Rafting In Rishikesh
Looking for a high-octane adventure? Choose Rishikesh as the ideal place for rafting in India. This trip allows for fun for all ages, except really young kids. Pre-teens and older people can have fun on the rapids, as long as height and weight criteria are met. You needn’t know how to swim, as trained instructors are available with each raft and life jackets and helmets are provided to the participants along with an orientation.
Rafting In Rishikesh Price Range
There are a number of ways in which one can enjoy rafting in Rishikesh. One can sign up for the daylong trips, which allows for a few hours of rafting on small circuits, or an overnight say at a camping site. The overnight stay is a better experience with tents along the river, bonfire and night and the sound of the Ganga to give you company. Rafting trips range from 9km to 36km and vary and cost. Here are some approximate costs:
- Brahmpuri – 9 Kms, Rs. 450 / person
- Shivpuri – 16 Kms), Rs. 550 / person
- Marine Drive – 25 Kms, Rs. 750 / person
- Kaudiyala – 36 Kms, Rs.1300 / person
Overnight packages cost approx Rs.2000 onwards that includes stay in a double occupancy tent, all meals and a bonfire.
Best Time For Rafting In Rishikesh
There are two periods that are ideal for rafting in Rishikesh; September to Mid November and then early March to first week of May. The non-monsoon months are the best months for rafting. In the rains, the river gets too much water and the rapids are too dangerous to raft in. The best time for rafting lies in the dry period.
Things To Do In Rishikesh
As an adventure capital of the country, Rishikesh has an abiding outdoor vibe. With that, it also has a spiritual ambience with a number of ashrams and temples in the vicinity. Here are a number of things that one can do in Rishikesh:
Bungee Jumping – If you’re one for adventure, then you don’t have to look further from Rishikesh. Apart from rafting, the town caters to bungee jumping enthusiasts as well. The pavilion lies 80 meters from the ground, and hangs over the river.
Camping By The River -There is nothing more fun that relaxing by the river, feet in the sand and a bonfire crackling, while everyone recaps the day’s adventures. This should be a staple for everyone booking a trip to Rishikesh.
Cliff Jumping and Flying Fox – Adventure activities include a number of other activities apart from rafting; cliff jumping and flying fox are some of them. Many travellers like the idea of jumping from a high rocky escarpment into the cold water of Ganga. Flying fox allows one to be strapped on a harness and go down a zip-line.
Trekking – There are a number of hiking trails that emanate from Rishikesh and its upper regions. These are easy to difficult trails that can be done by anyone.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling – Water adventures apart, the region is good for other adventure activities like rock climbing and rappelling. These activities are instructed and one is in the hands of experts.
Visiting Ashrams – There are a number of ashrams that dot the edge of the river along Rishikesh. Opt for a daylong journey of hopping between ashrams and temples for a soothing vibe to the day.
How To Reach Rishikesh Rafting Spot
There are five different spots from where one can start rafting in Rishikesh. These are Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, Kaudiyala and Dev Prayag. The closest airport to Rishikesh is Dehradun and the closest railhead is Haridwar. Road connectivity from both these nodes is easy till the main Rishikesh town and further on to these spots.
Rafting Tips (Do’s and Don’ts)
Rafting is, after all, an adventure activity, that requires caution and care before jumping into. Here are some tips for travellers:
Do’s
- Protect yourself from the sun despite the water.
- Be confident in the water.
- Always wear and use the equipment provided.
- Always listen to the instructor.
- Add a night’s stay to amp up the holiday.
Don’ts
- Kids under the age of 10 are not allowed to raft for long stretches.
- Participants over the age of 45 are allowed only if they are medically fit.
- Do not raft if you have a heart condition or any other serious ailment.
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