6 Best Places for River Rafting in India

India is home to some amazing river rafting destinations. Check out the ones you just can’t miss.

Not everything is bad about the summers. It opens up a lot of opportunities for travellers, including the adventure activities that are offered in several destinations across the country. River rafting is one adventure activity that has gained popularity among Indians in the last couple of years. Let’s take a look at the places that offer the best rafting experience in India.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh has become almost synonymous with rafting. The moment somebody mentions about a rafting trip, the first place that comes to the mind is Rishikesh. With up to three grades of rapids and numerous rafting camps on the white sand beaches of River Ganga, this holy town in Uttarakhand has become a hot favourite among those who love rafting. Besides, the place provides ample opportunities for other adventure activities, including trekking and cliff jumping.

Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Yes, you read that right. In case you didn’t know, Ladakh is not just about bikers, trekkers and mountain lovers. The place has a lot more to it. You must have heard of the Zanskar river — the one on which the popular Chadar Trek is done during the winters. It’s the same river on which rafting is offered in the months of July and August. At an altitude of 12,000 feet, rafting is a completely different experience — the river flows between high mountain walls, each of a few hundred feet. The views one gets are stunning to say the least — while on one side you come across remote and unseen areas of Ladakh, it’s a treat to see the river merging into River Indus at the end of the rafting route.

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha offers a unique melange of adventure and heritage. As you go rafting on the rapids of the turbulent River Betwa, you will be charmed at the views of various cenotaphs lined up across the banks of the river. To add to your experience are the lush green environs, making for a soothing locale to enjoy a high adrenaline adventure activity like rafting. The rafting tours are organised by MP Tourism, and starts from the scenic Kanchana Ghat.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

River Beas offers some of the best rapids for white water rafting in India. The rafting tour in this region starts from Pirdi, at a distance of four kilometres from the town of Kullu, and covers 14 km, before ending at a place called Jhiri. Rafting here enables travellers to enjoy views of the Pir Panjal Range, that covers the entire region of Kullu-Manali. The rapids here range from beginner’s level to Grade 1 and Grade 3.

Kolad, Maharashtra

A popular destination among adventure seekers, especially during the monsoons, Kolad is also a hotspot for rafting in Maharashtra. Located within the depths of the Sahyadri mountain range, in Raigad district, Kolad is home to scenic surroundings, thanks to the lush vegetation of the place. Rafting here is done on River Kundalika, which has several rapids in its 14 km stretch.

Coorg, Karnataka

Another unlikely place for rafting, the coffee district of Coorg also offers amazing opportunities for rafting enthusiasts. Carried out on River Barapole, the grades vary from one section of the river to the other, thanks to the presence of the beautiful Western Ghats. There are approximately four to five rapids in the upper section of the river, and about six to seven in the lower section, with grade level ranging from 1 to 4. The rafting season in Coorg is from June to September.

Source: indiatoday.intoday.in