Last Updated on 28/12/2024
India is well-known for providing a variety of treats to its tourists, whether it’s a romantic holiday or a pilgrimage. It also has a treasure trove of places for adventurous tours. From north to south and from west to east, there are regions offering different adventures that you can try out.
The land of India is famous worldwide for its rich heritage and culture. International visitors come to experience and be a part of its colorful and unique traditions. However, with the changing times, the trend in tourism is also evolving. Visitors are no longer as interested in exploring ancient monuments and holy shrines as they once were; instead, they crave adventure during their travels. Here are 10 exciting places for adventure in India.
Rishikesh for Bungee Jumping
- Activity: Bungee Jumping
- Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Height: 83 meters above the ground
- Unique Feature: First “fixed platform” bungee jump in India
- Experience: Free-fall into the river after the jump
Travellers looking for adventure often place bungee jumping at the top of their to-do lists. This activity is now available in Rishikesh, where a “fixed platform” bungee jump is the first of its kind in India. The jump, at a height of 83 meters above the ground, offers a unique experience that will take your breath away. Once the jump is completed, you will be lowered into the ‘drop zone’ down into the river.
Goa for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Activity: Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Location: Goa (Panaji and Bogmalo Beach)
- Popular Sites: Barracuda Diving, Goa Diving
- Marine Life: Rich underwater ecosystems
- Best Time: October to May (dry season)
Goa is famous for scuba diving activities as it offers some of the best sites for this activity in the region. For those of you who are fans of marine life, Goa is the place to be. In order to find a good place for scuba diving and snorkeling, you will have to dedicate a complete day to Barracuda Diving in Panaji. You can also try Goa Diving, which is situated on Bogmalo Beach.
Nilgiri for Bicycle Tour
- Activity: Bicycle Touring
- Location: Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala
- Tour Distance: 900+ km
- Route: Passes through Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Challenge: Riders cover 100-160 km per day
- Scenery: Scenic views of South Indian landscapes
Visit Nilgiris for its world-famous bicycling tour, which has lured adventure-seekers from all over the world. These tours last for more than 900km and cross the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary of Karnataka, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala. This tour is known to test the mental and physical endurance of the riders. It is required of the rider to cover 100–160km on a daily basis. The best part is enjoying the scenic view of the South Indian terrain.
Kerala for ‘Snake Boat Race’
- Activity: Canoe Racing (Snake Boat Race)
- Location: Kerala, especially during Onam
- Race Type: Traditional long paddle boats
- When: During the Onam festival (August-September)
- Tourist Attraction: Large crowds and exciting competition
This ‘snake boat race’ is officially called Vallam Kali and is Kerala’s traditional boat race, which involves canoe racing. The race takes place during the harvest festival in Kerala known as Onam during autumn. It includes various types of ‘paddle longboats’ for racing, which are traditionally found in Kerala. This race attracts a large number of tourists during this season. You will feel the thrill of adventure when you see all the boats competing for the first position in the race, going full speed and inducing adrenaline in the atmosphere.
Miyar Valley for Rock Climbing
- Activity: Rock Climbing
- Location: Miyar Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Terrain: Rugged, with feisty rivers and lush green forests
- Challenge Level: High difficulty with various climbing routes
- Surroundings: Unique villages and beautiful landscapes
Himachal Pradesh lies in the young fold mountains of the Himalayas, which is why it offers a variety of adventure sports to visitors. Miyar Valley in Himachal Pradesh is highly popular for rock climbing activities, both in India and abroad. It offers extremely challenging rock climbing experiences. This valley is surrounded by feisty rivers, lush green forests, and unique villages. The entire ambience is perfect for rock climbing and adds to the valley’s beauty.
Fun at Water Kingdom
- Activity: Water Park Attractions
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Highlight: Asia’s largest water theme park
- Attractions: World-class water rides, Rain Dance, and DJ parties
- Season: Year-round
This is the largest theme water park in Asia and ranks among the most fun and exciting water worlds in India. You will find world-class water rides that will definitely leave you amazed. Added attractions include the Rain Dance and DJ for song mixes while you are touring this crazy water land. It is one of the best places for extreme adventure lovers, which you must not miss.
Ladakh for Trekking
- Activity: Trekking
- Location: Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
- Famous Trek: Chadar Trek (Walking on frozen river)
- Terrain: High-altitude mountain ranges, including Karakoram and Himalayas
- Best Time: Winter (for Chadar Trek)
Ladakh trekking is a thrilling adventure that you will definitely not want to miss. The land of Ladakh lies among the Karakoram ranges and the Greater Himalayan mountain passes, making it an ideal spot for trekking. The most famous trekking place in Ladakh is the Chadar Trek. You will gain the experience of walking on a frozen river while carrying your backpack, and view the cold water rushing just inches beneath your feet. The view of the surrounding area will give you memories that will last a lifetime.
Zanskar River for Kayaking
- Activity: Kayaking
- Location: Zanskar River, Ladakh
- Rapids: Grade 1–5
- Route: Spituk Point (Indus River) to Nimu
- Challenge Level: High, with wild, fast-moving rapids
- Scenery: Rugged, mountainous landscapes
It is known to all adventure lovers that kayaking ranks among the best activities for adventure. And the option of kayaking on the Zanskar River is more than any adventure-seeker can bargain for, as it involves wildness and boldness on the part of the participant. You will have to show the spirit of overcoming the raging waves. This adventure begins at the Indus River’s Spituk Point and ends at Nimu, taking you through grade 1–5 rapids as you venture into this mountain river.
Aamby Valley for Skydiving
- Activity: Skydiving
- Location: Aamby Valley, Maharashtra
- Jump Height: 10,000 feet
- Experience: Tandem skydiving, free-fall through the sky
- Available Year-Round: Yes, with various packages
The adventure of skydiving is among the most exciting and thrilling aero sports, visually stimulating for any adventure-lover. You will get to enjoy flying across the sky like a bird without the support of a parachute, an experience you will never forget. Aamby Valley in Maharashtra gives you the opportunity to skydive, the first of its kind in India, with packages available year-round. What can be more exciting than jumping out of an airplane from a height of 10,000ft?
Rajasthan for ‘Hot Air Balloon’
- Activity: Hot Air Ballooning
- Location: Rajasthan (Jaipur, Pushkar, etc.)
- Scenic Views: Explore forts, palaces, and desert landscapes from above
- Best Time: October to March (winter season)
- Experience: Serene, peaceful flight with a unique aerial perspective
Although the concept of ‘hot air ballooning’ is new to the adventure category in India, it is gaining much popularity by the day. It is one of the unique ways of exploring a place from a great height above the ground. You can enjoy the scenic view by floating high in the air and getting a pleasant, calm view of the land below. This adventure is available in the state of Rajasthan, with fun and excitement guaranteed for you while you travel in the air.
All these adventures are to be enjoyed while in India, and if you stay long enough in India, you can make sure that you experience each one mentioned above. For residents of India, plan a holiday at least twice a year so that you can cover at least two to three adventures, especially those that are located close to each other.