Get ready to pay 30 per cent more for rafting in Rishikesh this year

The much-awaited rafting season kicked off last weekend in Rishikesh, a renowned destination for thrilling white-water rafting adventures along the Ganga. According to officials from the Rafting Association, tourists should be prepared for a potential increase in fares, expected to rise by 20 per cent to 30 per cent this season, marking the first hike in the past five years. Rishikesh offers rafting facilities at five distinct locations, namely Brahmpuri, Phoolchatti, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala, a TOI report stated.

Among these options, Kaudiyala stands out as it offers the longest rafting route, spanning an entire day of exhilarating rafting experiences. On the other hand, Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, and Marine Drive provide adventures lasting three, four, and five hours, respectively. As per the Ganga River Rafting Rotation Committee, the current fares for these thrilling experiences are as follows: Rs 2,500 for Kaudiyala, Rs 1,500 for Marine Drive, Rs 1,000 for Shivpuri, and Rs 600 for Brahmpuri per person. However, rafting companies have intentions to revise these prices upwards.

Dinesh Bhatt, the chief of the committee, told TOI, "Despite enduring significant losses during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have refrained from increasing rafting fares over the past five years. Inflation, however, has become a pressing concern. We are scheduled to convene soon to deliberate on the matter of fare hikes."


It's important to note that the Rishikesh and Muni-ki-Reti areas are home to approximately 260 rafting companies, playing a crucial role in the local tourism industry and contributing to the creation of numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the rafting association has frequently voiced criticism towards the tourism department for what they perceive as "inadequate arrangements at rafting points and causing difficulties for both rafting companies and tourists."