Neelkanth Temple Road, Rishikesh
+91 93689 99410
Season: mid-September to June

River Rafting in Rishikesh on the Ganga

Five stretches from the gentle 9 km Brahmpuri run to the 36 km Kaudiyala expedition, booked with licensed operators and transfers from our riverside resort.

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River rafting in Rishikesh: the short answer

River rafting in Rishikesh runs on the Ganga on five common stretches, from 9 km to 36 km. The gentlest is Brahmpuri to NIM Beach (9 km, Grade I-II) and the most popular is Shivpuri to NIM Beach (16 km, Grade II-III). The season runs from about mid-September to the end of June and closes in the monsoon. The minimum age is usually 14. Simply Heaven books licensed operators and arranges transfers; call +91 93689 99410 for the current rate.

River rafting in Rishikesh: key facts
RiverGanga, between Kaudiyala and NIM Beach
Stretches9 km, 10 km, 16 km, 24 km and 36 km
Most popular16 km Shivpuri to NIM Beach, Grade II-III
DifficultyGrade I-II (9 km) up to Grade III-IV (36 km)
SeasonAbout mid-September to end of June; closed in the monsoon (about July to mid-September)
Minimum ageUsually 14 years (confirm when booking)
SafetyLife jacket, helmet, certified guide and a safety briefing for every rafter
PriceDepends on stretch, date and group size; call or WhatsApp for the current rate
Route options

Which rafting stretch in Rishikesh should you choose?

Choose the stretch by your age, fitness and swimming confidence. Families and nervous first-timers should take the 9 km Brahmpuri run. Most adults pick the 16 km Shivpuri to NIM Beach stretch. The 24 km and 36 km routes suit fit, confident rafters who want longer days and bigger rapids.

Rishikesh rafting stretches compared by distance, grade and duration
StretchDistanceGradeApprox. time on the riverWho it suits
Brahmpuri to NIM Beach9 kmI-II (gentlest)About 1 to 1.5 hoursFamilies with children 14+, first-timers, elders who are fit
Marine Drive to Shivpuri10 kmMilder rapidsAbout 1.5 to 2 hoursBeginners who want a short, lively introduction
Shivpuri to NIM Beach16 kmII-IIIAbout 2 to 3 hoursMost adults and groups; the most popular choice
Marine Drive to NIM Beach24 kmIIIAbout 3 to 4 hoursFit groups who want a longer run with more rapids
Kaudiyala to NIM Beach36 kmIII-IV (longest)Most of a dayExperienced, confident rafters

Times are rough guides for time on the water. They change with the water level, the number of stops and the operator's plan for the day, and do not include the drive to the start point.

Rafters in red life jackets and yellow helmets paddling through white water during river rafting in Rishikesh
Team paddling through a rapid on the Ganga
Small raft with helmeted paddlers passing boulders on the Ganga, Rishikesh rafting stretch
Rocky sections on the longer upper stretches

Which rapids will you raft through in Rishikesh?

The rapids you meet depend on your stretch. On the popular 16 km Shivpuri to NIM Beach run, guides take you through named rapids such as Three Blind Mice, Roller Coaster and Golf Course. Longer runs from Marine Drive and Kaudiyala add more rapids, including Daniel's Dip on the upper river.

How rapids are graded

  • Grade I: moving water with small waves. Easy, good for getting used to the paddle.
  • Grade II: clear channels with bigger waves. Fun and splashy, little manoeuvring needed.
  • Grade III: high, irregular waves and stronger currents. The team must paddle together on the guide's call.
  • Grade IV: powerful, longer rapids that need precise steering. Only for fit, confident rafters with a strong guide.

Grades change with the water level. Early in the season (September to October) and in late spring, rapids can feel bigger; in deep winter the river is lower and clearer. Your guide will tell you before each big rapid what to do and when to hold on.

Calm sections between rapids

Every stretch also has long calm sections. On some trips the guide lets rafters float in their life jackets on a calm patch, if the water and the operator's rules allow. This is optional, and you can stay in the raft.

What is the best time for river rafting in Rishikesh?

The best months for river rafting in Rishikesh are October, November, March and April, when the weather is pleasant and the water is clear. The full season runs from about mid-September to the end of June. Rafting closes in the monsoon, about July to mid-September, and the state sets exact dates each year.

Rafting season in Rishikesh by month
MonthsWhat to expect
Mid-September to NovemberSeason reopens after the monsoon. Clear water, pleasant days and lively rapids early in the season.
December to FebruaryOpen, with sunny days but very cold water. Fewer crowds. Wear layers and choose a shorter stretch.
March to AprilWarm days and comfortable water. A busy, popular time for groups and students.
May to JuneHot days, so the river feels refreshing. Weekends are busy; book ahead.
July to mid-SeptemberClosed for the monsoon. Stay for the River Heul, bonfires and nature walks instead.

Is river rafting in Rishikesh safe? Age and safety rules

River rafting in Rishikesh is well managed when you go with a licensed operator, as Simply Heaven does. Every rafter gets a life jacket, a helmet, a certified guide and a safety briefing. The minimum age is usually 14, and the rules below keep the risk low on every stretch.

  • Minimum age is usually 14 years; confirm for your stretch when booking
  • Wear your life jacket and helmet buckled from the start to the finish
  • Listen to the briefing and follow the guide's paddling commands
  • Keep your feet tucked in and hold the paddle grip as shown
  • No alcohol before or during the trip
  • Carry a government photo ID; operators may ask for it

Who should skip rafting or check first

Rafting is physical and the water is cold. Speak to your doctor and tell the operator before booking if any of these apply:

  • Pregnancy
  • Heart conditions or high blood pressure
  • Epilepsy or a history of fits
  • Recent surgery, fractures or serious back and neck problems

Children under 14 and elders who prefer to stay dry can enjoy the shallow River Heul splash area and riverbed walks at the resort.

