Top 10 Adventure Sports in India
Every traveler has their own bucket list- whether they call it that or not. You can’t travel and not make mental notes about the next places you want to go, the next things you want to do. Obviously, it’s all personal- each list is most likely to be totally different from the others.
But if you’re into extreme travel, there are some absolute must-dos if you want to cement your status as a globetrotting badass. A lot of the other lists along these lines give you specifics (Climb Everest! Ski K2!), but the point of adventure travel is making it your own, and doing something you’ve never done before. So fill in the specifics yourself. But here are some things you absolutely must do.
(1) Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving in which a diver with the help of breathing apparatus, explores the best of the sea world. The best scuba dive site would be near some shipwrecks underwater, as they attract a lot of marine life, a view too good to be true.
Where to try in India:
Where to try in India:
(1) Havelock Islands- Andaman is one of the amazing creations of the Almighty. Situated right in the middle of the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, this archipelago has a number of stunningly beautiful beaches and scuba diving spots, Havelock Islands being one of the most popular. Located about 50 km away from Port Blair, the island has a wide range of exotic marine life like Humpback Parrotfish, Lionfish, soft corals, The rare dugongs and schools of colourful fishes. To get there, one can fetch a ferry from Port Blair which would take about 2.5 hours. There are many interesting sites upon reaching there like there is The Wall, Lighthouse, Aquarium, and Mac Point etc. each with its own unique features.
Best time for rafting: October to April
(2) Neil Islands, Andaman and Nicobar Islands-
Neil Islands is another part of Andaman which is just as beautiful albeit with less hustle and bustle that surrounds the Havelock islands. It is a tiny island but a really beautiful one with its yet unexplored beaches, great scuba diving spots. The coral reef here is quite untouched by external factors and hence retains its beauty owing to the rich variety of marine life. There are great beach spots like the Jetty area, Margherita's Mischief and Laxmanpur Beach.
Best time for rafting: December to May
(3) Grand Islands, Goa-
The Grand Island is a popular destination for adventure junkies all over the world. Want to experience a beginner's tryst with the sea or want to push your limits in the strong currents of the sea, fret not, because the Grand Island has it all. Located few kilometers westwards of the Mormugao peninsula, this place is a haven for scuba divers.
(4) Kadmat Islands, Lakshadweep-
The Kadmat Islands is a coral island belonging to the union territory of Lakshadweep. It is a home to the marine turtles and other exotic marine species. There are also various species of live coral. Turquoise waters and white sands really make this place look ethereal. The place is open for foreign tourists, one just needs to keep his/her passport handy.
Best time for rafting: June to July
(5) The Hole, Pondicherry-
The hole is one of those places where only the hardcore scuba diving enthusiasts would dare going. To start with, the depth is almost 30m in the central area that is almost twice as deep as the other diving sites, the there is the spooky darkness taking care of which one has got to take a torch or some lighting equipment with them. So if you are one of those fearless advanced divers, this place is a haven for you. One might even spot some rare unknown creature.
Best time for rafting: December to March
Scuba diving undoubtedly is one of the most interesting and fun activities that one could try. However, even the thought of breathing underwater can be scary to some and therefore here are some useful tips for you to bear in mind.
(2) Rafting
River rafting in India has emerged as one of the most popular sports. Steering through the unbridled water and passing through parlous rapids, it is something only an adventurer at heart can realize and appreciate. If you haven’t yet been able to get a chance to experience this utterly thrilling water sport, then pack your bags and be ready to become adventurer this summer. There are numerous places for river rafting in India where you can enjoy the sport to your heart’s content. Each place is admired for its natural beauty and therefore rafting in one of them would be an experience worth having.
Where to try in India:
(1) Kullu Manali- Kullu is one of the most popular destinations for white water rafting in India. Sail on the stretches of river Beas, where rapids provide an exhilarating interlude to enthusiasts. It’s definitely one of the best places for a refreshing session of river rafting in the country.
(2) River Ganga, Rishikesh -The River Ganga certainly offers the best experience of white water river rafting experience in India. Rafting on the Ganga can be enjoyed at Rishikesh which is nestled in Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand. There are four stretches- Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9kms), Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16kms), Marine drive to Rishikesh (24kms) and Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (36kms).
(3) River Zanskar - Trek on the river in winters and raft in summers! Sail through Padum and Nimmo stretch that mainly consists of III and IV grade rapids. The whirling rapids and the icy cold water thrown in together with beautiful surroundings landscapes creates memorable experiences of white water rafting in India.
(4) River Brahmaputra- This river is one of the best places for river rafting in India. The starting point of rafting is at Tuting and the end is situated in Pasighat. It takes approximately a week to cover the entire stretch. The rafting expedition makes one well aware of the life, culture, and tradition of Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh is rightly considered to be one of the best river rafting places in India.
(5) River Lohit- If you’re looking for a rafting adventure in the North East, Lohit river, flowing through Arunachal Pradesh is where you need to be. This lesser known river is one of the most interesting rivers for water sports like river rafting and kayaking in India. With fierce rapids and serene views, a river rafting feat in these waters won’t disappoint!
Important Tips For River Rafting In India
Given below are some of the best tips that you can follow when going for river rafting in India.
- Ensure that you are aware of all the precautions that are needed to be taken for your own safety, as this sport is a bit risky and unpredictable
- Don’t sit idle and do your part in maneuvering, as rafting requires everyone’s efforts
- You may not expect it but there’ll be times when you’ll end up fully immersed in the water owing to the aggressive current. In such cases, do make sure you have properly fastened the belts of your life jacket
(3) Skydiving
Skydiving is a three-in-one experience. You get to fly on a jet plane, jump off the plane, then parachute your way down to land. It’s the perfect experience for anyone who just wants to let go.
Where to try: New Zealand
(4) Bungee Jumping
It is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. It is an amazing free falling experience, especially when done off a cliff or at the beach as it’s the upside down yet just as beautiful as its original version.
Where to try: Macau Tower, Macau
(5) Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is more challenging than freaky. You can choose to practice at local outlets before hitting the bigger boulders. India as such has a lot of places where in rock climbing gets really exciting and awakens the primal survival instincts in you.
Where to try: Wadi Rum Valley
(6) Paragliding
(7) Trekking
(8) Skiing
(9) Surfing
(10) Flyboard
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