Rishikesh: Ganga river rafting full day with guide & lunch

Summary

White water rapids, laughter, and riverside moments in Rishikesh

You’ll paddle through 35 km of rapids on the Ganga near Rishikesh, guided by locals who know every bend and story along the way. Expect laughter, cold splashes, riverside snacks, and a simple lunch at NIM Beach before heading back. It’s an adventure you’ll probably replay in your head long after you’re dry again.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how quiet it was right before we pushed off from Kaudiyala — just the sound of our guide, Ajay, double-checking the helmets and a few birds somewhere upstream. The drive from Rishikesh had been all chatter and jokes (mostly about who’d fall in first), but suddenly everyone got serious as we listened to Ajay’s safety talk. He made us practice paddling commands right there on the bank — I thought I’d be nervous but his calm voice made it feel like we were in good hands. The air smelled faintly sweet, almost like wet stone and something green I couldn’t name.

The first rapid hit harder than I expected — Daniel Dip, Ajay called it — and cold spray slapped my face so fast I forgot to be scared. There were 18 rapids ahead, he said, some with names that sounded like inside jokes: Three Blind Mice, Jail No Bail (that one made me laugh), Roller Coaster. At one point we drifted through a quieter stretch and Ajay pointed out a temple half-hidden by trees; he told us stories about the river’s history while we floated past. We stopped for snacks on a sandy patch where someone had left marigold petals drifting in the shallows — I don’t know why but that stuck with me.

Lunch came late, after hours of paddling and yelling over the roar of water. My arms felt like noodles but food never tasted better than sitting by NIM Beach with everyone grinning at each other like kids who’d gotten away with something wild. The sun was already starting to dip when we changed out of soggy clothes and piled back into the van for the short ride to White World Expeditions’ office. I didn’t expect to feel so tired or so light at the same time — maybe it was just relief or maybe something about being on that river all day does something to you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full Day Rafting Adventure

• Meet at White World Expeditions
• Travel to Kaudiyala rafting start point
• Rafting gear & safety briefing
• Raft down Ganga River (6-7 hours)
• Enjoy snacks break by the river
• Lunch at finish point
• Change clothes and return to WWE

Top questions

How long is the full day rafting trip in Rishikesh?

The rafting covers about 35 km on the Ganga River and usually takes 6–7 hours on the water.

Where does the rafting start and end?

The trip starts from Kaudiyala and ends at NIM Beach near Laxman Jhulla in Rishikesh.

Is lunch included during the rafting tour?

Yes, lunch is provided at the finish point after rafting along with snacks during a break by the river.

What level of rapids are there on this route?

This stretch includes grade III, III+, and IV rapids such as Daniel Dip, The Wall, Roller Coaster, and more.

Are transfers included for this rafting experience?

Yes, transportation from White World Expeditions’ office to Kaudiyala (start point) and back is included.

Is cliff jumping part of this tour?

No, cliff jumping is currently banned by government regulations.

How many people are required for booking?

A minimum of six people are required for this full day rafting trip.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from White World Expeditions’ office to Kaudiyala and back after finishing at NIM Beach, all entry fees, professional guides with safety kayaker support, complete rafting equipment (including dry bag), snacks by the river during breaks, body surfing opportunities if you want them, fun games along the way, plus a simple lunch at the finish before heading home.