Ever wanted live life on the edge? Well, it is time for you to try out a few non-conventional tourist activities in the land of coconuts. Kerala has become one of India’s most popular hubs for adventure sports. Name it – and you are likely to find an avenue to calm the daredevil in you. From the mountain biking to paragliding – Kerala clearly has something for everyone.
Top 13 Adventure Sports in Kerala:
Kerala is blesssed with wonderful scenic beauty, blissful backwater, pristine beaches, lush green forests, and exotic wildlife. Your trip cannot be completed without indulgence in some superb advanture sports in Kerala. Here are some adventure sports that you must try. You will also get to know here about popular advanturous places to visit in Kerala:
1. River Rafting:
Water sports have been part of the Malayali’s DNA for centuries. From the ancient snake boat races to merely swimming in the rivers, Kerala’s water bodies are truly one of a kind. If you looking at a rowing experience that is unlike the usual, then look no further. Explore Kannur, situated in the northern Kerala and challenge yourself against the currents of the river Tejaswini. You could enjoy a serene and pleasing tour on the pristine clean water of some of Kerala’s lesser known mangroves.
- Location: Cherupuzha, Kannur district
- Cost of the activity: Rs. 1200 for 1 hour
- Number of people: Minimum 5 persons
- Rafting season: June, July, August, September
How to get there: You can take a train up to Payannur and then book a cab from the railway station to Cherupuzha. Although there are buses available to Cherupuzha, it is wiser for one to make arrangements for their own transport.
Closest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode
Accommodation: There are a few home stays situated in and around Cherupuzha that offer food and accommodation at reasonable rates. Defense personnel and their families can also consider staying at the guest houses at the CRPF camp in Cherupuzha or even at the Naval Academy at Ezhimala, which is located approximately 70 kilometres away from the river rafting spot.
2. Rappelling & Rock Climbing:
If you have always dreamt of reaching for the skies, this one activity that you should add to your bucket list. Rappelling and rock-climbing is indeed a test of endurance in Kerala. One of the most popular destinations for rappelling has been Munnar, one of the most popular hill station in Kerala. Yes, believe it or not, the land of some of the state’s most popular tea gardens is an adventure junky’s haven.
3. Trekking & Hiking:
There are many locations in Kerala where you can go for trekking or hiking but Munnar is one of the most popular destination for it. There are different trekking routes are available in Munnar that will take you through the beautiful tea gardens and grass land. Recently, Jignesh shared his awesome trekking experience in Munnar to the beautiful grassland and tea plantation of Laxmi tea estate.
- Location: Munnar, Idukki district, Kerala
- Cost of the adventure activity: Rs. 1500 per head (approximately)
- Number of people: Varies from one instructor to another
- Rappelling season: September to February
How to get there: The closest railway stations to Munnar are Ernakulam and Kottayam. You could resort to your own means for transport from the railway station to Munnar. You could also consider using the bus services up to Munnar. To those of you who love biking, you should definitely consider paving your way through this path.
Closest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, Ernakulam district
Accommodation: Munnar is a popular tourist destination in Kerala. There are many options to choose from with regards to accommodation. You could even consider home stays or even camp at the foothills.
4. Paragliding:
Curious to know what it feels like when you are high-up in the sky and wind blowing through your hair? Well, Paragliding in Kerala can offers you an experience of a lifetime. Enjoy the view of the lush green forests from several feet about the ground as you glide through the skies. Vagamon, situated in Kerala’s Idukki district is a popular paragliding site in India. This hill station also hosts the annual paragliding festival which takes place every February, sadly the festival was canceled last year due to non govt support and we wish it will be organize this year.
- Location: Vagamon, Idukki district
- Cost of the activity: Rs. 3500 per head for half-an-hour (approximately)
- Number of people: Varies from one instructor to another
- Paragliding season: October to the first week of March
How to get there: The closest railway stations to Vagamon are Ernakulam and Kottayam. You could resort to your own means for transport from the railway station to Vagamon. You could also consider using the bus services up to Vagamon from the specified nearest location. Bikers are bound to enjoy a ride or two amid the tea estates but getting hired bike is bit difficult in Kerala.
Closest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, Ernakulam district
Accommodation: Vagamon is a popular tourist destination of Kerala and plenty of hotels are available in surrounding area. You could even consider staying in home stays or even camp at the foothills of the village. However, it would indeed be convenient for one to consider staying at Kottayam or Ernakulam instead.
