Discover the Thrills of Water Sports in India
Posted on June 6, 2008 in Travel by Prarthna
If you’re looking forward to adventure on your tour to India, then there is much to expect. The Himalayas offer one of the most toughest and exciting rivers in India. The fresh water streams flowing in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal and Jammu and Kashmir are considered ideal for trout fishing and angling (mode of fishing with angles, better known as “hooks” which come under the category of “sports fishing”).
Coastal areas provide excellent opportunities for water sports like water skiing, scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling (swimming on the surface of a water body with the help of a diving suit and mask, a tube called snorkel and swim fins) and yatching. Snorkeling can be one of the most exciting adventures giving you an opportunity to view the underwater attractions without much effort and for a longer period of time.
Along the western and eastern coasts of South India, you can find loads of opportunities and fun on the Lakshdweep Islands (Indian Ocean) and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal). Lying on indigenous seas, these islands are an absolute feast when it comes to engaging in water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling.
The beaches lying along the western coast of South India and more precisely, the Goa and Kerala beaches have lots of water sporting activities like – skiing, sailing and wind surfing options. The Mumbai coasts (Arabian Sea) and the lakes in Pune also have thrilling sailing activities organized.
The most suitable months for engaging in water sports activities in India include – October and March.
Scuba Diving
The 2 primary places which have are pronounced in scuba diving and courses that impart the same are the Lakshdweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Scuba diving into the water bodies flanked around the Andamans, can take you on an exciting underwater trip where you can witness colorful fishes, unusual coral reefs and ship wrecks too.
The coastal waters that surround the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have an exquisite display of coral reefs which are the most profound ecosystems in the world. Infact, such is their arrangement that many islands are surrounded by “fringing reefs” that stretch several hundred meters apart and are separated from the sea shore by a lagoon which is similar in width. Coral pinnacles or knolls and sloping coral reef structures also lie peacefully on the coastal waters of the Andamans.
Port Blair, the Capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is an adventurous spot that offers jet skies, tube ride, speed boats, wake board ride, knee board ride and lots more. Water scooters, skiing, para-sailing, sailing, trip to ship wrecks and coral reefs are also organized by the Andaman Water Sports Complex at Port Blair.
The best months for scuba diving are rated to be the months of December to April.
White Water Rafting
White water rafting is popular in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers which form an early part of the river Ganga. The Indus, Zanskar, Chenab, Sutlej, Beas, Teesta and Yamuna rivers offer different running experiences and hence are accompanied with other water sports.
The best months for white river rafting are considered to be from April to September and the most exciting stretch to experience the thrills of white river rafting is Ganges along Rishikesh in Uttranchal.
Angling and Fishing
Angling, a mode of fishing is popular in the Bhalukpung River in Assam. Other rivers like the Jia Bhoroli, Manas and Kapili are since ancient times considered being the best spots for Golden Mahseer Angling.
The snow-fed rivers in Himachal and the Beas River in Kullu are other great spots for experiencing Angling.
Trout fishing is common and taken up as a serious business in the state of Kashmir. The best time to go trout fishing is from April to October. It was the British who dropped the brown and rainbow trout’s into the streams of Kashmir which have thrived till date.
India can be the ultimate destination for thrills, serenity and peace. Carry home some exciting memories by experiencing the thrills of these water sports in India.
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