Kayaking in India
Paddling your own kayak, on white-water rivers or calm sea, lakes and backwaters.
Coming soon to Trail to TidesWater · Rivers, reefs and surf
Where in India
- Rishikesh
- the rivers of Kerala's Malabar
- Goa
- the Andamans (sea kayaking)
- Kerala's backwaters
When to go
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October to May on most rivers and coasts; some Ghat rivers run best in the rains.
What it asks of your body
Steady paddling, balance, and being comfortable upside down in white water.
PowerWaterFocus
These are capabilities on the ACE™ scale. The Adventure Matchmaker builds your ACE™ profile in 2 minutes and rates every adventure for you: ready, a stretch, or not yet.
Take the MatchmakerWhat to check before you book
- Certified instructors, and a roll or wet-exit lesson before moving water
- Spray decks, life jackets and helmets for rivers
- A safety boat or second kayaker on the water
Rules and requirements change. Ask your operator for the current word before you go.
Your first time
Begin on flat water or the sea with an instructor before any white water.
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Coming soon
We're checking operators for kayaking before we list any. Run one, or want it sooner? Tell us.
Get in touchGuides for kayaking
- River raftingWhat rapid grades mean, the safety briefing that matters, how to swim a rapid if you fall in, and what to wear.
- Choosing an operatorThe questions that separate a safe operator from a cheap one, for any adventure: guides, ratios, safety kit, certifications, turnaround rules and refunds.
- Insurance & emergenciesWhat your insurance has to cover for your adventure, how rescue actually works in the Indian Himalaya, and the rules on satellite devices.
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