5. Scuba Diving:
Wondering what lies below the ocean? Look no further and experience the Scuba diving in Kerala. If you know, Kerala’s beaches have too many hidden secrets. If you wish to enjoy an activity like none other, then scuba diving is your cup-of-tea. Varkala and Kovalam – two of the state’s most popular beach sites, have become the most popular destinations for scuba diving.
- Location: Kovalam beach, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
- Cost of the activity: Rs. 6000 per head for half-an-hour (approximately)
- Number of people: Varies from one instructor to another
- Scuba diving season: October to May
How to get there: The closest railway stations Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram. You could resort to your own means for transport from the railway station to the beach. You could also consider using the bus services up to Varakala and Thiruvananthapuram. However, this is one drive that you would not want to miss.
Closest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvanathapuram
Accommodation: The beaches at Varkala and Kovalam are popular tourist destinations. You could even consider homestays or beach resorts. However, it would indeed be convenient for one to consider staying within the city of Thiruvanathapuram instead.
6. Surfing:
Looking at beating the waves? Well, Kovalam and Varkala can bring out the surfer in you. Enjoy the power of the Indian Ocean as it lashes out on the shores of the most happening holiday hideouts.If you are lucky, you can also enjoy surfing activities at the beautiful beaches of Kerala.
- Location: Varkala beach, Thiruvananthapuram district; Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram district
- Cost of the activity: Rs. 6100 per head for three beginner lessons, each lesson is for 1.5 hours (approximately)
- Number of people: Varies from one instructor to another
- Surfing season: November to May
How to get there: The closest railway stations Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram. You could resort to your own means for transport from the railway station to the beach. You could also consider using the bus services up to Varakala and Thiruvananthapuram. However, this is one drive that you would not want to miss.
Closest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvanathapuram
Things to remember:
- Contact the instructors and fix an appointment for all the activities. You must always listen to the instructor and the local residents, for they understand the terrains well.
- Safety first! Ensure that you are wearing your safety gear at all times. Don’t try being ‘macho’ when not required.
- Get a health check-up done before participating in any adventurous activity. After all, health is wealth.
- Talk to the instructors before planning your activity. Find out more about the apt attire, safety gear, first-aid etc. that would be essential while doing the activity.
- Most of all, enjoy every moment of it!
Adventure sports in Kerala
Kerala is blessed with wonderful scenic beauty, blissful backwater, pristine beaches, lush green forests, and exotic wildlife. Your trip cannot be completed without indulgence in some superb adventure sports in Kerala. Here are some adventure sports that you must try. You will also get to know here about popular adventurous places to visit in Kerala:
ALSO READ: Adventure Sports In Goa That You Must Try On Your Next Vacation
7. Parasailing:
Parasailing in Kerala lets you feel the thrill of adventure and the indescribable joy of flying while witnessing the beauty of pristine sea beaches.
- Location: Parasailing is considered one of the best adventure sports in Munar and Vagamon. The other two best locations for parasailing are Varkala and Kovalam.
- Cost of the activity: Depending on the location, the cost may vary. The basic cost is 2499 per person.
- Number of persons: Two or three people can parasail behind a parasailing boat at the same time.
- Parasailing Season: October to March
How to get there: The nearest railway station to Munnar Aluva. Vagamon’s nearest railway station is Kuttikanam. Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest railway station to Varkala. Trivandrum central is Kovalam’s nearest railway station. You can hire a car or board a bus from the railway station to reach your destination. Road connectivity is good.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport is closest to Munnar and Vagamon. On the other hand, Trivandrum airport is nearest to Varkala and Kovalam.
Accommodation: There are many budget hotels and serene resorts available across these places. You can consider beautiful homestays as well.
8. Cycling:
Exploring the picturesque landscape, lush green hills, tea gardens, and paddy fields of Kerala on a bicycle can be a unique and unforgettable experience.
Location: Munnar, Idamalayar Reserve Forest, Cochin, Alleppey
Cost of the Activity: It varies depending on different organizers and places. Starting price can be just 999 INR per adult.
Number of person: one person per cycle.
Cycling season: October to February
How to get there: Ernakulam is the nearest railway station to Kochi. Aluva is the closest railway station to Idamalayar Reserve Forest. Alleppey Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Alleppey. You can also avail KSRTC bus service that connects these places with all the major cities of Kerala.
Closest airport: Cochin International Airport
Accommodation: All of these places are popular tourist destinations in Kerala. Therefore you get plenty of hotel and resort options in all these places. You can also book guest houses provided by the Kerala government forest department.
9. Tree House Stay:
Kerala’s treehouses, the luxurious and peaceful accommodation amidst nature, are made of eco-friendly materials over tall trees overlooking the forest. While staying here you can enjoy the serene view of mountains, greenery, and exotic wildlife.
