Top 10 Adventure Sports In Kerala, India - Updated 2024

Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 4 min read

India is about a lot of incredible things. You can see thousands of temples and plenty of palaces throughout the country. India is also about a breathtaking natural landscape. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature by visiting Kerala. As soon as you set foot in this state, you will be stunned by the lush hills, vast green landscape and numerous coconut trees, among others. Stop and see Eravikulam National Park, which is known for its wild goats that roam around freely in the middle of nature. Have fun swimming and watching dolphins at Cherai Beach. Do not forget to stop by Varkala Beach, which has been attracting tourists to its natural springs. What’s more, Kerala is also a popular place for adventure seekers. Keep reading to find out about the top adventure sports in Kerala, India.

1. Trekking (from USD 11.0)

The very first activity that you must do in Kerala is trekking. The best time of the day to embark on your trekking journey is in the morning, and the best place to do it is Munnar Valley. While trekking the valley, you should not focus on getting to the top as fast as possible. Instead, take your time to pause every now and then to appreciate the marvelous views of tea plantations and forest grassland that are all around you. Also, pay attention to the rocks as they have unique formations.

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Half-Day Munnar Valley Trek

Duration: 6 hours

165 reviews

2. Hiking (from USD 13.89)

adventure sports in kerala | hiking
Source: www.klook.com

Escape from the bustling atmosphere of the city and reconnect with nature by hiking with your loved ones. Go deep into the lush forests and vast tea plantations of Munnar as you explore the trail. Be proud of your accomplishment once you get to the peak as you will be presented with sweeping views like no other. Feel the sweat and fatigue disappear right away.

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Munnar Hiking Experience, India - Klook

Duration: 4hrs - 7hrsDuration

3. Canoeing (from USD 55.0)

adventure sports in kerala | canoeing

Moving on from tea plantations and forests, the next adventure sport that you need to participate in is canoeing. Board a motorized canoe to explore the calm backwaters of Kerala. You should start from Kochi Port with a canoe that will take you to the Allepey region. As you are cruising slowly, you will be reminded of Venice in Italy. You will also be surrounded by paddy fields and coconut palms, among others. The water breeze will make you relaxed and fresh in an instant.

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From Kochi Port: Backwater Canoe and Fort Kochi Tour

Duration: 6.5 hour

5 reviews

4. Parasailing

Parasailing
Source: Pexels

Feel an adrenaline rush moving through your veins as you are parasailing high in the sky like a free bird. Kerala features plenty of beaches where you can do your parasailing, such as Payyambalam, Alappuzha and Varkala. The enthralling water sport is among the most popular adventure sports to take part in as you get to enjoy the charm of Kerala’s waterfront without having to be in the middle of a packed crowd.

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5. Scuba diving

Scuba diving
Source: Pexels

Did you know that Kerala is also blessed with rich and exotic marine life? Experience a real close encounter with underwater animals by scuba diving in top-notch destinations such as Varkala Beach and Cochin. Experience how exhilarating it is to plunge into emerald water and meet turtles, colorful fish, reefs and more. Inexperienced scuba divers can participate in scuba diving training programs first.

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6. Kayaking (from USD 30.0)

adventure sports in kerala | kayaking

If you feel like canoeing is not enough, especially if you love being on the water so much, then you should try kayaking. Explore the backwaters and canals of the Kadamakkudy Islands, one of the most beautiful suburbs in Kerala. The crystal clear water, the palm trees and the vast green area in the surrounding are something worth paying attention to. If you have no prior experience with kayaking, do not worry as training will be provided.

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Kochi: Kayaking in the Kadamakkudy Islands

Duration: 2 hour

2 reviews

7. Jeep trekking (from USD 51.0)

You can trek on foot but in Kerala, you can also trek on a jeep. Say yes to jeep trekking for the ultimate adventure of exploring the sides of mountain and nature forest of Thekkady. You should make a stop at Periyar Tiger Reserve, home to elephants and tigers. Up to eight people can fit comfortably in one jeep. This means that you get to spend quality time along the way as well.

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Thekkady Monsoon Jeep Trekking

Duration: 4 hours

8. Bamboo rafting (from USD 67.0)

Rafting is already fun to do. But, if you crave for something more fun and unique, you should try bamboo rafting. Adventure seekers, be prepared for your adrenaline to be pumped up as you board a raft made of bamboo on Periyar Lake. Since it can be tricky to maneuver a bamboo raft, it would be best to go on the excursion with experienced guides. It will be slower than boarding a usual raft, but this way you will have more time to enjoy the wilderness of Periyar Lake and Periyar Forest. Along the way, you will be able to spot some deer, monkeys and bison, if you are lucky.

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Full day Trekking and Bamboo Rafting at Periyar Forest

Duration: 8 hours

9. Ziplining (from USD 38.0)

Ziplining is a must-do in Kerala. Why? Because this activity is a lot of fun. Whether you fly backward or downwards, you decide. If you want to just lie straight, it is totally up to you too. The same as trekking, you should zipline above the gorgeous scenic landscape of Munnar. Glide over the tea plantations and enjoy the moment of being in the air where you are free from all your burdens or worries.

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Experience Zipline in Munnar

Duration: 15 minutes

10. Jeep safari (from USD 65.0)

What do you think of going on a wildlife safari that will take you through the tropical forests of Gavi where you can treat your eyes to the stunning vistas of cardamom plantations and crystal-clear waterfalls? What about reaching isolated areas inhabited by exotic species of flora and fauna? Nilgiri ibex and the lion-tailed macaque are among the animals you are going to meet. This jeep safari will take you to admire those places as well as the area’s wildlife.

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Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari - A Guided Tour

Duration: 7 hours

Make memories in Kerala

Now that you have read through the article, you can see that Kerala is filled with adventure sports that can be enjoyed amidst a natural setting. How can you say no to a destination that can help you create thousands of beautiful memories? Spend as long as possible in Kerala, so that you can cherish your adventurous experience for a long time.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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