Adventure Tourism in Karnataka

Karnataka offers multiple adventure activities that are as diversified as its landscapes whether it's on land, life below, in the sky above, upon the hills or even under the sea. There are plenty of options for adrenaline junkies in Karnataka. Ferocious people can hunt their adventure hunger by indulging in skydiving and for faint hearted ones, there is cycling. From the Nilgiri mountains to spotting endangered animals in the famed national park and from its gigantic coastline that support numerous water sports activities to skydiving, there is no limitation of options in Karnataka.

See below for the adventure activities that should be experienced on an adventure trip to Karnataka:

Skydiving

Picture this, leaping out of a plane at an elevation of 9000-10000 feet like a bird. Feeling of floating on the cloud and seeing the bird's eye view of the Mysore city is ecstatic. Mysore in Karnataka is listed amongst the top destination to experience skydiving and it is gaining momentum every year. There are multiple types of skydiving that one can experience in Karnataka - static, tandem or accelerated freefall. First-time skydivers should go for Tandem diving as one dive in tandem with professionals. Static skydiving is relatively less expensive and risky as compared to Tandem skydiving. In Static skydiving, adventurers have a free fall from an aircraft and parachute opens almost immediately after the fall. Accelerated Freefall is the fastest way to experience the solo freefall, normally from 10,000 to 15,000 feet above ground level. Whether the person is a novice or an adventure buff, proper training is required to experience every genre of skydiving. The diversity of view that comes in front of eyes is beautiful. One will come across the palaces, colonial architecture, hills and much more.

Places where one can experience skydiving in Karnataka: Mysore

Best Time to Go for Skydiving: Every season except monsoon season is perfect to do skydiving in Karnataka

Altitude
Static Jump: 3,500 Ft- 4,500 Ft
Tandem: 9,000 Ft - 10,000ft
Accelerated: 10,000 Ft - 15,000ft

Microlight Flying:

Microlight or Ultralights is a lightweight aircraft that carries 1-2 people at the same time. Most of these aircrafts looks like hand gliders attached to the giant tricycles with a big motorized fan on the back. Feeling of soaring from the top of crashing waterfalls, dreamy landscapes, and picturesque monuments are wondrous. The scenic flight above the beautiful scenes will let adrenaline going like the clappers. The aircraft will fly over the city giving one a complete new view of familiar landmarks. Microlight brings one experience Karnataka like never before.

Places where one can experience Microlight Flying in Karnataka: Bengaluru (Jakkur airfield), Coorg and Mysore

Best Time to Go for Microlight Flying: Whenever the sky is clean

Duration: 10-30 minutes

White Water Rafting

From easy rapids at Bheemeshwari to the ferocious streams at Kodagu, there is plenty of white water rafting options in Karnataka. Some of these thundering rapids are challenging to even the most expert rafters. The stretch of white water rafting is hard to navigate and provides spills and thrills to the adventure seekers. In the regions like Honnemaradu, Kemphole, Gokarna, Sitanadi, Marawanthe, Dandeli, Devbagh and Karawr rafting is thriving because of water bodies like River Cauvery, the backwaters of Shravanthi and the River Kali. Also worth experiencing is River Barapole in Coorg, here grades range from 4 to 5 rapids in the regular upper section & about 6 to 7 rapids in the lower section,

While rafting, on the either side of the river one can witness tiny hamlets, wildlife sanctuaries, and lush green forest. As the water bodies meander further, the rapids go from mild to wild, perfect for experts to practice technical roles. Several white water rafting training schools are available in Karnataka. Stringent safety measures are observed by all trip organizers and all the equipments are well-maintained

Places where one can experience White water rafting in Karnataka: Bheemeshwari, Sitanadi, Kemphole, Netravati, Honnemaradu, Dandeli, Gokarna, Marawanthe beach, Karwar and Devbagh, Madikeri, Madikeri, Kali River at Dandeli National Park

Best Time to Go for White water rafting: October –February

Grade: Medium to Difficult

Scuba Diving:

Netrani Island in Murdeshwar, Karnataka has over hundreds of operators that offer a fascinating tour of the underworld. Bestowed with vivid marine life, pristine clean water and shallow deep water, Murdeshwar, is one of the best stunning sights to uncover the underwater world in India. In short the place has all the perfect elements for a truly memorable holiday experience. From the bright reefs to myriad fishes hiding in walls, guided by the turtles and sharks, there is something for everyone in Karnataka. Dolphins, corals, fishes, and sharks are some of the prominent marine species, which are seen by the scuba divers. Scuba diving is the best way to explore the underwater life of Karnataka.

