In North India, there are mountain ranges and hidden valleys. In the South, there are forests and beaches. In the East, there are gigantic rivers, and in the West, there are deserts. India’s diverse geography has turned it into an adventure sports frontier. From Sandakphu Phalut trek in West Bengal to scuba diving in the Andaman Islands, India offers an array of adventure sports.
Here are the 10 best adventure sports in India you must try
1. Trekking
Trekking is one of the most popular adventure sports in India. From the Hampta Pass trek to Rajamachi trek, India’s diverse topography offers umpteen opportunities to adventure enthusiasts to hone their trekking skills.
Best season Trekking is not limited to a season in India. In fact, you can trek all through the year if you want. However, there are some treks that are restricted to a specific season. For instance, the Chadar trek is open only during the winters. Interestingly, it is one of the hardest and most challenging treks.
Cost: ₹8,500- ₹ 30,000
Best places for trekking:
Hampta Pass, Himachal Pradesh
The gruelling trek starts from Hampta village and ends at Chatru (Spiti Valley). The trek continues for three to four days and is spread across 35 kms. The scenic beauty of the trek makes it a hit among the trekkers.
Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
This popular trek is a serene climb to UNESCO world heritage site Hemkund Sahib. The best time to take the trek is in the monsoon because the valley, covered in different types of flowers, is a sight to behold. The trek starts from Govind Ghat and covers a distance of 55 km.
Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra
This trek is one of the easiest treks and therefore is ideal for novice trekkers. The trek covers a distance of 14 kms. You can see some amazing historical and cultural tourist spots during this trek. Manaranjan and Rajamachi forts, amongst others, can be explored during this trek.
Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal
Sandakphu is called the trekker’s wonderland because it gives a peek into Mt Everest and Mt Kanchenjunga from an altitude of 11,500 feet. The trek covers about 45 kms and is touted as one of the hardest treks.
Chokramudi Trek, Munnar
With this trek, you can see the tea estates, Idukki Dam, and the rich flora and fauna of Munnar. Chokramudi Trek is a short trek that takes about 5 to 7 hours to complete. Its stunning scenery, on the other hand, provides a mesmerising experience.
2. Scuba diving
Turquoise blue waters, abundant sea creatures, and vibrant coral landscape makes scuba diving in India a memorable experience for adventure enthusiasts. Moreover, scuba diving in India is priced reasonably. For instance, diving in Andaman would cost you ₹3,500-6,500 per head for a dive. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Maharashtra, Goa, and Pondicherry are some of the best places to go for scuba diving.
Best season: October to May is the best time to go scuba diving in India.
Cost: ₹ 3,000- ₹ 15,000
Where to go for scuba diving:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman is undoubtedly one of the best places for scuba diving in India. The vibrant corals, clear blue waters, and amazing sea creatures makes the experience unique. You can go to Havelock Island, The Wall, and Dixon’s Pinnacle to experience the best scuba diving spots.
Goa
Goa is one of the safest places to go for scuba diving because of low undercurrent water and clear visibility inside the water. You can do scuba diving at Suzy’s Wreck, Sail Rock, Grand Island, and Shelter Cove.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is the only diving spot on the eastern coast. It is a perfect location for beginners and professionals to scuba dive. Cool Shar Reef, Aravind’s Wall, and 4 Corners others are some of the popular diving spots in Pondicherry.
Lakshadweep
Scuba diving in Lakshadweep is an underwater delight for every adventure enthusiast. From rare sea creatures to vibrant fishes and occasional sharks and whales—scuba diving in Lakshadweep is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Prerequisites before scuba diving:
Scuba diving is undoubtedly an adrenaline-pumping adventure sport. However, if done wrong, it could turn fatal. So, here are some prerequisites before going for scuba diving:
- Take a medical examination before diving to ensure that you are medically fit.
- Invest in the right scuba diving equipment and gear.
- Follow the scuba diving instructor.
