About Bhadra River Rafting
Bhadra River Rafting at Magundi is a seasonal white-water adventure activity on the Bhadra River near Magundi village in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. Located downstream of the Bhadra Dam and on the edge of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats, it offers an 8-12 km rafting stretch through forested landscape. Known for Grade II to Grade III rapids during monsoon water releases, it is operated by licensed operators with tourism and forest department permissions.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a guided rafting experience on the Bhadra River starting from Magundi, with inflatable rafts, paddles and safety gear provided by operators. The river flows through forested banks and agricultural landscape near the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The stretch includes mild to moderate rapids depending on dam water release and season. Visitors gather at the rafting camp/starting point, receive safety briefing, and raft downstream for 1.5 to 2 hours with an instructor on each raft. The area is rural with basic facilities.
Key highlights
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8-12 km white-water rafting stretch on the Bhadra River starting at Magundi
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Seasonal Grade II to Grade III rapids during monsoon and post-monsoon dam releases
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Scenic forested landscape of the Western Ghats near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
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Guided rafting with certified instructors and provided safety equipment
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Proximity to Bhadra Dam and reservoir upstream
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) about 150-170 km away; Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport is about 260 km away. |
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| By train | Nearest major railhead is Birur Junction (RRB) about 35-40 km away; Chikkamagaluru Railway Station is closer but with limited services. Taxi or bus required from station to Magundi. |