Top Adventure Activities in Kerala

• Parasailing –

Water sports in Kerala are quite diverse in nature and parasailing is one of them. The famous adventure sports in Kerala involve water sports that are indulged in seaside and beach resorts. Parasailing, also known as parascending or Para-kiting is a recreational kiting activity where a person is towed behind a speedboat while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that resembles a parachute, known as a parasail wing. The speedboat is responsible for controlling the momentum along with the height while the person who is flying controls the sideways. Make sure you add parasailing to your list of planned activities because it gives you the best of both worlds as you can view not only the clear skies above but also the pristine water below and is sure to offer you an experience of a lifetime.  

Cost (Approx.): 3500 INR.

Location: Kovalam and Alappuzha Beach.

• Paragliding –

Paragliding is a recreational and competitive adventure activity that involves flying paragliders, which are lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no solid primary structure. There are many fine paragliding spots in Kerala, where one can explore various hidden adventurous opportunities. Every adventure-seeker loves paragliding due to the presence of greater adventure in it. The pilot sits in a harness or lies supine in a cocoon-like ‘speed bag’ suspended below a fabric wing. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension lines, the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing, and the aerodynamic forces of the air flowing over the outside. Gear up to cherish the bird’s eye view of the lush greenery that the sport offers.

Cost (Approx.): 3,500 INR.

Location: Vagamon & Varkala.

• Trekking–

Trekking is often done in combination with backpacking and rock climbing. Trekking is mainly done to have an interaction with nature. Trekking in Kerala gives you the perfect taste of the forests and jungles of the region. Trekkers cross-forest areas, mountains, deserts and face different weather conditions and topographies. The activity does not require much planning and is usually done in groups. With its rich and expansive range of mountainous landscapes, it is no surprise that Kerala is a highly sought-after place by trekkers and adventurers from around the world. Not only can you enjoy the atmosphere but also cook in the jungle, spend a night in the tent and spot a tiger, if you are lucky.

 Cost: Starts from 500 INR.

 Location: Chembra Peak in Wayanad, Kolukkumalai and Meesapulimala in Munnar, mountain ranges near Thenmala, and Agasthayarkoodam in Trivandrum.

• Tree House Stay–

A treehouse, tree fort, or tree shed is a platform or building constructed around, next to, or among the trunk or branches of one or more mature trees while above ground level. It is an exquisite way of settling right in the middle of nature. Spend your day by staying in a treehouse, right in the middle of nature. The view that you get from inside the house is simply magical and each moment you spend here is memorable. The mood set by the treehouse in Kerala is also very romantic so you can also visit here for your honeymoon. Treehouses can be used for recreation, workspace, habitation, a hangout space, and observation. Kerala, with its lush green forests and exotic wildlife, offers a wide variety of wildlife adventure tourism. Forest camping is becoming increasingly popular among tourists and one of the best ways to spend your night in a forest is in a treehouse. It is guaranteed to leave you with an experience to cherish.

Cost: 4000 INR to 18000 INR per night.

Location: Wayanad, Munnar, and Thekkady.

• Kayaking–

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is a low-to-the-water, canoe-like boat in which the paddler sits facing forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the other in rotation. It offers a close look at the culture of Kerala so if you wish to experience its culture, then you must go on kayaking. The unique beauty of the backwaters and interesting dense flora and fauna can only be enjoyed during a kayak tour. Kayaking is a highly popular water adventure sport in Kerala for couples that promise a thrilling experience.

Cost: 1500 INR for a first-timer and 1000 INR for an experienced individual.

Location: Alappuzha, Kumarakam and Kollam.

• Snorkeling –

Snorkeling is one of the most adventurous activities to do in Kerala. Snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped breathing tube called a snorkel, and usually swim fins. The use of this equipment allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods with relatively little effort and to breathe while face-down at the surface. It is a popular recreational activity, particularly in tropical resort locations. It provides the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving. Enjoy witnessing several colorful marine lives like corals, sea urchins, and fishes.

Cost: Starts from 1000 INR for 30 minutes.

Location: Thiruvankulam, Kovalam.

• Wildlife Safari –

A safari park also known as a wildlife park, is a zoo-like commercial drive-in tourist attraction where visitors can drive their own vehicles or ride in vehicles provided by the facility to observe freely roaming animals. A safari park is larger than a zoo and smaller than a game reserve. A wildlife safari in Kerala will definitely give you an awesome experience of forest life. The rich biodiversity and amazing flora and fauna of Kerala will provide a deep sense of resoluteness and you will become conscious about the protection of natural beauty. Protection of greenery is essential for living beings. There are many adventure places in Kerala that offer both day and nocturnal safaris to tourists. There are several adventure places offering day and nocturnal safaris to their tourists. This adventure is truly unique in its own way, offering the best form of enjoyment and excitement to tourists of all ages.