- Start practising underwater yoga or exercises beforehand to prepare for diving.
- Undergo a professional training course before going diving.
3. Mountain biking
Mountain biking has gained prominence in India in the past decade. India is land of some of the highest peaks and ghats. Hence, here exist hundreds of biking trails that range from mellow trips to excruciating excursions. So, if you have the endurance, patience, and stamina to paddle up for an expedition, then head on to these places for the best mountain biking experience.
Where to go for mountain biking:
Leh-Zanskar, Ladakh
Leh-Zanskar mountain bike tour is 14 days long tour that stretches over an average altitude of 4,500 meters. It is one of the toughest and most gruesome motorbiking experiences one can ever go through.
Manali-Leh, Himachal Pradesh
The Manali-Leh trail is undoubtedly one of the toughest mountain biking terrains. Starting from Manali, the route stretches to the Himalayas and ends at Khardungla, the highest motorable road in the world.
Coorg, Karnataka
The picturesque location and curvy trails make mountain biking in Coorg a memorable experience. The trail also covers locations like Vadu Pass, Nalaknad Palace, and Kabbinakad among others.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Mountain biking in Spiti Valley is on every biker's bucket list, simply because of the tough terrain and the stunning visuals.
Nandi Hills, Karnataka
Located in close proximity to Bengaluru, Nandi Hills is loved among bikers for its fantastic trails.
Best season for mountain biking: The best time to go for mountain biking in India is between May and October.
Cost: ₹15,000- ₹ 35,000
Safety precautions: Mountain biking is a risky adventure sport if done without proper training and safety gear. Enroll yourself in proper motorcycle training before heading on to your first adventure. Furthermore, remember to keep your safety gear handy. Accessories like lights, bells, etc are also recommended for a safe biking journey.
4. River rafting
River rafting is an adventure sport that is slowly gaining momentum in India. It is turning into a family escapade with more families trying to enjoy the sport together. There are several places that offer river rafting services in India, and you can choose from them depending on the difficulty level.
The difficulty level is distributed into four different grades: Grade I- Basic, Grade II- Easy, Grade III- Moderate, and GradeIV- Extremely challenging. So, choose your difficulty level and head on to these places to enjoy river rafting.
Best places for river rafting in India:
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is synonymous with adventure sports. From Kayaking to mountain biking, Rishikesh is slowly turning into a hub for adventure sports in India. The rafting stretch here covers a distance of 36 kms.
Sikkim and Darjeeling, West Bengal
Teesta is one of the most famous rivers flowing through Sikkim and, Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hill in West Bengal. River rafting in the Teesta River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. River rafting in Teesta is only available between October to April. The rafting stretch covers a distance of 37 kms.
Coorg, Karnataka
From mountain biking to river rafting, the quaint little town of Coorg is a hub of adventure sports in the South India. River rafting in the Barapole River is a thrilling and adventurous affair. The rafting stretch covers a distance of 8 kms.
Himachal Pradesh
River rafting on the banks of the Spiti River is a magical experience. Through the rafting stretch, you can vicariously visit the city's different tourist attractions that are also popular among bikers. The Spiti River rating stretch covers a distance of 180 km.
Kolad, Maharashtra
Kolad is the hotspot for rafting in Western India. The location attracts hundreds of travellers throughout the year, especially during monsoon. The 16-kms rafting stretch offers a view of the splendid surrounding.
Best season for river rafting: The best time to go for river rafting in India is between May and October.
Cost: The cost of river rafting varies from state to state. However, the lowest price for one river rafting session is ₹1000.
Tips for river rafting in India: Here are some things you need to keep in mind before going river rafting.
- You should be aware of the rescue basis like first aid, CPR, and others.
- Double-check your safety gears before boarding the raft.
- Do ensure that a safety kayak accompanies you.
- Research about river rafting organizers beforehand. You can take information from your guide or search about them on the internet.
