Having been colonized by many different nations, Puducherry, which is also known as Pondicherry, in India is a unique vacation destination. The city lies on the coast and is a popular weekend getaway destination from Chennai. The city has many names locally including “Pondy” and the “French Capital of India.” Walking along the streets, it’s easy to see why the latter nickname was attached. You’ll be struck by the beauty of the colonial buildings, stretching promenades, spotless beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Spend some time soaking up the sun and enjoying the hospitality before getting on your feet a trying a new challenge: adventure sports. Puducherry is an adventure sports haven and is famous across India for both its on-land and off-land activities. Scroll down and discover your big adventure today with these top adventure sports in Puducherry, India.
1. Paintball
Paintball is a fun and thrilling activity to do with a group of people. There are daily sessions being undertaken in the Puducherry area. So, whether you want to relieve some stress, tackle your family members, or simply try something new with friends, paintball is a great option. You’ll be given all of the safety gear that you need and provided with clear instructions on how to shoot the pellets. The main question is, will you be targeted or can you escape and survive? Dodge behind obstacles, outsmart your enemies, and live to see another day.
2. Rock climbing
Reach new heights and discover the thrill of rock climbing. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned climber, Puducherry has a challenge for everyone. Nothing beats using your own strength to reach the top of your climb. We love that Puducherry features both natural and manmade climbing spots. If it is your first time, we’d recommend taking a course at a rock climbing school to learn the ropes (excuse the pun). Puducherry is a popular destination for rock climbers throughout the year thanks to the warm climate. However, the locals will say that October to March is the best time. One of the most popular spots, due to its unique rock formations, is Serenity Beach.
3. Horse riding
Horse riding is a great way to experience something new and see greater distances in the local area. There are a number of riding schools in the area so we’d recommend doing some research to find one that best suits your needs. You’ll be given strict instructions on how to make a bond with your horse, before the very important handling techniques. This is also an adventure sport that all ages can enjoy and Puducherry is one of the few areas where you can ride a thorough-bred or an Arabian stallion. Get ready to feel the gentle breeze whizz past you as you explore Puducherry on horseback. We’d recommend booking this kind of experience for between October and March when the climate is best.
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4. Jet skiing
If you love the sea, jet skiing should be your next adventure challenge. You can simply hire a jet ski per hour or day and enjoy crashing through the waves at top speeds. the surrounding nature is breathtaking and you’ll be able to see it from a whole new perspective. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy a stop at or simply follow the coastline. There is lots of marine life in the area so keep your eyes peeled to see what fascinating sea creatures you can see from your jet ski.
5. Parasailing
Reaching a height of about 25 meters (82 feet), parasailing is a great way to get a bird’s eye-view of the unique layout and topography of Puducherry. You’ll be able to see landmarks such as the lighthouse and the beaches. You may be teamed with an experienced instructor so that you can sit back and enjoy this thrilling experience. It is worth noting that for safety purposes, most of the parasailing activities have a minimum age limit of 12 years old and a maximum age limit of 45 years old. There may also be weight restrictions in place. Parasailing experience can last anywhere from a few minutes to a whole hour. We recommend directly contacting the company to discuss your specific experience. You don’t want to miss out though so book early!
6. Scuba diving
Originally there was only one diving center in the area, namely Temple Adventures. Recently more have been cropping up as the sites become more and more popular. Rather uniquely, Temple Adventures actually build their own artificial reef from old metal material. The site is now home to thousands of fish and other marine animals. Other diving sites worth a mention are 4 Corners, Coral Shark Reef, Aravind’s Wall, Ravines, and The Hole. Whichever company you choose you’ll be able to experience life under the water and see the delicate ecosystem that lies beneath the waves. Depending on the weather, visibility can be up to 30 meters (98 feet) and fun dives are fairly inexpensive.
7. Surfing
The best spot for surfing is easily Serenity Beach which is just 6 miles (10 kilometre) north of main Puducherry. Here, you’ll find the local Kallialay Surf School near a fishing village. Thanks to the two long piers which were constructed to protect the beach, a surf break was created. Today, the waves here are popular with surfers across India and abroad. You can sign on for a full beginner course at the school, or if you’re already comfortable on the board, just hit the waves freestyle. What is great is that although the waves are great, this site is not overflowing with surfers which means that you can really take your time with catching the perfect wave and have unobstructed 360-degree views. Also, if you’re a novice, you’ll be less likely to crash into other people. It’s a win-win situation.
8. Kayaking
A fun and thrilling experience for all levels. You’ll be carefully instructed on how to use your kayak, and exit safely should you roll over. For beginners, there are plenty of gentle routes that will take place on calm water so you can enjoy the peace ad tranquility of the surrounding areas. For more advanced kayaks who are looking for a stronger adventure, you’ll also find challenging waters with rapids that are quite difficult. In fact, this sport is loved by locals and tourists alike, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try kayaking while you’re in the area.
Come rain or shine, get the thrill of a lifetime
That’s it. We’ve reached the end of our list of the top adventure sports in Puducherry in India. Now, it is time for your journey and experience to start. Whether you’re an absolute novice or a seasoned veteran of the sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy and tackle in Puducherry. So, for your next vacation take that leap of faith and discover something new. Book today.
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