3 Exciting Adventure Opportunities Near Bangalore, India

[Shruti Sharma]

Philip Larson

The booming capital of south India's Karnataka state (aka Benguluru) is known as the country's "Silicon Valley," but the city and its surrounding area also offer numerous opportunities for ecotourism and adventure in the great outdoors, from hiking and climbing to kayaking and 4x4. Here are three of my own favourites:

Mini-Jet Flying

Just a 15-t0-20-minute drive north of central Bangalore in the large suburb Yelhanka, you receive a brief orientation, then go for a soar over the region with a pilot in a mini-jet, reaching heights of 40,000 feet. Spectacular and thrilling!

Parasailing

Also about 15 minutes north, the regional airport in the suburb of Jakkur is the base for a parasailing adventure, which will whoosh you 200 to 300 feet up for nearly a kilometre, towed by a jeep on the ground. An instructor will provide your training, then up you go!

Whitewater Rafting

The Kaveri River (also spelled Cauvery) running through the state has India's best whitewater, ranging from starter rapids to uber-challenging. the two destinations closest to Bangalore are Bheemeshwari (eight kilometres of moderate class-three rapids located some two hours away) and Coorg (class two to four, which also leave rafters at the entrance to the wonderful Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary).

And for a wonderful luxury hotel experience in Bangalore, check out The Lalit!