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Introduction to India’s Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations
India’s Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations: From skiing in the heights of Himalayas to water sports along its coastlines, with such diverse landscapes, India is certainly a sports tourism heaven.
People from all walks of life, including adventure lovers and athletes, travel to India to witness the thrill of extreme activities with spectacular vistas.
We have compiled together a list of best sports tourism destinations in India to relive the moments. From rafting to scuba diving from snowboarding to rock climbing, adventure in India of all kinds awaits you.
Read More1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Adventure Capital of the World for White Water Rafting and Bungee Jumping
India’s Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations: Rishikesh– Situated among the foothills of the Himalayas and on the banks of the River Ganges, Rishikesh has earned for itself a name amongst India’s adventure capital.
Rishikesh, famous for white-water rafting is the perfect mix of nature beauty & challenging rapids to lure newbies and experienced rafters.
There are various levels of difficulties for rafting stretches; the most popular section is the 16 km one from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, which has exciting rapids and beautiful scenery.
Applicable beyond only rafting, Rishikesh has more to provide for adrenaline fans apart from bungee bouncing, ziplining, and cliff walking.
Bungee Jumping: The first bungee jumping site in India at Mohan Chatti with an 83-meter free fall and should not be missed by adventure enthusiasts.
Rishikesh adventure sports are best enjoyed from September to June, the period when both river particulars and weather conditions create a perfect environment.
Rishikesh, offers a lot of adventure and thus is among the top places to explore which blend well adventure with spiritual vibes of this ancient town.
2. Auli, Uttarakhand – A Ski Resort in Wonderland
Nestled in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, Auli has quickly established itself as one of India’s best ski destinations.
Auli is well-known for snow-capped slopes and pine forests and provides skiing which can compete to some international resorts.
The majestic peaks of Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat overlook this pristine landscape, where powdery slopes unfold before you. Auli Offers ski runs for Beginner, Intermediate and Expert skiers.
In addition to being a great skiing location for others, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) also provides all the necessary provisions along with skiing lessons and gear rental for novices wanting to get into this wonderful sport.
This place also has the national skiing championship events that brings skiers from all of India and abroad.
While the winter sports capital of India can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit Auli for such activities ranges from December to March when snowfall reaches its peak.
Whether you are skiing, snowboarding or admiring the snowy landscape, Auli offers one of the best places for travelers that wish to experience winters in India.
3. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir: The Best Ski Destination in India
India’s Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations: Gulmarg is situated in the beautiful valley of Kashmir and famous for its snow and ski bend. Gulmarg is one of the finest skiing destinations in Asia, with slopes ranging from novice to advanced.
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, whisks skiers up to almost 4,000 meters with stunning views across a landscape blanketed by snow.
For thrill-seekers, the backcountry slopes of Gulmarg are to be found where extreme slopes allow for a heart-pounding experience of skiing by helicopter (heli-skiing).
Gulmarg is synonymous with skiing and the best time to hit the slopes happens between Dec. and March, when a blanket of snow makes it an enchanting winter wonderland.
Whether you are a solo traveller or family looking to experience the best of Indian winter sports, Gulmarg promises ski rentals and professional instructors so that everyone can enjoy the slopes.
4. Why Goa: the Best Place for Water Sports?
With its beautiful beaches and infectious vibe, Goa is one of the best states in India for water sports.
This idyllic setting with its clear blue waters and sunny skies prepares the ground for adventurous activities like scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing.
Popular water sports activities are possible along Calangute, Baga and Anjuna beaches and there are many establishments conducting the sport with certified instructors and rental of equipment.
Goa is a breathtaking diversity of coral reefs, marine fauna species, shipwrecks and lagoons, that must not pass the diving lover.
Beach shacks and clubs also have packages available with different activities you can engage in for an affordable price.
October to May with the weather conditions being perfect and the sea is comparatively calmer during this time makes it best time for water sports in Goa.
Goa is a complete package for someone who wants to enjoy lounging on the beach and nightlife; it really brings in flavour from both ends of the spectrum.
5. Kochi, Kerala: Hub of Water Games and Traditional Boat Races
Kochi, with its distinctive backwaters and coast could also be a destination catering for water sports or traditional sports tourism.
Kochi is known for kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding activities as its calm waters are suitable for both novice and experienced water sports lovers.
Being situated at the backdrop of Malabar Coast, Kochi serves as an introduction to breathtaking water adventures.
Kochi is also known for its traditional boat races, such as the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, in addition to modern water sports.
These races celebrate Kerala’s unique sporting heritage during the monsoon season.
They’re a sight to see. October to March is the finest time for water sports in Kochi as the weather is pleasant and waters are calm.
6. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir – Playgrounds for trekking and mountain biking
The land of rugged landscapes and glaring mountains, Leh-Ladakh has become a most sought after destination for trekking, mountain biking, and adventure sports.
