Shivpuri sits about 16 km upstream from Rishikesh on the Badrinath Highway, and for most travellers it is the first place in Uttarakhand where the Ganga stops being a pilgrimage river and starts being an adventure river. The water here runs fast and clear, the banks open into wide sandy beaches, and sal forest climbs the slopes on both sides.
If you have been looking for a weekend break that involves sleeping in a tent, rafting a Grade III rapid before lunch and sitting around a bonfire at night, this is where you go.
We have been sending groups to Shivpuri from our Haridwar office for years. This guide covers what the camps are actually like, what things cost in 2026, and the practical details most listings leave out.
Why Shivpuri and Not Rishikesh Town
The rafting starts here. Shivpuri is the put-in point for the most popular rafting stretch on the Ganga — 16 km down to NIM Beach, taking roughly two to three hours. This section holds the rapids people come for: Three Blind Mice, The Wall, Crossfire, Roller Coaster. Everything from Marine Drive or Brahmapuri is a gentler ride.
It is quieter. Rishikesh town in season is crowded, noisy and full of traffic. Shivpuri is 40 minutes upriver, and once you are off the highway and down at the camps, you mostly hear the river.
The beaches are better. The stretch between Shivpuri and Byasi has the widest white-sand beaches on this part of the Ganga. Camps here have actual space — volleyball courts, bonfire pits, room to spread out.
Everything else is close. Bungee jumping at Mohan Chatti is 12 km away. Neelkanth Mahadev temple is a 7 km trek or a short drive. Rishikesh is 30 minutes if you want a café evening.
Best Time to Visit
October to November — the best window. Post-monsoon air is clear, days sit around 22–28°C, and the river has settled into a good rafting flow. Mountain views are at their sharpest. This is also peak season, so book early.
March to mid-June — the second window. Warm, long days and excellent rafting. April and May get genuinely hot at midday (up to 35°C), so activities shift to early morning and evening. Camps with pools are worth the extra money in these months.
July to August — avoid it. Rafting is suspended completely during monsoon because water levels are dangerous. Roads through the hills get landslides. Some camps stay open at heavy discounts, but there is not much to do.
December to February — underrated. Days are pleasant at 15–20°C, nights drop to 5°C. Rafting continues with wetsuits, though the water is cold. The advantage is empty camps and the best bonfire nights of the year. Pack proper woollens.
Our pick: mid-October and mid-March. Good weather, good water, and prices before the holiday rush.
Types of Camps in Shivpuri
Camps here are not all the same thing, and the difference matters more than the price.
Riverside Camps
Set directly on the Ganga bank, usually on sand. You wake up to the river and can walk to the water in thirty seconds. Best for couples, photographers and anyone who came for the river itself.
Beach Camps
Built on the wide sandy stretches. Maximum open space, so these suit larger groups who want volleyball, cricket and big evening bonfires. Social atmosphere.
Luxury / Deluxe Camps
Proper beds, attached western bathrooms with hot water, coolers or AC, room service. Camping without the discomfort. Good choice for families, first-timers and anyone travelling with parents.
Camps with Swimming Pool
Same as above with an outdoor pool. Worth paying extra for specifically in April, May and early June when afternoons are hot.
Jungle Camps
Set back from the river inside the sal forest. Much more private and quiet. You will hear birds all morning and occasionally see deer. Not ideal if the river is your priority.
Budget / Backpacker Camps
Simple tents, shared washrooms, basic but clean. Meals are included and adequate. Perfect for solo travellers, students and groups who plan to spend the whole day on the water anyway.
Shivpuri Camp Prices — 2026
Per person, per night, on double or triple sharing.
| Camp Type | Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Camp | ₹1,100 – 1,500 | Basic tents, shared washroom, all meals, bonfire |
| Riverside Camp | ₹1,300 – 1,800 | Direct river access, beach, bonfire, meals |
| Beach Camp | ₹1,300 – 2,000 | Sandy beach setup, volleyball, group activities |
| Jungle Camp | ₹1,400 – 2,000 | Forest setting, quiet, nature walks |
| Camp with Pool | ₹1,600 – 2,500 | Pool access, riverside, family-friendly |
| Luxury / Deluxe | ₹1,800 – 3,000 | Attached bath, hot water, cooler/AC, better beds |
| Premium Camp | ₹2,500 – 3,500 | Top-end tents, best location, full services |
Weekend rates run 10–20% higher. Diwali, Christmas, New Year and long weekends can double. Groups of 10 or more should ask for a discount — 15–25% is normal.
What the Price Usually Includes
- Tent on double/triple sharing with mattress and bedding
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (buffet, pure vegetarian)
- Morning and evening tea with snacks
- Evening bonfire with music
- Beach games — volleyball, badminton, indoor games
- Parking, drinking water, charging points, first-aid
What It Does Not Include
- River rafting — ₹600 to ₹1,800 depending on stretch
- Bungee jumping — ₹3,500 to ₹4,000
- Kayaking, cliff jumping — ₹500 to ₹1,200
- Transport to and from the camp
- Personal expenses
Adventure Activities
River Rafting
The main reason most people come. Three stretches to choose from:
Shivpuri to NIM Beach — 16 km Two to three hours, eight to ten rapids including Grade III and III+. This is the standard trip and suits most first-timers who are reasonably confident in water. Around ₹800–1,200 per person.
