Adventure sports imply a little madness, as well as a considerable amount of thrill and danger. Skiing, mountaineering, bungee jumping have garnered a huge number of followers and are practiced all across the globe. Although not very familiar with this particular genre of sports, India is still the 2nd most populous country in the world and its various natural resources make it an interesting getaway for adventure sport enthusiasts. Here is a list of the top 10 great places in India for adventure sports:
#1. Whitewater Rafting in Rishikesh
The ancient town of Rishikesh is perfect for practicing whitewater rafting. Known as the Gate to the Himalayas, the town is better known as a famous pilgrim spot and for its various yoga and spiritual centers.
But did you know it is also considered the best place to start a captivating slide through Ganges River? The waters are particularly rafting-friendly during the months of September- December, March- June and everything in between. There are various rafting camps across the town that offer training and rafting facilities.
#2. Skiing in Auli
Located in the State of Uttrakhand, in the northern part of India, Auli is one of the major skiing destinations in the Himalayas. With its monolithic slopes which go up to a massive 3049 meters above sea level, it attracts adventure skiers from all across the globe. The best time to visit the place is between December and March.
#3. Hang Gliding in Kasauli
The town of Kasauli is located in the State of Himachal Pradesh, at a height of 1,927 meters above sea level. Although the region is not densely populated, it is one of the major tourist attractions in India and offers some of the best hang gliding spots in the country.
#4. Trekking in Ladakh
Located in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is one of the top favored destinations in India. The various mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Kunlun Mountain ranges that surround the region have given Laddakh some of the most amazing trekking hotspots.
#5. Ice Climbing in Gulmarg
Located in the Baramula district of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is a popular hill station in India. The town is located amidst the Himalayas, at an elevation of 2,690 meters above sea level. During winter, the temperature can easily drop below 0 degree Celsius and Ice climbing on the various frozen waterfalls can be practiced here.
#6. Scuba Diving in Andamans
A union territory of India, the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands are considered to be among the top beach destinations in Asia. The beaches are characterized by their white sandy shores and crystal clear blue waters. Various sites across the islands facilitate scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands are also famous for the amazing views of the coral reefs.
#7. Skydiving in Mysore
Skydiving is not a very popular sport in India due to conservative mentality of the people and the amount of risk involved. Mysore, located in the Indian state of Karnataka is famous for being a historical town with various monuments and forts and also for offering thrill seekers a chance to experience skydiving, accelerated free-falls and tandem jumps.
#8. Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh
The Holy town of Rishikesh is also well known for the various adventure sports it offers. Travelers here can take a chance on bungee jumping, flying fox and giant swings.
#9. Water Sports in Goa
The State of Goa is known worldwide for being the beach capital of India with its various exotic beaches. The sport of water skiing is available at various sites and across various beaches throughout the State along with training camps to attract new adventurers.
#10. Hot Air Ballooning in Pushkar
Pushkar is known as the holiest of all the pilgrim spots in India and is also home to the illustrious Pushkar Camel Fair that attracts a huge number of visitors from across the country and abroad. Hot Air ballooning is a sport that is offered during the fair and is perhaps the best way to view the exotic colors of the Fair.
India is not very familiar with adventure sports. Surprisingly, extreme adventure sports are generally offered in various towns that are highly regarded as pilgrim spots. This is a unique combination as it can offer the visitor both a spiritual and thrilling experience at the same time.
Author Bio: Rohit Agarwal is an avid travel blogger for Trans India Travels, a website that provides information about the various attractions the Magical country of India has to offer. He is an architect by profession and likes discovering new places and cultures across the globe.