5. Rock climbing
Rock climbing was only for the strong-willed a few decades ago. However, today, it has many fans. Proper equipment and skilled instructors have led to a boom in people signing up for rock climbing. So, if you are an adventure enthusiast who wants to go rock climbing, here are some rock-climbing places in India.
Best places for rock climbing in India:
Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The hills are surrounded by lovely meadows, making rock climbing even more enjoyable. The Parvati Valley is a famous mountain climbing destination for Indians.
Shey Rock, Kashmir
The Shey Rock, near Leh, is one of the top rock-climbing places in the Kashmir region. The difficulty levels span from easy to moderate, and the safety features are excellent. At Shey Rock, the Hiram Crack is the ideal spot for rock climbing.
Damdama Lake, Gurgaon
The Damdama Lake attracts visitors due to its picturesque surrounds. While the majority of visitors come to enjoy a day in nature's company and go boating on the lake, a few brave souls attempt rock climbing. Rock climbing has been increasingly popular in recent years.
Ramanagara, Karnataka
Ramanagara, around 50 kilometres from Bengaluru, is a popular spot for adventure sports including rock climbing. On weekends, Bangaloreans flock here to try their hand at rock climbing.
Best season for rock climbing: Although rock climbing is possible throughout the year, however, September-October and April-May are the best months for climbing.
Cost: Rock climbing is inexpensive. Its price varies from state to state.
6. Bungee Jumping
Ward off all your worries with Bungee jumping. This adventure sport is gaining prominence in India. Rishikesh offers the best bungee jumping experience in India. Besides Rishikesh, here are some popular bungee jumping places in India.
Best places for bungee jumping in India:
Bengaluru, Karnataka
This area is only suitable for adventurous adventurers because it lacks a fixed platform from which to jump like other places. As a result, Ozone Adventures in Bangalore is the best place to go for non-fixed bungee jumping in India.
Lonavala, Maharashtra
One of the best and safest bungee jumping locations in India is Lonavala. It's also one of the closest places for Mumbai and Pune residents, as it's exactly midway between the two cities.
Cost: ₹ 400- ₹ 3,500
Best season for rock climbing: Although bungee jumping is possible throughout the year, September-October and April-May are the best months for jumping.
7. Paragliding
If you want to fly like a bird, then experience paragliding at least once in your lifetime. Paragliding is an adventure sport that is less risky, and more fun compared to others. Reason of which, it is more popular than other adventure sports. Here are some popular places for Paragliding in India.
Best places for Paragliding in India:
Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
The best paragliding in India is found near Bir Billing. This little Himachal Pradesh town is famous for holding the first-ever paragliding world cup. In fact, Himachal Pradesh is "the" state in India for paragliding. This hilly state offers a total of 11 great paragliding destinations. Devidhar, Parvati Valley, Rohtang, and Bakhli are some of Himachal's other popular paragliding spots.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, Manali is another renowned paragliding location. Except for monsoon, you can attempt paragliding here at any time. Manali's most popular paragliding destinations are Solang Valley and Marhi. One of the characteristics that makes Manali one of the most popular paragliding destinations in India is the availability of paragliding throughout the year, save during the monsoon. This is one of the most well-known paragliding destinations in India.
Nainital, Himachal Pradesh
The beautiful hill resort of Nainital is another favourite paragliding location for beginners and experienced alike. A tandem jump is available for both adults and children. The aerial views of the scenery are breathtaking.
Best season for paragliding: Although paragliding is possible throughout the year, however, October to May are the best months to go paragliding. Since there are no rains and the weather is pleasant.
Cost: The cost of paragliding differs from state to state. However, the lowest price for one paragliding session is ₹ 1500.
8. Skydiving
Skydiving gained prominence in India in the last decade, and many adventure enthusiasts pushed themselves to take the leap of faith and embrace the sport. Today, Skydiving is a part of pop culture and many youngsters are trying their hand at this adrenaline-pumping sport. Here are the best places for Skydiving in India.
