River Rafting
Family Rafting in Rishikesh: Age Limit, Kids and What Else to Do
By Hem Tiwari · Published 28 September 2026 · Updated 23 October 2026
The short answer: on Anubhav Travel rafting trips, everyone on the river must be between 14 and 60 years old and in good health. Teenagers of 14 and over can raft with their parents, and the short Brahmpuri trip (₹500 per person, about 1–2 hours) is the one we recommend for families. Younger children can’t raft with us, but Rishikesh has plenty for them to do while the older ones are on the water.
Who in the family can raft?
- Ages 14–60, in good health: can join any of our trips. You don’t need to be able to swim; life jackets and helmets are provided and fitted by the guide.
- Under 14: not on our trips. Other operators may publish a lower age for calm stretches; we can only speak for our own, and we’d rather say no than put a child on the wrong water.
- Over 60, or with heart or lung problems, a recent injury, or pregnancy: please don’t book. If you’re unsure about anyone in the group, ask us first.
Everyone fills in a consent form before the trip. Our age and weight limit guide has the detail, including what to tell us about weight and height.
Which rafting trip suits a family?
| Trip | River distance | Total time | Price per person | For families |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brahmpuri | 9–12 km | About 1–2 hours | ₹500 | Best first trip: the shortest, made for first-timers |
| Shivpuri | 16–18 km | About 3 hours | ₹800 | Good for confident teenagers who want more rapids |
| Marine Drive | 24 km | About 5–6 hours | ₹1,200–₹1,800 | Long day; advance group booking (min. 4) |
All prices include the guide, life jackets, helmets, paddles, transport and taxes. See the Brahmpuri guide and rafting prices for more.
Planning a family day around rafting
- Book everyone together. Send us the number of people and each person’s age, and we’ll keep the family in the same raft where capacity allows.
- Split the day for younger kids. Brahmpuri takes only 1–2 hours, so one parent can raft with the teenagers while the other stays with the younger children, then swap if you like. Trips finish at Laxman Jhula or Ram Jhula, an easy place to meet up afterwards.
- Pack a change of clothes for everyone who’s rafting, and a towel. Our what to wear for rafting guide has the list.
- Go mid-morning or early afternoon in winter, when the sun is warmest; in summer, go early to avoid the midday heat.
Things to do in Rishikesh with kids
If some of the family can’t raft, these are the easy wins with children:
- Walk across Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. Kids love the bridges, the river views and the monkeys (keep food out of sight).
- The evening Ganga aarti. The lamps, bells and singing at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat hold children’s attention far better than most temples.
- Neer Garh waterfall. A short ride from Laxman Jhula and a gentle walk to pools you can paddle in. See our waterfalls near Rishikesh guide.
- Shivpuri beach. Sandy riverbanks upstream of town, good for a picnic while the teenagers raft past.
- The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia). Murals, meditation domes and forest paths; older kids enjoy exploring it.
- Kunjapuri sunrise. An early start, but a memorable one for older children. See our Kunjapuri sunrise guide.
- Rajaji National Park. The Chilla side of the park near Rishikesh runs jeep safaris in season, with elephants, deer and birdlife.
Getting between all of these is easiest with your own wheels. A scooty on rent in Rishikesh works for two, and our one-day sightseeing itinerary strings most of them together.
Booking for your family
Send your date, the number of people and everyone’s age through the main rafting page. We’ll confirm who can raft, the route, the total price and where to meet, in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for family rafting in Rishikesh?
On our trips, everyone on the river must be 14 to 60 years old and in good health. Other operators may set different limits, so check with whoever you book.
Can children under 14 go rafting in Rishikesh?
Not on Anubhav Travel trips. Teenagers of 14 and over can raft with their family; younger children can enjoy the ghats, bridges, waterfalls and beaches while the others raft.
Which rafting route is best for families?
Brahmpuri: 9–12 km of river, about 1–2 hours in total and ₹500 per person — our shortest trip and the one we recommend for first-timers. Shivpuri suits confident teenagers who want more.
Can our whole family sit in the same raft?
Usually yes. Tell us the group size and ages when you book and we’ll keep you together where raft capacity allows.
What can we do in Rishikesh with kids?
Walk across Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, watch the evening Ganga aarti, visit Neer Garh waterfall, picnic at Shivpuri beach, explore the Beatles Ashram, or take a safari in Rajaji National Park.
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