There are different types of travelers who have their taste in which they always want to explore the areas. Suffice it to say, our Mother Nature has got all the places that can match the interest of every traveler. Now be it a solo traveler or the one who loves to travel with friends and family around, to have water sports activity is the common interest for most of the people. And those who don’t like it, you know what their role is then, of course being a family photographer of that trip. But if you are planning to visit India sooner or have been staying in India for a while and you are just so done exploring nature and want to get along some water sports adventure then surely there are many places that you must explore.
When we say water sports, the first thing that strikes the mind is Goa. There is no surprise to the fact that it is mostly in destinations like Goa and Rishikesh where water sports are done very nicely by the experts giving you the most incredible experience. But since it is a quite popular activity, it is not expensive but yes, you need to think twice, rather thrice when choosing the right option. Now be that for the river rafting or kayaking, you must have the right destination and the ideal package planned. Here are some of the popular places that you might want to shortlist.
Now that you have all things et right in front of you, it is time to go ahead and explore these spots because they are quite mesmerizing places. Time to book your tickets, pack all your swimwear and don’t forget to carry your suntan lotion because these are the activities best to be done during day time only. So what are you waiting for? It is time to pack your bags and get to the most amazing experience of water destinations in India.
Top Water Sports Destination and Activities in India:
1. Goa:
When we say water sports, the first thing that strikes our mind is, of course, Goa beach. Well, we cannot blame you for this since Goa has itself created such an aura. But frankly more than exploring the water sports in the Northside, you must visit South Goa, especially at Colva beach.
The place is just marvelous and includes so many activities like water skiing, jet skiing, and even parasailing and kite surfing to name some. The rush from November till February is quite a lot for all such activities. But if you want a good time to just enjoy yourself in the water sports then probably, you can plan it in September end or October when the rain just has gone.
Why Visit: Goa is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers, offering a plethora of water sports activities.
Top Water Sports:
- Parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides at Calangute and Baga Beaches.
- Scuba diving at Grande Island.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding at Palolem Beach.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Travel Tips:
- Book water sports packages in advance during peak seasons.
- Choose licensed operators for safety and professional guidance.
Goa Travel Packages:
- 3 Night 4 Days Goa Itinerary
- Goa Package for 5 Days
- 6 Nights 7 Days Goa Trip
- 10 Days Mumbai & Goa Tour
Related Trending Article Goa:
- Best Places to Visit in Goa in April
- Sunburn Festival Goa – Dates, Tickets, Attraction Music & Dance
- List of Famous Churches to Visit in Goa
- Goa to Mumbai – Indian Luxury Angriya Cruise » Tips, Advice & Planning
- Top 10 Casinos in Goa – Ultimate Guide
- How to Spend a Night in Goa
- 12 Most Popular Places in North Goa You Should Visit
3 Days Goa Tour Packages
3 Nights 4 Days Goa Honeymoon Package
Mumbai + Goa Tour Packages
Goa + Kerala Tour Packages
Golden Triangle + Goa Tour
View More Packages
2. Karnataka:
In Karnataka, there is a popular beach called Gokarna beach. It is said to be a favorite of many beach lovers and also for those who love doing water sports activities. Other than this, there is also a place called Om beach where such activities especially surfing is carried out.
Under the guidance of the special experts, you can learn this type of surfing experience and be an expert too. The beach is clean and there are different surfing schools too that provide various surfing courses that you might want to have a look at.
Why Visit: Karnataka’s coastline and rivers make it an excellent destination for unique water sports experiences.
Top Water Sports:
- Surfing at Gokarna and Udupi beaches.
- River rafting in Dandeli on the Kali River.
- Kayaking and snorkeling at Murudeshwar.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Travel Tips:
- Visit during weekdays for less crowded beaches.
- Wear appropriate footwear for rafting and kayaking.
