River Rafting in India: Best places to experience the popular water sport

From vacations to ‘vacay’, from staying at the extravagant hotel to bunking with locals, the tourism industry in India has changed significantly. Many trends and fads have come our way, but few are here to stay. One such example is the trend of adventure sports that have entered our travels.

Today, wanderers want to be much more than just tourists. They want to be travellers. They wish to deep dive and test the waters, sometimes quite literally. Adventure sports like River Rafting are all the rage right now. Travellers far and wide are coming to India to dip their toes in our water. Partly because India is an ideal destination for river rafting with a heavy current of rivers flowing from the Himalayas to the plains, creating steep canyons. These fast-flowing rivers are bustling with life and provide an adrenaline-packed experience that remains unmatched.

So, if you wish to go on an adventure that knows no limits, then scroll on ahead for a list of the Best River rafting places in India and take the first step towards realising your adventurous dreams by booking your flights in the most rewarding way with InterMiles. Every flight booked with InterMiles earns you miles- that too for flights booked for yourself and your loved ones!

It’s going to be a long read, so try keeping your head above water!

Indus River – River rafting in the Lion’s mouth!

Indus River is locally called as Singhey Kebab which means ‘out of the lion’s mouth’. The fusion of various rivers from the Indian Subcontinent forms the Indus River. And therefore, these waters carry multifariousness of culture wherever they flow. River rafting in these waters is equal to experiencing the cultures of all different places the river travels. The Indus River offers river rafting level I to IV (varies in difficulty), which means everyone in your family can enjoy river rafting easily! Thus, Indus River is the best place for river rafting in India.

Rishikesh – For the madcap adventurer in you.

Roller Coaster, Double-trouble and Return to Sender! No, we are not naming rides at an adventure park. These are the actual rapids offered for river rafting in the holy water of the Ganges! So, if you wish to have an adventure that gets your adrenaline and Zen flowing, then you must dive for this opportunity! Nuzzled in Garhwal, Rishikesh is one of the best river rafting places in India.

Also Read: 10 Most Adventures Sports Activities Thrill Seekers Can Do in Rishikesh

Lohit River – Paddle through an undisturbed civilization.

While everybody is flooding the waters of Rishikesh, only expert adventurers opt for the North-East to experience river rafting. One such gem of Arunachal Pradesh is the Lohit River that enters India from the China border. Travellers can enjoy isolated beaches that stretch as far as one can see. Nights can be spent stargazing because of the lack of urban light pollution. And days can be spent paddling through the cold waters of Lohit River.

Barapole, Coorg - Why should North have all the fun!

River rafting at Barapole is a feast for the soul. The rapids here are named - Morning Coffee, Grasshopper, Wicked Witch and, the Big Bang. Calling the experience here interesting would be an understatement. It’s a 150-km long joyride with its own set of ups and downs that only adds thrill to the journey. It's South-India's gift to thrill-seekers.

Kundalika River - Unleashing monsoon madness!

Charged by the excess waters of hydroelectric projects and dams, Kundalika River's high current will get your spirits high! We are so used to going against the force in our urban lives that going with the flow can be profoundly liberating. Situated in Kolad, Maharashtra, the waters of Kundalika can be explored in a weekend.

Beas River – An exhilarating affair!

When one thinks of Kullu and Manali, one imagines snow-clad mountains and white-capped woodlands. Seldom anyone thinks of its glacial waters. But to our surprise, Kullu and Manali are the best places to try river rafting in town. Immerse yourself in the chilly waters of the Beas River, clash with its tides and triumph over your fear of water forever!

Spiti river - Unparalleled adrenaline rush.

Spiti connects Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh. Therefore, it has contrasting landscapes. Paddle past this unique panorama while steadily rafting in the Spiti river. The infinite landscapes, high ridges, glaciers, and meadows make river rafting here an adventure of a lifetime. Discover a new way to explore.

Zanskar River - Absolute bliss for the Bravehearts!

A trip down the tumultuous waters of Western Ladakh is equivalent to being in one of Salvador Dali's paintings for real. What we mean to say is, the experience is quite surreal. During the Winters, Zanskar River freezes to give us the 'Chaddar trek'. And in the Summer, the same river gushes to give us the best river rafting in India. The river is a treasure trove of whirlpools and 12 rapids, making it an absolute delight for the Bravehearts.

Kameng River – Explore the beautiful torrents of North-East.

Imagine consistent rapids, deep ravines, pristine campsites and well-kept old forests. Sounds like a river rafting paradise, doesn't it? Initiating from Indo-Tibet border, Kameng is the major tributary of Brahmaputra River. The river makes its way through the bushy forests, gravels on the banks of the river, offering a view that is sure to leave a lasting memory.

Sanasar – Fly over Jammu valleys!

Flowing from the big mountains of Garhwal, Alaknanda offers the most technical white-water river rafting experience. It has both simple and challenging rapids. The rapid at level 5 is named 'Hillary Fall' after Sir Edmund Hillary, only a few people have successfully triumphed over this rapid. So, if you think you have what it takes to seize these unconquerable torrents, then do drop by Alaknanda!

Hope this list of the best places for river rafting in India helps when you plan your next voyage! And no matter where you decide to go, InterMiles has always got your back! To up the ante and for a great stay you can select your hotel from our hotels platform and earn miles on your completed stays. Search, compare and book a hotel purely based on your preferences- be it a Luxury stay, Budget hotel, Homestay, BnB and more!

Vacation without adventure is dull as ditch water, so get ready with your oars and paddle for a ride of a lifetime! The best vacation is all about experiencing new places and getting quality time for yourself too!

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