River Rafting in Rishikesh is an excellent adventurous activity which many people love doing and enjoy very much. Nowadays due to the increasing craze for adventure, people are visiting are travelling also for adventure and exploration.
It is very easy and you just have to book your slot either online or directly by visiting these Rafting centres.
If you are looking for the answer to the question of whether Rafting in Rishikesh is better than Rafting in Manali then I would say yes. It is. It is an opinion based on the experience I had from Rafting in those places.
Rafting and Rishikesh
Rishikesh has a long history and has also been mentioned in the Old texts. It is one of the best sites to visit in Uttarakhand along with Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Kedarnath and Badrinath are also the main two sites of the Chota Char Dham Circuit, and the other two are Gangotri and Yamunotri. However, this Chota Char Dham must not be misunderstood as Char Dham Yatra.
Why River Rafting in Rishikesh is Better than That of Manali
If I would have given a choice to choose Rafting whether in Rishikesh or Manali. I would have chosen Rishikesh. And why would I not? You seem surprised! Wait, let me explain.
- Rishikesh has a higher water flow
- In Rishikesh, you can actually raft the boat.
- It is cheaper and you will always find other tourists rafting with you so you will never have to pay for the whole ride alone.
- You can easily do your bookings online or offline.
- The minimum rafting distance is 10kms and the maximum is 35kms which is far more than that in Manali.
While Rafting in Manali is more like a boat ride
- Manali has a comparatively low water flow than Rishikesh
- The number of tourists in Manali is comparatively less so in case you are alone, you may have to book the complete boat which has less fun and is costly as well.
- Most of the time, tourists remain seated only and the guide or the boatman rafts which has no fun.
- The distance covered in Manali is much less than that of Rishikesh making it more costly.
However, it does not mean you should not try Rafting in Manali.
The best part of Rafting in Manali
- Rafting in Manali is more adventurous sometimes because the river flows in rocky lands.
- The flow of the river in Manali is less though the views are amazing and hence it can be worth trying it at least once.
I hope this will help calm your curiosity.
How to do Rafting in Rishikesh
- River Rafting is organized by registered and licensed owners in Rishikesh who manage and organize this activity.
- One can directly go to these licensed owners who are based near Ram Jhula or Triveni Ghat or Lakshman Jhula and directly contact them for Rafting.
- One can search for organizers who gather people online by registering and then scheduling their time and reaching the booked place accordingly.
- There are also many hostels and accommodations that organize these activities and facilitate all arrangements for that.
River Rafting Timings
River Rafting is offered at various times throughout the day so one needs not worry much about it. On one of the platforms, one will definitely find one suitable timing.
River Rafting Packages in Rishikesh with Price
There are mainly three Rafting Packages available in Rishikesh
- 1OKms – 2.5hrs – 500-700rs
- 16Kms – 3.5hrs – 1000rs
- 25Kms – 4.5hrs – 1500rs
- 35Kms – 5hrs – 2500rs
Is Rafting in Rishikesh Safe?
Is it safe? Can I do it? Well, well, take a pause!
Suppose I ask you whether driving is safe or not. Considering the accidents, one may say that it is unsafe. But aren’t people driving out there?
It is we who make these things safe or unsafe. Even while rafting, there are waves, water flow and everything. But doesn’t it depend on the guide? Doesn’t it depend upon how much we pay attention to the guidelines?
I hope you got the answer.
Yet, how can a first-timer be able to find the right raft with the best guides which also have all the equipment needed? pretty valid question, isn’t it?
Whom to Contact for River Rafting in Rishikesh?
There are multiple River Rafting Companies and Tour Operators in Rishikesh. You won’t need to struggle to get find one.
Though, it can be tough to find the best one. So here are some tips to find the best operator for River Rafting in Rishikesh.
How to Find the Best River Rafting Operator in Rishikesh?
- Check How much experience they have
- Talk to their representatives and observe their behaviour
- Meet the Guide in person and try to ask a few questions about Rafting and see if they are able to answer
- Check their pieces of equipment and boats and their condition
- The guide should be carrying a Go pro to record thrilling moments
- Compare their rates which should not be too below the standard rates(this shows they might try to lure customers while hiding some of their issues by lowering the prices)
Now to Check and verify if they have the correct gears or not you must know what are the types of equipment used in Rafting. See them by yourself.
Gears needed for Rafting
These 4 gears are a must for rafting in Rishikesh and anywhere in the world. But there are a few other things that you might consider to carry with you while rafting.