Karnataka Holiday Packages:
- 6 Nights 7 Days Karnataka Tour
- 7 Days Karnataka & Kerala Trip
- 4 Nights 5 Days Ooty Kodaikanal Travel
- 5 Days Bangalore Coorg & Kabini Tour
Related Article:
- 6 Most Beautiful Beaches in Karnataka
- How Many Tourist Places are there in Karnataka
- What are the 10 Best honeymoon destinations in Karnataka?
- How many forts are there in Karnataka
- Most Popular Places to Visit in Bangalore
- Top 20 Holiday Destinations near Bangalore
- 10 Most Famous Temples of Karnataka
7 Days Karnataka Tour Itinerary
6 Days Karnataka & North Kerala Tour
7 Days Karnataka & Kerala Tour
Mysore Ooty Kodaikanal Tour Itinerary- View More Packages
3. Andaman Islands:
This could go a little over the budget as compared to Karnataka and Goa but yes this is also a fact that over the other two options, it is the most amazing one. Right from jet skiing parasailing, and surfing, there are so many water sports activities that you can do in the pristine water of Andaman island. It is one of the best areas that offer snorkeling, scuba diving, and many other water activities that will give you memories and joy of a lifetime. Talking about getting these activities done it is Havelock Island where these things are carried on a large scale. But you need to have the knack of bargaining since it is the tourist’s destination and they often tend to charge a high price.
You might want to explore packages like Blue Corals Dive, walking undersea, and snorkeling that surely will give you the most incredible experience. There is also The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex located at Port Blair where you can come across different types of water sports while north of Port Blair called North Bay Beach is known for snorkeling. The choice is yours but make sure you do it once.
Why Visit: Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, the Andaman Islands are a hotspot for underwater adventures.
Top Water Sports:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling at Havelock and Neil Islands.
- Sea walking at North Bay Island.
- Jet skiing and banana boat rides at Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
Best Time to Visit: November to May.
Travel Tips:
- Ensure you are medically fit for deep-sea activities.
- Carry sunscreen and waterproof gear.
Suggested travel packages for Andaman:
- 4 Days Andaman Tour Package
- 4 Nights 5 Days Andaman Tour Package
- 5 Nights 6 Days Andaman Tour Packages
- 6 Days Andaman Nicobar Tour Package
- 6 Days Andaman Honeymoon Package
Read Also:
- Best Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar
- Top 10 Facts About The Cellular Jail, Andaman And Nicobar
- The Complete Andaman and Nicobar Island Guide for First-Timers
4. Rishikesh
River Rafting and Kayaking: Known for the wide stretch of river in India Rishikesh is the best place to enjoy rafting. The best time to visit and do rafting activities in Uttarakhand – based Rishikesh is from September to June.
It is not just rafting but also Kayaking for which Rishikesh is quite popular. It will take you to a lot many areas which are not so wild stretches that you need to be worried off. However, for this between October and April is the right time to visit.
Why Visit: Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the Ganges, is famous for its thrilling river rafting experiences.
Top Water Sports:
- White water rafting ranging from Grade I to Grade IV rapids.
- Kayaking and body surfing in the Ganges.
- Cliff jumping for adrenaline junkies.
Best Time to Visit: September to June.
Travel Tips:
- Wear life jackets and follow the instructor’s guidelines during rafting.
- Avoid monsoon months due to strong river currents.
Rishikesh Tour Packages:
- 4 Days Delhi Rishikesh Haridwar Tour
- 3 Days Haridwar & Rishikesh Tour from Delhi
- 7 Days Haridwar Rishikesh Mussoorie Auli Tour
- 7 Days Rishikesh Auli Chopta Itinerary
Read Also:
- A Detailed Guide to River Rafting in Rishikesh
- Camping in Rishikesh Travel Guide: How To Reach, Best Time…
- How to go from Delhi to Rishikesh
- Best Places to visit in Rishikesh and Haridwar
- 7 Best Cafes and Coffee Shops for Experiencing Rishikesh
- Hill Stations near Rishikesh with Distance
- Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar
5. Ladakh
Ladakh for River Rafting: In Ladakh also you can enjoy some of the great water sports activities. Don’t be surprised to know that this place doesn’t just offer you scenic beauty but also water sports activities to enjoy. In the river Indus, you can enjoy rafting which starts in June and lasts till August.
