Adventure

Top Destinations for Adventure in India

Top Destinations for Adventure in India
Last Updated: December 3, 2019

Endowed with many beautiful destinations and opportunities for marvellous things to do and enjoy, India is a tourist friendly country in every aspect. Whether it is pilgrimage, heritage, wildlife or adventure, there is no shortage of opportunities and options. Because of its varied topographical features, adventure tourism is one of the major highlights and striking characteristic of India. From the Himalayan mountains to spotting the “Royal Bengal Tiger” in its famed national parks and from its vast seashore that support numerous water sports to ancient caves, opt whichever activity you want to experience.

There is no limitation of best places for adventure activities in this South Asian beauty. Thanks to its varied landscape, climatic variation and rich biodiversity that altogether make it a dream destination for every thrill seeker. So, it is not difficult to decide where to plan adventure holidays in India; the only thing that is required is your DARING ATTITUDE!!

Bir-Billing

Bir-Billing

The rolling hills and meadows encircling the villages of Bir and Billing perfectly paint a diorama of pastoral idyll. But what captures your attention is the countless paragliders soaring on the thermals. This region of Himachal Pradesh is considered as one of the finest paragliding destinations in the world.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan- Hot-Air-Balloon-Rides

It is right to say that hot air balloon rides are new to Indian adventure tourism but still it is steadily becoming a craze among tourists, especially honeymooners and family vacationers. Get a bird’s eye view of sand dunes, small villages, and massive forts and palaces of Rajasthan with hot air balloon flights. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Jaipur and Ranthambore National Park are the major points to enjoy these rides.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh--Bungee-Jumping

A very common name but very special! Yes, Rishikesh holds the distinction of being one of the top adventure destinations in India in every aspect. With rafting, cliff jumping, rock climbing, rappelling, camping and many more activities at its disposal, it is the only destination in India where hard-core fans of adventure can have the adrenaline rush of BUNGEE JUMPING.

Bandhavgarh National Park

bandhavgarh

Whether you prefer an elephant ride or want to spot a big wild cat, wildlife safari in India is something that excites everyone, irrespective of age. But deciding where to go is always a big question? So, head to Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh where Bandhavgarh National Park eagerly waits to welcome wildlife enthusiasts from all across the world.

Ladakh

ladakh-trek

From strenuous Stok Kangri Trek to easy Sham Valley Trek, it is hard to beat the allure of Ladakh in terms of trekking adventure. Though there are many other trails in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, yet what distinguishes Ladakh from others are its topographical variations, highly-influencing monasteries circuit and life-surviving experiences.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Gifted with dense deciduous and tropical evergreen forests, small yet beautiful Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a heaven for bird watchers. Tucked in Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district of Kerala, it is a wonderful place to watch rare endemic avian species including Crimson Backed Sunbird, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Bay Owl and Malayan Night Heron.

Dandeli

Dandeli-Rappelling

Located about 125 km from Goa, Dandeli captivates adventure seekers with its distinct aura. Ancient temples, hills and the famous River Kali endow this place with striking scenic views. Along with rappelling, tourists can also try kayaking, fishing, jeep safaris and bird watching at Dandeli in Karnataka.

Sikkim

Sikkim-Mountaineering

When it comes to hard-core adventure like mountaineering, it is difficult to overlook the “LAND OF LEPCHAS”. With its mountainous landscape, Sikkim rules the mind of peak conquerors from all over the world. There are Mount Pandim, Mount Thingchinkhang, Mount Jopunu and of course the mighty Kangchenjunga to set your pulse racing.

Manali

mountain-biking

Mountain Biking is one of the most interesting and exciting adventure activities in India and there is no one to dethrone Manali from its top position of being the best destination to start biking expeditions in the country. There are several exotic routes from Manali to enjoy the untouched beauty of Himalaya.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya

If you really want to experience some off-beat adventurous activities then nothing can beat the thrill of cave exploration. And in India, no one can take away the honour of being the “land of beautiful caves” from Meghalaya.

Karnataka

In the varied landscape of India, sheer rock faces can be found in many areas but the ruggedness that captivates the daring attitude of rock climbers can be found only in Karnataka. This South Indian state is gifted with several marvellous rock climbing sites like Madhugiri, Savandurga, Ramanagaram, Hampi, Badami, Thuralli, Kabbal and many more.

Har ki Doon Valley

Har-ki-Doon-Valley-Hiking

Conquer your inner fear and reveal the secret that makes Har ki Doon Valley the best hiking destination in India. This cradle-shaped hanging valley gives you golden opportunities to explore and experience the hidden treasure of Garhwal Himalaya. Adorned with wild Himalayan flowers, the valley is also quite popular among trekkers.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg-Heli-Skiing

If you really want to inscribe your name in the list of daring souls then Heli-skiing is one such activity that you should try. Fast-blowing wind punching you hard while you step out of a helicopter to jump on the white carpet of snow for skiing, is really daring!!! And so is the location. Yes, Gulmarg is the ultimate place to enjoy heli-skiing adventure in India.

Auli

auli-skiing

There are several top destinations in India for skiing but what makes Auli the best are its glittering slopes, clean environment, untouched beauty and high elevation. Auli is placed about 250 km from Rishikesh and is situated high in the hilly areas of Garhwal. The plus point for vacationers is that Auli is also a good point to start few known trekking expeditions in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand like Kuari Pass, Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla peak climbing and many more.

Arunachal Pradesh

Rafting-in-Brahmaputra-River

If the ferocious nature of Indian rivers excites you the most and you love to paddle through their untamed flow then rafting is definitely meant for you. But why go to Rishikesh every time for this adventurous water sport? Head to Arunachal Pradesh where the fierce Brahmaputra enters after cutting through the great Himalayan Mountains and gives you a challenging 180 km long rafting run to conquer.

Goa

Goa-Jet-skiing-and-Para-sailing

Goa, one of the top tourist destinations in India, is not just a beauty of sea, sun and sand. But there are much more beyond its tagged beaches and party culture. It is a paradise for water sports lovers too and is the best place in India to experience the thrill and fun of jet-skiing, water skiing and parasailing.

Andaman Islands

Andaman-Snorkelling

Pristine white beaches, turquoise water and amazing underwater life make Andaman one of the best destinations for snorkelling in the world. Beautiful and colourful reefs along with leftovers of ship wrecks are a wealth chest for divers in Andaman Islands. The enthralling Havelock Island is the foremost attraction among 572 islands of Andaman.

Lakshadweep

Lakshdweep-Scuba-Diving

Relatively small in comparison to Andaman Islands but equally fascinating, Lakshadweep group of islands is one among the top choices for scuba divers. Crystal clear water, exotic marine life, natural reefs, blue lagoons and white coral sands together make scuba diving in Lakshadweep a captivating experience.

Kerala

Kerala-Wind-Surfing

Feel the adrenaline rush in your veins with the eternal beauty of Kerala’s seaside locations while indulging in windsurfing sport. The cool breezy environment and placid sea make this adventurous water activity quite popular among both domestic and international surfers visiting Kerala.

Published: 17 Jun, 2014
Rashmi Rai

About

An adventure aficionado from New Delhi, Rashmi is a travel writer who loves to share her expeditions’ memoirs with other travel junkies. She has a special place for India and its rich legacy. With a fascination especially towards adventure activities and delicious aromatic food, she desires to explore every nook and corner of India. Rafting, trekking and paragliding is her favourite activities while Ladakh and Rome are her dream destinations.

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