Done the 16 km Shivpuri run and want more? The Marine Drive to NIM Beach route is where Rishikesh rafting gets serious. It's the same river and the same finish, but it starts eight kilometres further upstream, so you get two extra named rapids, a longer day on the water and far fewer rafts around you for the first hour.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 24 km
- Time on water: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Grade III to III+ rapids
- Put-in point: Marine Drive, about 8 km upstream of Shivpuri on the Badrinath highway
- Take-out point: NIM Beach (near Lakshman Jhula)
- Minimum age: Usually 18 years (varies by operator)
- Price range: ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per person (₹1,800 to ₹2,500 in peak season)
- Season: Mid-September to late June
Marine Drive vs Shivpuri: What's Different?
The Marine Drive route is the Shivpuri 16 km route with an extra 8 km added at the top. That extra section is what changes the day:
- Two more big rapids. Three Blind Mice and Crossfire come before you even reach Shivpuri.
- A quieter start. Most rafts launch at Shivpuri. Above it, the river is noticeably emptier and the valley feels wilder.
- More paddling. An extra hour or more on the water. By Double Trouble, your arms will know it.
- A longer drive up. Plan for about an hour on the road from base camp to the put-in.
If the 16 km route felt easy, this is the natural next step. If you have never rafted before, start with Shivpuri. Marine Drive is not much harder rapid for rapid, but it is a longer, more tiring day.
The Rapids on This Route
You run the two upper rapids first, then every rapid on the Shivpuri stretch.
1. Three Blind Mice (Grade III)
Three rapids in quick succession, with little time to reset between them. It is the first real test of the day and the moment your crew learns to paddle together.
2. Crossfire (Grade III+)
The signature rapid of the upper section. Currents meet from different angles and throw waves at the raft from more than one side. Your guide will pick the line; your job is to paddle exactly when called.
3. Return to Sender (Grade III)
Once you pass Shivpuri, you are on the classic stretch. This powerful standing wave is the first of the familiar rapids.
4. Roller Coaster (Grade III+)
The longest rapid on the route, with continuous wave trains. For many rafters this is still the highlight, even after Crossfire.
5. Golf Course (Grade III)
Standing waves and holes that need precise, well-timed paddling.
6. Club House (Grade III)
A dramatic entry drop followed by big waves.
7. Cash Flow (Grade II+)
A friendlier rapid that gives tired arms a short breather.
8. Double Trouble (Grade III)
Two rapids back to back, the last big push before the calm float into NIM Beach.
Timing: What a Typical Day Looks Like
Exact times vary by operator and season, but a typical morning trip runs like this:
- 8:00 AM: Report to the operator's base camp in Tapovan or Lakshman Jhula
- 8:30 AM: Gear up and safety briefing
- 9:00 AM: Drive up to the Marine Drive put-in (about an hour)
- 10:00 AM: Put in. Rafting begins with Three Blind Mice and Crossfire.
- Around midday: Pass Shivpuri; optional body-surfing stop on a calm stretch
- 1:30 to 2:00 PM: Take out at NIM Beach
- 2:30 PM: Back at base camp to change and eat
Start early. A later start means a hungry, tired finish in the afternoon sun or, in winter, cold water and fading light.
How Hard Is It Really?
Physical demands: Expect three to four hours of paddling with only short breaks. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to keep paddling hard when you are already tired. If a long walk leaves you exhausted, choose the 16 km route.
Technical demands: Crossfire and Roller Coaster reward crews who react instantly to the guide's calls. Swims are more likely here than on shorter routes, so take the safety briefing seriously, especially the instructions on what to do if you fall in.
Mental demands: Starting with two big rapids before you have warmed up is the hardest part. After that, the familiar Shivpuri rapids feel manageable.
Who Should Do This Route?
Good fit: Adults who have rafted before, fit first-timers who are confident in water, and groups who found the 16 km route too short.
Consider other routes if:
- You are rafting with children or older family members. Try the 9 km Brahmapuri route.
- It is your first time and you are unsure about your fitness. Start with the 16 km Shivpuri route.
- You want the toughest water on the Ganga. Look at the 36 km Kaudiyala run, usually booked with overnight camping.
Best Time to Raft Marine Drive
The route runs for the whole season, from mid-September to late June, but the experience changes with the water level:
- September to October: Post-monsoon water is high and fast, and the rapids are at their most powerful. Best for confident, experienced crews.
- November to February: Lower, clearer water and cold temperatures. Wetsuits help, and an early start matters more.
- March to June: Warm days, comfortable water and the busiest season. Book ahead for weekends.
See our month-by-month guide for more detail.
What It Costs
Expect to pay ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per person, rising to ₹1,800 to ₹2,500 in peak season. The price should include the transfer to the put-in, raft, guide, paddle, life jacket and helmet. Ask whether a safety kayak accompanies the group and whether photos or video cost extra. Our price guide explains what you should and should not pay for.
Pro Tips
- Eat a proper breakfast early. It is a long morning, but avoid a heavy meal right before you get on the water.
- Carry water. Ask your operator whether drinking water is kept on the raft.
- Use sunscreen. Four hours of reflected sun burns faster than you expect.
- Secure your glasses. Use a strap, or leave them behind.
- Tip your guide. On a long route, ₹200 to ₹300 per person is fair if they ran the river well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do the Marine Drive route if I can't swim?
Many operators accept non-swimmers, since life jackets and helmets are mandatory. But Crossfire and Roller Coaster can put people in the water, so be honest with your operator. If you are nervous in water, the 16 km route is the better first choice.
Is Marine Drive much harder than Shivpuri?
The rapids are a step up, mainly because of Crossfire, but the biggest difference is length. The extra hour of paddling is what most people notice.
Do I need previous rafting experience?
Not always, but it helps. Many operators accept fit first-timers on this route. If you have rafted the 16 km route before, you will enjoy Marine Drive much more.
Can I combine this with camping?
Yes. Many riverside camps upstream of Shivpuri offer packages that include the Marine Drive run, which saves you the early drive from Rishikesh.
Ready for the longer run? See live availability for the 24 km Marine Drive route on RaftingX →