Essential Supplies that you can carry for an Unforgettable Rafting Adventure
1. Wetsuit
A wetsuit protects you from Cold Water and keeps you warm by trapping a thin layer of water inside it.
2. Drysuit
A dry suit keeps you warm by protecting you from getting in contact with water which has a layer of air and some other stuff.
Now What’s the difference between a Wetsuit and a Drysuit?
In simple words, Wetsuit protects you from getting wet as well as catching a cold from the water. Whereas, a dry suit keeps your body dry and a little warm even when you are in the water.
In both cases, they play almost the same role. Both of them keep you warm and dry when you are inside the water. But then, how to decide which one to use and when?
Dry suits are best when the water is not too cold. For example, if you do River Rafting in Rishikesh in the month of June or July, you can use a dry suit.
Accordingly, Wet suits are best to use in colder times when the water is too cold and a dry suit is no more enough. For example, in Winter you would need a wet suit to enjoy river rafting in Rishikesh without catching a cold.
3. Water Shoes
These are amazing when you need to swim with your shoes on or do rafting or some other water activities. Although, you can do river rafting barefoot as well or even wear a Slipper.
But first of all that does not make any sense and secondly that is inconvenient. Wearing a slipper is even more risky I would say because it increases the chance of your foot getting slipped over from the peddles.
4. Dry Fit Shirt
To wear during the thrilling adventure
5. Dry Fit Shorts
So that you can comfortably enjoy rafting in Rishikesh.
6. Gloves
To increase your grip strength which will help you not to fall off from the raft.
7. Sunscreen
Reef Safe Sunscreens are the best. These will not only protect you from getting a sunburn but also protects the coral reefs inside the water. Alovera Gel is also a very good alternative.
8. Dry Clothes to wear after the adventure
Of course, you would need dry clothes to wear after that amazing ride.
9. Safety Knife
Don’t worry, it’s not for any knife combat. These knives can be really helpful in case you are stuck or tied to a rope you can get rid of.
10. Sunglasses(optional)
Although, these are optional. But these look amazing in pictures and also protect your eyes from the gleaming sun.
11. Swimming Goggles
Yup, these are amazing. If you are an amazing swimmer and wish to swim in the fresh water at Rishikesh, you can get swimming goggles. Swimming goggles help to see you underwater.
12. Dry floating bag or backpack to put all your stuff in
This may sound not necessary. Yet, it is.
Suppose you are all set to go rafting. Now you have to keep your belongings like your phone, wallet, watch, keys, shoes, socks, goggles, sunscreen or whatever safely. Where would you keep it? It will become wet right?
So, it is best to keep a dry/waterproof floating bag or backpack with you.
13. GoPro or action camera with waterproof case
Although, the guide will most probably have one Gopro with him. But, if you are really into adventure or used to sharing your experiences on social media. It is best to have it with you.
14. Waterproof, floatable phone case
A waterproof phone case is a must to have while rafting especially in Rishikesh. The water flow in Rishikesh is generally higher than in other places. So, even if your phone is in your pocket or bag, it can suck water very easily.
Yet, Rafting is not all you can do in Rishikesh
Obviously, Rafting is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh. Yet, Rafting is not all you can do in Rishikesh. Let’s dive a little deep to know what else we can do in Rishikesh.
Top Things To Do in Rishikesh
1. River Rafting: Experience the Thill
Even after discussing so much about River Rafting in this article, we can’t start this list without this when it comes to Rishikesh. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best and must to do things in Rishikesh.
2. Bungee Jumping: Defy gravity and unleash your inner thrill-seeker
Bungee Jumping is an adventure only for audacious guys. If you think you can take it, go ahead and pump your adrenaline up while going down hanging to the rope.
3. Lakshman Jhula: An Iconic Bridge
Although, this is closed for now. It is being rebuilt as it was closed due to some malfunction or damage. Yet, you can take a tour of the Lakshman Jhula and witness the cultural vibes of Rishikesh.
4. Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh: Witness the grand celebration of praying to Maa Ganga
Like the famous Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, you can also witness it in Rishikesh. At several places in Rishikesh, Ganga aarti is performed.
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
- Ganga Aarti at Shatrughan Ghat
- Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan
As per most of the visitors, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is the best to attend.
5. Flying Fox: Adrenaline-fueled Zip Line adventure
Imagine how would it feel like flowing in the air at a speed of around 150km/hr hanging to a rope. Very similar to Ziplining just not for seconds but for minutes. In Rishikesh, you have the longest flying fox kind of zip lining in all over the ASIA.
