Nowadays traveling is not limited to sight-seeing only. What can be a better option to go close to nature other than adventure sports? Whether it is sailing along with the flow of the river or venturing into the deep sea, your dreams are going to get fulfilled if you visit these renowned tourist spots in India for water adventure sports.
Rishikesh
River Rafting
Rishikesh is very popular for river rafting. It is a thrilling experience to sit in a raft and row on the fast-flowing river on chunks of uneven rocks. The four main routes for rafting in Hrishikesh, and have funny names like Sweet Sixteen, Crossfire, The Blind Mice, The Wall, Rollercoaster, etc. The proportion of challenge increases with each level. Whichever route is chosen, the scope of getting a feel of the river is enthralling.
Kayaking
Kayaking is also a popular sport in Hrishikesh. There is no alternative to exploring the river than in a colorful kayak boat. Only one or two persons can sit in a kayak boat. While kayaking one should have a strong nerve and the knowledge of correct balancing.
Cliff Jumping
A mountainous valley on one side and a rapid on the other. Cliff jumping is altogether a different experience. An individual can jump from a height of 40-70m from a mountain into the rapid-flowing river Ganga. Surrounded by unnatural beauty all around, it is a mesmerizing experience to reconnect with yourself.
Sports such as body surfing, water rappelling, waterfall trekking are also very popular here. Rishikesh is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for water adventure sports.
Goa
Apart from sunbathing along the banks of the Arabian Sea and a vibrant lifestyle, Goa can be the perfect destination for experiencing some water adventure sports. There are arrangements for various water sports along the seashore.
Parasailing
Parasailing is very famous in Goa. A 350 ft long rope is tied to a speed boat which has a parasail harness on the other end. As the speed boat starts sailing, you will slowly drift towards the sky. You can literally have a bird’s eye view of mesmerizing Goa with the blue sky above your head and vast sea beneath your feet. The months of October-March are ideal for parasailing since the sky remains clear during this time.
Windsurfing
Those who are relatively new participants in water adventure sports, windsurfing is a good option for them. It offers you the joy of both surfing and sailing. A surfboard and a strong wind are required. The surfboards are available on the beaches of Goa act as sailboats. The surfboard will let you sail along the waves towards the wind. It is as if you are rushing along the sea on your own. January-March is ideal for windsurfing since it depends on the speed of the wind.
Water Scooter
For those who love to travel in speed, a water scooter is a great option. They look somewhat similar to a bike and a speedboat. Drifting along the water in an ultimate speed is a very exciting experience. Professional instructors are a must for amateurs. Two people can ride a water scooter together.
Apart from these, Goa has options for scuba diving, kayaking, flyboarding, etc.
Puducherry
Calm and peaceful beaches and a tranquil environment make Puducherry famous among holidaymakers. Along with this, Puducherry has various arrangements for water adventure sports lovers too. You can get a taste of surfing along with the rhythm of the waves on the Serenity Beach.
Bodyboarding
This is for those who are a little braver. Bodyboarding in literal terms means floating along with the rhythm of the waves. The real challenge of this sports lies in balancing the body on a small board of 35-40 inches along with the flow of the sea. Fins are attached to the legs to aid swift movements. While lying on the board, you can completely feel every rise and fall of the waves. There is perhaps no other way to engage in playful activity with the sea. Bodyboarding requires a lot of courage and correct training, without which it is impossible. There is a good scope for bodyboarding on Paradise Beach.
Scuba Diving
Another attraction of Puducherry is scuba diving. If you do not have prior training in scuba diving, you can easily accomplish that here. You can get to view beautiful corals, colorful pebbles, and a charming environment of sea plants roughly 30m under the sea. Apart from this, there are lionfish, eel, sea snake, angelfish, bannerfish, triggerfish, kingfish, parrotfish, and such other colorful sea fish. If luck permits, you may get to see a tortoise even. November-March is best for exploring marine life in Puducherry.
Andaman
White sand, blue sky, and crystal clear sea- nobody can ignore such beautiful natural scenes. There are opportunities for different water adventure sports here as well.
Snorkelling
For breathing underwater, tube snorkel and swim fin are required. Though you may tremble at first, you will visualize the natural aquarium in front of your eyes as soon as you dive into the water. Andaman and Nicobar are famous for their colorful corals. Pebbles of different sizes, rows of small plants, and corals- it is an unbelievable sight under the blue sea. Red, blue and golden fishes swim along the sea. You will be able to touch them as you extend your hand. North Bay island, Red Skin Island, and Elephant Beach are popular for snorkeling.
Scuba Diving
It is similar to snorkeling but you can reach relatively greater depths in case of scuba diving. Scuba has a very significant meaning- self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Along with this, swimsuit, goggles, snorkel, oxygen cylinder, and fin are required. You have to learn sign language for snorkeling since it is impossible to converse underwater. You will definitely be astounded by the mesmerizing beauty underwater.
Those who are scared of stepping underwater but are keen on viewing the beautiful sight deep under the sea can go for underwater tours of the sea on glass-bottomed boats. Through the glass structure one can see a surprising world of corals and colorful fishes in the clear sea.
Kerala
Surrounded by the range of the Western Ghats and water bodies, Kerala is a picturesque state. Nearly 44 rivers, innumerable lakes, and lagoons filled Kerala has scope for a lot of water adventure sports.
Kayaking
The main attraction of Kerala is kayaking in the backwaters. It provides a different kind of tranquility to the mind.
Surfing
If you want to have a thrilling experience, go surfing in Kerala. Surfing along with the cool winds and wild waves provides a different kind of pleasure. Amateurs can go for a basic surfing course in Kerala itself. Kovalam beach, Varkala Beach and Tiruchindur are extremely famous spots for surfing in Kerala.
Catamaran Sailing
This is the best option for daredevils. Shaped like a yacht, Catamaran is mainly a traditional fishing boat. Deep-sea fishermen are very much acquainted with catamarans. Catamaran sailing has become very popular with tourists who love adventures.
Bamboo Rafting
Another main attraction of Kerala is bamboo rafting. Though it is not as fast-paced as a traditional raft, bamboo rafting is a totally different experience. As the name suggests, the raft is made of bamboo. Bamboo rafting is ideal for the forest lovers as well as people craving for the thrill. One can get to see the beautiful sight while sailing on the raft through the dense forest of Periyar. You will come across sambar, deer, elephant, and a lot of birds in the 3-hour long bamboo rafting.
Kerala also has scope for parasailing, rafting, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
