5 of the Best Adventure Activities in India

A country with majestic mountains, a long coastline, and over 100 national parks, India is a haven for adventure activities. The Indian subcontinent amazes every visitor with its wide array of natural wonders and the experiences it offers. The country is fast becoming a hotspot for adventure sports, attracting people from across the globe come to indulge in activities such as surfing, scuba diving, paragliding, skiing, wildlife safaris, and much more. India, with its varied topography, offers a wide variety of amazing adventure activities, and since it is blessed with both mountains and oceans, the country is a year-round adventure destination.

Skiing in Gulmarg

Gulmarg, located in the northern state of Jammu & Kashmir, is one of the best adventure destinations in India. Perched at a height of 2,730 metres and covered by white snow in the winter months of October to March, Gulmarg is renowned as one of the most amazing skiing sites in Asia. Known worldwide for its excellent snow quality, Gulmarg attracts skiing enthusiasts from across the world. The long slopes, covered in thick white snow and surrounded by tall pine trees, along with the Himalayan mountain range as the backdrop, Gulmarg welcomes its guests with spectacular vistas and pleasant weather.  With English-speaking experts available to assist, Gulmarg ensures a dream skiing experience amidst glorious natural beauty. It is no wonder that Gulmarg remains a favourite and repeat destination for many.

Camping in Thar Desert

Jaisalmer, the desert city in Rajasthan, will take you to a magical world of sand dunes and camels. The city is renowned for the magnificent Golden Fort that towers over its landscape. This living fort is a bustling hub where life goes on in full swing. However, what draws adventure enthusiasts from around the world is the action that awaits at the Sam Sand Dunes in Thar Desert, located just 40 kilometres from Jaisalmer city. While the adventure here might not be the adrenaline-inducing kind, nonetheless there is surprise and excitement waiting at every corner. A bumpy camel ride through the vast Thar desert and camping right in the middle of its endless expanse is a popular adventure activity in India. Enjoy the rustic beauty of the Sam Sand Dunes as the sun sets into the golden sands, offering the most magnificent views.

Safari at Ranthambore

India, with over 100 national parks, is dotted with innumerable places of adventure. It is a country known for its Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Lions, leopards, bison, and one-horned rhinoceros. Your tour of India can be a wild trail with visits to different national parks across the country, allowing you to experience the wide variety of flora and fauna. While the north and central regions of India will amaze you with their wild cats, the Kaziranga National Park will thrill you with its famous one-horned rhinoceros. The Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan spread over an area of 392 square kilometres is among the must-visit adventure places in India. Known for having the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers, the Ranthambore National Park is also famous for its camera-friendly tigers who gladly pose in front of tourists. A favourite park for wildlife photographers, there are enough tiger tales to keep you busy while you enjoy your jungle safari in this beautiful national park.

Hot Air Balloon in Hampi

Located not far from Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes you with glimpses of India’s grandiose past. Once the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th Century CE), the Hampi group of monuments, with over 1000 surviving remains, is a wonder to behold. The adventure heightens when you get to see this spectacular site beside the Tungabhadra River from a hot air balloon. A hot air balloon ride above the Hampi group of monuments is an extraordinary experience. The tall mandaps with exquisite stone carvings, temples, shrines and elaborate gateways are amazing to see from above. The views of verdant plains surrounding the monuments, the Tungabhadra basin, and the surrounding hills give the most amazing adrenal rush as you soar up to catch a bird’s eye view of this amazing beauty in stone.

Scuba Diving in Andamans

Surrounded by oceans on all three sides, there are a plethora of water adventure activities in India. Tourists from all over the world come to the Indian subcontinent to participate in adventure activities such as surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, with their clear waters and pristine beaches, are amazing adventure destinations in India. This beautiful archipelago, with its sparse population, is an ideal place to indulge in water sports, as the options here are aplenty. The vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life including colourful fish, water cucumbers, oysters, and a multitude of other species, make the diving experience truly worthwhile. When planning your holiday in the  Andaman Islands, it is recommended to keep a minimum of 6 to 7 days in hand, so that you can visit most of the islands and enjoy all the water sports available here.