Kaudiyala Upper-Ganga Rafting Put-In
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · riverfront
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Kaudiyala is a small riverside hamlet on the Rishikesh–Devprayag Badrinath Road (NH-7, the old NH-58), roughly 38 km upstream of Rishikesh in the Tehri Garhwal hills. It marks the furthest-upstream commercial white-water rafting put-in on the Ganga, the point where guided expeditions slide their rafts into a young, cold, jade-green river that still runs fast between steep, forested Himalayan ridges. Because it sits well above the ashram belt, Kaudiyala feels remote and quiet — a working launch beach rather than a tourist promenade — and the drive up the winding gorge road, with the river flashing far below, is itself part of the experience.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Garhwali highway dhabas along Badrinath Road near Kaudiyala and Byasi — simple, mostly vegetarian fare (aloo-paratha, dal-chawal, Maggi, chai); confirm the kitchen is pure-veg before ordering.
- ✦Rafting-camp dining halls in the Kaudiyala–Shivpuri belt — most serve buffet-style vegetarian meals to their rafters; non-guests should ask first (and the day is best kept alcohol-free).
- ✦Roadside vegetarian eateries around Shivpuri/Byasi, about 10–15 km toward Rishikesh — thalis and snacks; hedge and check current standards.
- ✦Chotiwala (Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, ~38 km downstream) — an iconic pure-vegetarian thali institution in the holy, alcohol-free town; a reliable post-raft meal.
About
Kaudiyala is a small riverside hamlet on the Rishikesh–Devprayag Badrinath Road (NH-7, the old NH-58), roughly 38 km upstream of Rishikesh in the Tehri Garhwal hills.
- It marks the furthest-upstream commercial white-water rafting put-in on the Ganga, the point where guided expeditions slide their rafts into a young, cold, jade-green river that still runs fast between steep, forested Himalayan ridges.
- Because it sits well above the ashram belt, Kaudiyala feels remote and quiet — a working launch beach rather than a tourist promenade — and the drive up the winding gorge road, with the river flashing far below, is itself part of the experience.
- What draws serious paddlers here is the rapids.
- The Kaudiyala stretch is the most demanding commercially run section of the Ganga, home to a famous sequence that includes 'The Wall' — widely described as the river's biggest and most technical drop, run at Grade IV and pushing toward Grade V in high post-monsoon flows — along with Daniel's Dip and the tumbling set known as Three Blind Mice.
- From Kaudiyala the classic full-day descent covers about 36 km down to Shivpuri and on toward Rishikesh, threading a dozen named rapids interspersed with calm green pools where the gorge opens out and eagles ride the thermals overhead.
- Rafting here is strictly a guided, safety-first activity and not a casual paddle.
- Reputable operators provide certified river guides, self-bailing rafts, helmets and buoyancy jackets (personal flotation devices), throw-bags and a safety kayaker; children below the usual minimum age and non-swimmers are generally steered to the gentler lower stretches instead.
- The season runs roughly late September to June — the river is closed to rafting during the monsoon (about July to mid-September) when flows are dangerously high.
- Early post-monsoon days deliver the biggest, most thrilling water; spring offers warmer, clearer runs.
- Whatever the season, treat the Ganga's power with respect, follow your guide's commands exactly, and keep the day dry and family-friendly.
- Kaudiyala itself has only simple roadside dhabas and rafting-camp kitchens, and the surrounding Garhwali highway stalls typically serve unfussy vegetarian fare — aloo-paratha, dal-chawal, Maggi and chai.
- Most riverside camps serve buffet-style vegetarian meals to their rafters.
- For a proper pure-vegetarian spread, Rishikesh — a holy, entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free town — lies less than an hour downstream, with its celebrated satvik kitchens around Swarg Ashram, Laxman Jhula and Tapovan.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Kaudiyala, Badrinath Road (NH-7 / old NH-58), Rishikesh–Devprayag highway, Tehri Garhwal, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249302
How to Reach: Kaudiyala sits on the Rishikesh–Devprayag Badrinath Road (NH-7 / old NH-58), about 38 km (1–1.5 hours) upstream from Rishikesh. Buses and shared jeeps bound for Devprayag and Srinagar pass through; a private taxi from Rishikesh costs roughly ₹1,200–1,800 for a round trip. Most rafting operators shuttle you up to Kaudiyala and float you back down to Shivpuri or Rishikesh, so the road journey is one-way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kaudiyala rafting put-in and how far is it from Rishikesh?
Kaudiyala is a riverside hamlet on the Rishikesh–Devprayag Badrinath Road (NH-7, old NH-58), about 38 km upstream from Rishikesh in Tehri Garhwal. It is the furthest-upstream commercial rafting launch on the Ganga, roughly a 1 to 1.5-hour drive up the gorge road.
What rapids will I raft from Kaudiyala?
The Kaudiyala stretch is the most demanding commercial section of the Ganga. Its highlight is 'The Wall', widely regarded as the river's biggest and most technical rapid, run at Grade IV and pushing toward Grade V in high post-monsoon water, along with Daniel's Dip and Three Blind Mice. The classic full-day run covers about 36 km down toward Shivpuri and Rishikesh.
Is rafting from Kaudiyala safe, and is there a minimum age?
Rafting here is a guided, safety-first activity, not a casual paddle. Reputable operators provide certified river guides, self-bailing rafts, helmets and buoyancy jackets, throw-bags and a safety kayaker. Because this is the toughest stretch, younger children and non-swimmers are usually directed to gentler lower sections instead. Follow your guide's commands exactly and keep the outing dry and family-friendly.
What is the best season for rafting at Kaudiyala?
The season runs roughly late September to June. Rafting is suspended during the monsoon (about July to mid-September) when flows are dangerously high. Early post-monsoon days, especially in October, bring the biggest and most thrilling water on 'The Wall', while spring offers warmer, clearer runs. Confirm dates locally as they shift with river levels.
Is there an entry fee at the Kaudiyala put-in?
There is no entry ticket to reach the riverfront put-in itself. Rafting is a paid guided activity arranged through licensed operators; the Kaudiyala full-day run is reported to cost in the region of ₹1,500–2,500 per person, but prices vary by operator and season, so confirm locally.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Kaudiyala?
Kaudiyala is remote, with only simple roadside dhabas and rafting-camp kitchens, most of which serve vegetarian meals — confirm a stall is pure-veg before ordering. For a proper pure-vegetarian spread, Rishikesh, a holy town that is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, lies under an hour downstream, with celebrated satvik kitchens such as Chotiwala around Swarg Ashram and Laxman Jhula.
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