From Mountains to Backwaters: Adventure Activities in Kerala for Every Traveller
Kerala is a beautiful place with green hills, calm lakes, and sandy beaches. It’s known for being peaceful and having a rich culture. But there’s also a lot of excitement for people who love adventure! From the foggy Western Ghats mountains to the shining Arabian Sea, Kerala is a great spot for those who want to explore nature in fun and exciting ways. You can hike through thick rainforests, enjoy the views from hilltops, or even go diving in the sea. This guide will show you the best adventure activities in Kerala so you can have an amazing journey that’s different from the usual experiences. Are you ready to see the adventurous side of Kerala? Let’s go explore!
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Here are the top 12 Adventure Activities in Kerala
1. Trekking in the Western Ghats
Kerala’s Western Ghats offer a range of trekking experiences through misty mountains, dense forests, and scenic landscapes. Munnar, with its lush tea gardens and rolling hills, offers moderate to challenging trails like Meesapulimala, where trekkers reach the second-highest peak in Kerala. Wayanad provides scenic routes like the Chembra Peak trek, famous for its heart-shaped lake, while Silent Valley and Agasthyakoodam are ideal for nature enthusiasts, offering sightings of rare species of flora and fauna, as well as views of pristine rainforests.
Location: Munnar, Wayanad, Agasthyakoodam, and Silent Valley
2. Paragliding in Vagamon
Known for its cool climate and gentle slopes, Vagamon in Idukki district is a premier destination for paragliding in Kerala. The undulating hills provide ideal conditions for paragliding, making it a sought-after experience for both beginners and experienced paragliders. Vagamon’s take-off point offers stunning views over vast valleys, lush forests, and tea plantations, and gliding through the skies provides a unique perspective of Kerala’s natural beauty. Licensed instructors and safety measures ensure a thrilling yet safe adventure for all participants.
Location: Vagamon Hills
3. Bamboo Rafting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bamboo rafting in Thekkady’s Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary combines adventure with nature exploration, as you float along Periyar Lake surrounded by the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity. Led by trained local guides, the rafting journey often includes trekking through the surrounding forest, offering close encounters with wildlife like elephants, sambar deer, and exotic birds. The peaceful glide across the water and the unique vantage point of the bamboo raft make it an unforgettable way to experience Periyar’s rich ecosystem.
Location: Thekkady, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Kayaking in the Backwaters
Kayaking through Kerala’s famous backwaters in regions like Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kottayam offers a unique and active way to experience the state’s interconnected waterways. With single or tandem kayaks available, visitors can navigate narrow canals and venture into areas inaccessible to houseboats. This immersive experience brings travellers close to traditional life, allowing them to witness paddy fields, coconut groves, and village activities while enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of the backwaters.
Location: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam
5. Scuba Diving in Kovalam and Varkala
Kerala’s coastline, particularly at Kovalam and Varkala, offers an underwater paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. The Arabian Sea’s clear waters reveal vibrant coral reefs, colourful fish, and other marine life. Professional instructors provide guidance, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced divers. Scuba diving here gives adventure seekers a rare opportunity to explore Kerala’s lesser-known marine biodiversity, making it a refreshing addition to the usual coastal activities.
Location: Kovalam and Varkala beaches
6. Mountain Biking in Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful place with curvy roads and lovely paths that go through tea gardens and forests, making it a great spot for riding bikes. There are bike trails that can be easy or a bit tough, so everyone can have fun. When you ride, you can see amazing views of green valleys, hills covered in mist, and tea farms. The nice, cool weather makes it even better! Along the way, you can visit local villages, see pretty sights, and find hidden waterfalls, making your biking adventure even more exciting!
Location: Munnar and Wayanad
7. Rock Climbing and Rappelling in Thenmala
As India’s first eco-tourism destination, Thenmala offers a natural playground for rock climbing and rappelling enthusiasts. The region’s rugged terrain, featuring cliffs and rock faces, provides challenging spots for climbing while rappelling down the rock faces rewards adventurers with stunning views of the lush greenery below. Thenmala Eco-tourism Center ensures that safety is prioritized, with equipment and trained guides available to help both beginners and experienced climbers.
Location: Thenmala Eco-tourism Center
8. Wildlife Safari in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts looking to go on a safari. The sanctuary’s jeep safaris take visitors deep into the forest, where they can spot animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer in their natural habitat. It’s also home to numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. A safari through Wayanad is both thrilling and educational, offering a close look at Kerala’s diverse wildlife and conservation efforts.
