Exciting Water Sports in South India For A Thrilling Experience

Kovalam is a small village situated 14 km from Trivandrum in Kerala. It is a beautiful beach surrounded by rows of green palm groves. It is one of the most picturesque beaches of India with a wide variety of water sports activities. Kovalam beach can be divided into three parts. Lighthouse beach, which lies to the South, the northernmost part is known as Samudra and Hawah which is located in the centre. All three parts are frequented by travellers and have a wide offering of restaurants and beach resorts. The water activities which are offered by the sports clubs include parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and backwater cruise.

Located in Karnataka, Chikmaglur is a haven for adventure-seekers. It is situated 45 kms from Bhadra River which is equidistant from well-known hill stations and wildlife regions in the Western Ghats such as Sakleshpur, Kudremukh, Charamadi Ghats.

Barapole river is a famous white river rafting destination in Coorg. The white frothy river with speedy waters and rapids, flowing through beautiful landscapes, makes for an ideal river rafting experience. Set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats and bordering the Deccan Plateau, Coorg is a popular destination among travelers. White water rafting is organized in Upper Barapole are called Kithu-Kakkatu River which is a strong catchment area for the monsoons, thus providing a some of the most challenging stretch of rapids.

When in Hampi, you absolutely have to get hold of a coracle and ride in one. It is one of the few places in the country where you can get such an experience and we gurantee that it is going to be a lot of fun. You can rent a coracle at really economic rates and cross the rates in the ferry that looks exactly like the one in olden days. This is one of the most exciting experiences and things to do in Hampi.

Located on the River Kali in the Western Ghats, Dandeli is one of the best places for white water rafting in the South. There are grade 2 and 3 rapids over a 12 kilometer stretch and are ideal for professionals as well as amateurs. The River Kali is quite mercurial in nature and offers a perfect blend of calm waters for novices and stretches of turbulent rapids to cater to professionals.

Large coral reefs, an assortment of marine life and the calm blue waters of the Bay of Bengal all make the name "Emerald Isle" highly suitable for the Andamans. Most popular island among all the islands for the dives, however, is Havelock. It is an ideal diving destination for everyone, right from a novice to an experienced diver.

Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna

Gokarna is an ideal destination for adventure seekers as well those want a break from the chaos of everyday life. Travellers have the option of simply strolling down the beautiful serene beaches or participating in the myriad water sports that it has to offer. The popular water sports are parasailing, banana boat ride and jet-skiing.

Best Time: Throughout the year

20 Gokarna Attractions

Varkala is a beautiful coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram district. It lies in the southern part of Kerala. It is the only place in Kerala where the hills come close to the sea. The uniqueness of the place is the merging of cliffs with the Arabian Sea. Varkala Beach is a popular beach where you can enjoy various water sports activities such as para-sailing and paragliding.

Water Sports in South India have always seen its fare share of excited tourists and adventure seekers. While here, you can choose from a number of water sports activities such as kneeboarding, kite surfing, snorkelling, parasailing, paragliding, diving, kayaking and many more. If you prefer so & you can engage in your preferred activities through quite a few vendors of these water sports on the beach. Alternately, you can also engage in your favourite activities through a number of licensed water sports package operators such as Atlantis Water Sports, Aqua Sports Goa etc.

If you are on an adventurous spree, do not miss out scuba diving and snorkeling at Maravanthe beach.

Getting in the water and riding the waves on a surfboard is not a thing that everyone can do. But some hours of practice can make that joy possible. There are a number of surfing schools that offer courses and help you tame the waves under your feet.

Kolad is an instance of paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Kundalika river's 14 kilometer stretch of exciting rapids provide one, one and a half hours of white water rafting. The monsoon season tends to be the best for the adventure sport, though at times rafting pauses due to weather conditions.

There is no way you can miss out on scuba diving and snorkeling while in the town. The will take you to another world where you will witness some of the exotic marine life and colourful reefs.

A thrilling boat ride of 70-90 minutes will take you to Netrani Island from Murudeshwar. Known for its overwhelming experience of underwater world, you will get a chance to come face to face with diverse variety of fish life common to Arabian Sea as well as other varieties such as Napolean Wrasse, Cobia, Stonefish, Black Tip Sharks, Great Barracuda, Turtles and Stingrays etc. With a soothing effect over your nerves, this expedition under water is perfect for diving suitable for certified divers of all experience levels.

One of the most unique things to do in Kovalam is riding on a catamaran. Floating on top of the serene blue waters and letting the wind rush at your face is definitely going to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You can try out the activity at the Vellayani Lake or the Hawah Beach. The boats are mostly traditional and are rowed with the help of paddles.

Wonderla is said to be the best amusement park in the city (and also one of the best in the country), and attracts all those looking for a rush of adrenaline. While it is most famous for the high-thrill dry rides, it also features some relaxed, fun rides, hence providing something for every visitor.

Less than an hour away from Jog falls is Honnemaradu, a modest settlement on the backwaters of River Sharavathi. Literally translating into the 'golden lake', this one is the place to be if you happen to be at Jog Falls and all the gushing and falling water has left you tempted for some river rafting and kayaking. Kayaking is only allowed with a guide, while one can enjoy boat rides here too.

Bamboo Rafting is a perfect activity for all the water sports enthusiasts. The facility is offered by the Forest Department at Thekkady where one can enjoy the activity in the catchment area of the national park.