To truly arouse and fuel your senses in unprecedented ways, look no further than your homeland. India boasts of some tremendous adventure activities ranging from ones that pump your adrenaline to some that would not only excite you physically but also mentally.
Next time you’re gearing up to plan a trip with your gang of friends, or even adventure junkie parents/kids; keep in mind these 7 popular adventure activities in India.
1. Trekking and Mountaineering
Trudge ahead to glorious heights and delight in the sight of towering mountains! India’s snow-caped mountains and rugged terrains provide some breathtaking sites to trek through, all the while requiring a lot of stamina and preparation. All in all, this experience is sure to give some fresh clean air to your lungs and a thorough adventurous experience to your soul.
Some places famous for their treks are: Shepherd’s Trail, Himachal Pradesh- the exquisite beauty of the place will make all the physical effort worth it; Zanskar, Jammu & Kashmir– a remote place, its famous for its treks along the frozen Zanskar River; Dodital, Uttarakhand- snowy mountains perfect for trekkers from all over the world.
2. River Rafting
Up, above in the mountains seems synonymous with two things for thrill seekers: Treks and Rafting! River rafting is one of the most popular adventure sports in India. Streaming through the gushing and roaring waters is sure to make anyone’s heart skip a beat with excitement and pleasure. Enjoy the clear waters splash all around you in the midst of picturesque mountain scenery.
You do not have to be swimmer to take part in this hardcore adventure sport, as safety measures are taken strictly for everyone. There are close to hundred operators that offer river rafting facilities in India. The most well-known of these are in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand; other places for river rafting would be Manali, Coorg and Brahmaputra. Also, operating in Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
3. Heli Skiing
Short for helicopter skiing, it is an extremely sought after adventure sport in India. You would be airlifted by a helicopter to unprecedented heights to acquaint you to the snow-caped mountains of Himalayas.
Definitely it is best suited for those who have some experience in skiing as it is not for the faint hearted. The well-known Heli skiing slopes are Rohtang Pass, Hanuman Tibba, Chanderkhani Pass and Deo Tibba near Manali.
4. Caving
Reducing the adrenaline level just a notch, some adventurers prefer stimulation for the mind as well as the body. The caves in Meghalaya offer the perfect spot for such adventurers. They are gifted with natural awe-inspiring nooks and crevices, providing a surreal opportunity for exploration.
Nature truly offers the most unique experiences, and visiting these caves is a way for you to be in the core of all that nature has to offer to your adventurous soul.
5. Sky Diving
Sky diving is one adventure sport which is sure to take you on top of cloud 9- quite literally! If the thought of speeding down towards the earth at about 100m/s with vast expanses of blank skies and earth merging into one for your senses sounds appealing to you, then sky diving is the way to go!
Requiring expert training and a strong will power, this is one adventure sport that will fulfill your childhood wish to fly. All the effort and excitement of falling from high above combined with the satisfaction and exuberance of touching ground again is sure to make any adventurer try sky diving once in their lifetime.
Popular spots in India for sky diving are: Mysore in Karnataka, Dhana in Madhya Pradesh, and Deesa in Gujarat.
6. Scuba Diving
If sky diving takes you all the way up in the sky, scuba diving is your journey in the opposite direction- deep down in the oceans. Scuba diving is your chance to explore the untapped diversity of the underwater world. Rich in flora and fauna, this adventure activity is sure to give you a lifetime of memorable experiences.
Requiring some basic training in order to handle the scuba diving equipment, you are all set to immerse yourself in the place where all of life originated. Let your mind, body and heart sing in this exquisite journey.
Indian water bodies that offer this experience are Andaman & Nicobar Island, Lakshadweep Islands, Islands of Netrani and Goa.
7. Bungee Jumping
Hang tight from a strong and sturdy cord and get ready to experience the joy of weightlessness! Bungee jumping is a well-known adventure sport that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping and your mind twitching for more.
The jumper leaps off at the jumping point with a cord tied to his ankle, racing towards the ground with the feeling of free-falling. This activity is a must try for anyone looking to cheat gravity in their lifetime!
Rishikesh offers the highest, 83-metre-high jumping podium, while other places to try this exhilarating sport are: Bangalore in Karnataka, Lonavala in Maharashtra and Delhi.
With so many adventure sports geared to leave you spellbound, give these activities a chance to knock you off your feet at your next travel escapade!