Our family wants to go Rishikesh for river rafting and some camping, but we would like to make sure that the weather is perfect for these kinds of things and others which we would like to do. Please advise what is the best time to visit Rishikesh. I would appreciate getting a response from someone who knows the exact information rather than just guessing as if we go at the wrong time there would be no purpose for our visit. Please also visit some of the activities which can be done while in Rishikesh apart from river rafting.
Hello, @Trix! Welcome to the forum! Rishikesh, due to its hilly location, has pleasant climate almost all-year round. Thus, you can visit the region any time and enjoy its beauty. However, here's a little breakdown of the different seasons in Rishikesh: Summer - This is from March to June, sometimes lasting until July. Temperatures range between 20°C to 30°C, with the month of April being the hottest. Rainfall can occur but it's uncommon. Evenings are generally cooler and more pleasant. However, these higher temperatures are still lower when compared to the lower altitude areas of the country. Thus, you can consider visiting during this time despite it being summer. The rafting season also begins by March so you can also participate in this activity during this time. The rapids during this time are good for beginner rafters as they aren't that strong or high. Monsoon - This is from July to September. It is not unusual for rain showers to occur all throughout the day. The month of August usually receives the highest rainfall. Rafting isn't available during this time as the rapids are too high and strong which can be dangerous for tourists and guides. Even camping sites are cleared to make way for the high tides from the rivers. However, for enjoying the lush scenery, it would be a good time to visit Rishikesh. Yoga and meditation centres are also usually open so you can join in those during this time. Some of the roads leading to the higher mountains might be closed though due to landslides. Winter - This is from October to February. After a short break due to the monsoon season, rafting becomes available again during this time. However, the rapids between October and November are stronger and more apt for experienced rafters. Temperatures range between 8°C to 20°C during this time. The months of December and January are the coldest. You have to bring some thicker clothes like woollens as the nights can be especially chilly. Days are more pleasant though and suitable for sightseeing and participating in adventure activities. Consider visiting the Rajaji National Park during this time, as it opens and remains so until June. So since you're planning on doing river rafting, just avoid the monsoon season and you'll do fine. Best months to visit Rishikesh, for your case, would be from March to June and from October to February. Here are some more adventure activities that you can do in Rishikesh, apart from rafting: Bungee Jumping - Jumping Heights is a popular bungee jumping agency in Rishikesh. It's located in Mohan Chatti, about 25 kms away from Rishikesh. They have the highest fixed platform for bungee jumping in India. Jumpers are lowered down to a drop zone in the Hyul River, with only about two feet of water. Minimum age required for this activity is 12 years old. A minimum of 25 kgs and a maximum of 120 kgs in weight is also required. They are closed during Tuesdays and monsoon season, from July to September though. It costs Rs. 3,500 per person. Giant Swing - Jumping Heights also has the Giant Swing which is done on the same platform as the Bungee Jumping activity. However, instead of attaching a cord to the ankles, a seat harness is attached and two ropes are attached to it. You are then rocked like a pendulum at a height of 83 metres. It costs Rs. 3,000 per person. Flying Fox - This activity is also under the Jumping Heights company. A hard wire is fixed from one end of the valley to the other, which is about a kilometre long. You are then harnessed into the hard wire and allowed to fly over it. The activity is usually done with three persons at a time. But you can pay more to do it alone. For 3 persons, it's at Rs. 1,700 per person. When doing the activity alone, it's at Rs. 3,000 per person. Kayaking - To be able to kayak on the rapids of the rivers in Rishikesh, you need a specially designed boat for that purpose. Luckily, there are many tour agencies and companies in Rishikesh that can rent out the equipment you need. Aside from that, some offer courses for beginners and even experts. Beginner courses are at Rs. 3,200 to Rs. 3,800 per person. Expert courses are at Rs. 4,800 per person. Air Safari - Glide through the skies with the use of a parachute with seats. You can opt for different types of air safaris, the longer the duration, the more expensive it is. But the views from above are very much worth it. It is one of the newer activities in Rishikesh that is starting to gain popularity. The Kitty Hawk, lasts for 12 minutes, is at Rs. 4,400 per person. The longest ride, Rishikesh Expedition, 60 to 70 minutes of air safari, costs Rs. 19,999 per person. You can contact the agency Ganga Valley Adventure for more information, they're registered under Uttarakhand Tourism. Cliff Jumping - You'd have to trek a bit to reach the cliff. Once you're there, you jump off a 3o to 40 feet high cliff. It's adrenaline pumping and that's why it's becoming one of the main adventure sports in Rishikesh. For the non-swimmers, they do give out a life jacket and a helmet so you can still enjoy this activity. Rappelling - Tour agencies provide the equipment that you might need for this activity. Rappelling is basically going down a cliff through a rope. It involves a lot of patience and courage to do so, especially with the height involved. Body Surfing - This involves riding waves without the use of a surf board. You can opt for courses offered in Rishikesh to learn more about it. Some of the equipments used are swimming fins, hand paddles, hand guns and wave blades. The freezing cold water of the river adds to the challenge of body surfing. Trekking - Some of the most popular treks in Rishikesh are the Neer Gaddu Waterfall Trek, Kunjapuri Trek, Nilkanth Mahadev Temple Trek and Jhilmil Gufa Trek. All of these treks are easy to moderate and even beginners can take part in them. I hope this helps!
Was river rafting not stopped some time ago! From what I remember someone had drowned and because of this they had stopped it. If you are going to Rishikesh especially for river rafting get confirmation whether it is available or not.
