10 Best Places in India to Embark on a Kayaking Adventure

Are you an adventure lover and looking forward to enjoying an adventurous time on your vacation? It is time for you to kayak at some of the most iconic places in India.

10 Best Places in India to Embark on a Kayaking Adventure
Image Credit: Viator

A lot of people have a fear of water and depths, and some people just don’t know how to swim. However, the rest of the people can get through a life-altering experience through Kayaking, which is one of the fascinating adventure activities that takes place in water. Be it a river, a lake, or a shallow part of the sea, you can kayak anywhere. Fortunately, you can find a handful of beautiful places in India where you can kayak with the guidance of the experts and tools offered by them. Being the one with the water and becoming a strong force on water is an ethereal feeling that you might not have felt on land. Perhaps it is time for you to explore these fascinating places in India where you can get the best kayaking experience.

  • Zanskar River, Leh

Leh-Ladakh is perhaps the most common destination that is visited by every India at least once in their lives. While this place is already famous for its ethereal natural beauty with mountain desert, long horizons, and beautiful lakes, it also offers a fair opportunity to embark on a Kayak adventure. You can easily participate in canoeing activities here, and a professional will make sure to handle it. The kayak trip starts from Spituk and utilizes the force of the Indus River, and it ends near Nimu. You can easily find 1 to 5 graded rapid here, and the difficulty level is medium. If you are looking for some thrills in the mountains, make sure to kayak in the Zanskar River for a memorable experience.

  • Nagin Lake, Srinagar

A lot of people visit Jammu & Kashmir for the Dal Lake and shikara ride, but the ultimate beauty of boating can be experienced only through Nagin Lake. It is an offbeat tourist destination, and most people do not explore here; that is why it is the best option for an adventure vacation. It is the best and most beautiful spot for kayaking in Kashmir. The lake is situated on the east side of the city, and it offers a magnificent view of the mountains. It is calmer and a more relaxing place where you can kayak on the crystal clear water. Obviously, winter should be avoided for the frozen lake, and summer is the best time for kayaking.

  • The Ganges, Rishikesh

The shape and beauty of the Ganges is completely different in the mountains than in the plains, and in Rishikesh, the national river is ferocious, turquoise, and energetic. Rishikesh is one of the best places in India for river rafting and kayaking, with its enormous natural beauty. The expedition starts at Brahmapuri and ends at Rishikesh’s ghat, offering a 12 km long expedition. This journey can pump your adrenaline to a whole new level and will offer you a memorable experience that you will carry for the rest of your life. You can either go in the summer or after September for better conditions.

  • Mandovi, Goa

Goa is no doubt a place for the youth and adventurous people who like to go the extra mile. From jet skiing, surfing, kayaking, and cycling, there are plenty of adventurous activities to do in Goa. Paddling across Mandovi or Nerul can offer you the most beautiful experience while you witness the soothing beauty of the sunset beaches. It is thrilling and rejuvenating for the tourists and travelers. This kayak tour can also bring you close to nature.

  • Backwaters, Kerala

A lot of people are fascinated by spending time in a houseboat on the Backwaters of Kerala, but if you are looking for something smaller and more budget-friendly, then a kayak adventure is recommended for you. Kayaking here is one of the must-have experiences for all kinds of travelers, whether from India or any other foreign country. You can go through the river while passing by the small villages, coconut trees, and tropical woods, which makes the experience even greater. It is almost like you are kayaking through a dense jungle. People here are very friendly and will help you with everything if you are nice to them.

  • Teesta River, Sikkim

Teesta in Sikkim is best known for its aggressive nature and rapids that quickly slow down in the plains. However, this aggressive nature is also good for the adventure seekers, as they can kayak through it. The river has its calm portions as well, and the expedition can offer you magnificent views of the mountains. It is more recommended for experienced kayak riders as the rapids in the river are not so friendly. The best time to visit this place would be March to May and October to mid-December, and it is better if you get the tickets earlier. The expedition takes place in East Sikkim.

  • Brahmaputra River, Arunachal Pradesh

The Brahmaputra River can offer you the best paddling experience in Arunachal Pradesh. The color of the river is almost blue here, and you can kayak on the mineral-rich water. The river has some of the most challenging rapids in India, and this expedition is highly recommended for experienced and skillful kayak riders. On the way, you can also witness the spectacular natural beauty of the surroundings. The best time to visit here would be from October to April.

  • Kali River, Karnataka

Kali River in Karnataka passes through jungles and green mountains, which make it the perfect water medium for kayaking. It is the wildest river experience that you can get, as you can pass through lush jungles. This is the perfect place for beginners to start, and also relaxing for the pros who have already done it quite a few times. Additional camping experience and witnessing wildlife are also part of the journey.

  • Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

The Paradise Beach in Pondicherry received its name due to its ethereal beauty, which includes white sand and paradisiacal views. The blue water here can provide the best kayaking experience, where the professionals can guide you at each step. The beach stays open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and allows travelers to enjoy a kayak experience while enjoying the scenic beach beauty.

  • Havelock Island, Andaman

Last but not least, there is Havelock Island to offer you the ultimate experience of kayaking in Andaman. The ocean here is accessible to everyone, and you can enjoy proper kayaking here. While progressing through the expedition, you can also stop by the local villages to enjoy some local cuisine. This dream-like experience also allows you to witness the diverse marine animals supporting you. The difficulty level is not high, but knowing how to swim is a must.