Adventure Sports in Kerala: Join the Thrill Ride
A vacation is a pleasant way to halt the rush and commotion of life and strike a chord with your inner self. Some people seek a beach vacation, while others go on a meditative retreat. However, those in search of thrill and escapade, choose adventure tourism over anything else. Speaking of adventure Kerala tourism, Kerala provides the right environment to bring out the hidden adventurer in you. Kerala ranked second in the list of India’s “Most Welcoming Regions” in Booking.com’s prestigious recognition Traveller Review Awards 2025. Kerala’s hospitality, natural beauty, diverse accommodations, relaxation, and adventure tourism has constantly earned multiple recognitions for being tourist-friendly.
But what makes Kerala a hub of adventure tourism? The answer lies in the diverse geography of the region. This state has backwaters, beaches, forests, lakes, hill tops, valleys to make it one of India’s best yards for adventure sports. You can simply go for a cycling tour in the mountains or snorkel to watch the beautiful corals and fishes—the choice is yours!
List of Adventure Sports in Kerala | Adventure Tourism in Kerala
When it comes to thrilling sports, Kerala delivers and even surpasses one’s expectations. The tropical weather, vibrant greenery, and surrounding waterbodies makes this state an ideal destination for adventure/ water sports lovers. Whether you want to test your endurance and courage on land, water or being suspended in the air, here are the top 10 adventure sports to try in Kerala.
1. Trekking – Discover Nature’s Trail
What is the best way to experience the beauty of nature in Kerala? Many would agree that it is trekking. Trek on pathways passing through the jungles and dense green woods, pitch a tent and enjoy camping. If you are a rookie trekker, go on a guided trekking tour where the professional guides will help you spot animals.
Kerala has both natural and artificially created trekking trails. Irrespective of which trail you choose, a fun and exciting experience is guaranteed! Trekking in Kerala can be done in all seasons. However, many trekkers say that the perfect season is from October to May. The rainy season sometimes makes trekking a little challenging, but it’s not something undoable. You just have to wear non-slippery shoes and walk on trails that are less challenging. Silent Valley park, Dhoni Hills, Agastyarkoodam, Chembra Peak, Meesapulimala and so on are top trekking trails in Kerala.
2. Paragliding – Watch Nature’s Beauty from Above
Do you want to know what it feels like to float like a cloud above the grassland, hills and lakes? If yes, do try paragliding in Kerala and touch the soaring altitudes. The joyride and pleasure of being able to fly in the air like a bird is remarkable. Kerala’s topography which is covered in rich greenery, beautiful lakes, rolling hills, etc. looks magnificent from the above. The paragliding station lets you fly at a maximum height of 3000 ft above sea level. The beauty of Western Ghats mountains is absolutely amazing from such a point of view.
Munnar, Vagamon, and Varkala are three top destinations for paragliding in Kerala. One needs a clear sky, suitable wind directions, and pleasant weather, hence October to February is the ideal time for paragliding in Kerala.
3. Tree House Stay – For Rest, Relaxation and a Rustic Stay
A tree house stay in Kerala may not push your adrenaline up and down, but it has a charm of its own. Living in a jungle, inside a tree house adds a flair of newness and excitement to your holidays. More than an activity, staying at a tree house is an experience that brings you close to nature. Watch the animals, birds, and beautiful elements of nature thriving in a secure environment. This stay is ideal for couples, families, and friends who want to take a break from adventure and enjoy living in harmony with nature. Wayand, Munnar and Thekkady are the best places to stay in a tree house. The cost per night for Tree House stay starts from ₹3700 Rs to ₹4200 and goes up to ₹10,000 (approximately).
4. Mountain Biking – Paddle on the Meandering Pathways
Want to try the supreme thrill ride in the mountains of Kerala? Participate in mountain biking in Kerala to satisfy your adventurous passion for biking. You will encounter promising terrains and biking trails in Kerala. Speaking of biking trails in Kerala, some are easier than others. Therefore, choose one that feels most comfortable. Experienced bikers can choose between a guided or non-guided biking tour to explore the beautiful sights of Nature. The meandering pathways and trails of Kerala have copious amounts of rich natural beauty that is too pretty to ignore. The mountain biking season in Kerala starts from October to May. Idukki and Wayand districts in Kerala are the best places to hit the paddle and bike around for a joyride.
5. Bamboo Rafting – Try Rafting with a Twist
When one thinks of rafting, they immediately picture gushing rapids of a river toying with an inflated raft. However, bamboo rafting is an entirely unique experience in Kerala. Instead of roaring rapids, bamboo rafting is done on the gentle waters of peaceful lakes. In this activity, participants sit on a rectangular raft made with bamboo that stays afloat on water. They are provided with bamboo poles and an instructor guides them to navigate the raft. Bamboo rafting is a huge part of eco-tourism activities in Kerala and is promoted to adopt the mindful ways to enjoy nature while also focusing on sustainability.
Thekkady and Alleppey are the top places to go for Bamboo rafting in Kerala. While bamboo rafting you may also encounter animals like elephants, sambhar, wild pigs, kingfisher, and so on.
6. Ziplining – Watch the Beautiful Western Ghats
Zipling is the perfect adventure sport in Kerala to get the unobstructed views of the Western Ghats. Kerala is hands down the best places in India for ziplining. There is something so remarkably exciting about enjoying the aerial views from a zipline—the feeling of flying in the air is unmatchable.
Tourists can participate in ziplining as it is a fun and safe activity. The age restrictions depend on your ziplining sight and your operator. Some operators allow children below 15 and above the age of 10 years to participate while others don’t. Therefore, do conform in advance. The weight requirement for ziplining in Kerala is below 90 kilograms.
There are many districts in Kerala that offer zip lining activity, but the most thrilling one is in Munnar, Iddukki district. Munnar has the “Eagle’s Flight” which is 1800 metres long. It is the longest zipline in India. Ziplining is also an activity that can be done throughout the year. So make sure to add ziplining in your Kerala tour packages.
7. Kayaking – Enjoy the Beauty of Lakes
Kerala’s lakes and backwaters are awesome for kayaking and enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature. Kayaking in Kerala is one activity that makes you calm and offers serenity. If you are not aware, Kayak is a low-to-the-water boat in which paddlers sit at a 90 degree angle with their legs straight. They use a paddle for rowing and navigating the Kayak on waters. Kayaking allows you to see hidden natural gems, canals, and creeks. The ideal time for Kayaking in Kerala is from September and February.
Kozhikode, Alleppey, Kochi and Kuttanad are the best Kayaking spots in Kerala. Ask your Kerala tour operator to add Kayaking in your Kerala vacation package for a wholesome Kayak experience.
8. Jungle/Jeep Safari – Best Way to Explore the Wilderness
Thekkady’s Periyar National Park is the supreme place to go Jungle safari in Kerala. Book a safari tour from a renowned operator. Watch the wilderness unfold as your jeep moves forward on the dedicated trails of Periyar National Park. Jeep or Jungle safaris in Kerala are done at night as well as day time. It offers an amazing chance to spot Kerala’s indigenous flora and fauna.
This brings us to the end of the blog. We hope with diverse choices for adventure sports in Kerala, you will enjoy a fulfilling and thrilling holiday!
