Are you planning for an adventure tour or willing to participate in some adventure sport? Here are some effective and engaging plans for the thrill seekers in India.
Life is an adventurous journey, and it is too short to say no to things that can offer you a big dose of adrenaline rush. The thrill seekers around the world are always ready to invest themselves in adventure sports activities just to feel the rush flowing through their bodies, and it comes with it a great satisfaction as well. It is like winning your fears, which helps you become confident, and everyone should try it.
There are plenty of options for adventure lovers in India, with the country being so geographically diverse. Starting from mountains, deserts, forests, glaciers, rivers, and dunes, there is everything that thrill seekers might look for and attract tourists; there are some options for adventure sports as well. Let’s take a better look at the top 25+ adventure ideas to execute in India.
- Chadar Trek in Ladakh
The Chadar trek in Ladakh is considered to be one of the best and most thrilling treks in India, where you can trek on the frozen lake. The white beauty of ice against the dark mountains will take you to a monochrome world that is as beautiful as a painting. This trek is open during the winter season as the river stays frozen and the ice is strong enough to carry your weight. The whole trek takes place in the months of January and February, where you get to walk on the Zanskar River that stays frozen and covered by a huge blanket of snow. During winter, the canyon shape of the river remains exposed and offers a great natural beauty to observe. This trek takes place at an altitude of 11,123 ft, and it will take you around a week to complete the trek.
- White River Rafting in Rishikesh
Rishikesh has become a hub for the youth by offering ample opportunities for adventure, and for this reason, most people can be found gathering at Tapovan. The holy Ganga flows from here, and it is closer to its source from here. The speed and gushing force of the water are quite high here, and it offers the perfect opportunity for rafting. It offers the speed of Grade I-V and will help you enjoy the ultimate river-rafting experience here. Other than hitting the ferocious currents of the river, it also allows enjoying a great view of the surrounding city in the mountains. You will be accompanied by the professional rafters here, and you need to listen to your instructor to enjoy the best experience. There are many different locations for river rafting in Rishikesh.
- Jim Corbett Safari- Uttarakhand
The Jim Corbett National Park is famous around the world for being the most beautiful sanctuary for Tigers where they can roam, hunt, and survive freely. This national park is visited by wildlife enthusiasts due to its rich diversity and photography needs, as you can get some of the best frames of tigers. The Corbett Safari is one of the best adventures that you can participate in, in Uttarakhand, which is situated in Nainital. The national park covers a huge area of 13184 sq km, and there are multiple zones in the forest, namely Durga Devi Zone, Dhikala Zone, Bijrani Zone, and Sonanadi Zone. You need to book the safari at your convenience, and the best time to visit would be mid-October to mid-June, when the wildlife is more active and comes out near the jeeps that carry 6 persons in total, along with the rangers.
- Scuba Diving in Andaman
The Andaman Nicobar Islands are one of the greatest beauties of India, visited by global travelers. Millions of people visit this island state surrounded by the Ocean, which comes with pristine beaches and a ton of adventure activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. You can witness the beautiful, clean blue water and gorgeous marine life while the instructors guide you through the whole process. It is a magical feeling, and every adventure seeker should do it at least once in their lives. Starting from the Sharks, Coral Reefs, to Scorpion fish, Octopuses, and Manta rays, you can witness some magical moments with these majestic creatures. January to May is considered to be the best time for visiting this beautiful place.
- Roopkund Trek- Uttarakhand
The mysterious Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand is famous for many reasons, and one of the top reasons is the skeletal structures and skulls left in the place for many years now. It is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in the state, which is visited by millions of people every year. Located in the Chamoli District, this place is situated at an elevation of 3200m, and anyone can do it without a big hassle. This energizing trek remains on the bucket list for all kinds of adventure seekers, where people go to rejuvenate themselves. The main attraction of this place is the “Lake of Mysteries,” which is protected by the forest and the mountain ranges. The Roopkund Lake is at a height of 15500 feet above sea level, and visiting there would be a memorable experience for all.
