Season update: Rafting is open now. Short rafting and water activities run 9 AM–4 PM; long rafting (9 km) has slots at 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Check live rafting status or WhatsApp to reserve. Rafting runs on the Kali through licensed operators (not the Forest Department).
White water rafting in Dandeli is one of the most popular adventure activities in Karnataka’s Western Ghats. The Kali River cuts through dense teak forest and wildlife country, giving you rapids that range from a short splash to a full 9 km run. Most guests pair rafting with a riverside stay and add jungle safari or kayaking on another half-day.
Want rafting plus stay in one quote? Message us on WhatsApp with dates, group size and which route you prefer.
Watch Kali river rafting
A short look at white water rafting on the Kali — the short splash and the longer 9 km run through the forest.
Where is white water rafting in Dandeli?
Rafting happens on the Kali River in the Dandeli region of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka — mainly through licensed adventure operators in the Dandeli / Ganeshgudi belt. The river runs through teak plantations and forest that also feed the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. You typically reach the launch point by cab from your stay or Dandeli town.
For a wider activity list, see activities in Dandeli and our activity price guide.
₹600 per person
- About 1 km / 1 rapid
- Good for first-timers or tight schedules
- Under an hour on the water
~₹1200 per head
- About 5 km / 3 rapids
- Most popular balance of thrill and time
- Still fits a half-day plan
₹1600 per person
- About 9 km / 5 rapids
- Full rafting experience on the Kali
- Slots at 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM
White water rafting Dandeli price
There are three common tiers on the Kali:
- Short rafting: ₹600 per person — about 1 km / 1 rapid
- Mid rafting: around ₹1200 per head — about 5 km / 3 rapids
- Long rafting: ₹1600 per person — about 9 km / 5 rapids
The price typically includes:
- Instructor charges
- Helmets
- Paddles
Photo / video add-on: if you want an expert team to shoot your run, budget about ₹1500 per boat extra. There is no other mandatory surcharge for the standard package — confirm the day’s rate with your operator.
Compare with other adventures in our Dandeli activity price guide.
White water rafting timings
- Short rafting and all water activities: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Long rafting (9 km): three slots — 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM
Timings can shift with water release and weather. Arrive at your operator’s base a little early for the safety briefing and gear check.
Plan your morning for safari or sightseeing if you want both — don’t stack a dawn jungle safari and a long rafting run without buffer time.
Licensed rafting operators
White water rafting in Dandeli is run by specific adventure agencies on the Kali. Common names guests book through include:
- Laguna Watersports — Dandeli / Ganeshgudi belt
- Fly Catcher Adventures
- Bison River Resorts
- Hornbill River Resort
Many stays tie up with one of these operators or run their own counter — ask when you book your package so you know where to report and what is included vs paid on the spot.
Safety briefing and precautions
Before you enter the water, operators provide proper safety training — how to sit, paddle, hold the raft and respond if someone falls out. Treat this briefing seriously even if you have rafted elsewhere.
Follow these rules:
- Pay close attention to guidelines from instructors and guides
- No alcohol or intoxicants before or during the trip
- Wear comfortable clothing and secure footwear suitable for getting wet
- Keep helmets and life jackets on until staff says otherwise
Age and weight limits: most operators allow rafting from 12 years and above, with typical weight bands around 35–120 kg. Read our full age and weight limits for whitewater rafting in Dandeli before you confirm tickets for children or seniors.
Why rafting is a must-do in Dandeli
- One of Karnataka’s best-known Kali River rapids experiences
- Short, mid and long routes for different comfort levels
- Pairs easily with jungle safari, kayaking and riverside stays
- Morning and afternoon slots fit around safari and sightseeing
Practical tips
- Carry a change of clothes and a dry bag for phones
- Confirm your slot on WhatsApp — long rafting has only three slots a day, so book early
- Book stay + rafting together if you want one invoice and a cab plan
- Check age and health rules before you promise rafting to kids under 12
Long rafting slots fill on busy weekends. Lock stay and rafting route early — especially if you want the 9 km long run. Dandeli.org
Stays that work for a rafting trip
Riverside resorts with meals. Rafting tickets are usually operator extras unless bundled in your package.
A cab to the launch point helps
Most guests reach Dandeli by bus, then take a local cab to the property and another run to the rafting bank. If you have bags, kids or a tight rafting slot, book the cab with the stay — see hire a cab in Dandeli for typical rates.
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Frequently asked questions
When do water activities and rafting start again in Dandeli?
Water activities including rafting reopened on 4th September 2026 and are running now. Book ahead to reserve your slot — message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size.
What is the price of white water rafting in Dandeli?
Short rafting costs ₹600 per person (about 1 km / 1 rapid). Mid rafting is about ₹1200 (5 km / 3 rapids). Long rafting costs ₹1600 per person (9 km / 5 rapids). Message us on WhatsApp to book.
What are the timings of white water rafting in Dandeli?
Short rafting and all other water activities run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Long rafting (9 km) has three slots: 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Timings can shift with water level and weather.
Where is white water rafting done in Dandeli?
Rafting takes place on the Kali River through licensed operators such as Laguna Watersports, Fly Catcher Adventures, Bison River Resorts and Hornbill River Resort in the Dandeli / Ganeshgudi belt.
What is included in the rafting price?
The package usually includes an instructor, helmets and paddles. Professional photo or video coverage costs extra — about ₹1500 per boat if you want an expert team to shoot your run.
Is safety training provided before rafting?
Yes. Operators give a safety briefing before you enter the water — how to paddle, hold the raft and handle common situations. Follow the instructor’s guidelines throughout.
Are there age or weight limits for rafting in Dandeli?
Most operators require participants to be 12 years or older, with typical weight limits around 35–120 kg. See our age and weight limits guide for full details before you book.
Can I drink alcohol before white water rafting?
No. Consumption of alcohol or any intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited during rafting for your safety and that of the group.