Adventuring In Kerala, The “God's Own Country” - Best Activities To Do In Kerala

Do you dream of an adventure vacation? Ever dreamed about paragliding through the hills? Are you looking for the perfect vacation? Do you think scuba diving in the beautiful marine world is the ideal adventure getaway? Do you love to trek through dense forests?

If you answered yes to all the questions above, then you are most likely an adventure junkie looking for their next adventure vacation.

India is a great place to tick off your adventure bucket list. You might think that in order to enjoy the adventure activities you need to travel to India's north, but this is incorrect.

For adventure lovers who are looking for something more, you can travel a little further south to Kerala with amazing Kerala tour packages as there are many exciting options. The growing tourism sector of Kerala includes adventure tourism, which is relatively unknown but still a popular one.

This tourism sector offers a wide range of exciting and unique experiences that can make your vacation truly unforgettable. Paragliding is an excellent option if you are in Vagamon, and Surfing can also be a great option if you are in Varkala. Trekking is a good option if you are planning on travelling to Thekkady. You can also choose to kayak in Kerala, go scuba diving in Kovalam or bamboo rafting at Thekkady.

Sounds exciting? All of that is discussed in the blog's later section. Let's first understand what adventure tourism is.

Adventure tourism can be described as a form of tourism that allows tourists to engage in adventurous activities like paragliding or skydiving. This activity is very popular with young tourists as it allows them to get out of their comfort zones. These activities are a way for them to experience excitement, risk and overcome physical challenges.

Kerala Adventure Tourism

Many people travel to Kerala to enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful holidays. Many tourists are unaware that Kerala offers many adventure activities. It is a joy to discover the adventurous side of Kerala. Many places in Kerala offer adventure activities such as paragliding and climbing.

These are some of the many adventure activities that you can do in Kerala:

1. Paragliding In Vagamon

You may have ever wished to fly like a bird above the earth and see the beauty of the natural world from the sky. Paragliding can provide the same thrills as flying. Paragliding is a new sport that's drawing a lot of tourists' attention. This competitive sport is available in India, particularly Kerala.

Paragliding is becoming more popular among adventure vacationers. Paragliding is a great way to feel alive, and it can also help you test your limits. Paragliding is available in India at many locations, including Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh or Nandi Hills in Bangalore. Vagamon in Kerala is the ideal spot to learn paragliding. Tourists and travellers from all walks of the globe flock to this hill station at 6000 feet above sea level.

From February to March, paragliding in Vagamon takes place. The weather is pleasant, and it's perfect for paragliding through the lush green landscape, and Paragliding is difficult during the monsoons.

It is easy to reach Vagamon by paragliding. Cochin International Airport, which is the closest international airport, is ideal if you are flying. Kottayam, the closest railway station, is suitable for those who depend on the railways. Vagamon is 3 hours away from the airport and 2 hours from the station.

Here are some tips before you go on your Vagamon trip.

Vagamon does not have many ATMs, so you will need to bring cash.
Wear long sleeves and sports shoes.
Paragliding is safer when you have shades.
Keep sunscreen handy.

2. Kayaking In Kerala

Kayaking in Kerala, one of the most famous experiences in Kerala, is a must-do. The Kerala backwaters are the tranquil paradise of canals and lagoons known as the Venice of the East, and it can be accessed by kayak.

Kayaking, a water sport that requires you to navigate a narrowboat called a kayak, is one example of this type. Technically, a kayak is different from a canoe because of how the paddler sits and the number of blades (a kayak has two blades while a canoe only has one).

There are many options for kayaking in Kerala if you are interested.
  • Recreational kayaking: This is when you can navigate beginner-level kayaks in a lake or on a flat-water stream. These are the most popular kayaking activity and can be done in Alleppey's backwaters.
  • Whitewater kayaking: It is a form of adventure sport where you paddle a kayak in flowing water, such as a river. You will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding environment as you paddle your kayak along the Chaliyar River or Chalipuzha River. This river is one of the longest in Kerala.
  • Sea Kayaking: If you enjoy paddling in open water, lakes, bays or oceans, you can rent a sea kayak, touring kayak, or a tandem kayak. You can easily navigate sea kayaks, which are small boats with a covered deck. Ideal for sea kayaking is the Arabain Sea, located to the west of the Kannur district.
If you want to kayak, you will need specific skills and gear. You don't need to have any prior experience in order to enjoy recreational kayaking. You don't even need any equipment, as the travel agency provides all the gear. However, for whitewater kayaking, you will need to attend a kayaking school to receive formal training and professional equipment.

