Ganges River Rafting

Ganges River Rafting - Adventure At Its Best

Ganges, the mother goddess of India, is known all over the world as the most sacred river of the Hindus. Apart from that, the river is considered one of the best rivers rafting sites in the world. The river Ganges has always remained a mystery for rafters and full of surprises for the rafters. The mystic river with its staircase rapids, challenges the spirit of river rafting enthusiasts. Ganges River Rafting takes one to the unexplored areas and close to the people living in those areas. The Ganges smoothly flowing past the hillsides and forests provides a thrilling experience. There are many rivers rafting sites in river Ganages, Rishikesh is the ideal starting point for experienced as well as beginners. The Ganges river rafting stretch of 36 kms from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh has 12 major rapids, which needs some basic rafting training.

Rafting through the Ganges

Rafting through the Ganges is an above the world experience, which attracts large number of the rafters. The Ganges river rafting begins at a very calm spot, where river rafters can enjoy some easy racing adventure. As the river approaches the rapids, the riders have to very alert and have to put all their concentration on-board and manoeuvre the oars in a well-planned fashion.

The balancing skills of the rafter develop more and more with facing more powerful rapids. After rapidly flowing through the rapids, rocks and forests the Ganges becomes surprisingly calm at last signpost ahead of Rishikesh.

Essentials Gears

One must carry ordinary outdoor gear, goggles and antiseptic cream etc. During summers one should carry a simple swimsuit, nylon shorts, tennis shoes or sandals, and a hat. Additional clothing is required during spring and autumn. Always dress in layers so that you can easily add or remove articles, as your requirements. Cotton cloths should be avoided except summer, wool, polyester fleece and other synthetic materials are ideal as they keep the body warmer. Other must not forget items are sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap to secure them and a camera.

Exact River Rafting Location

The most exciting stretch of the Ganga which offer whitewater river rafting is from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh where the river has 12 rapids over 36 kms. Only 250 Kms out of Delhi the site has various connections by road and rail.

River Rafting in Garhwal Region

In Garhwal, the sacred river Ganga offers the professional as well as the amateur the exhilaration of whitewater river rafting. The rivers Alakananda & Bhagirathi are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are grade IV to V, challenging the expert to survive the thrill. Want to Visit Ganges, Contact us Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes into a pool drop river. This stretch of almost 70-kms is a perfect for the amateur and the novice, for here the river offers some fine grade III rapids and two grade IV rapids, the 'WALL' at Bysi and the 'Golf Course' 4-kms. Below Shivpuri village; each followed by deep and placid pools. Sandy beaches line the river at intervals, allowing river rafters to pull up alongside. The slopes on either side are covered with oak, pine, spruce and fir, with the occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Wildlife can be sighted at a distance, especially spotted Deer, Monkeys, Leopard, while multi hued butterflies flit among flowering.

Ganges River has always remains a mystery for explorers and full of surprises for the rafters. Ganga near Rishikesh in Uttaranchal is a popular spot for white water river rafting. The whitewater river rafting stretch of the Ganges is from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh where the river has 12 major rapids over 36-kms long, most of which are easily negotiable and some require our expertise.
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River Rafting in Kumaon

River Rafting in GarhwalKali Ganga ( Sharda) which nurtures the Kumaon region of Uttaranchal flows down the Nepal border through the Kumaon hills. The Kali and the Jori rivers meet at Jauljivi, where the water level increases, perfect for the professional; You can experience the most severe turbilence of water over a stretch of 110 kms that starts from Jaulijivi to Tanakpur. The rapids here are of Grade 1V. The tough three days of rafting should be attempted only, by professionals..

As you move down the forested slopes, the river becomes calmer and offering sutle challenge to the adventure lovers.

River Raftin in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, lying at the foothills of the Himalayas and with the Ganges flowing right through it, is the spiritual capital of India. Rishikesh has tourists coming from all over the globe to visit the numerous ashrams and bathing ghats that dot the riverbank. Rishikesh is flooded with centres teaching yoga, meditation and ancient medical techniques. It is a great place for adventure sports too. 18 kms from Rishikesh is this quaint village of Shivpuri. Here, situated by the riverbank and surrounded by dense forests is Camp GIO, an ideal retreat for adventure and spiritual endeavors.
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River Rafting Courses

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) operates river rafting courses at Kaudiyala. They provide rafts, equipment, river side camping items besides all safety precautions and trained guides who make the sport a pleasure. The institute is situated amongst the dense forest on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway at an altitude of 480 mts.

Best Time for River Rafting

Mid September to End-April

How to Reach

Air - Jolly Grant at Dehradun is the nearest airport which is well connected with Delhi Rail - The nearest railhead is at Haridwar and the nearest railway station is Dehradun (43 km) which is well connected with major cities of India. Dehradun Shatabdi, Dehradun Janshatabdi, Mussoorie Express are some of the trains that ply between Delhi and Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a 30 min drive from Haridwar.

Road - Rishikesh and Haridwar is well connected by road with Dehradun, Delhi (257km), Shimla, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur etc. Buses ply regularly between these places. Rishikesh is a 5-6 hr drive from Delhi.

Ganges River Rafting Tips

One must be physically and mentally fit.

One should not have any fear of water.

Carry dray bags or boxes to bring small personal items and clothes.

Take necessary medications like inhalers, bee-sting kits and insulin etc.

Take some basic rafting training at Rafting institutes run in the Ganges range.