For those who have the habitual 9-5 jobs and are sick and tired of the monotony it imparts day in and day out, letting your hair loose and taking that extreme adrenaline jump or ride becomes imperative for one to sustain normalcy and the feeling of being young. Riding on the roads of India could certainly fall under this category but let’s put sarcasm aside as we are here to open your eyes to the expansion of extreme sports in India. I’m pretty sure most of you’ll have visited these places, yet have had no clue that these sports destinations existed in them. We have told you many a time that India is a nation of diversity and it isn’t surprising that it also contains all the extreme adventure sports you would have ever wish for. What makes these extreme sports in India even better is the location of it. Most of them take place at destinations that are breathtaking and mind-numbing and the combination of the two is what adds to this exhilarating, enthralling experience. FYI, these are 25 extreme adventure sport destinations in India.
1. Auli, Uttarakhand- Skiing
Over the years, Auli has become a popular destination for Ski lovers. The Ski destination on the Himalayan Mountains has even a Ski Village where people can be instructed and trained if it is going to be your first attempt. The best time to visit Auli for skiing is From January end to March. The unpredictability of the weather is the only drawback.
2. Brahmaputra River, Arunachal Pradesh- River Rafting
The raft from Rotung to Pasighat, the last whitewater section of the Brahmaputra River will get your adrenaline pumping. Here the guides will give you the necessary equipment required and instruct you on the dos and don’ts while rafting. The river is voluminous after the monsoons and is the best time if you want to feel the rush of this stretch of the river.
3. The Garhwal & Kumon Region, Uttarakhand- Mountaineering
You can either do it yourself but if it is your first time at mountaineering, it is advisable to make this trek with experts or guides. This picturesque trek following rocky slopes, green meadows and snow laden paths will leave you rejuvenated by the end. The path will lead you to the peaks of Trisul, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Chaukhamba, etc.
4. Arunachal Pradesh- Trekking
Explore the beauty of the north-east with few of the most popular treks across the country such as the Bomdila Dirang Trek, Twang Mago Trek, Se La Nuranang Trek, etc. The paths, lined with diverse species of animals and plants, rivers and breathtaking ranges will make you feel young again. This untouched or unadulterated land will give you the true sense of nature.
5. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands- Scuba Diving
Explore the beauty of these virgin beaches by scuba diving into the heart of this pristine island’s marine culture. The coral reefs and marine life will captivate you and leave you with an experience you will never forget. The dive off the Havelock beach is apparently the hotspot for scuba-diving-enthusiasts. This one on one experience with nature will stay with you for the rest of your life.
6. Rishikesh- Bungee Jumping
This is the prime spot for Bungee Jumping in India as it is the only fixed bungee jumping spot in India. The jump is the highest at 83-meters off the ground from a cantilever platform that is fixed on a rocky precipice. The serenity of this spot only adds to the rush of the moment and safety at this location has been justified for years. A jump would cost around 2500 rupees which is a little steep but reasonable considering the immaculate location of it.
7. Goa- Jet Skiing
Most of the beaches of Goa have this facility but only some of them allow you to handle the Jet-Ski yourself. Beaches such as Kolva, Candolim, Baga, Calangute and so on have this facility and this makes one’s holiday experience on the beach even more exhilarating. A single trip on the Jet-Ski will cost you around 500-Rupees which is totally worth the money if you can do it yourself rather than just hang on for your life behind an expert.
8. Kamshet, Maharashtra- Paragliding
This is probably the safest and most scenic spot to go paragliding in India. The facility or training center is run by professionals and has a fine no-injury record. The duration of the glide goes for about two hours and passes beautiful and scenic hills and country side. Here, professionals will train you or if one is too scared to try it themselves and expert will strap you to him (Tandem Jump) and take you for a glide you will never forget. A single trip will cost you approximately 3000 Rupees.
9. Central Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh- Rock Climbing
If you’re into extreme sports then for certain rock climbing will be on your list. This grueling yet exhilarating experience will give you extreme satisfaction when you reach the summit of the rock. The sand stone formed rocks in Madhya Pradesh form the perfect setting for rock climbers and though there are various other destinations in the country, this is one of the more popular ones.
10. Kerala- Flying fox
Zip through the lush green valleys of Kerala on these cables and enjoy the scenic beauty of ‘Gods Own Country’ like never before. Here the participant is hung from a zip line that is connected to a free moving pulley. The inclined pulley generates speed with the tilt and participants get their chance to fly over the valley. The experience is thrilling.
11. Goa- Underwater Sea Walk
Here participants are suited with oxygen helmets and walk on the bed of the sea. Whether you are a swimmer or not, you will enjoy this and the Baina beach in Goa is famous for providing this facility. Usually done in groups of 5, this experience of underwater walking will get you one with life in the waters. The experience is spectacular and usually lasts for 30-minutes.