Best places for Skydiving in India:
Mysore, Karnataka
One of the best sites in India to have the ultimate skydiving experience is at the base of the Chamundi Hills. Before you go skydiving in Mysore, make sure you know everything there is to know about the activity.
Deesa, Gujarat
Indulge in the exhilaration of flying over the sky in this lovely lakeside city. It is one of India's greatest skydiving destinations, offering all three types of jumps. The cost of sky diving in India varies depending on where you go, but Gujarat provides some of the most economical options.
Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
As you free fall from the sky above one of the most beautiful towns in the country, take in the breathtaking scenery. However, before making any reservations, double-check the costs.
Aamby Valley, Maharashtra
Aamby Valley, one of India's top skydiving locations, should be on the bucket list of every Mumbaikar or Pune resident interested in participating in this thrilling sport. As you freefall in the magnificent valley, take in the breathtaking scenery below and enjoy the most thrilling experience of your life.
Best season for Skydiving: Skydiving can be done throughout the year, except the monsoon and highly windy season.
Cost: The cost of Skydiving differs from state to state. However, the lowest price for a Skydiving session is ₹ 20,000.
9. Skiing
North India has many mountain ranges that open up the opportunity for Skiing. Some of the states that have amazing skiing services are Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, others.
Best places for Skiing in India:
Pahalgam, Kashmir
Pahalgam is well-known among trekkers for its fantastic paths. During the winter, the area receives a lot of snow, making it an ideal skiing location. The primary skiing area in Pahalgam is Aru, which is only a short distance away and is an excellent spot to experience the rush of adrenaline and joy that skiing provides.
Gulmarg, Kashmir
Gulmarg, one of India's top skiing locations, is a place blanketed in snow during the winters and a great place to enjoy the snow-sports. Kongdori and Aparwahat Peak are the two best places to start skiing in Gulmarg. Ski Kongdori's 450-metre slope or Apharwat Peak's 800-metre ridge. Both of these points are thrilling!
Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
All amateur and professional skiers should visit Rohtang Pass, another prominent skiing location in India, while in Manali. Rohtang Pass, at 3978 metres above sea level, is a skiing paradise that delivers a breathtaking and exhilarating experience. It is 51 kilometres from Manali and may be accessed by taking the road uphill while taking in the attractive and captivating scenery.
Best season for Skiing: The best season to do Skiing in winter. So, you can visit the above-mentioned places between October to February.
Cost: The cost of Skiing varies from place to place. However, it starts at ₹8400 per person.
10. Parasailing
Parasailing in India is a highly enjoyable experience. Gliding through the air with your loved one is just magical. It is ideal for thrill-seekers. Here are some of the best places for Parasailing in India.
Best places for Parasailing in India:
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is the most popular parasailing destination in India, with numerous launch sites for both professional and amateur parasailers. In Himachal, there are numerous spots with spectacular views where international parasailing and paragliding competitions take place. While floating high in the sky, the panoramic views of the Dhauladhar Range and Kangra Valley offer spectacular settings!
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a beautiful state nestled in the midst of snow-capped mountains with a sprinkling of vegetation. Uttarakhand is one of India's premier paragliding destinations, with some of the best places and platforms for both professional and amateur parasailers. The view from the air is breathtaking, with all-encompassing views, steep peaks, magnificent water bodies, oak woods, and evergreen coniferous.
Kerala
Kerala's parasailing is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This is how I'll sum up my time in Kerala. The adrenaline you'll feel when the speedboat screams into the sea will be out of this world. If you don't try Kerala, your parasailing experience in India will be incomplete.
Best season for Parasailing: Parasailing can be done throughout the year, except the windy season.
Cost: The cost of Parasailing varies from place to place. However, the average cost for Parasailing is something between ₹ 1,000 and ₹ 4,000 per person.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.