There will be no one who does not like to explore new places and meet new people. People always plan trips and discover new destinations but it would be before their marriage or before enlarging their families. The number of trips gradually decreases as members increases. The reasons are many… For some, the package may be unaffordable and some drop the planned trips due to the lack of time and the list of excuses goes on. Continuing in the same state of motion obviously retards one’s happiness and gradually he/ she will hate his/ her own life… to avoid such circumstances it is good to plan trips with our families to unknown destinations. Such trips will surely make the children happier and energetic. Furthermore, it will help them to boost their enthusiasm and eagerness. Trips will always teach children new lessons of life and open new doors of opportunities in front of them. There are plenty of destinations which suits for family tour. If you and your kids are adventure enthusiasts and like to practice thrilling activities then Kerala would be the best option. The state is proud not only of its mind-blogging environment, calm and pleasant ambiance but also for a plethora of water sports. People who are planning for an exotic trip to the state must definitely ask their travel operator to inculcate some interesting and exciting sports events in the package. Before indulging in the water sports it is recommended that travellers should know a little bit of swimming. It is not to threaten you but to make you vigilant about the consequences that may take place in the future. Water tourism is rapidly gaining popularity in Kerala. As part of the tourism the state has imbibed many professionally trained instructors from various parts of the country. They also have a panel to check the proper functioning of the training classes and equipment.
Before relying on any travel agencies just go through their history. Check whether they have a valid license or not? Go through the reviews and feedbacks in their website. Also ask the opinions of the travellers who availed their packages before. While booking the packages do not forget to mention the ages of the children else when you reach the destination you will not able to find any activities suitable for your kids. Don’t forget to carry necessary medicinal kit as part of safety. Carry clothes which are suitable for the activity and also for the expedition. Below is the list of the various water sports activities commonly practiced in Kerala.
- Bamboo rafting
How wonderful it would be to sail in logs of bamboo in the river and enjoy the humming songs of birds from the thickly populated forests surrounding the river. Bamboo rafting is mainly practiced in Palakkad and Wayanad districts in Kerala. Pozhuthana River in Wayanad is the perfect place for rafting lovers to put their first baby steps in the shallow waters. It is situated at 4 km away in Vythiri village. The rafting was initially used for transportation and trading purposes now being widely used for enhancing tourism. This activity will definitely gift you a special experience and lovely memories. Rafting is best to capture the beautiful picture of the nature directly into the minds without clicking the photographs. Travellers can enjoy the cool puff and see mesmerizing view of leaves of trees oscillating. Visitors can also enlighten their hearts by hearing various kinds of sounds of birds and animals from the jungles. As Wayanad is home to wild animals and migratory birds it is haven for wildlife photographers and nature lovers. Rafting can be played by people of any age. Only thing of which travellers should take care of is climatic conditions .
- Boating
Have you ever heard or imagined a boat ride inside a dam? It is possible only in Banasura Sagar dam situated in Wayanad district. It is one of the major attractions of the district. Don’t think that while boating inside the dam you will destine only to see the beauty of walls. It is not absolutely true travelers can completely enjoy the charming beauty of the serene nature and fill souls with wild roars and chirps of animals and birds. Along with travellers can enjoy the spectacular view of coconut trees oscillating in air. Travellers will have to pay directly to the concerned people before practicing boating.
- Kayaking
For time being say goodbye to houseboat rides and canoeing and relish the captivating beauty of Kerala by kayaking in waters. Kayaking is mainly practiced in backwaters and rivers. While kayaking travellers can come across various species of birds flying from one region to another, common people engaged in traditional works such as coir making, etc. To make the voyage much more interesting travellers can spot different colors of butterflies roaming around them. Alapuzha is more commonly known as the ‘Venice of East’ is the best place to learn kayaking more deeply. Instructors will guide you in and will give correct instructions regarding the same.
- Wave Runners
Payyambalam beach is one of the hottest beaches in Kerala which is famous for wave running water activity. It is also one of the largest beaches in the district. Wave running sport is one of the most thrilling and exciting activities played in shallow waters. People will be asked to drive a motorbike or speed boat during strong waves. At this time travellers will be given an opportunity to enjoy the strength of the waves and witness the immense beauty of sea waters.
- Parasailing
Who doesn’t like to fly like a bird by tying their feet to a speed boat? Parasailing is one such sports activity that allows adventure enthusiasts to explore nature’s resources in a different manner. Parasailing is practiced in almost all the states of India but nothing can defeat the parasailing of Kerala. Every year thousands of travellers reach the state only to discover new opportunities to pump their adrenaline. Parasailing is mainly practiced in prominent places of the state like Kovalam, Aleppey and Cherai beach of Kochi. While parasailing people can witness the stunning and magnificent marine world.
- Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is the best way to interact with the exotic marine world lying beneath the water. Tourists above 8 years are permitted to do scuba diving. Before practicing it people will have to attend a training session by experienced trainers with PADI certified for hardly 30 minutes in which they will clearly explain to you the way to dive safely and also how to use the equipment, especially apparatus efficiently. Pregnant ladies and people with chronic disorders are exempted from the activity. People are advised not to have heavy food 1 hour prior to the event. Scuba diving is mainly done in Kovalam and Kochi.
- Snorkelling
When compared to scuba diving, snorkeling is far easier and cheaper. Here travellers do not need any help or guidance from any certified trainer. They will be given a breathing apparatus called snorkel which will help them to breathe when they go deep into waters. Snorkeling was recently introduced in Kerala to promote water tourism. But to surprise, not only the foreigners but locals are admired by the event. Now it is being commercially used by the natives widely. Snorkeling is mainly practiced in Kochi and Kovalam.
- River Crossing
When you hear river crossing doesn’t think you will ask to cross the river barefooted or reach the other side by any vehicle. Travellers are supposed to reach the other side of the riverbank by crawling on a rope at a determined elevation from the water. The activity is really thrilling as well as adventurous. River Crossing is popular in Munnar hill stations of Kerala. Munnar is famous for its vast tea plantations, breathtaking hills, and misty mountains. But very few people know about this activity. This activity demands immense courage and faith. Travellers who are suffering from gastrointestinal disorders and ear balance problems are advised not to practice the same.
- Catamaran Sailing
Catamaran Sailing is one of the most popular water sports activities in the state. A large number of travellers can be accommodated in a single wooden boat made or yacht with hulls on either side. Catamaran sailing is mainly practiced in backwaters or stooped waters like sea. For the safety of the travellers two experienced guides will be there during the sailing. Even though the activity was introduced recently it soon gained popularity among the locals and foreigners. It is mainly played in Aleppey, Varkala and Kovalam.
- Kneeboarding
Kneeboarding is known as a fun and entertaining water game. Here the travellers are asked to kneel down on a flat platform shaped floating board withholding a rope of which one end is tied to a motorboat. The sport is not so easy and it is risky too. By constant practice travellers can enjoy it’s fun. After being comfortable you can choose a half squad position. The event is of 20 minutes but it assures a remarkable life long experience. Knee boarding is popularly practiced in Cherai beach in Ernakulam district.
- Canoeing
Canoeing is slightly similar to kayaking. It is one of the most thrilling ways to explore the backwaters and rivers. Nearly 4 travellers can do canoeing at a time. A canoe is wooden made in traditional style with its front and back edges pointed and top remain uncovered. It is usually rowed using single-bladed paddle. Being smaller in size the canoe will take the travellers in inner portions of the backwaters where you can see villagers engaged in various traditional works, school children canoeing to school just as we ride bicycles. Also, you will get golden opportunity to explore the stunning elegance of paddy fields, coconut groves, fishing areas, rustic homes, coir factories and many more. Canoeing is very cheap when compared to houseboat voyage and Shikara boat rides. People who really want to do canoeing must have a small idea about swimming.
- Banana Boat Ride
Banana boat ride is gaining popularity day by day. Even though it is a little bit challenging the overall ride will assure your excitement and joy. Banana boat is actually a recreational boat built in the shape of a banana. Usually, these kinds of boats accommodate more than 3 to 10 riders at a time. Banana boats are generally safe except in bad weather conditions. Children above 5 years play banana boat ride.
Above is a shortlist of exciting water sports in Kerala. There are many more but those won’t suit small children and aged people. Year by year number of tourist is increasing and hence importance of water tourism too. Not only the foreigners but local from different states are visiting the state to explore its untouched charm. Gogeo holidays is one such tour partner who tries to bring people from various parts of the country to visit the amazing Kerala. As part of their mission this time they have decided to select the group of family from Chennai city. As we all Chennai is one of the major cities in India which experience terrible hot weather conditions. Even though the city noteworthy for its educational and technical achievement the city lacks many outstanding facilities for its natives to rejuvenate and refresh. And that is the main reason why Gogeo holidays decided to select them.
Travellers who have decided to utilize the services of the above-mentioned travel partner can remain tension free and enjoy the complete essence of the trip. They always focus on customers’ gratification and happiness and for that they are ready to customize the packages. They always accommodate the customers in well-reputed hotels and provide excellent hospitality services. Therefore travellers can entrust Gogeo holidays and enjoy each and every moments of your trip.