12. Hanuman Tibba, Himachal Pradesh- Heli skiing
The drop at Hannuman Tibba is perfect for Heli skiing. Here, those taking part go to a top of the hill or mountain and start skiing to the base. The inclination of the mountain is steep, making the person gain acceleration towards the base. This snow-covered land serves as the perfect location for this adventure sport.
13. Dandeli- White Water Rafting
Feel the gush of the Kali river while river rafting. Post monsoons is apparently the peak season to try this destination as the river has good enough volume to get your adrenaline pumping. This raft has Grade II and Grade III rapids and is one of the best locations to river raft in South India.
14. Periyar National Park, Kerala- Bamboo Rafting
Amongst the diverse flora and fauna of the park and the tranquility that engulfs this stretch of land are the Bamboo rafts. Made completely of bamboo sticks bound together, this ride will help you soak in the beauty of this national park. If you prefer a calm ride to the rough nature of rafting then this will completely suit you.
15. Bangalore- Microlight Flying
The Jakkur Airfield in Bangalore provides adventure lovers the best possible opportunity of getting the best view of the garden city. This microlight flying experience will give you the most unparalleled aerial view along with the rush and feeling of a pilot. Glide an experience into your memory in the city of Bangalore.
16. Munnar, Kerala – Cycling
Traverse through the tea scented hills of Munnar with a cycle. With over 17 hair-pin-bends these winding roads complimented by a picturesque view will invigorate you to the fullest.
17. Meghalaya- Cave Exploration
Get a feel of the underworld in one of the most intricate cave systems across the globes. The caves in Meghalaya have intrigued explorers for years with their complex structure. Soak your legs in knee height water, breathe the dense-cold air within and crawl your way through a few parts that are covered by stalagmite formations and ancient murals.
18. Subansari River, Arunachal Pradesh- Kayaking
A tributary of the Brahmaputra River, Kayaking is at its absolute best at this point. With Grade 3+ rapids, one can feel the adrenaline rush as this ride gets on its way. It is imperative than ones follows the instructions of the guides to point and wears all the necessary equipment as it is dangerous when the river is at its peak. The river and the serenity surrounding it is an electrifying experience.
19. Mumbai- Sail A Yacht
Enjoy the bliss of the Arabian Sea while sailing a yacht off the coast of Mumbai. This requires great strength to sail it as you could topple if you cannot manage balancing the wind speed and direction of the Yacht. For those who are into adventure sports, this is one that you have to try.
20. Mysore- Skydiving
Enjoy the pleasure of flying like a bird as you cut through the air after jumping off a plane. This is one of the most exhilarating adventure experiences and the city of Mysore provides one of the best facilities as well as training for this sport. From a free fall to an accelerated fall to a static jump or a tandem jump, this facility will ensure you get the best you have vouched for. The prices for this dream jump could cost you up to 35,000 rupees.
21. Lakshadweep Islands- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Explore this immaculate destination and the eccentric beauty of the coral reefs with a single snorkeling or scuba dive expedition. The serenity under water will captivate you to the fullest making sure that it completes a perfect holiday. The marine culture only adds to the beauty of this virgin island.
22. Roopkund, Uttarakhand- Trekking
Scale the Himalayan range of Roopkund and if the beauty itself doesn’t captivate you, what will make this spot even more enchanting is the lining of skeletons along the trek path. This literally makes people feel like they are walking amongst the dead. The closer one gets to the Roopkund Lake the more skeletons you can find. The ranges, green meadows and snowcapped mountains will cast a spell on you and give you an experience like no other.
23. Rajasthan- Hot Air Ballooning
Fly over the desert palaces at night and soak in the royalty of the place. A view from the top over this royal land after dusk is a sight to behold. A trip could cost you around 8000 Rupees a person. Though expensive, this is worth a once in a lifetime experience.
24. Rishikesh- Cliff Jumping
Trail to the rocky terrains of Shivpuri, Rishikesh, and plunge yourself off the rocks into the lake. This has become a popular cliff jumping destination across the globe and is frequented by plenty of foreigners the year through. Stretch your arms wide and just take that leap into the waters; it will sure be a rush you have never experienced.
25. Elephant Falls, Shillong -Waterfall Rappelling
Descending a cascading waterfall is probably the scariest thing you can think off but the excitement involved in it is completely worth it. Here, at the Elephant waterfalls, your heart will leap, muscles tighten with the tension and you would be scared to death, but the experience of going through it will make you feel like a victor in the end. This definitely is one of adventure sports that you have to put on your to do list.