Looking for a Wild Vacation in Kerala and Karnataka? Then its time to head south to the states of Kerala and Karnataka for unlimited fun. Raise the bar of your thrill meter and gear up for that high-adrenalin rush with these must-do 10 adventure activities in Kerala and Karnataka with KSU.IN, Kerala`s leading adventure sport organizer!
1.Trekking
Set off on the beaten track or the road not taken and walk through the lush green locales Kerala. Work those muscles as you trek the peak of Agasthyarkoodam near Thiruvananthapuram. And if you`re lucky, you may earn an enchanting view of Nilakurinji blossoms carpeting the summit! Not far from Another great trekking trail in the region is the green route from Subramanya to Sakleshpura Kannur is the Pythal Mala that is enveloped by enticing beauty. And then there`s the challenging trek at Chembra peak in Wayanad that stands 2,100 meters tall, with the nearby Periyar Tiger Reserve that offers great trek trails for nature lovers.
Travel further north into the Western Ghats of Karnataka towards Kumara Parvata. One of the most beautiful and difficult treks in south India that is ensembled by a waterfall, Kumara Parvata can be reached either from Coorg or Subramanya in South Canara. When trekking in Coorg, Tadiyandamol is a must-trek peak. If you are looking for a short trek from Bangalore then look no further other than Bheemeshwari wild trek. Another great trekking trail in the region is the green route from Subramanya to Sakleshpura running through dense jungles and throwing up numerous scenes for the adventurous traveler.
2. Rafting
A popular adventure sport in India today is white water rafting – popular probably because it`s one sport that even non-swimmers can thrill in! The excitement of moving down rivers and rapids, slow at times, zipping down at others, makes white water rafting in the rivers of Kerala and Karnataka a un-word able experience. While simple rafting in the several lakes and lagoons of Kerala is a mind-calming experience, rafting down Bhoothathankettu and the several rapids of Wayanad, including Kabini, is one helluva thrill-pill!
The Western Ghats of Karnataka is a great spot for white water rafting, what with rivers like the Bhadra, Kali in Dandeli, Sitha Nadi in Agumbe, and Cauvery in Bheemeshwari offering perfect speeds for the adventure-seeker.
3. Scuba Diving
The awe-inspiring quicksilver attributes of nature and foamy waves of the seas along Kerala and Karnataka offer perfect gateways to view the magnificent world underwater. Drown into underworld glory at Varkala Beach in Kerala, or swim into nature’s nets of enchantment in Karnataka`s Netrani Island off Murudeshwar!
And then there`s that 5-hour trek to conquer the horse-faced hill of Kudremukh. Passing through woods rich in colourful birds, trekking in Kudremukh is a nature lover`s delight. And if you are a waterfall lover, there`s no better trek than the one at Aagumbe in nearby Sringeri. About 20 km from Kudremukh is also the exotic peak of Kurinjal a spectacular section of the beautiful Western Ghats in Karnataka. Set off to Shimoga from here to trek up Kodachaadri for a golden view of the Arabian Sea.
4. Snorkelling
A major tourist attraction at Devbagh island in Karnataka, and the beaches of Kovalam, Alappuzha and Varkala in Kerala, snorkeling is a popular adventure sport for those who don`t really like going too deep into the sea and who prefer enjoying rich underwater life simply floating on the waves of the Arabia sea.
5. Waterfall Rappelling
It`s one to climb down the sides of a steep hill hanging from ropes; its another to do it with a silvery waterfall crashing down from above, making the descent more challenging. An adventure sport for Bravehearts, waterfall rappelling is best done during the lean monsoon months, and what better place than at the Western Ghats of Kerala and Karnataka? With several rivers like the Kabini, Saaratabbi, and Barapole forming exciting waterfalls, let that adventure freak in you take control and set off on a waterfall rappelling spree.
6. Rock Climbing
Climb freely or climb with an aid – at the end, its a great full-body workout when climbing rocks in Kerala and Karnataka. A camper’s delight, rock climbing in best enjoyed in the picturesque Kakkayam and Thenmala of Kerala, what with wildlife giving you company! Enjoy the unison of mind-body-spirit when rock climbing in the picturesque locales of Savandurga, Turahalli, Bannerghatta, Kabbaldurga, Ramnagar, and Chamundi Betta near Bangalore. And for those who like a lot more history, then Hampi and Badami make great rock climbing spots in Karnataka.
7. Wildlife Safaris
Housing some of the most important and beautiful wildlife sanctuaries of India, Kerala and Karnataka offer the best wildlife safaris for those looking for great weekend getaways around Karnataka. Home to several exotic animals including the Asiatic elephant, endangered tiger, sloth bear, gaur, bonnet macaque, sambar and barking deer, the wildlife parks of Periyar, Eravikulam, Silent Valley, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam, Thekkady, Peppara, Idukki and Wayanad in Kerala, combined with Nagarhole, Bandipur and Kabini in Karnataka offer enchanting wildlife safaris for nature lovers and bird watchers. While there`s trekking, rafting and river crossing in these jungles, it`s the wild that keeps the thrill meter high here!
8. Caving
It`s one to climb hills and scream your joy at the summit. But have you ever tried sliding into the depths of caves to listen to the secrets of nature? If not, then it`s time you jet set onto this popular adventure sport in Kerala and Karnataka. The hills of the Nilgiris is packed with caves, some small, others deep, some with lakes, others home to the wild. So it`s best to take a local guide along to stay safe here. At Wayanad, check out the Neolithic caves at Edakkal. With pre-historic man leaving behind his inscriptions for the 21st century adventurer to decipher, Edakkal is a fabulous place to trek to and cave in. And for more enchantment, check out the several caves and rock-cut temples of Badami in Karnataka to travel back in history!
9. Camping
Do you know the perfect way to soak into the beauty of nature? Camping! Yes, can you imagine a better way to enjoy the beauty of Kerala than by pitching a tent along its backwaters? And how about trekking along its backwaters? And how about trekking along its several hills and waterfalls or through its wildlife reserves and camping in the lap of nature; be it at Thekkady or Konnu, Wayanad, Parambikulam and even Munnar.
Cut to Karnataka and its virgin beaches of Karwar for camping. Camping in wildlife reserves and plantations of Coorg is a common adventure sport in Karnataka. But how about pitching your tent along the caves of Badami or up the summit of Makalidurga!
10. Parasailing
We`ve spoken enough of adventure sports in the forests, on rivers, inside seas and up the hills. Now how about climbing higher into the sky and enjoying the beauty of Kerala and Karnataka like a bird? Get ready for exciting parasailing activities in these two beautiful states of south India.
A perfect sport for those brimming with adventure and enthusiasm, parasailing is a pleasure that has to be enjoyed at the beaches of Varkala and Alappuzha in Kerala for that perfect picture postcard view of the deep blue sea, pristine beach, green coconut plantations and sparkling lakes and lagoons. For a more inland view, go parasailing at Nandi Hills and Hoskote, closer to Bangalore in Karnataka.