There are many popular floating trips in India that are a great way to experience the country’s beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the best floating trips in India. They are River Rafting in Rishikesh, House Boat Cruise in Kerala, White Water Rafting in Thattapani, River Cruise in Brahmaputra, Kayaking in Goa and Andaman Nicobar Islands.
River Rafting in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is a popular place for river rafting. River Ganges flows through Rishikesh coming from the Himalayas and you can enjoy a thrilling rafting experience with rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade V.
River rafting is one of the most popular adventure sports in Rishikesh in India. Rishikesh is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is known for its spiritual significance and natural beauty. River Ganga flows through Rishikesh from the Himalayas and with its swift currents, rapids and crystal-clear water provides an ideal setting for river rafting.
The ideal time for river rafting in Rishikesh is from September to June, when the weather is pleasant and the river water is not too cold. Various rafting routes are available from easy to difficult depending on your experience and skill level. Some popular rafting routes in Rishikesh are:
- Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km): This is a beginner level rafting route that takes around 2 hours to complete. The rapids on this route are gentle and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and the surrounding hills.
- Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km): This is a moderate-level rafting route and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The rapids on this route are more challenging and you can enjoy the thrill of rafting through grade III and IV rapids.
- Rishikesh to Marine Drive (24 km): This is an advanced-level rafting route that takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The rapids on this route are quite challenging and you can experience the adrenaline rush of rafting through grade IV and V rapids.
Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km distance)
Both Brahmapuri and Rishikesh are popular places for river rafting in India. Here are some details on river rafting charges and other information for these locations:
Brahmapuri is 16 km from Rishikesh and is a great place for beginners to experience river rafting. The rafting experience here is about 9 km long and includes rapids ranging from grade 1 to grade 2.
River Rafting Charges: The cost of river rafting in Brahmapuri is usually Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person depending on the season and operator. This usually includes all necessary equipment like life jackets, helmets and paddles.
Best Time for River Rafting: River rafting in Brahmapuri is generally open from September to June. The best time for rafting here is from October to May, when the weather is cool and the water is not too cold.
Other Details: Apart from river rafting, Brahmapuri is also famous for its scenic beauty and lush green forests. Visitors can also try other adventure activities like bungee jumping, trekking and camping here.
River rafting from Shivpuri to Rishikesh
River rafting from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is a popular adventure activity in India. The rafting route is about 16 km long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete depending on water level and raft speed. Here is some information to help you plan best trip for you:
Best time to go: The best time for river rafting from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is from late September to mid-November and then from early March to late May. These months offer the best weather conditions and the most comfortable temperature.
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The rafting route from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is graded as Class III+ to IV rapids. Depending on the speed of the water and the slope of the river it is slightly more difficult, meaning it is suitable for experienced rafters who are physically fit and comfortable with the fast and technical nature of the rapids. Inexperienced rafters may want to consider a different route with less grading.
Cost: The cost of a rafting trip varies depending on the season, tour operator and number of people in the group. Average price per person is around INR 1,500 to 2,500.
What to wear: It’s best to wear quick-dry clothing such as shorts, T-shirts and swimwear. A waterproof jacket or wind breaker is also recommended, as well as a pair of comfortable sports shoes with good grip. Helmets and life jackets are provided by the tour operator.
Safety precautions: Always follow the safety instructions provided by the tour operator and wear the safety gear provided. It is also important to let your guide know if you have any medical conditions or physical limitations.
Overall, river rafting from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is an exciting and memorable adventure activity that offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Uttarakhand. Plan ahead and make sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Marine Drive River Rafting
Rishikesh and Marine Drive are two different places and there is no direct river rafting route between them. Rishikesh is a city in Uttarakhand, India, situated on the banks of river Ganga, while Marine Drive is a famous river rafting point in Rishikesh.
For river rafting from Rishikesh to Marine Drive, you need to raft the river Ganga from Rishikesh to Marine Drive. The route takes you through some of the most scenic and adventurous rapids of the Ganges, like a roller coaster, golf course and club house.
You can book a river rafting trip from Rishikesh to Marine Drive through various tour operators in Rishikesh. The trip usually takes 3-4 hours and includes a safety briefing, equipment rental and a professional guide. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and follow all safety instructions to have a safe and enjoyable river rafting experience.
Marine Drive is actually a popular river rafting point in Rishikesh, India and is located 27 kilometres upstream from Rishikesh.
To reach Marine Drive from Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or hire a private vehicle. Alternatively, you can also take a shared taxi or bus from Rishikesh to Shivpuri, another popular river rafting point 16 km from Rishikesh, and then take another shared taxi or ride along the river to Marine Drive.
The river rafting route from Marine Drive to Rishikesh is about 24 km long and takes 3-4 hours to complete depending on the water flow and rapids. The route passes through the most exhilarating rapids like the Three Blind Mice, a roller coaster and a golf course.
It is recommended to book a river rafting trip with a reliable tour operator in Rishikesh and make sure to follow all the safety measures to have a safe and enjoyable experience during the rafting trip.
Charges and Cost Details
Charges for river rafting at Marine Drive in Rishikesh, India vary depending on the duration of the trip, the number of people in the group and the type of rafting package chosen. However, here is a general idea of the charges and costs:
River Rafting in Rishikesh Packages:
- Club House Rafting – 9 kms: Rs 580/- (Grade 1, 2)
- Shivapuri Rafting – 16 kms: Rs 980/- (Grade 3, Grade 4)
- Marine Drive Rafting – 24 kms: Rs. 1480/- (Grade 5)
You can book tickets online in Uttarakhand state tourism website or any operator’s website.
Accommodation: If you plan to stay overnight in Rishikesh, the cost of accommodation will vary depending on the type of hotel or guest house you choose. Budget accommodation options start from around INR 500 per night, while mid-range and luxury accommodation costs anywhere from INR 1500 to INR 10,000 per night.
Food and Drinks: The cost of food and drinks in Rishikesh can vary widely depending on where you choose to eat. Local food stalls and restaurants offer budget-friendly meals for around INR 100 to INR 300 per meal. Mid-range restaurants and cafes cost anywhere from INR 300 to INR 1000 per meal.
Transportation: The transportation cost from Rishikesh to Marine Drive may vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Shared taxis and buses are the cheapest option and cost around INR 100 to INR 200 per person, while private taxis can cost anywhere from INR 1500 to INR 3000 for a round trip.
Overall, a two-day trip to Marine Drive for river rafting in Rishikesh costs between INR 3000 to INR 10,000 per person, depending on the level of comfort and activities chosen. It is recommended to plan and book in advance to ensure a hassle-free and budget-friendly trip.