Why Visit: Ladakh offers unique water sports experiences amidst its rugged terrain and icy rivers.
Top Water Sports:
- River rafting on the Zanskar and Indus Rivers.
- Kayaking in the chilling waters of Pangong Tso.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.
Travel Tips:
- Acclimatize to the high altitude before engaging in strenuous activities.
- Wear thermal gear to stay warm in icy waters.
Suggested travel packages for Ladakh:
- 4 Night 5 Days Ladakh Itinerary
- 3 Night 4 Days Ladakh Tour
- 5 Night 6 Days Leh Ladakh Tour Package
- 9 Days Leh Ladakh Tour
Read Also:
6. Sikkim and Darjeeling
Roar rafting in Teesta River: In Sikkim and Darjeeling, there is a river by the name of Teesta River where you can experience roar rafting. This definitely will be your one of the most incredible experience for which October to April is the right season.
Why Visit: Known for their scenic beauty, Sikkim and Darjeeling offer thrilling river adventures.
Top Water Sports:
- River rafting on the Teesta and Rangeet Rivers.
- Kayaking through gentle rapids amidst picturesque valleys.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December.
Travel Tips:
- Choose rapids based on your comfort level; beginners can opt for milder stretches.
- Wear quick-drying clothes for rafting.
Suggested travel packages for North East India:
- 6 Days Gangtok Lachung Trip
- 3 Nights 4 Days Darjeeling Tour
- 7 Days Darjeeling and Gangtok Tour Package
- Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Itinerary from Kolkata
- 3 Nights 4 Days North East Tour
- 6 Days Assam Kaziranga Guwahati Tour
Read Also:
- 10 Best Places to visit in Sikkim
- 6 Beautiful Lakes in Sikkim
- Most Famous Hill Stations in Sikkim
- List of Monasteries in Sikkim
- 5 Historical Places to See in Sikkim
- Top Incredible Tourist Destination in Pelling
- Sikkim Covid Update: Sikkim Destinations Now Open for Fully Vaccinated Travelers
- Best Time to Visit Darjeeling for Honeymoon
- 10 Famous Restaurants in Darjeeling
- Things to Do in Darjeeling
- Filming on the Darjeeling Toy Train is now easier
7. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh for Kayaking: In Arunachal Pradesh, the Brahmaputra River is known for kayaking activities. It is quite the best thing to enjoy the bold ride but for which you must do the booking for the dates between November & March.
Why Visit: Arunachal Pradesh is a haven for adventure seekers, with untouched rivers and breathtaking landscapes.
Top Water Sports:
- River rafting on the Brahmaputra and Subansiri Rivers.
- Angling and fishing in pristine river stretches.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Travel Tips:
- Hire experienced guides for rafting in these challenging waters.
- Permits are required for some areas; arrange them in advance.
Arunachal Package: 7 Nights 8 Days Arunachal and Assam Tour Itinerary
Read Also:
- 20 Best Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh
- How many hill stations are in Arunachal Pradesh?
- Famous Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh
- Top Food of Arunachal Pradesh
- 10 Best Places to Visit in North East India
- Places to Visit in North East India in June
4 Days Gangtok Tour Packages
4 Nights 5 Days Guwahati Shillong Tour
6 Days Assam Kaziranga Guwahati Tour
3 Nights 4 Days North East Tour
3 Nights 4 Days Meghalaya Tour- View More Packages
8. Chennai and Mumbai:
Sailing in Chennai and Mumbai: Sailing is quite a common thing that in India most of the city areas offer. Talking of which Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Barrackpore to name are the best sailing destinations. But again it also depends on which season you plan to explore. In the Summer of Chennai or Mumbai, you can plan for a sailing trip.
