Kayaking in Rishikesh is one of the best thrill-seeking activities to enjoy while you are on your Rishikesh tour. A renowned hub of adventures, the small town of Rishikesh is no less than a big packet of surprises for all the thrill lovers. In fact, it is a great spot to launch your kayaks amidst the fluvial tides of the holy waters of the River Ganges.
Rishikesh Kayaking is a popular water sports adventure known for its challenging rapids and excellent river water flow. It highly relies on the adventurer how he assumes his kayaking experience – an easy-going one or a challenging one loaded with fears and anxiety. It absolutely doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner in the field or someone with a decade old experience as long as you are on the right path of selecting the best rapid according to your physical needs. You just need to acquaint yourself with the necessary skills of kayaking – turning strokes, paddling strokes, a primary control and balance on the kayak, and halting wherever essential.
If you want to add some more adventurous flavour to your Rishikesh holidays, you can club your kayaking experience with overnight camping. You can start your day with the visit to the holy shrine of the Rishikesh, and then set your mood right for your kayaking experience. Lastly, you can retire in the night beneath a black blanket studded with numerous twinkling stars and relax with a sumptuous BBQ dinner treat and soft and low music being played in the background.
Rishikesh Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Rishikesh
Rishikesh is not only about religious beliefs, ghats or temples; within this ancient city, you can also witness some of the architectural marvels and structures as well! One such structure, the Lakshman Jhula, which is also one of the not to be missed places to visit in Rishikesh, is a suspension bridge that connects Tehri and Pauri districts of Uttarakhand. The existence of this bridge dates back to the age of Ramayana. According to the legends, Lakshman; brother of Lord Rama, crossed the holy Ganga River at this spot over a jute bridge. Centuries after this pious incident, a 284ft hanging bridge was built in the same spot by Rai Bahadur Surajmal Jhunjhunwala.However, the bridge got washed away during the epidemic flood of 1924, and later, a pillar-less suspension bridge was erected at the same spot. The architecture brilliance of Lakshman Jhula and its proximity to several sacred places make it one of the most visited tourist places in Rishikesh.Also check the detailed guide of rafting through the Ganges !
Another architectural marvel in the yoga capital of India, Ram Jhula is an important landmark of the city and is also one of the sought after Rishikesh tourist places. Located only 3km from the heart of the city, this 450ft suspension bridge connects the banks of the Ganges with Shivananda and Swarga ashrams at both of its end. Also known as the 'Shivananda Jhula', this magnificent bridge was built during the late 80s by the regional government; the contribution of Shivananda Ashram Divine Life Society is very significant in the construction of Ram Jhula. Like the Lakshman Jhula, it was also once a jute bridge and serves as an important name in the list of places to visit in Rishikesh. While crossing the bridge, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Ganges and for the nature photographers, it serves as an ideal destination to click some amazing pictures!
Adventurers know Rishikesh as the land of river rafting as it is one of the most popular destinations for this activity anywhere in India. So if you are planning a trip to Rishikesh, make sure not to skip this adrenaline-pumping adventure of rafting through the blustery waters of River Ganga. As your raft glides along with the swift river, you will also have a chance to catch the undiluted charm of the Himalayan foothills.Three different stretches of the river, ranging from 9 km to 26 km, are open for rafting. These stretches feature grade 3, grade 4, and grade 5 rapids, so whether you are seeking hardcore adventure or you are a beginner, rafting in Rishikesh is ideal for all. To give a boost to your adrenaline rush, the rafting experience also offers opportunities for cliff jumping and body surfing.Highlights: Long stretches, various rapid grades, and beautiful scenery.Timings: 7 am to 10 pmPrice: INR 600 per person
Popular Kayaking Destinations
Rishikesh Travel Guides
People Also Ask About Kayaking in Rishikesh
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What is Kayaking?
Kayaking is defined as an adventure performed with the use of a kayak. It has a different seating posture in comparison to both canoeing and rafting. A kayak is defined as essential equipment which is both low to the water and works like a canoe boat where a paddler sits facing forward, and legs stretched in front of them.
Also, it has got a double-bladed paddle to pull it in either front or back direction on one side and then follow the same in rotation. -
Is Kayaking in Rishikesh worth experiencing?
Yes, kayaking in the holy water of Ganges in Rishikesh is simply one-of-its-kind adventure. It boosts both adventurous and aesthetic spirituality of the participant. The swift water currents send chills down your spine, which makes you feel your adrenaline rush deeply.