Leh-Ladakh offers high-altitude treks like the popular Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River, ideal for adventure junkies.
Adventure and biker tourists from across the world throng here to drive in one of the highest motorable roads — the Khardung La Pass.
Along with trekking and biking, there is river rafting on the Indus and Zanskar rivers in Ladakh.
Adventure sports: Adventure sports in Leh-Ladakh is best from the month of May to September as curtains of milder Jaipur-Mumbai weather open and world now sees roads to drive.
Leh-Ladakh, the ultimate bucket list place for anyone who wants to be part of an exhilarating intense experience in the higher ranges of Himalayas of India.
7. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Paradise
India’s Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations: The pristine waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands teeming with marine biodiversity, provides an idyllic scuba diving and snorkeling playground.
At Havelock Island, a relatively famous location, one can experience the world-class diving with coral reefs that are home to an amazing diversity of fishes, turtles and sometimes sharks.
There are several diving schools on the island that provide certification courses, so even if you lack experience, it is possible to get certified here.
November to May is the ideal time for diving in the Andaman Islands as the sea remains calm with amazing visibility.
In addition to diving, sea walking and snorkeling can be enjoyed on the islands, as well as lazing by the beach, a great spot for land and marine lovers alike.
8. Mysuru, Karnataka: The World-Class Yoga and Wellness Tourism capital of the world
Mysuru, or Mysore, has a global reputation for yoga and wellness tourism. With a strong legacy of Ashtanga yoga, this age-old city draws widespread enthusiasm among practitioners across the world.
Around every corner is inimitable yogic scope with yoga retreats and wellness centers galore, providing classes, courses and immersive experiences for all levels.
The Mysore Yoga Festival takes place annually and attracts travelers from around the world, helping to make this a haven for wellness seekers.
The ideal period is October to March, when the weather in Mysuru is pleasant for Yoga and wellness tourism.
With the perfect blend of ancient yoga traditions and serene environment, Mysuru becomes a hotspot among people for achieving peace and prosperity both physically as well as spiritually.
9. Coorg, Karnataka: Adventure in Coffee Country River Rafting and Trekking
One of the best places in India, this hill station has great white water rafting on the Barapole River, which is dynamic with rainwater during monsoon.
Nature lovers and trekkers will experience heaven with the trekking trails amid coffee plantations, waterfalls and thick forests of Coorg.
If you’re interested in adventure sports, Coorg has the following best times to visit: June-September for river rafting and October-April for trekking.
Coorg not only offers natural beauty and serenity, but it has a lot of adventure to offer from rain-forest trekking to trekking up the hills making this place one of the best places to visit for both serenity seekers and thrill seekers.
10. Camel Race and Sandboarding at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Jaisalmer:
In the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer provides you with an authentic experience in desert sports such as camel racing, sandboarding or dune bashing.
The immense dunes offer a perfect playground to the thrill-seekers with activities reflecting the true essence of Rajasthan’s desert culture.
Camel racing, mainly during the local festival season is among the cultural highlights evident in Rajasthan.
11. Jaipur, Rajasthan: A Magnificent Venue For Polo And Horse Riding
The “Pink City” Jaipur is famous for its palaces and forts but equally notorious for Royal sports like polo and riding.
Jaipur is one of India’s heritage sports tourism destinations where travelers can experience sporting culture which was once limited to the royals.
Jaipur, with its historic ties to polo during the time of the Maharajas, still has a handful of trendy elite practicing polo.
Jaipur has some of the best polo clubs in India providing a stage for elite polo matches and attracts eyeballs from across the globe.
Horse Riding – If you’re interested with this activity, there are various clubs and stables throughout the city that arrange training, riding tours or even horse riding lessons for beginners.
The riding tours bring you across beautiful and lush landscapes – from the Aravalli hills and scenic villages to heritage sites.
How to Plan a Sports Tourism Trip in India: Some Useful tips
India’s Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations: With weather conditions significantly affecting the sporting activities you can enjoy at each destination, it is important to plan part of your sports tourism trip around when the best time to visit India is.
Same goes with booking a package from certified operators and knowing about safety protocols enforced in high-adrenaline activities.
Pack for your trip, including equipment needed if you participate in more outdoor sports and proper clothes based on climate conditions.
Conclusion
India’s Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations: Whether it be mountain skiing, ocean diving or desert safari, India has a one-stop-shop for every kind of sport tourism related to its diverse geography.
These top 10 sports tourism destinations are special in that they can transform passive travelers, who simply enjoy marvelling at natural beauty or lose themselves in local culture, into active participants.
No matter which category you belonged to a travel junky or an occasional sports lover, India’s tourism based on unique sports will take you to places where the only thing in motion that needs to be felt is the burning desire of traveling along with your love for sport.
