It’s summer – the perfect time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and reconnect with our adventurous side. As summer vacation begins for many, traveling to the country’s various hill stations and beaches is the best way to unwind. From jumping out of a plane to diving into the big blue, here are some summer activities that are sure to rejuvenate you, whether you’re on a solo trip, with friends or family.
rafting
With varying levels of difficulty, rafting is an unforgettable experience for novice thrill seekers and advanced enthusiasts alike. This team sport offers breathtaking views of the mountains as white, foamy rivers flow through the valleys.
Or: Rishikesh (Ganga), Ladakh (Indus), Coorg (Barapole), Kullu and Manali (Beas), Arunachal Pradesh (Lohit), Himachal Pradesh (Spiti), Maharashtra (Kundalika)
Cost: Starts from ₹400 and goes up to ₹1,500, depending on duration
scuba diving
Even though humans don’t have gills, we can still have underwater vision with a little help. Deep sea diving or scuba diving gives you the opportunity to explore parts of the ocean that are usually inaccessible. It is important to practice underwater swimming and to have a good state of health before diving deeply.
Or: Cinque Island, Havelock Island and Neil Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Bangaram (Lakshadweep Island), Goa, The Aravind Wall (Puducherry), Netrani Island (Karnataka), Tarkarli (Maharashtra), Kovalam (Kerala), Dwarka (Gujarat)
Costs: ₹3,000 to 8,000 per dive.
Bungee jumping
Not one to hesitate to jump head first into the adventure? Bungee jumping is a must for all adrenaline junkies. With the height ranging from 25m to 83m, there are various options available in India. You can even jump off a natural cliff in Rishikesh.
Or: Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), Lonavala (Maharashtra), Anjuna Beach (Goa), Chhattisgarh, Bangalore (Karnataka), Delhi
Cost: Starts from ₹400 to ₹3,500
Paragliding
Flying a light foot-launched aircraft is the best way to fly high. In India, people can opt for flights that last from two to three minutes to 30 minutes. You can either fly in tandem with an instructor or try your hand at solo flight.
Or: Bir Billing, Mussoorie and Manali (Himachal Pradesh), Panchgani, Matheran, Kamshet and Pawna (Maharashtra), Shillong (Meghalaya), Gangtok (Sikkim), Jaipur (Rajasthan) Beni Bugyal, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Arambol (Goa), Panchmahal (Gujarat)
Cost: Since ₹1,000 to ₹6,000
Skydiving
If falling out of an airplane and letting gravity take over, from anywhere between 4,000 feet and 13,000 feet sounds like fun, you should give skydiving a try. There are three forms in India – tandem, static line and accelerated free fall (AFF). They all need prior training.
Or: Deesa (Gujarat), Pondicherry, Aamby Valley (Maharashtra); Bir Billing (Himachal Pradesh) Mysore (Karnataka) Dhana (Madhya Pradesh)
Cost: Static line – From ₹18,000; Tandem – From ₹27,000; AFF – From ₹2.5 lakh
Escalation
Unlike trekking, natural climbing is an extreme sport and full body workout in one. The three types of climbing are lead climbing, bouldering, and mountaineering. Newcomers to the activity are given a harness and safety gear for lead climbing, but bouldering is only done with chalk and safety mats.
Or: Malshej Ghat, (Maharashtra) Hampi, Badami, (Karnataka) Shey Rock (Leh), Miyar Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
Hot air balloon ride
Many states in India now offer the opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of the place from a bird’s eye view. This softer adventure sport is perfect for those traveling with young people in their family. The journey can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
Or: Lonavala (Maharashtra), Goa, Agra, (Uttar Pradesh), Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), Delhi, Manali (Himachal Pradesh), Rishikesh, (Uttarakhand)
Cost: Starts from ₹500 to 18,000
