5 Best Destinations For Water Sports In India

India being surrounded by the Arabian Sea on the West, the Bay of Bengal on the East and the Indian Ocean down south; makes a naturally WOW destination when it comes to water sports. Thanks to the growing demand for adventure sports in the country; we now have ample destinations for water sports in India to attract and satisfy our adrenaline pumped tourists.

Uttarakhand, Goa, Kerala and Pondicherry have emerged as India’s best water sports destinations. These destinations offer loads of fun at an affordable price. If you too are looking for some fun water sports destinations in India, go ahead to find out some of the best places to explore:

Uttarakhand

Nestled in the Himalayan ranges, the land of Uttarakhand is nursed by the waters of the Ganges; making it an ideal spot for river rafting and many other water sports.

River Rafting

The Ganga, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and Yamuna offer the best river-rafting site. One can book a tour agency to plan a river rafting experience. The Ganges is one of the most exciting of the sites for Rafting. With its whirl and surge, the river offers a memorable experience for the sport. Garhwal and Kumaon are the next best options for river rafting. Here, tourists can enjoy rafting on the waters of the Kali Ganga that flow down from the Nepal border.

Kayaking

Kayaking is becoming increasingly popular among the youth. Along with river rafting in Rishikesh, kayaking is another adventure sport that is attracting tourists. Rishikesh is known for white water kayaking. Mori, Nainital and New Tehri are emerging as popular water sports destination in India.

Cliff Jumping

Cliff Jumping is the most exciting water activity where you need to climb a rock to reach the jumping platform and take a plunge into the water from a height of 30-40 feet above water surface. Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Mukteshwar offers the best sites for cliff jumping.

Kerala

Kerala has nearly 44 rivers, numerous lakes, and backwaters, which make one of India’s best water sports destinations. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy various activities including canoeing, surfing, kayaking, catamaran sailing, Parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing here.

Kayaking

The backwaters of Alappuzha and Kumarakom offer a memorable experience of Kayaking. Kayaking gives access to narrow waterways and even to remote villages. It is a fun way to explore the village life in Kerala.

Surfing

Kovalam beach is well known for an array of surfing activities. It is one of the safest locations that make surfing easy for beginners as well.

Rafting

River rafting starts from Cherupuzha in Kannur district on the River Tejaswini. The river originates from Coorg Forest and flows through Kannur and Kasargod districts. Wayand and Ernakulam also offer exciting rafting experiences. Ernakulam is well known for white-water rafting expeditions through the lakes surrounding Periyar.

Goa

Goa is popular for its beaches aside the Arabian Ocean. It is an ideal destination to enjoy best water sports such as parasailing, scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing, Wind surfing and Dinghy sailing.

Wind Surfing

Wind Surfing is a unique blend of sailing and surfing, which makes it a fascinating water sport. The calm beach of Dona Paula is the best location for surfing.

Dinghy Sailing

Dinghy Sailing is an alternative to windsurfing, which involves sailing on a 15 ft long craft. It can be enjoyed the best at Dona Paula beach, Colva, Candolim, Calangute, Miramar, Arossim, Utorda, Benaulim, Mobor, and Rajbaga.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving is best enjoyed in Goa. Divers can have a magnificent view of marine life including brightly colored fish, lobsters, and coral heads. Uma Guva Reef, the Jetty, and Shelter Cove are the ideal locations for scuba diving.

Water Skiing

Water Skiing is the ideal water sport to enjoy in Goa. High-speed boats that can travel at 30-40 miles an hour are available at the Taj Hotels, Bogmallo beach resort, and Cidade de Goa.

Angling

Angling requires tranquil waters. Agonda Beach, Old Goa Jetty, and Reis Magos Jetty and Rocks are suitable angling spots. Beaches like Palolem, Colva, Vagator, Chapora, Baga, and Calangute are also ideal angling spots.

Parasailing

Parasailing involves harnessing the para-sailor with a 300 ft long rope with a speedboat. Bogmallo Beach, Majorda Beach, Anjuna Beach, Candolim Beach are the best locations for parasailing.

Water Scooter

Water Scooter is like riding a speeding motorbike on splashing waves. Cidade de Goa, Majorda, Dona Paula jetty and Candolim beach are the prime spots for this water sport.

Swimming

Swimming is a common water sport and Goan Beaches are quite safe for swimming. The beaches also have lifeguards. One must always check on the status of the sea before heading to the waters.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

These islands are nestled among evergreen forests in the middle of the ocean and are a haven of calmness, serenity, rich flora and fauna and archipelago. Andaman Island is also enjoyable for backpackers and water sports lovers. Havelock Islands, Ross Island, Radhanagar Beach, Neil’s Island and Corbyn’s Beach are a few of the popular water sports destinations in India.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Snorkeling and scuba diving are great underwater experiences that can be enjoyed at these islands. North Bay Island, Havelock Island and Jolly Buoy Island are famous for Snorkeling that offers an opportunity to have a closer look at sea life.

Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a union territory on the Eastern shore of India. Today, Pondicherry has become one of the major tourist attractions. Pondicherry has lots of water activities to offer for a beach lover. With a coastline of around 32 km, the tropical attractions of Pondicherry constitute beaches and backwaters, which are tailor-made for adventure crazies.

Surfing

Surfing offers a great opportunity to enjoy the thrills of the sea. Waves in Pondicherry go as high as 10ft making it the most popular surfing destination. While Serenity Beach, Cool Shark Reef, Temple Reef and The Hole see most of the surfing action. Pondicherry is a home to beautiful diving sites with beautiful Corals, Lion fish, King fish, Moray eels, Eagle, Manta rays, Parrot fish, Sea snakes, and Tiger fish.

Scuba Diving

Pondicherry’s sea fronts offer the best diving experiences. The Tandryankuppam village near Auroville is highly suitable for this adventure sport.