Cost: 10 INR per person and 100 INR for foreigners.

Location:  Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary in

Wayanad, and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve at the south Western Ghats in Palakkad District, Chinnar, Periyar, Gavi, Neyyar, etc.

• Bamboo Rafting–

Bamboo Rafting is another best thing that one can’t afford to miss in Kerala. It is different from other normal forms of rafting in that rafters use a raft that is constructed out of a network of naturally available bamboos which are held and tied together by coir ropes, allowing you to cherish the enchanting beauty of nature. Every nature lover must do Bamboo Rafting in which one can lie slightly in the Bamboo, watch arboreal animals and listen to the sweet medley of the birds which makes it one of the fun adventure places in Kerala. Bamboo rafting is an incredibly relaxing and enjoyable activity. This is an exciting and eco-friendly program that can be enjoyed by tourists of all ages.

Cost: 2500 INR per person.

Location: Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Wayanad.

• Scuba Diving–

Kerala has a diverse variety of vegetation along with a soothing tropical climate, this makes it a perfectly preferred destination for adventure sports. Water sports in Kerala are found in abundance and everyone is quite intrigued to know what lies beneath the surface of the pristine waters. Water enthusiasts can enjoy this sport where they can witness the best of coral reefs along with spectacular marine life and vibrant sea creatures. Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving where the diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba), which is completely independent of surface supply, to breathe underwater with this source of breathing gas, usually compressed air, allowing them greater independence and freedom of movement than surface-supplied divers, and longer underwater endurance than breath-hold divers.

Cost: 5000 INR-6000 INR.

Location: Kovalam, Varkala, & Kochi.

• Mountain Climbing–

Although Kerala is situated in the southern part of the country, however it has an amalgamation of everything. Apart from pristine beaches and backwaters, it is also surrounded by mountains that are enjoyed by mountain climbers. Tourists who are fanatical for mountain climbing, then there are some spots where you can enjoy the mountain climbing to the fullest.  Mountain climbing is one of the top adventure activities in Kerala. Mountain Climbing is not an easy task as the climb can be steep and rough. You need to climb one full day so you will have to protect yourself from the sun. A whole day is required for you to climb to the peak and hence you need to equip yourself with all the necessities.

Cost: 500 INR per adult.

Location: Rajamalai, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Munnar, Chembra Peak in Wayanad.

• Swimming –

There are plenty of beaches in Kerala that is supported by a vast shoreline from the Arabian Sea which is almost 550 km long and there are Stunning Beaches in Kerala. While there are some beaches where swimming isn’t allowed, there are plenty where you may enjoy the best baths of your life. Couples, as well as family, can really enjoy their vacation here. Taking a bath here is really refreshing, you can also sit and relax and take a sunbath as well. Also, the sunset view from many of the beaches is mesmerizing. You should surely add this to your visit list of adventure places in Kerala. So, head into these beaches and bathe through along the shoreline with appropriate support from the lifeguard. Either way, get ready for real waves of adventure.

Cost: Free.

Location: Kovalam Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Vizhinjam Beach, Varkala Beach.

• Elephant Ride-

An elephant ride in the Kerala wild is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The ideal way to observe exotic species is on an elephant ride. As you are placed on the top of the tusker, you will feel as if you are a king out to observe his hunting grounds. Kerala offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a day with elephants, which should undoubtedly be included in any future adventurous excursions to Kerala.

Cost: Rs 450 per person.

Location: Thekkady, Munnar and Wayanad.

• Cycling –

Cycling is an activity that is enjoyed by the young and elderly alike. Apart from being a great physical exercise, cycling is also an activity that can be extremely relaxing and satisfying.  Whether you’re planning to take a ride around Munnar which is famous for the coffee plantations, planning to travel to the backwaters of Alleppey, and Nilgiri which is famous for the spice plantations absolutely add a different aroma to your cycling tour. Enjoy this sport in the beautiful month of winter when the weather is at its best. Soak into the ambiance of the surrounding nature and enjoy the serene beauty the place has to offer. In addition to these places, you can also go biking through the magnificent paddy fields, tea plantations, forests, and dairy farms. The experience is indeed a memorable one that makes everyone feel close to nature.

Cost (Approx.): 500 INR onwards.

Location: Kottayam, Vagamon, Chalakudy, Valparai, Devikulam, Munnar, Alappuzha, Changanassery.