INDIA KERALA -THE KERALA NATVENTURE BECKONS ( PART 3)

WATER SPORTS

Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, white water rafting, wind surfing ….. With a 900 km backwater stretch, 44 rivers originating from the Sahyadri Hills and several beaches, Kerala is dreams come true for water sports enthusiasts. While canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed along the serene backwaters -which is also the venue for the spectacular snake boat races of the State, catamaran sailing is possible at the beaches of Alappuzha,Varkala and Kovalam. Parasailing is gaining popularity with the Varkala and Alappuzha beaches offering platform, beach and winch boat parasailing. For wind surfing, the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala are the best bet, while the backwaters offer great scope for speed boating and bamboo rafting.

SURFING AT KOVALAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Coral reefs, gigantic waves and strong currents make surfing a delight in Kovalam. The beach experiences fine waves at regular intervals which vary from height of 0.5 to 2 meters. Surfing in Kovalam is made easy by the availability of surf boards. There are also trainers for beginners who want to try their skill in surfing.

KAYAKING AT ALAPPUZHA

Kayaking is a major sport in the State that has earned laurels both nationally and internationally. The backwater of Alappuzha is the hub of kayaking in Kerala and the journey through the palm fringed waterways in a kayak is an excellent opportunity to experience village life at close quarters.

RAFTING AT BOOTHATHANKETTU, ERNAKULAM

Be swept along a rushing river, tumble over rapids, plunge over waterfalls and feel the icy spray on your face…… Boothathankettu , 50 km away from Ernakulam is an ideal spot for white water rafting. The journey through the Periyar River takes you down through forests to experience mild to medium rapids on the way. Paneli Poru is the most exciting rapid on the stretch.

VAGAMON, KOTTAYAM

Kolahalamedu hill, located 4 km from Vagamon, provides the perfect platform for paragliding. Over 3000 feet in height, it has a 10 km long ridge that is perfect for takeoff and landing.Cool climes , tea gardens , meadows , grasslands and shola forests add to the charm of Vagamon.

VARKALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Located about 50 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city, Varkala Beach with its magnificent cliffs is another destination that is been sought after a paragliding site.

PARAGLIDING

Get a bord’s eye view of Kerala, at nearly 6000 ft above sea level. The paragliding season starts from September and offers great flying conditions until January and again, from March to May. Float like a cloud and take on the blue skies and chat with the bords. Vagamon in the district of Idukki is fast emerging as the paragliding hotspot. The Paragliding Grand Prix held during September every year brings together paragliders from across the world.