14 Adventure Sports In India You Need To Tick Off Your Bucket List

If soaring high like a bird is on your wish list, Paragliding is the best sport for you to try. Known as the 'Paragliding capital of India,' Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, is one of the best spots for paragliding in the world (yes, not just India). You get to fly over the Dhauladhar range and lush meadows of Bir here as the view provides just as much peace as the sport gives an adrenaline rush. The 20-30 minute tandem flight offers panoramic views of the green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and winding trails. 

Best Time To Visit: March to May and October To November

Price: Starts at INR 2,500

Pro Tip: Things to do in Bir Billing 

Rock Climbing or mountaineering is for people who want to push their physical and mental boundaries. While many places offer artificial rock climbing in Delhi, such as the Indian Mountaineering Foundation or Blouder Box, places like Hampi, Karnataka, are best for those seeking a genuine thrill. With ancient granite boulders and alien-like terrain, Hampi offers raw and challenging routes for bouldering. If you want to indulge in some more mountaineering activities like hiking, you can check out this list.

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Price: Starts at INR 1,000

Pro-Tip: Did you know you can hike volcanoes? Check out this list to know which ones.

One of the most thrilling experiences that you can have in India is White Water Rafting. Ride through rapids in the holy water of the Ganges in the 'rafting capital of India' — Rishikesh. As your raft crashes through foamy waves and swirls through currents, your body jolts with adrenaline, and you experience the thrill of a lifetime. You can pick the length, route and time of your rafting session. There's also a small stretch (9km, from Brahmpuri to Rishikesh) where kids and families often go for rafting. 

Best Time To Visit: late September to mid-November & March to June

Price: Starts at INR 300

Pro Tip: Things to do in Rishikesh 

Indian coastlines offer a serene alternative to international surfing spots, even if it's not the first country that comes to mind when we think of surfing. Beaches in Kerala, like Kovalam or Varkala, are paradise for beginners as they have mellow waves and warm waters. The best part is that these places also have surf schools and courses run by locals, so you can take your time learning the sport before entering the sea. 

Best Time To Visit: October to April/May (before monsoon)

Price: Starts at INR 1,200 per session

Caving or spelunking is basically just exploring caves like Indiana Jones. Imagine doing that in India, which boasts a rich history and fascinating mythological tales associated with its caves. Step into the unknown secrets of Earth as you climb, crawl or wade through pitch-dark chambers. But beware! These chambers are ancient formations, and filled with bat colonies, and echoing drips of subterranean water. The best place to do that in India is Meghalaya, where you can find limestone caves, underground rivers or narrow passages.  

Best Time To Visit: November to February

Price: Starts at INR 2,400

Combine your love for mountains and cycling with this one. Ride specialise mountain bikes and experience the raw, untamed beauty of India's landscapes on two wheels. Cycle at high altitudes as wind howls and snow-capped peaks surround you. If you want to start small and easy, you can head to Manali. If you're a seasoned mountain biker, Leh-Khardung La is one of the most popular and challenging mountain biking routes in the world. It's approximately 70 km long and at a height of over 17,000 ft, but so worth it!

Best Time To Visit: March to June & September to November

Price: Starts at INR 3,000 (depends on duration and inclusions of the package)

Pro Tip: Things to do in  Leh-Ladakh 

Only a few things compare to the feeling of free-falling from thousands of feet above land as you and your parachute prepare to greet Earth. Sure, you could head to Dubai or Switzerland for skydiving, but you'd be surprised to know that India has some of the best and safest spots for skydiving. For instance, Aamby Valley in Maharashtra and Mysore in Karnataka are two of the top-rated spots for skydiving. Aamby Valley is all about a luxe setting and tandem jumps from 10,000 feet. While Mysore is popular for first-time jumps and solo jumps options.

Best Time To Visit: October To February

Price: Starts at INR 25,000

Water-babies, assemble! You're going to love this one. Scuba diving and snorkelling are two different sports, but they are both part of the underwater sports category. Snorkelling lets you discover the secrets of the ocean and observe marine life like never before. And if you love what you see, you can dive deeper and explore underwater at depths as you scuba dive. The best place to do all of this in India is in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially Havelock, where the water is clear, and reefs are thriving. 

Best Time To Visit: November to May

Price: Scuba diving starts at INR 3,500 & snorkelling starts at INR 350

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Yes, you can have Dubai-level dune bashing and desert safari experiences in India. The golden dunes at Thar Desert are perfect for driving a powerful 4X4 vehicle over sand dunes. Jaisalmer, one of the most popular locations for this adventure sport, is the best for this activity in particular as it offers a high-octane rollercoaster across vast, wind-sculpted sandscapes. Hold on to your seat as your driver climbs slopes like it's nothing. By the end of your adventure, you can relax at a camp and enjoy sunset. The camps also have cultural activities like Rajasthani folk music, bonfires and stargazing and camel rides.

Best Time To Visit: November to February

Price: Starts at INR 1,500

Experience the rawest form of freedom in the form of cliff jumping in Rishikesh. Get on top of a cliff and explore the chemistry between a rocky ledge, a body of deep water below and the urge to scream and jump. The best part is that you can often do it in the middle of your rafting session or when it ends. The second before you jump may feel like never-ending, but the rush after is the most addictive. 

Best Time To Visit: late September to mid-November & March to June

Price: Often included in your rafting package or between INR 300 and INR 1,000

Ice skating can be done on both natural ice and artificial ice rinks, and the best place to do that in India is in Shimla. The quaint hill station has one of the largest naturally formed rinks in Asia. It is created due to cold temperatures in the region, so it's only functional during the winter months. Imagine skating on an open-air ice rink surrounded by colonial buildings and pine trees. Super fun, if you ask us!

Best Time To Visit: December to February

Price: Starts at INR 100

Gulmarg is India's answer to the Alps and no one can deny that. It is known for its challenging slopes and has the highest gondola in the world with an extensive ski terrain. You'll find people skiing and snowboarding on Gulmarg's deep powder snow. It is a haven for anyone who wants to try their hand at skiing in India. What we love is that you can choose from different ranges of slopes for different expertise levels. For more beginner friendly options, head to Auli or Solang.

Best Time To Visit: December to February

Price: Starts at INR 1,000

Pro Tip: Things to do in Gulmarg 

If you ever dreamt of being a pilot or wanted to experience what it feels like to fly a plane, microlight flying is a must for you. Popularly done in Bangalore, it's perfect for aviation lovers as a professional pilot sits in an open cockpit to give you a better understanding of how flying works. The aircraft used in microlight flying are small, lightweight and fixed-wing, and the flights are generally of short duration (typically 10 to 20 minutes). It may rank lower on the thrill level, but offers the same level of adrenaline as any other sport on the list, especially in a two-seater plane. 

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Price: Starts at INR 3,000

One of the most loved recreational activities worldwide, yet most people don't realise it's an adventure sport (yes, I checked twice). An experience straight out of storybooks, there are many places within India where you can do hot air balloon rides, but one of the best places to do it is in Jaipur. Witness dawn breaking over palaces and pink-walled forts as your balloon gently lifts you up in the air. Alternatively, you can also do a hot air balloon in Pushkar and Lonavala. 

Best Time To Visit: September to November and December to March

Price: Starts at INR 5,000

Pro Tip: Top places for Hot Air Balloon rides