It is best to kayak in Kerala's backwaters during the winter months, November through February. It is a pleasant, mild day that is ideal for kayaking. While recreational tours can be taken throughout the year; however, the best time to whitewater kayak on the Chalipuzha River is June through September.

3. Scuba Diving In Kovalam

The diverse and tropical climate of Kerala attracts many tourists all year. The beauty of nature doesn't stop at the surface. You can explore the beauty and wonders of nature underwater by scuba diving in Kerala.

These are the best spots for scuba diving in Kerala.

  • Kovalam - Scuba diving is a popular activity in Kerala. Kovalam is known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. There are many water sports you can do, including snorkelling, scuba diving and scooter riding. You can have the best underwater experience with expert guides and safety gear at Kovalam's scuba diving centres. September through February is the best time to scuba dive. Trivandrum is the closest airport and railway station to Kovalam. 
  • Kochi - Scuba diving at Kochi offers some of the best views of the seabed. You will be able to see the beautiful corals and marine life from the scuba diving centres in Kochi. Many scuba diving centres have their own pools, where you can learn and receive internationally recognised certificates. Kochi is easily reached by train from Ernakulam and Cochin.

4. Bamboo Rafting In Thekkady

Thekkady, home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the most famous spots in Kerala. The Periyar Sanctuary covers the three districts of Idukki and Kottayam. It is located approximately 4 km from Kumily, in the Idukki District. Kottayam (115km) is the nearest railway station, and Cochin (190km) is the closest airport.

Bamboo rafting in Thekkady is a great way to see the tranquil lakes and the rich forests. This is a great place to take pictures and spot wildlife. Periyar, the centre of ecotourism, is an ideal place to explore the beauty of the natural world. You can see the sanctuary's rich flora while riding in a bamboo boat.

You have the option of a full-day or half-day program. You can raft for between 3-4 hours. You can also enjoy meals during the activity. You can see many animals like elephants, sambar, gaur, and others while rafting inside the sanctuary. However, tigers may not be easy to see.

5. Varkala Surfing

Varkala surfing is a great experience for those who love water. Varkala Beach (also known as Varkala Cliff) is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. This beach's name comes from the Sanskrit term Papanasham, which literally means "washing away your sins". It is believed that you can cleanse all your sins by taking a dip at this beach.

Varkala, a small village in Thiruvananthapuram. It is located 50km north-west from Thiruvananthapuram and 37km south-west from Kollam. Thiruvananthapuram is the closest airport, and Varkala is the nearest railway station. The northern cliff is popular as a tourist attraction, but the southern cliff offers surfers a great spot.

The best time to enjoy the waves and swells if you are a professional surfer is March to May, and October to November. The Winter season, December to February, is the best season for beginners. It has smaller swells. Surf schools offer professional equipment, internationally recognized instructors, and comfortable accommodations for both individuals and groups.

Other adventurous activities that you can do in Kerala include:
  • Cycling and bicycling: If you are in Kerala, you should consider getting a bike to explore the beautiful countryside. You can bike or cycle through the paddy fields, forests and dairy farms. You can take road trips from Kottayam, Vagamon, Alappuzha and Changanassery or Devikulam to Munnar.
  • Treehouse: You can spend a night in a treehouse in Kerala. A night spent in the treehouse is sure to be a memorable one. A luxury holiday or honeymoon can be planned at any one of the treehouse locations in Kerala, such as Wayanad and Thekkady.
  • Mountain Climbing: Kerala offers many hiking, trekking and climbing routes for those who love to climb. One of the most popular activities in Kerala is mountain climbing. Trekking is a great activity to do if you are in Thekkady. One of the peaks you can climb is Anamudi Peak or Chembra Peak.