Outdoors
Rishikesh White-Water Rafting on the Ganga
Visitors raft rather than canoe here: you paddle a guided raft down the Ganga through a series of rapids, finishing near Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. Rapids on the Rishikesh stretches range from Grade I to IV, and some trips end with an optional jump of about 6 m from a rock ledge into the river.
- Where
- Uttarakhand, India
- Distance
- about 11 km
The route
White-water rafting on the Ganga from Shivpuri to Lakshman Jhula.
Shivpuri is 19 km upriver from Rishikesh, and operators drive you there from town. Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport is about 15 km from Rishikesh, and Delhi about 240 km.
When to go
Uttarakhand Tourism gives September to June as the best rafting months; Wikivoyage singles out September to November and March to May.
Permits and fees
Raft only with certified, authorised operators; rafting is regulated under Uttarakhand's river rafting rules. No official price list was found.
Before you go
- For a longer run, operators also start further upriver, for example at Byasi, about 30 km from Rishikesh.
- Many trips pair rafting with a night at a riverside camp.
- Ask your operator to show its state authorisation before you pay.
What to bring
- A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
- A dry bag for your phone and keys
- Water and snacks
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- A warm layer, even on a hot day
Getting ready for it
Paddling works your back, shoulders and core more than your arms.
A few weeks of rows, pull-ups or pulldowns and some rotational core work will make a full day far more comfortable.
Staying safe
- Rapids reach Grade IV on this part of the Ganga, so listen to your guide's safety briefing and keep your helmet and life jacket on.
- Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against uttarakhandtourism.gov.in, en.wikipedia.org and en.wikivoyage.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
