Take on an exciting 1.5-hour white-water rafting adventure on the roaring Barapole River, nestled in the lush hills of Coorg.
Raft with confidence as a trained instructor stays with you throughout the journey, with a safety briefing, helmets and life jackets provided beforehand.
Navigate a 4.5 km stretch of the river featuring iconic rapids like Grasshopper and Morning Coffee, with thrilling sections reaching up to Class 5.
Marvel at Coorg’s natural charm as you raft through gushing waters surrounded by dense jungles, creating a refreshing contrast between the cool river and lush greenery.
Wrap up the adventure with a hassle-free return in a 4x4 jeep, offering a convenient and scenic ride back to base.
About Coorg:
Coorg, located amidst the lush hills of Karnataka, is truly a paradise for anyone who can categorise themselves as either a nature lover or an adventure seeker, or maybe both. The region is famous for its vast coffee plantations, misty valleys, and dense forests. Moreover, Coorg’s pleasant climate and rich biodiversity make it a year-round destination, drawing the admiration and attention of travellers who are looking to escape the chaos of city life. Among its many natural wonders, the Barapole River stands out as a hotspot for white-water rafting. Originating from the Brahmagiri hills near the Kerala-Karnataka border, this river is surrounded by thick forests and wildlife sanctuaries. All in all, it offers a scenic and thrilling setting for one of the most exhilarating rafting experiences available in South India.
About Barapole River Rafting in Coorg:
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure that takes you on a white-water rafting experience through 4.5 kilometres of wild, untamed rapids, covering grades up to Class 5, depending on the season. This activity, which lasts around 1.5 hours, is perfect for adventure lovers as well as first-time rafters looking to try something new. This package delivers an exciting but safe experience. It includes a safety briefing by qualified rafting instructors. These professionals will go over all that you need to know about navigating the rapids, paddling methods, and what you can expect along the route. Equipped with all necessary safety gear including life jackets and helmets, you’ll soon set off on your white-water journey under the constant guidance of a trained expert. The river’s iconic rapids - some with playful names like Morning Coffee, Grasshopper, and Ramba Samba - challenge and exhilarate as you cut through waves, sudden drops, and sharp turns. The surrounding rainforest scenery only adds to the experience, giving you a sense of raw, untamed nature at its best. At the end of the experience, you'll realise why it’s one of the finest ways to witness the natural beauty of Coorg, along with a pulse-pounding activity.
Safety Measures and Professional Guidance:
Safety is a top priority during white-water rafting at Barapole River in Coorg. All rafting sessions are conducted under the supervision of trained and certified rafting instructors who are well-versed in swift-water rescue techniques and emergency protocols. Before the actual run, participants are given a comprehensive safety briefing, which includes paddling techniques, river signals, and actions to take if a raft flips. This ensures that even first-time rafters feel confident and informed before hitting the rapids.
You’ll be provided with all essential safety equipment, including a life jacket, helmet, and paddle. The rafting gear is regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards. A practice drill is usually done in calm water before entering the main course to familiarise you with the experience. Each raft is accompanied by a guide who navigates the route and monitors participant safety throughout the activity. With strict adherence to guidelines and the presence of professional support, the Barapole rafting experience is not just adventurous—but also secure and well-managed.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time to go rafting on the Barapole River is during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, typically June to September, when water levels rise and the river is at its most dynamic. During this season, the rapids range from Class II to Class V, offering a thrilling challenge for rafting enthusiasts.
That said, rafting is also conducted during the pre-winter months from October to early December, when the river is still active but slightly calmer—perfect for beginners or those looking for a less intense experience. Summer months (March to May) may see reduced water flow, and rafting activities might be limited or paused depending on river levels. Therefore, planning your trip during the rainy or early winter seasons ensures the most exciting and reliable rafting conditions.
How to Reach Barapole:
Barapole is located in the southern part of Coorg, close to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kutta region near the Kerala border. It is accessible from major cities in Karnataka and Kerala:
Attractions near Barapole River:
After your rafting adventure, explore the natural and cultural gems surrounding Barapole:
These attractions make Barapole not just a rafting destination but a complete nature escape in the heart of Coorg.
Activity Duration: 1.5 hours
Activity Timings: 9 AM - 10:30 AM
About the Activity:
The best time for white water rafting in Coorg is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the rivers are full and the rapids are at their most thrilling. The heavy rainfall during this period ensures strong currents, making it ideal for adventure seekers.
However, rafting is also possible in the post-monsoon months from October to February, when the water levels are still decent and the weather is cooler and more pleasant—perfect for beginners or those looking for a slightly milder experience. The summer months from March to May are generally warmer and drier, and while rafting is still available, the water levels might be lower, resulting in fewer and gentler rapids.
Each season offers a different experience, but for the most exciting and challenging rapids, the monsoon is undoubtedly the best pick.
Yes, white water rafting in Coorg is very safe to experience. The activity is conducted under the strict supervision of certified rafting instructors. You will be provided with life jackets, helmets, and all necessary safety gear to ensure you remain secure throughout the ride.
You will also be given introductory sessions before starting the activity. The expert guides will conduct a practice drill and run before the actual rafting begins. You should always follow the instructions of the guide during the activity for a safe and enjoyable experience.
For taking part in the river rafting in Coorg, it is suggested to wear clothes that are comfortable and quick-drying. You can put on a t-shirt, shorts, or trousers along with floaters or water shoes.
Arrive in regular clothing and change into your rafting gear at the designated changing area near the activity location. It is also recommended to carry an extra pair of dry clothes so you can change after the activity ends.
Yes, you can still go for Coorg white water rafting even if you cannot swim. This is because you will be accompanied by trained rafting instructors who will ensure your safety. Before the activity begins, you will receive a detailed safety briefing and basic training. This rafting experience in Coorg is beginner-friendly and designed to be enjoyable for all skill levels.
For Coorg white water rafting, generally, there are 6-8 people on a raft. The number of participants depends on the combined weight; if the total weight is within the safe limit, additional participants may be accommodated.
The age limit for river rafting in Coorg is above 10 years. You need to have good physical strength and general fitness. Children aged 10 years and below, as well as pregnant women, are not allowed to take part in the activity.
This activity is safe, and you should always follow the strict guidelines provided by the guide to avoid any issues.
There is no weight limit for rafting in Coorg. The number of people in a raft will be adjusted based on the total weight of the participants.
There are 5 main tips you should follow to enjoy the best of your rafting session. These include: