Paddling on the calm, dammed stretch of the Sabarmati through the middle of the city, with the old town skyline and bridges overhead. Single and double kayaks are rented by the hour and tickets can be booked on the spot or online.
Kayaking on the Sabarmati Riverfront was launched in 2023 on a roughly 1 km stretch of the impounded river, from NID Ghat No. 11 on the lower promenade to Ambedkar Bridge. The water is held behind the Vasna barrage, so it is flat and suitable for beginners; the activity is a leisurely paddle rather than whitewater. Single-seat kayaks were priced at INR 600 per hour (about $6.25) and double kayaks at INR 1,200 per hour (about $12.50) at launch, with on-the-spot booking at the ghat and online booking through the operator site. Life jackets and a short briefing are provided. The river has a city smell and some floating debris in low-water months, and the stretch can close when upstream dams release water in the monsoon. Sessions run in daylight and a sunset paddle offers the best light. The activity is short by design, so it fits well as an hour-long addition to a riverfront walk or an Atal Bridge visit.
| Price | INR 600 per hour for a single kayak (approx $6.25 USD); INR 1,200 per hour for a double (approx $12.50 USD) |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 1 hour per hire |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | October to March |
| Address | NID Ghat No. 11, Lower Promenade, Sabarmati Riverfront, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380006, India |
Activity facts
- Where
- Sabarmati Riverfront, from NID Ghat 11 to Ambedkar Bridge, Ahmedabad
Equipment
- Kayak, paddle and life jacket provided
- Quick-dry clothes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof phone pouch
Location
NID Ghat No. 11, Lower Promenade, Sabarmati Riverfront, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380006, India
23.0285, 72.5698 View on map
Highlights
- Flat, beginner-friendly water in the middle of the city
- Views of the Atal Bridge and riverfront promenade from the water
- Single and double kayaks rented by the hour
- On-the-spot or online booking
Tips for visiting
- Book online for weekends and holidays, when slots fill
- Wear quick-dry clothing and a hat; sun on the water is strong
- Keep phones in a waterproof pouch
- Check for monsoon closures before travelling between July and September
When to visit
Late afternoon to sunset from October to March.
Accessibility
Entry requires stepping into a kayak from a ghat; not suitable for wheelchair users without assistance.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is kayaking on the Sabarmati suitable for beginners?
Yes. The river is impounded and calm, and life jackets and a short briefing are provided.
How much does it cost?
Around INR 600 (about $6.25) per hour for a single kayak and INR 1,200 (about $12.50) per hour for a double, at launch prices that may since have changed.
Where does the activity start?
At NID Ghat No. 11 on the lower promenade, in Paldi, running toward Ambedkar Bridge.