Marine Drive to NIM Beach — 9 km Ninety minutes, five or six rapids, mostly Grade II and III. Better for families with children and complete beginners. Around ₹500–800.
Kaudiyala to NIM Beach — 36 km A full day, five to six hours on the water, fifteen-plus rapids going up to Grade IV. This one is for people who have rafted before. Around ₹1,500–2,000.
Life jackets, helmets and trained guides are standard with any legitimate operator. There is a safety briefing before every trip. Rafting season runs mid-September to end of June — closed in monsoon.
Bungee Jumping
83 metres at Mohan Chatti, 12 km from most Shivpuri camps. India’s highest fixed-platform jump. Roughly ₹3,700 per jump, and the whole experience takes two to three hours including the briefing and the wait. Age 12–45, weight 40–110 kg. Book a slot in advance during season.
Flying Fox
A zipline running across the Ganga at the same site. You cross about 150 metres above the water at speeds close to 140 km/h. ₹1,500–2,000.
Cliff Jumping and Body Surfing
Included in most rafting trips. Guides stop at designated deep pools where you can jump from 10–20 feet. Body surfing through a calm rapid in a life jacket is usually part of the same stop.
Kayaking
Single and double kayaks on the calmer sections. Basic instruction included. One to two hours, ₹800–1,200.
Treks Nearby
- Neelkanth Mahadev — 7 km uphill through forest to a temple at 1,675 m. Start early.
- Waterfall trails — several small waterfalls within 5–10 km of the camps
- Kunjapuri sunrise trek — 25 km away, popular for the Himalayan panorama at dawn
How to Reach Shivpuri
By Train
Haridwar Junction is the practical railhead — 36 km, about an hour by road. Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi and Dehradun Express all run from Delhi. Rishikesh station is closer at 17 km but has very few long-distance trains.
From Haridwar: taxi ₹1,000–1,200, or bus to Rishikesh (₹60–80) followed by local transport.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — 32 km, roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Direct flights from Delhi take an hour. Taxi from the airport runs ₹900–1,300.
By Road
From Delhi: 260 km, six to seven hours via Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar and Rishikesh. Overnight buses from Kashmiri Gate ISBT cost ₹400–1,200 depending on the operator.
From Haridwar: 36 km, about an hour on NH34.
Driving yourself: the road is good but winds a fair bit past Rishikesh. Search “Shivpuri Rafting Point” on Maps and call your camp for the exact turn-off — camps are spread along several kilometres of the highway and the entries are easy to miss.
We arrange pickups from Haridwar, Rishikesh and Jolly Grant — ask when you book.
What to Pack
- Quick-dry clothes and a change of clothes for after rafting
- Floaters or sandals with grip — not slippers
- Sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, cap
- Woollens if travelling October to March; nights get cold
- Torch — camps have power but paths are unlit
- Small dry bag or ziplock for your phone
- Any personal medication; camps carry only basic first-aid
Leave heavy luggage behind. You will be in and out of a tent, not a hotel room.
Practical Tips
Book two to three weeks ahead for October, March and April weekends. Camps genuinely fill.
Travel Monday to Thursday if you can. Rates drop 10–30%, the beaches are empty, and the staff have time for you.
Confirm what the camp actually includes before paying. “Camping package” means different things to different operators. Ask specifically about meals, bonfire, and whether rafting is separate.
Food is vegetarian at almost every camp. If someone in your group has an allergy or a specific requirement, tell us in advance — some camps can arrange it with notice.
Do not book blind on price alone. The cheapest listing on a booking site is often a camp 5 km from the river with no beach. Ask where it actually sits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the camps right on the Ganga? Many are, but not all. Riverside and beach camps have direct access; jungle camps sit further back. Confirm before booking if the river matters to you.
Is Shivpuri safe for families and children? Yes. Camps are supervised and rafting operators run children on the gentler Marine Drive stretch. Most operators set a minimum age of around 12 for the Shivpuri–NIM run.
Can I get non-vegetarian food? Most camps are pure vegetarian, partly because of local rules near the river. A few premium camps can arrange non-veg with advance notice. Ask before you book.
What is the difference between a riverside camp and a luxury camp? Riverside is about location — you are on the water. Luxury is about facilities — attached bathrooms, hot water, proper beds. Some camps are both, and those cost more.
Is alcohol allowed? Officially no. Shivpuri falls in a regulated zone along the Ganga and camps are not permitted to serve or allow it. Please respect this.
How many days should I plan? One night is enough for rafting and a bonfire. Two nights lets you add bungee, a trek and a slower morning by the river.
Plan Your Shivpuri Trip With Us
We handle camp bookings, rafting slots, bungee reservations and transport from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Jolly Grant Airport — as one package, at one price, with nothing hidden.
Tell us your dates, how many people and what you want to do, and we will send you two or three options that actually fit.
Call or WhatsApp: +91 95483 04864
Email: exploretogether019@gmail.com
Or use the enquiry form on this page and we will get back to you the same day.
Last updated: September 2026