Guide · Water

Best Places for Water Sports in India: Rafting, Diving, Surfing and More

By Troovle · Siddharth & Anshul

India has rivers that come straight out of the Himalaya, two long coastlines and island chains with coral reefs. Here are the best-known places to try each water sport, and when to go.

• Rafting: Rishikesh (Ganga) is the classic; roughly autumn to early summer
• Scuba and snorkelling: Andaman Islands; also Netrani Island (Karnataka) and Lakshadweep
• Surfing: Karnataka and Kerala coasts, mostly outside the monsoon
• Kayaking: Kerala backwaters, Goa, the Andamans and Rishikesh
• Seasons vary: always check current conditions and permits

River rafting

• Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. India’s best-known rafting, with stretches from gentle to Grade IV. Read our beginner’s guide.
• Other rivers. Rafting also runs on rivers in Himachal, Sikkim and Karnataka, often seasonally. Check operators carefully outside the main hubs.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

• Andaman Islands. Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep) are popular for beginner dives and certification courses, with coral and clear water in the drier months.
• Netrani Island, Karnataka. A well-known dive site off the coast near Murudeshwar.
• Lakshadweep. Lagoons and reefs, but access needs permits and planning.
• Tarkarli, Maharashtra. Known for snorkelling and beginner dives on the Konkan coast.

Surfing

The west coast has a growing surf scene, with surf schools in coastal Karnataka (around Mangaluru, including Mulki) and in Kerala (around Kovalam and Varkala). Most schools teach outside the monsoon months, when the sea is calmer and safer for beginners.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

• Kerala backwaters: calm water, ideal for first-timers.
• Goa: mangrove and river kayaking, plus stand-up paddleboarding.
• Andamans: sea kayaking along the coast, including evening trips in some areas.
• Rishikesh: white-water kayaking courses.

Beach “water sports” packages

Parasailing, jet skis and banana rides at busy beaches are fun but they are rides, not skills. If that is what you want, choose operators with proper life jackets and briefings, and avoid rough-sea days.

Choosing safely

1. Check the season: rough water and monsoon closures are common.
2. Use certified instructors for diving, surfing and white-water.
3. Ask about equipment, group size and the safety plan.
4. Be honest about your swimming ability.

Learning, not just riding

We are planning a Troovle water sports skills trip where you learn to paddle, read the water and stay safe over a few days. Follow @troovleindia to hear when it opens.