenching your body is enough to make you joyful. If you like adventures, focusing your mind and body on riding the untamed rapids in the Rivers will satisfy you. But if you want to enjoy both of these together, water rafting is the sport you should choose. River rafting in India has become one of the most popular adventure activities, and it’s now a part of practically all vacation plans for Indians and foreign travelers.
Everyone must try water rafting because it’s a life-changing experience for travelers and explorers. If you have no idea how to choose a spot for Water Rafting in India, this article will help you.
Here are the top spots for water rafting in India:
Best options for rafting adventures in the Himalayas
River Ganga at Rishikesh
Without a doubt, Rishikesh comes first in this list of top 10 spots for water rafting in India. The nature of the River Ganga at Rishikesh is perfect for a thrilling and safe rafting session. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh offers the best rafting path along four stretches of the powerful Ganges River. There are about thirteen rapids, some of which have unique names.
When you raft in this river, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the white sand river sides and the serene tranquility of the highlands.
Difficulty Level: Grade I – Grade IV
Distance Covered: 9 km – 36 km
Best time to go rafting: June to September
Teesta River at Sikkim and Darjeeling
The Teesta River in Sikkim is a famous river among locals for Water Rafting in India. It flows through Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hill Region. If you go rafting here, you will surely enjoy an exciting ride on this wild river because it features a sequence of rapids that vary in size. Teesta also has a tributary river called Rangit that has multi-dimensional rapids for rafters who love challenges. The rugged terrain nearby also enhances the river’s glory. You can also try paddle and oar rafting in the Teesta River.
Difficulty Level: Grade I – Grade IV
Distance Covered: 11 km – 37 km
Best time to go rafting: October to April
Most popular and grand rives for rafting
Indus River at Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
If you are trying rafting for the first time in Ladakh’s Indus River, you are in for many pleasant surprises. Indus River lets you enjoy the thrill of rafting while offering you views of deep gorges, hilltop monasteries, snow-capped peaks, and hillside communities. The Indus is the longest river in Asia, stretching over 3180 km. So, this should give you an idea about the adventure and sightings it will offer. Indus starts in Tibet and passes across the icy Ladakh desert. There are multiple places to raft on the river. This includes Phey to the Indus Zanskar confluence at Nimo, Phey to Nimo, Upshi to Nimo, and Upshi to Kharu.
Difficulty Level: Grade III – Grade IV
Distance Covered: 25 km
Best time to go rafting: July to September
Yamuna River in Uttarakhand
People think the Yamuna River is a calm river, but it is great to try Water Rafting in India. The Yamuna River is divided into two sections: the stretch from the Yamuna bridge to Juddo and the stretch from Nainbagh to Juddo. The Nainbagh to Juddo stretch is popular among rafters because it has around three rapids that make rafting exciting. Although rafting in the Ganga is still far more popular in India, more people have loved to go rafting in the Yamuna River in recent years.
Difficulty Level: Grade I – Grade III
Distance Covered: 9 km
Best time to go rafting: Mid-September to mid-June
Best rivers to surf the monsoon rapids
Barapole River at Coorg
Water rafting in India is not limited to North India. Furthermore, you can enjoy a rafting adventure at the River Barpole in Coorg. Situated in Dakshina Kannada, this river is located in the Western Ghats on the Deccan Plateau. Divided into two sections, the lower section features six or seven rapids, while the usual upper section has roughly five. Additionally, the rapids can reach an intensity of 2 to 4 depending on the water level. Consequently, this river contains six rapids that rafters surf through. Rafting season in this river begins in the monsoon months and lasts until the end of the monsoon.
Difficulty Level: Grade II – Grade VII
Distance Covered: 8 km
Best time to go rafting: July to September
Kundalika River at Kolad, Maharashtra
Kolad is another popular tourist spot during the monsoon season and a hotspot for rafting in Western India. The tiny river in Kolad called Kundalika originates from this beautiful hill called Sahyadri Hills, which empties into the Arabian Sea. Kundalika River is also south India’s fastest-moving river, so it is great for enjoying rafting. This river is the only location where you can do year-round Water Rafting in India. It stretches for 15 kilometers and features many Rapids with intensities between 3 and 4. around it.
Difficulty Level: Grade III – Grade IV
Distance Covered: 16 km
Best time to go rafting: June to March
Perfect spots to enjoy rafting in northeast India
Brahmaputra River (Lohit River) at Arunachal Pradesh
After looking at the top rivers for rafting in the North and South, it’s time to look at Northeastern locations for Water Rafting in India. In Arunachal Pradesh, the Lohit River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, is a fantastic place to go water rafting and kayaking. Your ride through this river will be memorable because it flows through lush forests, rocky banks, fissures, and indigenous communities.
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Distance Covered:180 km
Best time to go rafting: November to March
Kameng River in Arunachal Pradesh
The Kameng River is another river in Northeast India that offers thrilling rafting experiences. Rafters from other countries love the thrill of surfing this turbulent river because it acts like it has a mind of its own. The river is in Tawang, but it originates from a glacial lake beneath the distant Gori Chen mountains. If you are a real adventure lover, do not miss water rafting in the Kameng River.
Difficulty Level: Grade III – Grade V
Distance Covered: 25 km
Best time to go rafting: February to March, November to December
Rafting locations with long and unique terrains
Spiti River in Himachal Pradesh
The Spiti River is located in Himachal Pradesh, India. Spiti River is the favorite for many foreigners who want to do Water Rafting in India. You can spend up to six days on the water rafting along the scenic Spiti River. The rafting path in this river starts from the Tuting region, covers Pasighat, and ends in Sumdo. Spiti River covers a whopping 180 km, so prepare for an adventure for a lifetime.
Difficulty Level: Up to Grade IV
Total Distance: 180 km
Best time to go rafting: July and August
Zanskar River
The Zanskar River is a unique one on this list because it is frozen most of the year. Rafters who love to push their comfort zone come to the Zanskar River to surf in its icy cold water. The cold water of this river adds an incredibly novel and thrilling experience you can’t get anywhere. Zanskar River is located in the Padum and Zimo regions and runs through pure, remote areas of Ladakh. It also passes through mountains rising more than 100 feet on either side, so its view is different and unique compared to other waters of India.
Difficulty Level: Grade III – Grade IV
Distance Covered: 25 km – 30 km
Best time to go rafting: July and August
Conclusion
India offers many options for water rafting of all difficulty and expertise levels. So pack your bags, reach your favorite spot mentioned in this list, and enjoy your time trying Water Rafting in India.
FAQs:
Can I go water rafting if I can’t swim?
The answer is yes. You can enjoy water rafting in India if you have your life jacket on.
Why do people love to do water rafting in India?
People flock to these spots yearly to enjoy adventure and heal themselves with the picturesque landscapes.
What should you take with you when you go rafting?
All rafts should have a safety line going all around them, a stern line, and a bow line. They should also have a throw rope bag.
