White Water Rafting In Karnataka
Karnataka as a state provides in abundance for the adventure buffs. With most sites nestled in absolute dense locales of the Western Ghats, or by beach towns, the thrill and adrenaline rush provided is unparalleled! Be it white water rafting of the more turbulent rivers or just rafting with milder rapids for the noobs, this adventure sport has taken over thrill seekers.
Here are the Best White Water Rafting Places in Karnataka to awaken the adventurer in you:
White Water Rafting in Bheemeshwari
If you've got one day to escape from reality, this is the place to be. The Cauvery River flows gently yet falls steeply along its course. The white river has an unpredictable swift to it which makes it even more stimulating to navigate your way in class 3 rapids. The river stretches for 8kms. If you are amongst those who easily get scared of such activities yet are not willing to go back home without entering the fierce waters, it's your chance to overcome your fears. You can even get off the raft and take a swim in the pristine waters. The exquisite wildlife just adds to the whole experience
Grade
Class 3 (moderate)
Best Season to visit
June to September
Location
Bheemeshwari (Cauvery Fishing Camp). Jungle Lodges and Resorts.
White Water Rafting in Dandeli
One can't forget to mention Dandeli when it comes to adventure sports. Not so near to Bangalore (only a 2.5km drive from Goa's Dabolim airport though) but the reason why this place has made it to the list is that it is said to be the best place in Karnataka to test your skills and up your rafting game. There are certain unexpected slopes and turns on the river bed which only indicates more kicks. The river is vast and stretches for almost 10 km. Make sure you do a rain check (in a literal manner) before planning a trip here because the waters depend a lot on rain.
Grade
Class 3 (moderate)
Best Season to visit
October to February
Location
Old Dandeli, Dandeli, Karnataka 581325, India
White Water Rafting in Coorg
Guess what? Coorg is not only famous for its coffee. The water at Coorg roars incalculable currents resulting in rapids ranging from grade 2 to 4. The dense and lush green forests provide a perfect backdrop. They have also given the rapids creative names - Morning Coffee, Milky Churn, Grasshopper, Wicked Witch, Frame Head, and so on. While you are at it, you might want to consider visiting the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and witness the spectacular flora and fauna it houses (the rafting ends at the entrance of the Sanctuary).
Grade
Class 2-4 (moderate-challenging)
Best Season to visit
June to September
Location
Dubare River Rafting Base
Barapole River Rafting Base
Timings
Dubare River Rafting Base
6 AM to 4 PM
Barapole River Rafting Base
9 AM to 3 PM
White Water Rafting in Kabini
Kabini is known for its wildlife. A herd of elephants is a common sight so keep your cameras on for that perfect Instagram picture. A pristine tributary of the Cauvery River, rafting in Kabini gives you the experience of enthralling rafting with a view of the exotic wildlife. Whether you are an amateur, semi-pro, or professional, Kabini is a place for everyone.
Grade
Class 2-3 (easy-moderate)
Best Season visit
June to October
Location
Wayanad district, Kerala, India
White Water Rafting in Kondaji
Just a short distance from Davangere, the course at Kondaji is not really for the rapids but the appealing views. Kondaji is the ideal place for rafters who seek tranquillity and calmness in the waters. Rafting here is more of a sightseeing tour of the wildlife it has to offer while you float swiftly down the ghat. While crushing through waters, look out for the birds on river banks. It is a treat for the eyes.
Grade
Class 1-2 (easy)
Best Season to visit
June to September
Location
Kondaji Basappa Road
White Water Rafting in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a cozy hill station just a 4-hour drive away from Bangalore. The aroma of coffee plantations here enters your head and lingers. The undulating water at Chikmagalur makes up an ideal white water rafting location. River Bhadra gushes rapidly. The sound calls out to the rafters. Rafting here is not crafty and yet exhilarating.
Grade
Class 3 (moderate)
Best Season
June to October
Location
Chikmagalur is a beautiful district situated in the western part of Karnataka.
White Water Rafting in Marawanthe
Marawanthe is a pristine beach location with golden sands. It is also listed as one of the best picnic spots outside Mangalore. When it comes to river rafting, Marawanthe is an underdog gaining popularity as I type this (hundreds visit this place every day when they get to know about it). Rafting around the coastline while the sun is bright forms just the perfect picture in my mind.
Grade
Class 2-3 (easy-moderate)
Best Season
June to August
Location
South Canara district of Karnataka
White Water Rafting in Sitanadi
Sitandi is for those serious rafters looking for challenges. The rapids over here go up to class 4, even class 5. The waters over here are highly unforeseeable. Situated amidst the tropical forests of Western Ghats, river Sita here gets vehement in the monsoons intimidating the bravest (the place is known to record the highest amount of rainfall). If you go on and explore, the area also has breathtaking waterfalls. It is one of the most challenging experiences of river rafting near Bangalore.
Grade
Class 3-4 and even 5 (challenging)
Best Season
June to September
Location
Seethanadi Nature Camp, Hebri Karkala Taluk, Udupi, Karnataka 576112
White Water Rafting in Sharavati
The Sharavati river in Honnemaradu is famous for its Jog Falls and also a haven for adventure sports. Numerous Islands surround the waters, so the place is ideal for a day's camping trip too. Whitewater rafting in the pristine waters of Sharavati is not so challenging. The river flows gently but does have unexpected twists and turns, enough to give you an adrenaline rush. The place is also rich in its superlative flora and fauna. Plan a weekend trip to Honnemardu to get the most of it.
Grade
Class 2-3 (easy-moderate)
Best Season
June to October
White Water Rafting in Gokarna
If you are at Gokarna spending a day lying on the beach, how about doing something offbeat and stirring. Head over to Gokarna for an adventurous time. The waters here are unpredictable. The uneven terrain and rock formations just add to the excitement. Plan a long trip if you feel like it because this place is only a 2-hour drive away from Dandeli, doubling the amusement.
Grade
Class 3 (moderate)
Best Season
June to September
