Seize the Day and Say Yes to These 10 Winter Adventure Activities in India!

Winter has a way of making you fall in love with your cozy blanket and hot chocolate. But haven't we all been doing that for the last two years? If you are tired of being a couch potato and really want to make the best of 2021, here is a list of 10 adventure activities that will fuel your adrenaline and at the same time, take you to a new destination. Let’s have a look.

For adventure junkies who love snowy mountains

1. Skiing

Where: Auli, Gulmarg, Manali, Pahalgam, Shimla

Skiing is the most popular winter sport in India. It attracts skiing enthusiasts from all around the world in huge numbers every year. Among the famous skiing destinations of India, Auli and Gulmarg are the most popular among the skiers. If you are an amateur and want to experience skiing for the first time, you need a trained instructor. Also, you will get the equipment thereon rent on an hourly basis.

2. Trekking

Treks for beginners: Kedarkantha trek, Khaliya top trek, Kuari Pass trek, Brahmatal trek

Treks for advanced trekkers: Chadar Frozen River trek, Nanda Devi trek, Zanskar trek etc.

Trekking is another popular winter activity in India that boasts several winter trek trails. Though winter treks in India are shorter in comparison to international ones, the level of fitness need is very high. In addition, you need to be prepared to tolerate the biting cold and piercing winds. However, the pain is worth the breath-taking panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and tranquil wilderness.

3. Snowboarding

Where: Auli, Solang Valley, Gulmarg

Snowboarding is a relatively new winter sport in India that is slowly gaining a lot of admiration from adventure seekers. In this activity, a fibre glass board is attached to the rider’s feet, using a special mounted shoe, and then you zip down the mountain. The most popular style of snowboarding is the free ride, where one slides down from any kind of snow-clad landscape. Though it seems to be pretty simple, you need to have a lot of practice and skill.

4. Ice Skating

Where: Kufri, Auli, Narkanda, Manali, Gulmarg

Ice skating is a lot like roller skating but with the thrill of ice shimmering underneath your feet. While even walking on ice is a challenge, roller skating on ice adds almost 5 times the risk of slipping. But once you have found your way around it, the activity is extremely enjoyable! 

5. Ice Sledding

Where: Rohtang, Gulmarg, Auli

Unlike snowboarding, this is a much more relaxed snow activity as compared to snowboarding. However, sledding also requires you to monitor your body weight and manage it in the right manner to lessen the risk of toppling over. You sit atop a wooden sledge and race down the snow-topped hills adjusting to fun-filled twists and turns every now & then. If you wish to experiment, you can always lie down on the sledge and get a comfortably thrilling ride.

For those who love the mountains but not snow

6. Mountain Biking

Where: Munnar, Coorg, Nandi Hills

Mountain Biking in India is the best adventure sport to challenge yourself. Imagine cycling through lush green mountains, downhill valleys, rugged terrains, and through banks of surreal rivers – India has a lot to offer when it comes to scenic panoramic views. As the temperature during winter is pleasant, you can definitely choose to see the lush green landscapes from a unique perspective.

If you hate the cold and are rushing towards the coast

7. Scuba diving

Where: Havelock, Neil, Lakshadweep

If you are making a bucket list of adventurous things to do in winter, Scuba Diving must be one of them. It is a life-changing and exhilarating experience, as the sea holds the power to leave you awestruck with all its magic. During winter months, the algae development gets restricted, keeping the water crystal clear. Moreover, the underwater sea life reaches high levels for warmth. All these factors can guarantee a mesmerising underwater experience.

8. Surfing

Where: Gokarna, Varkala, Covelong, Kovalam

Have you ever stared enviously at surfers riding the ocean swells and imagined yourself doing the same? Well, surfing is not very difficult to learn. Thanks to the vast coastline of India, we have a number of surfing destinations to choose from. For beginners, winter is the ideal time as the water becomes gentler and the waves get back to normal. Also, keep in mind that knowing how to swim is essential before you start learning to surf.

For adventure seekers who love out of the box experiences

9. Caving

Where: Meghalaya, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra

Cave exploring is an adventure-filled activity with lots of excitement, pleasure, and amusement. Once you begin the expedition, you will see the dark and murky world inside caves, along with the rocks and mud for your company. Meghalaya has more than 1000 caves dotted all over the state, some unexplored, and many of them inaccessible. During the winter months, water levels inside the caves are at their lowest, making it an ideal time for caving.

10. Canyoning

Where: Uttarakhand, Meghalaya

People around the world may have been enjoying canyoning for a long time, but it is relatively new in India. For a canyoner, this country is like a whole new land, an unexplored territory, where you do not know what you will find the very next moment. In Canyoning, your feet will work as oars and will steer you through the gorges. You will have to climb your way up and down through the waterfalls as you maintain balance. This activity will allow you to experience the beauty of nature at its best when you are trekking through the canyons, waterfalls, and giant rock pools. Winter is the best time to try this activity in Meghalaya and the Northern part of India.

So before winter further spreads its arm, you must plan to check off at least one adventure activity off your list! Tell me if you have experienced such an activity before! 

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