Adventure tourism: Keralam overtakes Goa

KOCHI: Nearly one in four domestic tourists visiting Keralam takes part in adventure activities. Of the 2.5 crore domestic tourists who visited the state in 2025, around 60 lakh tried adventure tourism activities. Keralam has overtaken Goa in this sector, said Binu Kuriakose, Chief Executive Officer of the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society. He told Kerala Kaumudi that the Western Ghats, 44 rivers, water bodies, dams and the 600-km coastline make Keralam ideal for adventure tourism. In Goa, water-based activities are the main attraction.

Tourists from South India make up the majority of those visiting Keralam for adventure activities. Popular activities include mountain biking, paragliding, water surfing, scuba diving, canoeing, parasailing, rock climbing, rappelling, jungle trekking, ziplining, high-rope courses, trekking and off-road jeep rides.

Adventure tourism contributes to the local economy and creates a large number of employment opportunities. People aged between 10 and 80 take part in various adventure activities.

From kayaking to paragliding

The beaches at Kovalam, Varkala, Payyambalam, Kozhikode and Bekal are major centres for water sports. Paravur in Kollam, Kochi and Kozhikode are popular destinations for kayaking.

The international paragliding festival held at Vagamon, located 1,100 feet above sea level, is popular among both domestic and foreign tourists. One of its main attractions is top landing, where participants land at the same spot from which they took off.

All districts in the state are suitable for land-based adventure activities. Government and private agencies have set up zipline facilities, high-rope courses, off-road rides and trekking activities at various tourist destinations.

Promotion and safety

• Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society was formed in 2012.
• Adventure Tourism Safety Act was introduced in 2019.
• More than 150 adventure tourism units are registered in the state.

"The number of tourists taking part in adventure tourism has increased significantly over the past 10 years."
- Senthilkumar, Kestral Adventures, Munnar

“There has been a growing interest among people of all age groups in taking part in adventure activities rather than just enjoying the views.”
-Abdul Latheef Arayakkal, Cochin Adventure Foundation