Why Visit: Both Chennai and Mumbai offer urban water sports experiences on their bustling coastlines.
Top Water Sports:
- Windsurfing and parasailing at Marina Beach, Chennai.
- Jet skiing and speed boating at Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
- Scuba diving at Tarkarli, a short distance from Mumbai.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Travel Tips:
- Check weather conditions before engaging in water sports.
- Wear UV-protective clothing for sunny beach days.
Chennai & Mumbai Tour Package:
- 3 Days Mahabalipuram Chennai Tour Package
- 2 Nights 3 Days Mumbai Itinerary
- South India Tour From Chennai
Read Also:
- 20 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
- Places to Visit near Chennai in April
- 20 Best places to visit in Mumbai
- 15 Best Food Places in Mumbai
- What to see in Mumbai in 2 days?
- Best Resorts and Destinations Near Mumbai
- Gateway of India Mumbai – Travel Guide and Attractions
9 Days - Golden Triangle with Mumbai Tour
11 Days - Rajasthan With Mumbai
6 Days - Mumbai and Goa Tours Package
3 Days Mumbai Tour Package- View More Packages
9. Pondicherry:
Scuba Diving in Pondicherry: Pondicherry & Goa is an ideal destination for scuba diving for which you can plan from October through May. Pondicherry is another well-known destination from January through June where you can plan to dive in for scuba.
Other than this, in Andaman, there is a lighthouse point too which offers the best season to enjoy scuba diving.
Why Visit: Known for its French charm, Pondicherry also boasts exciting water sports opportunities.
Top Water Sports:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling to explore vibrant coral reefs.
- Kayaking in backwaters and along the coastline.
- Windsurfing for thrill-seekers.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Travel Tips:
- Stay in beachside resorts offering equipment rentals and guided tours.
- Opt for early morning sessions for calm waters and fewer crowds.
Pondicherry Travel Packages:
Read Also:
- Top Places to Visit in Pondicherry
- Places to Visit Near Pondicherry ( within 100 km )
- Top 5 Museums in Pondicherry
- Popular Temple In Pondicherry
- Top 10 Restaurants in Pondicherry
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why is India a great destination for water sports?
India offers diverse water bodies, from serene beaches to rushing rivers, providing exciting water sports experiences for adventure enthusiasts.
2. Which are the best water sports destinations in India?
Top destinations include Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rishikesh, Lakshadweep, Kerala, and Pondicherry.
3. What water sports can I enjoy in Goa?
Goa offers jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, scuba diving, and kayaking, especially at beaches like Baga and Calangute.
4. Why are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands popular for water sports?
Andaman is known for its crystal-clear waters and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, and glass-bottom boating.
5. What makes Rishikesh a top water sports destination?
Rishikesh is famous for white-water rafting on the Ganges River, along with kayaking and cliff jumping.
6. Can I enjoy water sports in Lakshadweep?
Yes, Lakshadweep offers incredible snorkeling and diving experiences with vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
7. What water sports are available in Kerala?
Kerala provides backwater kayaking, houseboat cruises, windsurfing, and parasailing, especially in Alleppey and Kovalam.
8. Why visit Pondicherry for water sports?
Pondicherry is known for its scuba diving spots, offering underwater experiences to explore vibrant marine ecosystems.
9. Are there water sports suitable for beginners?
Yes, activities like kayaking, banana boat rides, and snorkeling are beginner-friendly and available at most destinations.
10. When is the best time to enjoy water sports in India?
The best time varies by location but is typically from October to March, offering pleasant weather and calm waters.
11. What safety measures should I follow during water sports?
Always wear life jackets, listen to instructions from certified guides, and avoid participating in extreme sports during bad weather.
12. What should I pack for a water sports trip?
Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a waterproof bag, a change of clothes, and water shoes for comfort and safety.