What should you wear for rafting in Rishikesh?

Wear light, quick-dry synthetic clothes and footwear that straps on firmly, because you will get completely wet. Avoid cotton and denim, which stay heavy and cold. In winter, add a thin thermal layer and keep a full set of dry, warm clothes for the ride back.

  • Quick-dry T-shirt and shorts or track pants
  • Strapped sandals or old sports shoes (no slippers)
  • Sunscreen and a strap for spectacles or sunglasses
  • A towel and a change of clothes in a bag left in the vehicle
  • Leave phones, jewellery and cash at the resort
Blue raft with paddlers in life jackets and a kayaker on a calm part of the Ganga in Rishikesh
Life jacket and helmet for every rafter

How does Simply Heaven arrange your rafting trip?

Simply Heaven books your rafting slot with a licensed local operator and arranges the transfer from the resort to the start point and back. You only choose the stretch and the date. Most guests raft in the morning and are back for lunch, a rest by River Heul and the evening bonfire.

  1. 1. Tell us your stretch and group

    WhatsApp +91 93689 99410 with your date, the stretch you want and the ages of everyone in the group. We confirm availability and the current rate.

  2. 2. Transfer to the start point

    After breakfast, the vehicle takes you from Neelkanth Temple Road to Brahmpuri, Marine Drive, Shivpuri or Kaudiyala, depending on your stretch.

  3. 3. Briefing, gear and rafting

    The operator's guide fits life jackets and helmets, explains the paddle commands and leads the raft down the river to NIM Beach.

  4. 4. Back to the resort

    Change into dry clothes and return for a buffet meal. Check-out is 10:00 AM, so on your last day book an early slot or raft on an earlier day.

Rafting plus a riverside stay

Rafting fits into every stay at Simply Heaven Rishikesh, a riverside resort beside River Heul on Neelkanth Temple Road, about a 500 m walk from the Ganga bank. Stays include AC cottages and interconnected family rooms with attached bathrooms, three buffet meals a day and a bonfire in the evening.

Want more adventure on the same trip? Add bungee jumping in Rishikesh or the flying fox zipline, both near Shivpuri and Mohan Chatti. To compare every cottage and package option, read our guide to camping in Rishikesh, and for directions see contact and booking.

Book your Ganga rafting trip and riverside stay

Send your date, stretch and group size on WhatsApp. The team will confirm the slot, the transfer and the current rate.

WhatsApp for rafting booking

River Rafting: frequently asked questions

Which is the best rafting stretch in Rishikesh for beginners?

The 9 km Brahmpuri to NIM Beach stretch is the gentlest, with Grade I-II water, so it suits families and nervous first-timers. The 10 km Marine Drive to Shivpuri stretch is the other common choice for beginners. Most confident first-timers pick the 16 km Shivpuri to NIM Beach run.

Which rafting stretch in Rishikesh is the most popular?

The 16 km Shivpuri to NIM Beach stretch is the most popular. It has Grade II-III rapids, including well-known ones such as Roller Coaster and Golf Course, and fits easily into a morning, so you are back at the resort for lunch.

What is the minimum age for river rafting in Rishikesh?

The minimum age is usually 14 years. Operators can change age and fitness rules from season to season, so please confirm the limit for your stretch when you book. Children under 14 can enjoy the shallow River Heul splash area at the resort instead.

When is river rafting closed in Rishikesh?

Rafting closes during the monsoon, roughly from July to mid-September, when the Ganga runs high and fast. The season usually reopens in mid-September and runs to the end of June. The state government sets the exact opening and closing dates each year.

Can we do river rafting in Rishikesh in winter?

Yes. December to February is within the rafting season. Days are usually sunny and the water is clear, but the river is very cold, so wear quick-dry layers and keep a dry set of warm clothes for afterwards. Shorter stretches are more comfortable in winter.

How much does river rafting in Rishikesh cost?

The cost depends on the stretch, the date and your group size, and whether you add transfers or a stay. Simply Heaven does not publish a fixed rafting rate; call or WhatsApp +91 93689 99410 with your stretch and group size for the current price.

Do I need to know swimming for rafting in Rishikesh?

Check the operator's rule when you book; every rafter wears a life jacket and helmet and follows a trained guide. Tell your guide during the safety briefing if you cannot swim, and choose a shorter, gentler stretch for your first trip.

Is river rafting in Rishikesh safe?

Rafting is an adventure sport with real risk, but it is well managed when you go with a licensed operator. Every rafter gets a life jacket, a helmet, a certified guide and a safety briefing. Follow the guide's commands, avoid alcohol and pick a stretch that matches your fitness.

Can I combine rafting with a stay at Simply Heaven?

Yes. Rafting can be added to any stay, such as the 1 night 2 days camping package. The resort books the slot with a licensed local operator and arranges the transfer to your starting point.

What should I wear for river rafting?

Wear quick-dry synthetic clothes, a strapped pair of sandals or old sports shoes, and sunscreen. Avoid cotton and jeans, which stay wet and cold. Leave phones, jewellery and valuables at the resort, and tie spectacles with a strap.

Need exact dates or rates? Call or WhatsApp +91 93689 99410.

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