Kaudiyala & Marine Drive

The Kaudiyala to Rishikesh corridor is the finest continuous white-water rafting stretch in India — a 36 km run through the deep Ganga gorge with Grade III–IV rapids including the famous 'Three Blind Mice', 'Body Surfing Rapid', 'Roller Coaster', and 'Golf Course'. The Marine Drive camping stretch (16 km) is lined with the most scenic beach campsites in the region. The area is accessible only by river or the narrow Marine Drive road, giving it a genuine sense of wilderness.

Places to See
• Kaudiyala–Rishikesh Full Run (36 km, Grade III–IV, the definitive India rafting experience)
• Marine Drive Stretch (16 km, best campsites)
• Grade IV Rapids: Roller Coaster, Body Surfing, Three Blind Mice
• Marine Drive Beach Camping (the finest Ganga beach camps)
• Cliff Jumping at multiple points
• Kayaking Instruction Zone (gentler water sections)
• Birdwatching on the Ganga (Himalayan kingfisher, osprey, river tern)

Best Time
September–November (peak rafting season — ideal water levels, Grade IV at their most exciting). February–May (lower water, Grade III more appropriate — excellent for beginners). Avoid July–August (flood-level river, no rafting permitted).

How to Reach
Road: Kaudiyala (45 km from Rishikesh) via the Marine Drive road. All certified Rishikesh operators run the full 36 km shuttle with van pickup from Kaudiyala. Rail: Rishikesh or Haridwar.

Things to Do
• Full 36 km Kaudiyala–Rishikesh run (the supreme rafting experience — 1 full day)
• Marine Drive beach camping (overnight on the Ganga beach)
• Grade IV rapid surfing
• Cliff jumping at the rapids
• Ganga sunrise kayaking
• Bonfire camp evening on the beach

Tips
The full 36 km run is physically demanding — requires basic swimming ability and reasonable fitness. Only UTGADA-certified operators. The Marine Drive camp (overnight) gives you the dawn and dusk Ganga experience unavailable to day-trip rafters. Dry bag is mandatory for all electronics.

The best time to visit Kaudiyala & Marine Drive depends on the experience you seek.