Adventure Sports in India

The best thing about India is its diversity of landscape, making it a traveler’s paradise. As such it also gives way to a number of adventure sports that can be experienced in different places in India throughout the year.
So if you are someone filled with wanderlust and attraction towards adventure, here are a few activities you absolutely must give a try –

Paragliding

Any adventure sports enthusiast would want to go paragliding at least once in life and why not? The view of the valleys and mountains when one is flying over them in a glider is both exhilarating and breath-taking. Though it needs a lot of courage and proper training (Safety comes first!), it really makes one hell of an experience. The best places for Paragliding in India are Darjeeling, Goa, Ladakh, and Bir in Himachal Pradesh.

River Rafting

No words, it’s something you can only experience yourself as no matter how much one says, they cannot fully capture the excitement and the feeling of treading in turbulent waters while working your arms (the muscle ache!) and braving through it all. There’s a reason it’s one of the most loved water sport and you can experience it at destinations like Rishikesh, Manali, Coorg and Zanskar.

Heli-Skiing

You need some serious skill and experience for this one but its well worth it! Heli-Skiing or Helicopter Skiing is a winter sport and allows one to experience the beauty of the snow-clad Himalayas. Best places to delve into this adventure sport are Gulmarg (Kashmir) and Manali.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Two really sought after water sports that allow you to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world, full of enchanting flora and fauna, at different depths. Since India has many islands and shores, you will find a lot of opportunities to have this experience, especially in Goa, Lakshadweep and Andaman Islands.

Hot Air Ballooning

If you like adventure sports but not too much adrenaline in your veins, this one is perfect for you (and me!). Flying in a Hot Air Balloon and getting a bird’s eye view of the beautiful landscape is something no one would want to miss. The most popular places in India to experience Hot Air Ballooning at present are in Rajasthan- Jaipur, Pushkar and Ranthambore National Park. Karnataka also offers some stunning heritage sites quite enjoyable from a Hot Air Balloon.

Trekking

The myriad mountains in India which are both beautiful and hard to tread make it perfect for adventure sports like trekking. Making your way through the rough mountainous terrain while being surrounded by nature is an experience worth putting the effort for and the best places for it are Gangotri Gomukh trek, Shepherd’s Trail in Himachal Pradesh, Zanskar in Jammu and Kashmir and Dodital, Uttarakhand.