Place where one can experience Scuba Diving in Karnataka: Murdeshwar

Best Time: Mid October to mid May

Types of Diving Available : Hard coral fringing reef, coral bommies

Prominent species that can be spotted while diving: Whales, Turtles, Napoleon Wrasse, Great Barracuda, Cobia, Stingrays and Stonefish

Difficulty Level: Easy

Rock Climbing

When talking about best rock climbing destinations in India, it's hard to ignore Karnataka. Peaks like Ramanagara, Sawan Durga, and Turahalli are adorned with rugged terrains and gigantic boulders, which makes them the perfect places to indulge in rock climbing. Destinations like Ramanagara, Savanaduga, Turahalli and Madhugiri are perfect for adventurers and experts alike. All these places are backpackers' heaven and the amazing view of the landscapes around are sights to behold.

Trekking:

With more than 200 trekking trails in and around, Karnataka is slowly becoming favourite destination of the trekkers. The innumerable and unique landscapes of Karnataka beckon for an engrossing trekking adventure. Somewhere like the other trekking trails in Northern part of India, Southern part is also blessed with multiple trekking trails. Mostly treks in Karnataka grades between easy to moderate, also they can be enjoyed by novices as well as professionals. A Large number of trekkers turn up to Karnataka every year, and some even during the off season, to scale several peaks in Karnataka. Apart from the adventure that is thrown up at every turn, the trails are blessed with numerous picturesque terrains and pleasant weather.

Best Places to Go for Trekking in Karnataka: Coorg, Kodachadri

Prominent Treks in Karnataka

Aquatic Parasailing

For those, visiting Karnataka for some action-packed adventure, there is now one more added adventurous activity of aquatic parasailing. Embellished with bright azures, pristine beaches, and an amazing crowd, Karnataka is gradually becoming a hot spot for parasailers. Aquatic Parasailing is a must try on a holiday to Karnataka, as there are so many pristine beaches that are lying unexplored. Parasailing works on a principle that the parasailers tied with a harness, which is controlled by a motor vehicle. The rider touches down on earth or water towards the end of the ride to maximise the thrill of this sport.

Best places to enjoy Aquatic Parasailing in Karnataka: Malpe beach, Gokarna Beach

Jetski Ride

With over 20 beaches, there are plenty of places to splash around in Karnataka and have some fun. Go with the waves flow on a jet ski in the coastal area of Karnataka. Jet skiing is tailor made for people who love speed, adventure and loads of water. The fun and frolic ride over the azure water lasts for 10- 15 minutes and curates some everlasting memories. All the jet skiing organizers on the beach offers great looking jet skies along with the bets equipment. If the tourist is an adventure junkie then their passion to perform adventure sports can be fulfilled on the beaches of Karnataka.

Best Places to enjoy Jet Ski in Karnataka: Gokarna Beach, Varuana Lake (Mysore), Netravathi (Mangalore)

Motor Biking

The journey of heading from one place to the other in Karnataka is picture perfect. On one hand, here one can ride on the picturesque trail that starts from Mysore till Kannur, on the hand there are the 70 pulsating hairpins of the Kolli Hills; there is something for everyone in Karnataka. For those who want to go on a journey for the pleasure of riding then the roads of Karnataka are there to fulfil adventure thirst. Needless to say, that the surrounding view that stay with throughout the journey are simply spellbinding.

Famous Roads for Motor Biking

Cycling

Imagine cycling over the meadows fringed with towering coffee plantation or along the prestine beaches and the charismatic coastal like, this all can be experienced in Karnataka. The experience of exploring every nook and corner of Karnataka through padding is simply amazing as adventure beckons every turn and surroundings are serene. Whether the tourist is looking for a short city tour or cross state, there are plenty of options in Karnataka.

Apart from these activities, tourists can also indulge in angling, boat rides, hiking, bungee jumping, camping, and kayaking.