Rafting season in Rishikesh begins; fares to rise by 20-30%

HARIDWAR: The rafting season commenced on Saturday in Rishikesh, known for white water rafting on the Ganga. Officials of the rafting association told TOI that fares are likely to go up by 20%-30% as there hasn't been an increase in the past five years. Rafting facilities are available at five locations in the town: Brahmpuri, Phoolchatti, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala.

Kaudiyala offers the longest rafting route, spanning a full day, while Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, and Marine Drive take three, four, and five hours respectively. According to the Ganga River Rafting Rotation committee, the current fares for Kaudiyala, Marine Drive, Shivpuri, and Brahmpuri are Rs 2,500, Rs 1,500, Rs 1,000, and Rs 600 per person, respectively. However, rafting companies plan to increase these fares.

Dinesh Bhatt, committee chief, said, "We haven't raised rafting fares in the past five years despite suffering significant losses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Inflation is another significant factor. We'll meet soon to discuss the fare hike issue. "Rishikesh and Muni-ki-Reti area are home to approximately 260 rafting companies. They play a vital role in tourism and create numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly. Notably, the rafting association has often criticised the tourism department for "inadequate arrangements at rafting points and causing difficulties for both rafting companies and tourists".