- Manali to Leh Bike Trip
This is one of the most famous routes for bike trips due to the majestic view of the place. Leh in Ladakh is famous for being a desert mountain area that comes with rugged and rustic beauty. You can get the best view of the Himalayan mountain range from here. There is very little vegetation here. Instead, you will witness beautiful sapphire lakes, canyon mountains, and white deserts that are pristine and beautiful. Other than the beautiful sky, you can be lucky to watch some wildlife here, which includes snow leopards. Riding beside the banks of the Beas River while a gentle breeze hits you is the best experience ever. This route is also the highest motorable route where people come to ride from around the world.
- Cave Exploration in Meghalaya
Meghalaya means the house of clouds, which is also considered the paradise of North-Eastern India. This beautiful location receives the highest amount of rainfall in the whole country, and it is one of the most beautiful places that is covered by green mountains. This place is filled with numerous waterfalls and caves that attract millions of people around the world. The two most popular hill ranges in this area are the Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, where you can find many enchanting caves, and you might come across a spiritual feeling. However, if you feel claustrophobic in small places, cave adventure might not be the right thing for you. There are many other options to explore for everyone that include Krem Dam, Krem Lymput, Krem Mawkhydrop, and Krem Mawjymbuin. The best time to visit this place would be during the winter months, as the monsoon is pretty hard here.
- Skiing in Gulmarg
The experience of skiing on the powder slope of snow-clad mountains is an ethereal feeling, and everyone should feel it at least once in their life. Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir is well revered for being the heaven on earth that comes with unparalleled beauty. During the months of winter, this place gets covered by snow and turns into a beautiful white slope, which is perfect for adventure lovers to ski. The ski adventure in Gulmarg is serviced by a Gondola, and this particular hill is situated at an altitude of 4,000m with the summit of Mt. Apharwat. This adrenaline-rich activity is open to all, including adults and kids.
- Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh
Everyone in their life wants to take the leap of faith, just like Spiderman or the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed, and this feeling can only be cherished through the adventure sport of bungee jumping, where you free-fall from a height, and a harness is connected to you while you jump. You can enjoy this memorable and adventurous experience in Rishikesh, where you can jump from a height of 83 meters, which is roughly 273 feet, and after the jump, you will be hanging in the middle of the sky. This adventure activity is particularly done in Mohan Chatti village, and your weight needs to be somewhere between 49 kgs and 110 kgs to have the perfect impact of gravity and physics. You also have to perfectly fit in order to participate.
- River Rafting in Tons Valley- Uttarakhand
If you have a thing for river rafting in the furious rivers of the mountains, the river Tons can offer you that. This river is the biggest tributary to the Yamuna River. The Tons river expedition takes place at the grade of 3-4, and sometimes the grade can go higher up to 5, which makes it a medium difficulty level with a lot of fun. The rapids in this river are quite powerful, and you need to be careful when you are rafting with others. There are complete packages for rafting and camping in the Jaunsar Bawar region of Garhwal district, where it can take up to 8 to 9 days to complete the adventure.
- Hot Air Ballooning in Jaipur
You might have already seen the pictures of hot air balloons passing over the desert, and to enjoy that spectacular experience, you do not need to go to Dubai, as it can be simply done in Jaipur. Hot air balloons offer an enthralling experience, along with safety concerns, where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty with a bird’s eye view while floating above the surroundings. The hot air balloon safari in Jaipur can offer a spectacular view of the pink city, and the mesmerizing views of the desert city can help you enjoy the dynamic culture. The best time to do this experience would be from November to June, when the sky stays clear with almost no turbulence. This ride is only for an hour, but the experience will stay with you for the rest of your life.
- Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer
This is another activity that most people think you can only do in Dubai, but you can actually do it in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Dune bashing is an adventure sport that includes a 4×4 SUV that you will drive on the dunes of the desert and witness the sand getting bashed and running over your car. It can offer you a rally-like feeling that stays with you for the rest of your life. This adventure sport takes place 44 km from Jaisalmer, deep in the Thar Desert. December to March seems like the perfect time to do this, and you can also try out the local camel ride for a more organic adventure.
- Paragliding in Bir-Billing
While most people visit Himachal Pradesh to visit Manali, Kasol, or the Spiti Valley, Bir Billing remains one of the hidden gems where you can enjoy a fun time. This village is located in the Palampur district of Himachal Pradesh and is best known for offering a complete power-packed experience of paragliding for everyone. This might be the best chance for you to overcome your fear of heights by joining this epic journey. This place has also hosted a paragliding world cup in 2015, and many tourists come here all year round to enjoy its pristine beauty, along with a hefty dose of adventure. The take-off site is around 8000ft from sea level, and then you will descend to a landing site at an altitude of 4300 ft, offering a magnificent gliding experience with a bird’s-eye view. It is best to visit between November and May.
- White Water River Rafting in Kullu
Just like Uttarakhand, you can also river raft in Himachal Pradesh at Kullu. You will be rafting on the powerful rapids of the Beas River, and the water experience is quite impactful. The Kullu valley itself is quite beautiful, where people come to visit after Manali. The river comes with a speed of I-IV grade, and it is perfect for all kinds of individuals, whether a beginner or someone experienced. The rafting session starts in the morning at Pirdi and then lasts for a few kilometers. It is cheaper than the other places, and the best time to visit would be from October to December.
- Surfing in Goa
Goa is known for many reasons, especially for its nightlife, which is quite attractive to many people. However, there are many other activities to do in Goa other than just drinking beer in the shack by the beach and café-hopping. Banana surfing in Goa is one of the most fascinating experiences that is enjoyed by both Indian people and foreigners from other countries. The Goa beaches are fairly clean, and the Arabian Sea comes with a moderate mood, which is perfect for surfing needs. You can also find instructors for your banana surf experience, which ensures safety for all. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy surfing, but you definitely need to know how to swim.
- Skydiving in Mysore
The real feeling of dropping from 20,000 feet above sea level is truly immaculate, and that is what skydiving is for. Your heart will be pumping high before you take the leap and even after till you open your parachute. However, it is also that thumping adrenaline rush that makes you go crazy and do something daring like skydiving, which you can do in Mysore. Before you take the dive, you will be provided with basic instructions, classes, tools, and the learning required to make the jump. For the beginners, the altitude of 6,000 ft. to 10,000ft is accepted along with three different jump types. The Tandem jump type is noticed mainly because it is applicable for beginners. However, packages are a little pricey based on the day used to complete the course.
- Flying Fox Adventure in Neemrana- Rajasthan
Zip-line adventures are also quite thrilling and satisfy your adventure needs on a low budget and low risk. You can easily enjoy a flying fox adventure experience in Neemrana, Rajasthan. This zip-line tour is an epic adventure that offers an aerial journey through hill forts and ridge tops. You will be attached to a harness with ultra-strong steel cables, and the pulley system literally sends you! There are early sunrise trips to offer a more magical view of the place. And the best part is that you can do this in any month of the year, as the cables are not much affected by the weather.
- Rock Climbing in Satpura
Rock climbing is the ultimate adventure experience where you climb a hill or mountain based on the cracks and small grip points on the rock. This is not a sport for the faint-hearted, as you need to conquer your fear of height and get over it by actually climbing a hill. Satpura offers the perfect opportunity for rock climbing, which is situated at the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. The Satpura mountain range is quite beautiful and comes with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. You can find three different types of terrain to climb here, along with friendly and experienced instructors who can guide you at every step.