With standard equipment, professional and well-experienced kayaking instructors, your kayaking adventure in Rishikesh is undoubtedly going to be a never-ending phenomenon. -
What is unique in Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is a popular tourist and an adventure sport to enjoy with your friends, families, and relatives. In addition to spirituality, Rishikesh boasts a wide array of adventure activities such as camping, rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and trekking.
Also, due to its high spiritual aesthetics, the land of Rishikesh is a famous centre for yoga, meditation, astrology, and ayurvedic massage. Besides, Rishikesh is a hub of tourist spots such as Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Muni ki Reti, Dhalwala, Shisham Jhari, and Pashulok. -
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
September to June is the best time to plan your visit to the town of Rishikesh. Throughout this period, the weather conditions of Rishikesh remain conducive for white water rafting and Rishikesh kayaking tours which are the principal tourist attraction of Rishikesh.
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What is the difference between kayaking and rafting?
Here are some key differences to differentiate Rishikesh kayaking from rafting -
-The rafting boat is an open-end boat while a kayaking boat is covered with an overhead deck.
-Raft boats have single paddles while kayaking boats have double paddles.
-While rafting boats are carved out from buoyant materials, Rishikesh kayaking boats are fully plastic in their origin. -
How do you kayak for beginners?
Here are the best tips for beginners to enjoy their Rishikesh kayaking tour experience in the best possible way –
-Accomplish a kayaking lesson from a professional kayaking trainer.
-You have to dress up for being in the water and not according to the weather conditions.
-Acquaint yourself with the selection of the right boat choice.
-Always put on your buoyancy aid while kayaking.
-Learn how to sit correctly throughout your kayaking experience
-Learn to hold your kayaking paddles in the right way.
-Get yourself acquainted with the basic techniques of rescuing yourselves from all the possible kayaking risks.
-Lastly, if you are at a beginner’s level, it is always better not to kayaking alone. -
Is Whitewater kayaking fun?
Yes, whitewater kayaking is more than a fun-filled adventure to enjoy on your go. Paddling is one of the most critical aspects involved in kayaking that help with strengthening and toning your muscles inside out. You get to experience the different elements and aspects of Mother Nature while quietly paddling down the water currents.
Some of the kayaking adventures are organised across deep jungles, inaccessible canyons, and remote stretches of waters. Last but not least, it is a great way to relax your body, mind and soul to bounce back. -
Is kayaking easy?
Rishikesh Kayaking is an easy activity to perform if you execute it flawlessly. While the beginners might find it a bit difficult, yet under the right coaching attitude, everything is at ease. You can sign up for a tutor or a coaching institute to get thorough with the basics of kayaking.
Also, to ensure that you accomplish your kayaking perfectly, you need to essential kayaking gear and proper clothing. A professional kayaking guide will help you at his best to train you for the activity from scratch. -
Is kayaking safe?
Kayaking cannot be called a completely safe water sport. Here are some of the common risks associated with kayaking-
-Incorrect use of the PFD
-Excessive exposure to sun rays
-Dehydration
-Severe weather conditions accompanied with lightning
-Cold shock and hypothermia
-Undercut rocks -
Do you get wet kayaking?
No. You do not get wet kayaking as there are backrests and footrests to keep you in the desired position for accomplishing kayaking perfectly.
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Should I know how to swim for kayaking?
No, swimming is not a mandatory requirement for kayaking. However, understanding necessary swimming skills will work out wonders for you in case of emergencies. Besides, with a PFD, you can easily float out of your sinking kayak and re-enter once it stabilizes back in motion.
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Is kayaking bad for your back?
Kayaking is bad for your back for the following two reasons –
-Non-ergonomic position or the traditional kayaking position.
-Even after a few hours of kayaking, if you fail to switch your current position.
The reason behind this is quite simple – the kayaking position is not inclined with your routine position. There are backrests and footrests in kayaking for maintaining the required kayaking position for safety of the adventure enthusiast. This body posture is strictly managed to prevent your body from falling either backwards or sliding forward.
Also, as you paddle for long hours, your legs are constantly pushing in a direction opposite to kayak’s footrest and your lumbar spine. This is from where the pressure arises, and you experience a backache. -
What clothes to wear while kayaking in Rishikesh?
There is no fixed dress code requirement as such for participating in the kayaking in Rishikesh. The only thing you need to do is to be in comfortable clothing for enjoying the adventure to your fullest.
Men can dress in shorts or trousers or tees while women can follow the same. Floaters, tennis shoes, sandals, water shoes will work well but not your regular flip flops. Do not forget to carry your personal towel with you on your adventure.