Top Adventure Sports for the Enthusiastic Traveler in India

There is absolutely no shortage of adventure sports in India; the diverse geography and passionate adventurers who wish to experience the thrills of life have made sure of that. Adventure sports are activities that allow us to explore a location with unique methods and different angles, such as scuba diving in marine locations, trekking and hiking in mountainous areas, skiing in snowy areas, and so on. If you’re one of the people looking for a trip full of adrenaline-raising activity, here are some of the best adventure sports in India. 

White Water Rafting

This activity involves navigating a body of water, usually a river’s, rough and fast currents on an inflatable raft as a group. It is done on whitewater, which is when a body of water’s frothing and aeration causes it to appear white instead of clear. It is considered to be a risky activity, but that is part of the thrill for many. 

Some of the most famous rafting spots in India are in Rishikesh, Ladakh, Coorg, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. 

Paragliding

Paragliding is a recreational sport in which individuals ride glider aircrafts while sat in a harness attached to a fabric wing, launching into free-flying from higher elevation spots. It can be a safe activity when done according to guidelines.

In India, the best paragliding spots are located around the lower Himalayas, in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It can also be done in Jammu, Sikkim, Gujarat, and Goa, among other states. 

Skiing

Skiing is a sport primarily found in snowy and icy regions as it involves gliding down snow-covered hills and slopes on elongated footholds. It is a popular winter destination activity and can reach competitive levels.

Places in India that are famous for skiing include Gulmarg in Kashmir, Auli in Uttarakhand, sometimes called the ‘ski capital of India’, and Solang Valley in Manali.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

This marine sport involves underwater exploration of coral reefs, marine habitats, tide pools and both deep and shallow waters, depending on the skill level. Snorkeling is a more surface-level activity while scuba diving allows greater depths to be reached. These can be done for sport and also for scientific and research purposes by professionals.

India has some excellent scuba diving and snorkeling spots, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Island, Goa, and Tarkali. Diving season differs depending on the region so ensure you do adequate research while planning.

Rock Climbing

A classic adventure sport that involves scaling rocky terrain with minimal to no equipment, rock climbing is the starting point for many adventurers. The best rock climbing opportunities can be found in Hampi, where there is bouldering; Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra; Manali; Miyar Valley and Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh; Dhauj in Haryana; and Badami in Karnataka. It is better to take lessons if you are a beginner, which can be found in indoor studios all over the country.