- Sandakphu Trek-West Bengal
Sandakphu is the highest peak of West Bengal, which is situated at an altitude of 11,941 ft. The Sandakphu trek is considered to be the most beautiful and engaging trek of all, which is easy to complete and comes with the benefits of food and accommodation. This trek can be completed within 6 to 7 days, and it offers an amazing view of the sleeping Buddha or the Himalayan Mountain range. From here, you can also find very scenic views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, and the great Mount Everest. It takes only around 4 hours to reach here from Darjeeling. It is recommended to visit the place during winter and summer rather than the monsoon, when the roads are in bad condition. It is a budget-friendly trek that anyone can participate in.
- Wildlife Safari in Gir National Park, Gujarat
The lion prides of the Gir National Park are notorious for being great predators, and plenty of people visit every year to witness the wild, majestic lions. This national park spans over 1412 sq. km, and lions can roam here freely without any captivity. The number of lions has increased in the last few years as the rangers protect them from butchers and poachers. The Jeep safari in this sanctuary will not only introduce you to the lions of this region but also other animals, reptiles, and birds. The national park is situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, and it can easily be reached via road, train, and flight.
- Dudhsagar Trek in Goa
Dudhsagar trek is pretty famous in the Southern India region, as this waterfall comes with stunning beauty. The white foamy water dropping from the height looks pretty captivating against the dark rocks, and that is how it received its name, which suggests ‘sea of milk’. In order to complete this trek, you would have to reach an elevation of 1017ft, and then you can enjoy the surroundings from the top. You can take the alternative route from Karmali railway station or Carambolim, where the train passes right by the waterfall, offering a beautiful view for all.
- Kayaking in the Aguada River- Goa
Let’s stick to the chapter of Goa more, as this small state can offer a huge amount of adventure sports activities. Kayaking on the Aguada river is perhaps the most claiming and fascinating experience where you can join solo or even with your partner or other buddies. The river is situated in the northern part of the state, where it joins the Aguada Fort. It is recommended to take the morning rides as it is safe and also cheaper than a moonlight experience.
- Skiing in Kufri
Just like Gulmarg, Himachal Pradesh can also offer a tantalizing skiing experience for everyone through Kufri. It is the ultimate place for ski-lovers, situated at an elevation of 9000 ft. above sea level. The two most popular skiing destinations in this place are Mahasu and Narkanda. For the rookies, there is a 350 m length of track, while the professionals get to enjoy an 800 m long path. The best time to visit here would be from December to February, when there is ample snowfall to keep it safe.
- Cycling in Munnar
Munnar is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala, which is best known for being the most beautiful hill station in South India, covered with lush green forests. The roads here are beautiful and clean, and the zig-zag serpentine route offers the perfect route for cycling. While cycling on your way, you can also witness Kundala Lake and Anamudi Chola, which are quite attractive for travelers. There are different cycling tours with dynamic time periods to make sure everyone can find a suitable ride. Besides, cycling is the best cardio activity that keeps your health good.
- Camping in Coorg
Coorg is situated in Karnataka, and it is best known for its sublime beauty and rich forests. This place is perfect for camping as it stays cool and appears to be very exotic with a wide range of flora and fauna. It is recommended to book the Coleman Camping tour, where you can enjoy river rafting along with a fascinating trek to the Brahmairi Hills. Camping in Coorg is not very costly, and anyone can cover it.
- Tiger Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park- Madhya Pradesh
The Bandhavgarh National Park in MP is quite famous for its collection of active tigers, which comes with a lush and green forested region, ideal for wildlife. You can easily join a safari here, where you can ride either a jeep or an elephant, based on your needs. The safaris mainly take place in the morning and the afternoon to make sure you get the best view. Make sure to listen to the instructors.
Some of the other special mentions are the Giant Swing in Rishikesh, the Gulmarg Gondola Ride, Scuba Diving in Malvan, Microlight Flying in Bangalore, and the list goes on. Save up and get ready for your next adventure.