Location: Wayanad, Munnar, Thekkady and Athirappilly
Cost of the Activity: It depends on the adventure activities and amenities offered by a particular tree house. The accommodation cost starts from around 1200 per night and goes upto 10000 or more.
Number of Person: 2-4 people can stay in a single tree house. It may vary depending on the tree house’s sturdiness and available amenities.
Ideal Season: September to March
How to Get There: Wayanad is accessible from Kozhikode railway station. The nearest railway station to Thekkady is Kottayam. Athirappily’s closest railway station is Chalakudy. The places are also connected by road with all other cities of Kerala.
Closest airport: Karipur International Airport is the nearest airport to Wayanad. Thekkady’s nearest airport is Madurai. Kochi International Airport is the closest airport to Athirappily.
10. Kayaking:
Discover the tranquil beauty of nature while kayaking through the backwater of Kerala. This is an adventure watersport that lets you explore some hidden lagoons and remote canals.
Location: Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kollam
Cost of the Activity: Starting cost is around 1500 INR for 2 hours
Number of people: Minimum 1-2 persons
Kayaking season: November to February
How to get there: After reaching Alleppey Railway Station, you can hire a car or board a bus to reach the main city. Kottayam is the closest railway station to Kumarakom. Kollam’s nearest railway station is Kollam Junction. You can also board private or state transport buses to reach these places.
Closest airport: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Alleppey and Kumarakom. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport to Kollam.
Accommodation: Exotic beach resorts, lakeside cottages, and hotels overlooking the backwater are good accommodation options in all these three places.
11. Snorkeling:
Snorkeling in Kerala gives you the chance to have a spectacular sight of marine life.
Location: Kovalam
Cost of the activity: It varies from around 4000 for children and 6000 for adults.
Number of people: Minimum 1 person
Snorkeling season: September to February
How to get there: The Trivandrum Central railway station is the nearest railhead to Kovalam. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or a private car or board a bus to reach Kovalam.
Closest airport: Trivandrum airport
Accommodation: Kovalam is divided into three main areas – Light House Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach – so you’ll want to choose the accommodation that’s close to the area you’re interested in exploring.
12. Wildlife Safari:
Wildlife safari is one of the magnificent adventure sports in Wayanad wildlife sanctuary and some more places near the Western Ghats, Kerala. The places are blessed with beautiful flora and fauna. The topography is also unique there, making the wildlife safari experience special and unforgettable for you.
Location: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Cost of the activity: The starting price is just 350 INR per adult for 3 hours.
Number of people: A group of 4-6 people
Safari season: September to March. The Sanctuaries stay open from 7 am to 5 pm.
How to get there: After reaching Kozhikode railway station, you can head towards Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also avail of Delux or Express bus service. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary can be reached within just 2 hours and 38 minutes from Kottayam railway station.
Closest airport: Trivandrum airport is the nearest airport to Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary. Kannur international airport is the closest airport to Wayanad. Madurai airport is the nearest to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Accommodation: In Gavi, the best accommodation options are the Green Mansion and the Swiss Cottage Tent. They give you the opportunity to stay in the lap of nature. There are some wonderful budget-friendly jungle lodges, cottages, and hotels available near Wayanad and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuaries.
13. Swimming:
Swimming on the beaches of Kerala is a truly amazing experience. The water is crystal clear and the sand is white and powdery. It lets you enjoy the sound of plunging waves, have a splendid view of the landscape and feel the sand beneath.
Location: There are many beaches that allow swimming for tourists. Kovalam and Varkala are the most popular ones among all.
Cost of the activity: Free
Number of people: Individual
Swimming season: November to Early March
How to get there: The nearest railway station to Varkala beach is Varkala Sivagiri. You can also hire a private taxi or board a bus to Varkala from Cochin or Trivandrum.
Closest airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Accommodation: Kovalam and Varkala are two of the most popular beach towns in Kerala. Thus there are plenty of affordable accommodation options in both places if you’re willing to look around.
What are you waiting for? Just revise your itinerary with any of these adventure activities and start your trip to Kerala now.
FAQs:
The best time for extreme adventure sports in Kerala is from early October to late March. During this period, the temperature is cooler and the humidity level stays lower.
The minimum cost of an adventure sport may start from 500 INR per person.
Some of the most popular adventure sports for kids in Kerala include zip-lining, trekking, tree-house stay, cycling, wildlife safari, boating, bamboo rafting, kayaking, etc. These activities are both safe and fun. Plus, they offer kids a chance to explore the outdoors and feel nature’s beauty.