Rishikesh, a captivating hilly town located in the amazing land of Uttarakhand, is a wonderful incorporation of spirituality, adventure and natural exquisiteness.

The awe-inspiring beauty, pleasing weather, consecrated temples and the immense array of hair-raising adventure activities draw a large number of tourists every year. Cosseted by the imposing snow-clad Himalayas, this delightful town has gone on to develop into one of the significant tourist destinations in India. The holy Ganges River which flows through the valley gives the surrounding a spiritual touch The river offers a bag full of water adventures that can increase the adrenaline rush of adventure aficionados.

Scroll down to take a look at the major water adventures that an adventure lover must try in Rishikesh.

Rafting: Paddle in gushing rapids!

The white stream of the Ganges River and the rock-strewn beds together make Rishikesh an ideal destination to experience the delight of rafting. Amuse yourself with waves on lofty tides while carrying out river rafting in Rishikesh. There are a total of four grades of rapids in Rishikesh depending upon the difficulty level. . You can choose any of them according to your skill levels. The matchless excitement is the prominent factor behind the popularity of river rafting in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh - A Wonderful Destination to Relish Engrossing Water Sports!

Image by Erik Meldrum via Flickr

What are the major rafting routes in Rishikesh?

  • Brahmpuri to Rishikesh (Grade I)
  • Shivpuri to Rishikesh (Grade II and III)
  • Marine Drive to Rishikesh (Grade II and III)
  • Marine Drive to Shivpuri (Grade II and III)
  • Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (Grade III and IV)

What are the basic instructions for rafting?

The rafter should be physically and mentally fit. Do not undertake rafting if you are a hydrophobia patient. Carry dry bags to keep your personal items. Take your medications with you. Always follow the instructions of the expert guide. Following these tips will help you in avoiding all the hassles that may come your way.

Body Surfing:  Set yourself free in streaming waves!

The adventure of riding a wave devoid of any sort of buoyant device is known as body surfing. The mesmerizing town of Rishikesh tenders some of the most well liked sites along the River Ganges, where you can carry out body surfing. There is no age bar to try this sport. The best part about this water activity is that the surfer has complete control over his body, which he can steer to move in the water while surfing.

Rishikesh - A Wonderful Destination to Relish Engrossing Water Sports!

What are the basic instructions for body surfing?

Before starting, you need to know the spot where the waves are breaking. Place yourself beyond the reach of such waves. To enjoy freestyle crawl, swim in the direction of the wave. For enjoying longer rides, turn away from the point where the waves break. You may stop stroking but not kicking, while doing body surfing. You may streamline yourself and enjoy body surfing as long as you want to do it.

Cliff Jumping: Take a dip into thrill!

Cliff Jumping is one of the most thrilling sports to carry out in Rishikesh. In this adventure, you scale up a rock to arrive at the jumping platform. From this platform, you take a dip into the water.

The dip is taken from an elevation of 30-40 feet above the surface of the water. There are skilled instructors to lead you as you enjoy the excitement of cliff jumping in Rishikesh. The time span of the free fall is just about 3 seconds.

Rishikesh - A Wonderful Destination to Relish Engrossing Water Sports!

Image by Parth Joshi via Flickr

What are the basic instructions for cliff jumping?

The speed of body while entering in water increases with the rise in elevation of the jumping platform. Follow the instruction of experts and choose the platform carefully. Before jumping, wear a life jacket and helmet. For trying radical moves, assess your skills in advance.

Waterfall Trekking: Follow the trail to paradise!

Trekking through the arresting waterfalls and passing by the low pool offers you with authentic flavor of what Uttarakhand is known for. Adventurers of all age groups can enjoy waterfall trekking in Rishikesh. The best part about trekking is that there is no need of any special equipment and training like other adventure sports.

Rishikesh - A Wonderful Destination to Relish Engrossing Water Sports!

Image by Watercooker via Flickr [Neer Garh Waterfall]

What are the basic instructions for waterfall trekking?

There are a few important points that you should keep in your mind. The foremost tip is that you must be ready to follow the principles of a conscientious adventurer making no harm to the environment. You should be aware of the trekking route and the prevailing climatic conditions. It will help you in avoiding all sorts of hassle through the trail. It is advisable to take a guide along with you.

Kayaking: A ride to satiate the adrenaline rush!

Kayaking in Rishikesh is becoming more and more popular these days. In this activity, the adventure enthusiast uses a kayak to paddle across the river. This water sports become more adventurous if carried out on white water. The kayaking undertaken on white water is known as white water kayaking. On the trip to Rishikesh, kayaking is an adventure one cannot afford to miss. Kayaking in the Ganges is an adventure that can be compared to none.

Rishikesh - A Wonderful Destination to Relish Engrossing Water Sports!

Image by Rollalot via Flickr

What are the basic instructions for kayaking?

While kayaking, there are certain things that you should keep in your mind. In Rishikesh, the rapids are divided into four grades (From Grade I to Grade IV). Opt for a grade that matches with your skill set. Always prevent the kayak from turning over. In comparison to raft or canoe, it is tough to get out from the kayak. Let a skilled instructor accompany you.

Canoeing: Boating in the stirring streams!

A canoe is a boat with a closed cockpit, where the lower part of the adventurer stays hidden inside it. The ravine of Ganga and the breathtaking white water, make Rishikesh a wonderful spot to enjoy the enthralling sport of canoeing. Canoeing in Rishikesh is a magnificent activity to soak up the peerless exquisiteness of this amazing town.

Rishikesh - A Wonderful Destination to Relish Engrossing Water Sports!

Image by Louise via Flickr

What are the basic instructions for canoeing?

It is wise to carry out canoeing only if you know how to swim perfectly. In case you are not a swimmer, follow the guidelines of the instructor regarding the route and the safety measures. Dress up in layers. You must carry drinking water in the containers. Take food and other edibles in a watertight box.

Rishikesh, a great place to enjoy a range of water sports and other activities, proffers some of the most breathtaking activities that you should undertake on the trip. Water Sports are very strange and can be sometimes intimidating. However, it depends on how adventurers perceive the whole concept of water sports!