Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious beginner, adventure sport festivals provide a unique opportunity to challenge your limits, connect with like-minded individuals, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. So gear up, embrace the excitement, and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey like no other!
Here are the top 8 adventure sports festivals in India:
Suru Fest (Climbing), Ladakh
Covelong Surf Fest, Tamil Nadu
Malabar River Festival (Kayaking), Kerala
Tehri Lake Festival (Water Sports), Uttarakhand
Great Indian Highline Gathering, Lonavala
Kukru Adventure Sports Festival (Various), Madhya Pradesh
Bengal Boulder Fest, West Bengal
Sinthan Snow Festival, (Snow Sports), Kashmir
1. Suru Fest
Where: Ladakh
When: August
What: Boulder & alpine rock climbing, Highlining
Beginner Friendly: Yes! (Lessons for beginners)
Suru Fest, located in Suru Valley nestled amidst towering mountains and pristine landscapes, offers thrilling activities like rock climbing, paragliding, river rafting and mountain biking, with a vibrant atmosphere, cultural performances, and local cuisine. It is a haven for experienced and beginner adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience in the lap of nature.
2. Covelong Surf Fest
Where: Tamil Nadu
When: August
What: Surfing
Beginner Friendly: Yes
Covelong Surf Fest is an annual celebration of waves, adventure, and surf culture on Covelong Beach. It offers thrilling water sports, a vibrant atmosphere, and activities like surfing workshops, beach volleyball, yoga, art, music performances, and coastal cuisine. The laid-back atmosphere brings solo travellers and families from across the globe together for a memorable experience.
3. Malabar River Festival
Where: Kerala
When: August
What: White water kayaking
The Malabar River Festival is an adrenaline-fueled event along the stunning rivers of Kerala, involving professional kayakers and adventure enthusiasts to conquer the region's rapids. The festival offers thrilling races, traditional music, dance performances, and local delicacies, making it an unforgettable experience.
4. Tehri Lake Festival
Where: Uttarakhand
When: February
What: Water Sports
Beginner Friendly: Yes
The Tehri Lake Festival is a water, adventure, and cultural celebration in the Himalayan mountains. It offers activities like boating, river rafting, kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, paragliding, and paddleboarding. The festival showcases the region's rich cultural heritage through music, dance performances, local cuisine, and traditional arts and crafts. A chance to revel in the thrill of the water, it provides a perfect blend of excitement and serenity.
5. Great Indian Highline Gathering
Where: Lonavala
When: December
What: Highlining
Beginner Friendly: Yes! (Workshops for beginners)
The Duke's Nose festival offers hiking, yoga, and encourages community growth through movie screenings and campfire sessions. Participants stay in tents, connecting with nature and outdoors, showcasing human capacity for pushing limits and finding harmony amidst the heights.
6. Kukru Adventure Sports Festival
Where: Madhya Pradesh
When: December
What: Various
Beginner Friendly: Yes
Kukru Adventure Sports Festival offers diverse adventures for all skill levels, including trekking, rock climbing, zip-lining through lush forests, and river rafting in gushing waters. With expert guidance and camaraderie, participants can test their limits, embrace adventure, and create unforgettable memories in nature's wonders.
7. Bengal Boulder Fest
Where: West Bengal
When: December
What: Boulder Climbing
Beginner Friendly: Yes
Bengal Boulder Fest is an annual festival celebrating rock climbing enthusiasts from across the country. It showcases their skills, strength, and determination on challenging boulder formations, offering a supportive atmosphere for all levels. The festival includes lining, yoga, workshops, competitions, and cultural events, combining adventure, community, and cultural exchange.
8. Sinthan Snow Festival
Where: Kashmir
When: April
What: Skiing, sledging
Beginner Friendly: Yes
The Sinthan Snow Festival, held in the snow-covered wonderland of Sinthan Top, celebrates snow, adventure, and Himalayan beauty. An unforgettable winter getaway, participants can enjoy thrilling activities like paragliding, sledging, snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowball fights. The festival showcases the region's rich cultural heritage, traditional music, dance performances, and local cuisine.
Conclusion
From thrilling adventures to savouring regional cuisine, these adventure sports festivals invite us to embrace the excitement, push our boundaries, and celebrate the spirit of adventure. So, gear up, embark on new experiences, connect with nature and let the adventure begin!
To witness the stunning landscapes of India, head to AdventurePlay’s courses and embark on your journey as an adventurer!
Did we miss out on any festival? Let us know in the comments!
About Author
Aditi Agarwal is an undergraduate student at Ashoka University with a keen interest in outdoor adventure sports.
Adventure Play is a one-stop platform to discover and play outdoor sports in Asia.
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