Rishikesh River Rafting 2026: Complete Adventure Sports Guide

Introduction to Rishikesh Adventure Sports

Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, has earned the title of "Adventure Capital of India." The mighty Ganga river offers world-class white water rafting, while the surrounding mountains provide the perfect setting for bungee jumping, cliff jumping, and more.

River Rafting in Rishikesh

Understanding Rapid Grades

Popular Rafting Stretches

1. Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km)

Difficulty: Grade I-II Duration: 1.5-2 hours Best For: Beginners, families, children above 8 years

Rapids Encountered:

• Sweet Sixteen

• Hilton

• Terminator (mild)

Price Range: ₹600-900 per person Includes: Rafting, safety gear, guide

2. Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km)

Difficulty: Grade II-III Duration: 3-4 hours Best For: First-time adventurers, groups

Rapids Encountered:

• Initiation

• Double Trouble

• Hilton

• Terminator

• Three Blind Mice

• Cross Fire

• Body Surfing point

Price Range: ₹900-1,500 per person Includes: Rafting, safety gear, guide, cliff jumping

3. Marine Drive to Rishikesh (24 km)

Difficulty: Grade III-III+ Duration: 4-5 hours Best For: Adventure seekers with moderate fitness

Rapids Encountered:

• Black Money

• Three Blind Mice

• Crossfire

• Return to Sender

• Roller Coaster

• Golf Course

• Club House

Price Range: ₹1,200-2,000 per person Includes: Rafting, safety gear, guide, cliff jumping, body surfing

4. Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (36 km)

Difficulty: Grade III-IV Duration: 6-7 hours Best For: Experienced rafters, thrill-seekers

Rapids Encountered:

• The Wall

• Roller Coaster

• Golf Course

• Club House

• Double Trouble

• All rapids from shorter stretches

Price Range: ₹1,800-3,000 per person Includes: Rafting, safety gear, guide, lunch, cliff jumping

Best Time for Rafting

Recommended: September to November and March to May

Other Adventure Activities

1. Bungee Jumping

Location: Jumping Heights, Mohan Chatti Height: 83 meters (India's highest) Price: ₹3,550 per person Age Limit: 12-40 years Weight Limit: 40-110 kg

What to Expect:

• Safety briefing

• Harness fitting

• Platform walk

• 5-second freefall

• Pendulum swing

• Certificate and video

Booking Tips:

• Book online to avoid waiting

• Morning slots less crowded

• Avoid after heavy meals

2. Giant Swing

Location: Jumping Heights Height: 83 meters Price: ₹3,550 per person

Experience:

• Similar platform as bungee

• Swing out over valley

• 180-degree arc

• Less intense than freefall

3. Flying Fox (Zip Line)

Location: Jumpin Heights & Shivpuri Length: 1 km Price: ₹2,000-2,500 per person

Highlights:

• Longest zip line in India

• Cross the Ganga valley

• Reach speeds up to 160 km/h

• GoPro footage available

4. Cliff Jumping

Location: Various points during rafting Height: 20-35 feet Price: Included in rafting packages

Popular Spots:

• Shivpuri cliffs

• Marine Drive points

• Brahmpuri rocks

5. Body Surfing

Location: Calm river sections Price: Included in 16km+ rafting

Experience:

• Float on rapids with life jacket

• Guide supervision

• Refreshing experience

6. Kayaking

Location: Shivpuri, Marine Drive Duration: Half day to multi-day

7. Camping

Locations: Shivpuri, Byasi, Marine Drive Types Available:

Camp Activities:

• Bonfire and music

• Volleyball and cricket

• Night treks

• Stargazing

Adventure Packages

Budget Adventure (2 Days)

Price: ₹3,500-5,000 per person

Includes:

• 16 km rafting

• Camping (1 night)

• All meals

• Cliff jumping

• Bonfire

Standard Adventure (2 Days)

Price: ₹6,000-9,000 per person

Includes:

• 24 km rafting

• Luxury camping (1 night)

• Bungee jumping

• All meals

• Cliff jumping

Ultimate Thrill (3 Days)

Price: ₹12,000-18,000 per person

Includes:

• 36 km rafting

• Bungee jumping

• Giant swing or Flying Fox

• 2 nights luxury camping

• All meals and activities

Safety Guidelines

Before Rafting

• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to safety briefing

• Wear Properly: Life jacket and helmet are mandatory

• Declare Health Issues: Inform about heart conditions, pregnancy, etc.

• Avoid Alcohol: Don't raft under influence

• Secure Belongings: Use waterproof bags or leave valuables

During Rafting

• Follow Commands: Listen to your guide

• Hold the Paddle: Never let go

• Stay in Boat: If you fall, stay calm

• Swim Position: Float on back, feet downstream

• Team Effort: Work together as a crew

Age and Health Requirements

How to Book

Online Booking Platforms

• Travel My Bharat (best rates)

• Official camp websites

• MakeMyTrip, Thrillophilia

Direct Contact

Visit camps at Shivpuri or Marine Drive

Booking Tips

• Compare Prices: Same activity, different rates

• Read Reviews: Check recent feedback

• Verify Operators: Ensure licensed and insured

• Confirm Inclusions: Meals, transport, equipment

• Advance Booking: Essential for weekends

Getting There

From Delhi to Rishikesh

• Distance: 240 km

• By Car: 5-6 hours via NH 334

• By Bus: 6-7 hours (UPSRTC/Private)

• By Train: Haridwar + 30 km taxi

From Rishikesh to Adventure Sites

• Shivpuri: 16 km (30 min)

• Marine Drive: 24 km (45 min)

• Kaudiyala: 36 km (1 hour)

• Jumpin Heights: 15 km (25 min)

What to Pack

Essentials

• Extra set of clothes

• Towel

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Strap for glasses

• Water bottle

• Cash (ATMs limited)

Optional

• Action camera with mount

• Quick-dry clothing

• Insect repellent

• Light jacket (evenings)

Conclusion

Rishikesh offers an unparalleled adventure experience with its perfect combination of thrilling rapids, scenic beauty, and spiritual energy. Whether you're a first-timer seeking mild rapids or an adrenaline junkie craving Grade IV challenges, the Ganga has something for everyone. Book your Rishikesh adventure package with Travel My Bharat for safe and memorable experiences!