Karnataka Adventure and Sports

Trekking and Camping

 Trekking in the Western Ghats, one of the few biodiversity hotspots in the world is truly an experience of a different kind. Long trekking trails cutting through dense forests or camping by vast coffee estates or even scaling the summit, everything is special in Karnataka. Coorg, Dandeli, Ramanagara, Kudremukh, Kemmangundi, Irrupu Falls, Bramhagiri, Pushpagiri, Devarayanadurga and Tadiyandamol are some ideal places for trekking.

 Rock Climbing

Huge mountains. Steep climbs. Rocky cliffs stretching across vast areas with massive boulders scattered all around. Be it the biggest monolith in Asia (Savandurga) or the second highest monolith (Madhugiri), Karnataka presents a variety of options in rock climbing for both the beginner and the practicing professional. Sheer rock faces, ideal for rock climbing are found in Turahalli, New Rocks, Badami, Raogodlu, Kabbal Durga, Hampi, Antara Gange and Kunti Betta.  Another place of special interest is Ramanagara. Considered as the Mecca of Rock Climbers, this amazing place has plenty of opportunities for the budding and the professional alike. Climbs of various grades along with a few bolted routes are available throughout the whole cluster which is spread over many kilometers.

Mountain Biking

One of the finest places for mountain biking is Dandeli forest. The innumerable trails in the forests offer excellent conditions for this adventure sport. There is an easy trail for beginners and tough trails for the more experienced.

Go-karting

Bengaluru in Karnataka is a hot destination for Go-karting in India. Bengaluru discovers this adventurous passion, with three full-fledged Go-Karting tracks becoming favourite weekend hangouts. The very first karting track came up in Whitefield, located conveniently near ITPL, followed by the large and immensely popular track in R.T.Nagar. The newest addition that completes the trio is at Palace Grounds.

Angling

A drive through jungle routes in the lush thickets of Karnataka's soft underbelly brings you to the Cauvery, a large and majestic river of South India. Dotted on the banks of this river are the Cauvery Fishing and Nature Camps, now known as home to the great Mahseer - the most challenging and the largest tropical sporting river fish in the whole world. The Mahseer, found only in India, is the toughest fresh water fighting fish in the world weighing over a hundred pounds. Four varieties inhabit the Indian River waters: the Golden Mahseer, the Silver Mahseer, the Silver Grey Mahseer and the Black Mahseer. Bheemeshwari, the favorite getaway for day-trippers, 100 kms from Bengaluru, Galibore and Doddamakali are the three great places for angling in Karnataka.

Water Sports

The thrill of white water rafting on some unpredictable stretches of the River Kali. Coracling in the river Sharavati. Kayaking and canoeing in the meandering River Cauvery. The fresh water delights of Karnataka are endless.

With a 320 km long coastline, dotted with numerous beaches, Karnataka also offers some amazing sea sports too. Surf the waves at Marawanthe Beach. Scuba diving at Devbagh. Power sailing, water skiing, sailing, water sledging… The number of water games Karnataka offers is incredible. The serenity and unspoiled charm of the area, coupled with the spontaneity of the coastal folk, and their delectable cuisine is just overwhelming.

Aero Sports

Paragliding, Parasailing, Hang-gliding, Micro Light Aircraft… anything to do with flying for sport can be had in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Hang-gliding is a truly Zen experience. To experience the exhilaration and euphoria of Paragliding, head for Nandi Hills. The beautiful Jakkur airstrip set in 1sq. km of tall wild-grass close to Bengaluru's Hebbal Lake is the focus of aero sports like parasailing and micro light flying. Bengaluru also hosts the Aero India show. It is a premier air show in India where the latest in aviation and avionics from all over the world are on display.

A hollow rock or a hole dug into the mountains was the home of our ancestors for a very long time. Venturing into one is an experience like none other. The damp walls with paintings and carvings with little or no lighting and heating will take you back to the lives of the people who had made it their home. Many such caves can be found all over Karnataka.  Places of cave explorations are the ancient caves at Siddrabetta, Tumkur, Antara Gange, Kolar, Siddrabetta, Tumkur, Antara Gange and Kolar. Badami, situated in North Karnataka, the capital of the early Chalukyas is also noted for its beautifully carved cave temples.

Biodiversity Tours

The Western Ghats in Karnataka is one of the few bio diversity hotspots in the world. Keeping this in mind, bio diversity study tours are organized at several of these hotspots. The important hotspots are Dandeli, Yellapur, Kumta, Honnavar, Sirsi and Bejadi in Dakshina Kannada District. Some of the rare indigenous communities live in certain parts of these places.