India’s yoga tradition has put the country on the map as one of the world’s most serene destinations. What many tourists often overlook is the excitement that lies within India’s adventure spots.

Strap on your belts and speed through these adrenaline-inducing attractions that will put you on the edge of your seats.

Paragliding over a sea of clouds

A paragliding ride through the clouds over Bir Billing is worth the adventure trip to this small village in Himachal Pradesh. The smooth air current, vast takeoff and landing sites, and gorgeous landscape all make Bir Billing suitable for the recreational sport. It’s no wonder the inaugural Paragliding World Cup too place here in 2015.

With a suitable space for paragliding, enthusiasts of different levels can try and enjoy the awesome activity. Tandem paragliding, where a pilot operates and guides the parachute, is recommended for tourists. A few programs for adventure seekers who want to turn professional gliders are also on offer.

Bir Billing, the scenic village in Himachal Pradesh, is the inaugural home of the Paragliding World Cup.

When to visit Bir Billing
Bir Billing is a year-round destination, but the best months to visit is from March to May, October, and November.
 

Diving deep into an aquatic paradise

Sparkling in the middle of Bengal Bay, the Andaman Islands are nothing short of spectacular. White sand beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, and the most coveted of all are the diving sites, many consider to be the finest in the world.

Among the handful of islands that tourists can visit, Port Blair is where all flights coming from India touchdown. When it comes down to activities, tourists make their way to Havelock Island. Numerous dive centres will lead tourists deep into wreckage sites, schools of fish, clusters of corals, and dwellings of giant sea creatures such as sharks and manta rays.

The Andaman Islands have some of the best diving spots in the world.

When to visit Andaman Islands
Catch more sun in the Andaman Islands during the warm months from December to March. Diving conditions are favourable and some turtles even hatch eggs during these months.
 

River rafting on the sacred river

Whirlpools and rapids make hearts pound along the sacred Ganges River in Rishikesh. A popular focal point for yoga practitioners around the world, the city is also the heart of adventure in the north with its popular rafting attraction. The excitement along Ganges River begins in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. All kinds of rapids, from the easiest to the toughest levels, will test the ability of the adventure seekers.

There is no need to fear, though, because professional and expert trainers are there from start to finish to make sure the voyage remains safe and fun for all. On top of that, proper equipment is regularly checked and ready for visitors.

Make a splash with white water rafting along Ganges River, an exhilarating spot for adventure seekers.

When to visit Rishikesh
Summer months of May and June are too hot for activities, so it’s best to visit from September to November for river rafting activities. March is also favourable especially for exploring the city.
 

Crossing one of the highest roads

Ladakh Range in northern India is famous for Khardung La, one of the world’s highest mountain passes. At around 16,000 feet above sea level, Khardung La offers a sweeping view of Leh city and the vast Himalayan mountains. Before becoming a tourist spot, Khardung La was opened as a vital public road for transportation of supplies to the Siachen Glacier.

Now, tourists can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip through Khardung La on rental motorbikes, small cars, or off-road vehicles. As a safety precaution, tourists can only stay up the summit for 20 minutes. The sudden ascent can cause headaches and breathlessness.

Khardung La is among the highest roads in the world.

When to visit Khardung La
April to September are ideal months to visit Khardung La due to favourable climate. The temperatures drop starting in October, making it more difficult to breathe.
 

Shredding down the white slopes

Adrenaline junkies rush to the snowy regions of Shimla and Solang Valley to catch the excitement of skiing and snowboarding, but it is in Gulmarg, the scenic hill station in the fringes of the Himalayas, where thousands of tourists flock to shred its world-class wintry slopes.

Gulmarg, which translates to “meadow of flowers,” sits among the finest ski destinations in the world. This popular hotspot in the beaming fringes of Jammu and Kashmir lends a spectacular view of snow-capped-mountains of the Himalayas and the verdant greens of Kashmir Valley. The powdery slopes at Gulmarg peaks at 10,500 feet while levels of snow stack as high as 8 feet. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can hit the awesome resorts and immerse in the action-packed activities, which also include tobogganing, snow rugby, and the heart-pounding heli-skiing, a unique experience where skiers drop down from a helicopter.

One of the best ski destinations in the world is Gulmarg, a hill station in the Himalayas.

When to visit Gulmarg
Immerse in the wintry beauty and powdery snow of Gulmarg in January and February when the snow levels are at the highest.