It has been a long time since people performed adventure and adventure sports. People find these sports an exhilarating way to increase their heart rate and adrenaline levels. There are plenty of locations all over the world where you can participate in different extreme and adventure sports. Most people confuse extreme sports with adventure sports and consider them the same. But this is not true as they both are different sports. People think these two sports categories are almost the same – one with a slightly fancier name than the other. But everyone must know that there are some differences among these two.
In this article, I will help you learn about both extreme and adventure sports. We will also discuss the differences between them and some examples of extreme and adventure sports. By the end of this article, you will have more information about these two sports categories. This information will help you choose the right sport if you think of participating in any extreme or adventure sports.
Introduction To Adventure Sports and Extreme Sports
Adventure sports are outdoor activities in which the participants compete with nature and themselves as well. Some people participate in these sports to experience the thrill. And others do this to overcome their specific fears. Talking about extreme sports then, these sports are also performed in the natural environment but with all the odds. Some studies consider extreme sports as a sub-category of adventure sports that involve more action and risk.
Extreme sports are also kind of adventure sports. But they involve great physical expertise or special skills and mental fitness as well. Along with that, extreme sports include high speed, height, danger, and highly specialized gear. People participating in extreme sports perform spectacular and dangerous stunts. Moreover, extreme sports include some of the hardest sports. So, participants need special training and lots of dedication to master them. The adrenaline rush people experience from these sports is unmatched. That’s why, more and more people are showing interest in these sports.
You can enjoy most adventure sports even if you are a beginner. Moreover, you can perform adventure sports like river rafting in Manali, trekking, skiing, and many more in groups. Whereas, you can’t participate in any extreme sport without proper training and skills. Along with that, extreme sports are generally performed alone.
A List of Adventure and Extreme Sports That You Can Perform in India
India has immense geographical diversity. Due to this, India has plenty of locations offering several adventure and extreme sports. It has several locations offering water sports, land-based sports, air-based activities, and many more. From the Himalayas to the Thar desert, the Rann of Kutch, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there are so many adventure sports locations. Here are some of the most popular adventure and extreme sports in India:
Adventure sports
Skydiving: Although there are many places in India where you can participate in skydiving. But Aamby Valley in Maharashtra offers the highest skydiving in India. Besides this valley, Mysore, Pondicherry, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have some of the best skydiving locations.
River rafting: If water is your element, India has some of the best river rafting stretches. Indus River, Ladakh, Ganga River, Rishikesh, Beas River, and Manali, offer great rafting stretches. Whether you are a beginner or a pro in river rafting, there is a different route for you.
Paragliding: Imagine soaring through the sky like a bird and breathtaking view of the place, that’s what paragliding is. Unlike skydiving, paragliding in Manali gives you a serene and thrilling experience.
Extreme sports
Abseiling: It is also known as rappelling which involves descending a vertical cliff. You will need ropes, pulleys, and a harness system to descend the cliff. Waterfall rappelling is the most famous type of rappelling in India due to the abundance of waterfalls. Sikkim, Rishikesh, and Maharashtra have some of the best locations for abseiling.
Bungee jumping: Among the various bungee jumping locations in India, Rishikesh has the highest bungee jumping point.
Scuba diving: Scuba diving is no longer limited to Thailand or Maldives. India has many locations to scuba dive such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, and Lakshadweep.
The Bottom Line
Now, that you know adventure sports and extreme sports are two different sports. Although the differences are not major. But learning about these differences will help people choose the right sport based on the difficulty level, risks, and skills. If you are a beginner and want to experience the adrenaline rush, different adventure sports are there. Never participate in any extreme sport without training or having specialized skills. This is because extreme sports involve great speed, significant heights, deep water, and intense physical exertion. Due to this, these sports carry several risks and are not safe for beginners or untrained people.
Talking about adventure sports, you can enjoy them even with no or less prior experience. But you need to follow the instructions or perform them under the supervision of a trained professional. If you follow the safety measures and instructions of the instructor, you can have the best experiences of your life.
No matter, whether you are a beginner or a professional, India has something to offer to everyone. You will get a wide range of adventure and extreme sports in India to experience the thrill. Stepping out of your comfort zone not only helps you overcome your fears but you also make lifetime memories. Participating in these sports will help you know your hidden strengths and push your limits. Along with that, these sports give you great opportunities to escape from your daily life and experience something new. So, what are you waiting for? Do your research, choose the suitable sport and location, and have an unforgettable experience.