India offers a plethora of river rafting opportunities across various regions, with the Ganga in Rishikesh being a leading destination for adventurers. Other notable rivers include the Brahmaputra, Teesta, and Indus, each providing unique challenges and stunning scenery. The best seasons for rafting vary with locations, typically occurring between June and October.

1. Top 10 places to go for River Rafting
in India
The super-fast flow of the river, splash
of the waters on your body and you aided
with a life jacket on a raft, what better
adventure can you wish for….. River
Rafting in India is one of the most popular
adventure activities in the country.
Adventure enthusiasts are enjoying the
wild waters of rivers with water rafting as
it is called. The mighty rivers flowing down
from the heights of the Himalayas and
other mountain ranges make India one of
the world’s best places for adventure.

2. Ganga River, Rishikesh,
Uttarakhand
River Ganga in Rishikesh is one of the world’s
best rafting destinations. Adventure enthusiast
can enjoy river rafting down rapids ranging
from grade 1 to grade 4. This almost 16 km
stretch is rich with whirlpools and rapids.
There are as many as 13 rapids. Return to
Sender, Roller Coaster, Three Blind Mice,
Double Trouble, Tee Off and Golf Course are
some incredible names. Camping on the
beautiful white sand river beaches against the
scenic Kumaon Mountains is also a popular
adventure. The real charm of this region of
Shivaliks is river rafting in Rishikesh.
Best Season for Rafting: September to June.
Level of difficulty: Grade I – IV
Distance Covered: 16 to 36 Kilometers.

3. Teesta River, Sikkim
and Darjeeling
The Teesta River flows through Sikkim,
Darjeeling, and Kalimpong Hill Region.
The mighty river is another thrilling river
rafting spot. Blessed with a string of
rapids rated at Grade 1-4, it creates a true
invigorating experience. The turbulent
Rangit, a tributary of the Teesta, has
multi-dimensional rapids and is perfect for
a challenge to more experienced rafters.
Best Season for Rafting: October and
April.
Level of difficulty: Grade I – IV
Distance Covered: 11 to 37 Kilometers.

4. Brahmaputra River,
Arunachal Pradesh
The Brahmaputra River, is mysterious and
ferocious. River rafting in this river is
done when the river finds its way in
Arunachal Pradesh, down the Tibet region
by cutting Greater Himalayas. River
rafting here is rated at Level 4 -6.
Brahmaputra River Rafting is for an
exhilarating experience of a lifetime.
Rapids such as the ‘Pulsating Pulsi’,
‘Tooth fairy’ is the biggest jolt of
adrenaline. The rafting expedition of the
entire river last for more than a week.
Camping is available along the river
blessed with tropical forests, gorges and
beautiful scenery.
Best Season for Rafting: November to
March.
Level of Difficulty: Grade IV – VI
Distance Covered: 180 Kilometers over
the period of 7 Dyas.

5. River Barapole, Coorg,
Karnataka
River Barapole in Coorg, Dakshina
Kannada, provides excellent rafting
opportunities. Flowing down the Western
Ghats edging along the Deccan Plateau,
the grades range between 2 and 4.There
are approximately 4 to 5 rapids in the
upper section and about 6 to 7 rapids in
the lower section. Some enchanting names
are Morning Coffee (Grade 2),
Grasshopper (Grade 3), The Ramba
Samba (Grade 2), The Wicked Witch
(Grade 3), Big Bang (Grade 4), Milky
Churn, etc.
Best Season for Rafting: Monsoon and
post-monsoon months of June to
September.
Level of Difficulty: Grade II – VII
Distance Covered: 8 Kilometers.

6. Kundalika River,
Maharashtra
Kundalika is the fastest river of the South
at Kolad. It is an excellent rafting
destination South of the Himalayas.
Flowing amidst the wonderful Sahyadris,
the almost 15-kilometre stretch of rapids
provides ample opportunities for an
exciting adventure. Rapids range between
Grades 3-4. The best months for rafting
are in the months of monsoon. When
waters are at their full capacity you enjoy
the thrill to the maximum.
Best Season for Rafting: Monsoon and
post-monsoon months of June to
September.
Level of difficulty: Grade III – IV
Distance Covered: 16 kilometers.

7. Indus River, Ladakh,
Jammu & Kashmir
Indus River offers a wonderful river
rafting opportunity. Originating in Tibet,
the river flows through the cold desert
landscape of Ladakh and is extremely
cold. The challenging rapids on the river
range from grade 1-2 at some places, has
grade 3-5 rapids. These are months when
the river Indus water levels are high. The
more challenging route for river rafting
lies between Alchi and Khalsi, where a
kilometer long series of rapids thrill the
rafters. Camping along the river adds to
the thrill of the adventure.
Best Season for Rafting: Months of June
upto late August.
Level of difficulty: Grade III – V
Distance Covered: 25 kilometers.

8. Beas River, Kullu-
Manali
In Kullu Valley, river rafting is enjoyed in
the River Beas. Rafting starts at Pirdi and
continue 14 km down to Jhiri. This river
has got 1-4 grade rapids. The full day
adventure is definitely exhilarating. Enjoy
the thrill of the rapids and the picturesque
scenery which shall certainly create
wonderful memories of your adventure.
River rafting is available throughout the
year except during the period from 15-July
to 15-September.
Best Season for Rafting: March to July
Level of Difficulty: Grade I – IV
Distance Covered: 14 kilometers

9. Dandeli, Karnataka
The newest addition to thrilling river
rafting is Dandeli in Karnataka. Flowing
through the altitude of 1549 feet in the
mighty Western Ghats, rafting is enjoyed
in the swift flow of River Kali. The river
Kali in Dandeli makes for one of the best
places for rafting for beginners and
professionals. The 12 Km stretch
comprises of grade 2 and 3 rapids.
Best Season for Rafting: November to
June.
Level of Difficulty: Grade II – III
Distance Covered: 12 Kilometers.

10. Alaknanda River,
Uttarakhand
The Alaknanda River flowing in
Uttarakhand is among one of the most
difficult and challenging sites. The second
largest tributary of the mighty Ganga
offers the ultimate river rafting
experience. The rafting stretch is almost
25 km between the Chamoli and
Rudraprayag. The river has over 75 to 80
grade 3 to 4+ rapids. The grade 5 ‘Hillary
Fall’ named after Sir Edmund Hillary’s
upstream jet boat expedition known as
“Ocean to Sky” is a rush of adrenaline.
Embark on the thrilling adventure.
Embark on the thrilling adventure.
Camping along the river adds to the fun.
Best Season for Rafting: October to June
Level of Difficulty: Grade III – IV
Distance Covered: 25 Kilometers approx.

11. Zanskar River, Ladakh
Re-defining the thrill of river rafting,
Zanskar River Ladakh is an adventure like
never before. The ice-cold river flows at a
height of more than 12, 000 feet. The
rapids are of Grade 3 and Grade 4. Rafting
is held between Padum and Zimo regions.
Fortifications of mountains rise to
hundreds of feet on both sides. The rafting
route ends as the river merges with the
Indus. The route passes through some
rough terrains and isolated places in
Ladakh. Best time to go is July to August
as the river flows in this while remains
frozen rest of the year.
Best Season for Rafting: July to August.
Level of Difficulty: Grade III – IV
Distance Covered: 30 Kilometers approx.