15 River Rafting Destinations in India

A&W Magazine

River rafting in India hasemerged as one of the most popular sports? Pointing through the unbridled water and passing through parlous rapids, he who is an adventurer at heart onlyrealizes. If you haven’t got a chance to experience this utterly water sport then pack your bagsand be ready to become adventurer this summer.

1. Indus River

Nothing can be moreadventurous than river rafting in the Indus river- known as ‘Singhe Khababs’ or‘Out of the Lion’s Mouth’. Offering magnificent views of Ladakh and ZanskarRanges, rafting in the Indus makes for one unforgettable experience in India.

Level of difficulty: Very basic – Grade IRapids

Distance Covered: 25 kms

2. Kullu-Manali

Kullu is one of the mostpopular destinations for white water rafting in India. Raft on the stretches ofthe river Beas, where the rapids provide an exhilarating interlude toenthusiasts.

Level of difficulty: Very Basic – Grade I andIII Rapids

Distance Covered: from Pirdi (4 kms ahead ofKullu town) down to Jhiri, approximately 14 kms.

3. Yamuna River

Yamuna is a hub of riverrafting in India, which is suitable for both amateur and skilled rafters. Thereare two stretches- Nainbagh to Juddo and Yamuna Bridge to Juddo among whichNainbagh to Juddo is most ideal for rafting. The rapid grades range between Iand III which are challenging and can be dealt with little effort.

Level of difficulty: Moderate – Grade I and IIIRapids

Distance Covered: Yamuna bridge to Juddo 9kms stretch

4. River Ganga,Rishikesh

The River Ganga certainlyoffers the best experience of white water river rafting experience in India. Rafting on the Ganga can be enjoyed at Rishikesh which is nestled in GarhwalHimalaya in Uttarakhand. There are four stretches- Brahmapuri to Rishikesh(9kms), Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16kms), Marine drive to Rishikesh (24kms) andKaudiyala to Rishikesh (36kms).

Level of difficulty: Basic levels toChallenging- Grade lies between I and IV rapids

Distance Covered: You could choose a halfday trip or a full day trip which involves a run of 26 Kms

5. Tons River,Uttarakhand

Tons is a tributary ofRiver Yamuna and is considered to be one of the most challenging places for r
iver rafting in India. As the river meanders through the remote areas, ittells about the core culture and tra
ditions of Uttarakhand. Tons invites daredevils to sail on its glintingwaters.

Level of difficulty: Moderate: Grade III andIV rapids

Distance covered: Approx 10 kms

6. Kameng River

Kameng River is one of thebest destination for river rafting in India. With each passing kilometre at theKameng the thrill never ends, the impulsive river has the caliber to fill onewith extreme exhilaration!

Level of difficulty: Moderate- Grade IV rapid

Distance Covered: A distance of 25kms

7. Lohit River

If you’re looking for arafting adventure in the North East, Lohit river, flowing through ArunachalPradesh is where you need to be. This lesser known river is one of the mostinteresting rivers for water sports like river rafting and kayaking in India.

Level of difficulty: Moderate – Grade IV rapid

Distance Covered: approx 100 kms from theLine of Actual Control to Hayuliang

8. Spiti River

Spiti River that flowsthrough the magnificent Spiti valley is the best place for river rafting inIndia for thrill seekers. The end point being Sumdo, one can expect to spend atleast 6 days in the river. Right from the glaciers to the pristine villages,you will be able to witness the spectacles of Himachal Pradesh.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Distance Covered: 180kms starting fromTuting to Pasighat

9. Zanskar River

Trek on the river inwinters and raft in summers! Sail through Padum and Nimmo stretch that mainly consists of III and IV grade rapids. The whirling rapids and the icy cold waterthrown in together with beautiful surroundings landscapes creates memorable experiences of white waterrafting in India.

Level of difficulty: Moderate – Grade III andIV Rapids

Distance Covered: Padum to Nimmo run – 120kms

10. Barapole, Coorg

South India has its ownchunk of thrill! The Barapole River that crosses through Coorg (Kodagu) is anideal place for river rafting in India. The stretches are divided into 2 parts-the upper section of the river and the lower one. The upper section has IV to Vrapids and lower section has VI to VII rapids.

Level of difficulty: Challenging- Grade IV toVII Rapids

Distance Covered: Around 150 kms

11. River Bhagirathi,Uttarakhand

For a thrilling riverrafting experience, raft in the waters of Bhagirathi. The course of the rivertakes you through two parallel mountains, with the rushing stream, offering aglance of exquisite landscapes. The major rapids that are encountered here at theBhagirathi are Elephant rock, The Chute, Sharp S and Confluence Rapid.

Level of difficulty: Challenging

Distance Covered: The 150kms

12. Alaknanda River,Uttarakhand

Alaknanda River is here togive you a good dose of thrill and shrill! Cascading from the Garhwal is c
hallenging and it takes about 6 days in the river and the rafter has tosurvive through grade IV and V rapids. By the end of expedition not only youwill be excited but also, full of knowledge and experience!

Level of difficulty: Challenging and difficult– Grade IV and V Rapids

Distance Covered: Approx 25 kms

13. Kundalika River,Maharashtra

In western India, theSahyadri river is perfect for white water rafting. Kundali enters Kolad where adam is constructed that majorly controls the gradient and turbulence of theriver. Kolad has become a popular spot for weekend. Monsoon is the perfecttiming to go weekend rafting in Kundalika.

Level of difficulty: Challenging

Distance Covered: Approximately 10 kms

14. Teesta River, Sikkimand Darjeeling

The point where Teestameets the Rangit River forms a formidable place for rafting for veterans. Don’tforget that the outstanding beauty of the landscape further graces the raftingexperience in Teesta River in Sikkim.

Level of difficulty: Challenging

Distance Covered: 309 kms from the Himalayajoins

15. Brahmaputra RiverRafting, Arunachal Pradesh

This river is one of thebest places for river rafting in India. The starting point of rafting is atTuting and the end is situated in Pasighat. It takes approximately a week tocover the entire stretch. The rafting exp
edition makes one well aware of the life, culture and tradition of ArunachalPradesh.

Level of difficulty: Challenging

Distance Covered: The starting point ofrafting is at Tuting and the end is situated at a distance of 180 kms inPasighat. A&W

source: Traveltriangle