Location: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
9. Houseboat Cruises with Fishing
Kerala’s iconic houseboat cruises, especially in Alleppey and Kumarakom, can be transformed into a more interactive experience with fishing. The tranquil cruise along the backwaters is enhanced with fishing activities, where visitors can try traditional angling methods and catch local fish. Freshly caught fish can often be prepared on board, adding a culinary aspect to the adventure. It’s an ideal way for travellers to connect with Kerala’s fishing heritage while enjoying the scenic backwaters.
Location: Alleppey and Kumarakom
10. Canoeing through the Kuttanad Region
Canoeing in the Kuttanad area, also known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” is a fun adventure where you can paddle through small waterways surrounded by rice fields, little villages, and tall coconut trees. Kuttanad is special because the farmland is lower than the sea, making it a beautiful place to explore by canoe. This is a great way to see the countryside in Kerala, meet local people, and enjoy the lovely nature around you.
Location: Kuttanad backwaters
11. Snorkeling in Varkala
Varkala Beach offers clear waters and rich marine biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling. The beach’s rocky outcrops and calm waves provide an easy snorkelling experience, allowing visitors to observe small fish, crabs, and coral formations up close. Snorkelling here is a relaxing yet adventurous activity, especially for those who enjoy exploring underwater life without deep diving. The vibrant marine life near the shore ensures a memorable snorkelling experience in Kerala.
Location: Varkala Beach
12. Zip Lining in Wayanad
Wayanad Adventure Camp offers a thrilling zip-lining experience over the lush greenery of the Wayanad region. Zipping across the valleys and forested areas gives participants a bird’s-eye view of the region’s natural beauty, with tea and coffee plantations below and the distant hills on the horizon. It’s a short but exhilarating ride that provides a unique perspective on Kerala’s landscape, making it perfect for both families and thrill-seekers looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Location: Wayanad Adventure Camp
Conclusion
In summary, Kerala is a wonderful place for people who love adventure. It has many fun activities in beautiful settings, like the misty mountains, calm backwaters, sandy beaches, and green wildlife parks. You can try exciting things like paragliding, hiking, scuba diving, bamboo rafting, and biking. Each activity is thrilling and lets you enjoy Kerala’s amazing nature and culture. Whether you want a tough hike, a peaceful trip on the water, or a fun trip to see animals, Kerala has something special for everyone. This mix of adventure and peacefulness makes Kerala a great place for both adventure lovers and nature fans.
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People also ask about Activities in Kerala
1. Which is the best time to enjoy adventure activities in Kerala?
The ideal time is October to March when the weather is pleasant. Some activities, like river rafting, may be best during the monsoon season (June to September), while beach activities like scuba diving are often better in the dry season for clear waters.
2. Is it safe to do adventure activities in Kerala?
Yes, Kerala has certified operators and experienced guides for adventure activities, especially in popular spots. Safety measures, equipment checks, and briefings are generally standard.
3. Are there any age restrictions for adventure activities?
Many activities have age and health restrictions, particularly high-adrenaline sports. For instance, paragliding often requires participants to be at least 16, while scuba diving may require participants to be over 10 years old with parental consent.
4. Do I need prior experience for these activities?
Not necessarily. Most activities like trekking, kayaking, and rafting offer beginner-friendly options, while sports like scuba diving may require a brief introductory session for first-timers.
5. What should I wear and bring for adventure activities?
For trekking and wildlife safaris, wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Quick-dry clothing, waterproof gear, and sunscreen are advisable for water activities. Always carry essentials like water, snacks, insect repellents, and personal medication.
6. Can I book these activities in advance?
Yes, you can book in advance, especially during peak seasons (October to March). Many operators offer online bookings, and packages are available through travel agencies.
7. Where are the best locations for trekking in Kerala?
Some of the best trekking locations in Kerala include the Western Ghats, particularly regions like Munnar, Wayanad, and Agasthyakoodam. These areas are known for their stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and well-marked trekking trails.
8. Is white-water rafting popular in Kerala?
Yes, white-water rafting is a popular adventure activity in Kerala, especially on the rivers like the Tejaswini and the Pamba. The rapids range from Grade I to Grade IV, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.