Kayaking in India

What it is

Paddle flat backwaters, mangrove creeks or moving whitewater. Kayaking in India splits into two worlds: calm touring on the coasts and backwaters, and river kayaking in the Himalayas.

When to go

Backwater and coastal kayaking runs most of the year, quietest during heavy monsoon rain. Himalayan river seasons are September to June, closed at monsoon peak.

First time?

Flatwater trips need no experience, sit-on-top kayaks are stable and guides paddle alongside. Whitewater kayaking needs a proper multi-day course.

Where to do it

• Kerala backwaters, Alleppey

  village canals best at sunrise

• Goa

  mangrove and river trips on the Sal and Nerul

• Rishikesh

  whitewater kayaking courses on the Ganga

• Andaman Islands

  mangrove tunnels and night bioluminescence paddles