Top Adventures

1. River Rafting in Barapole, Coorg

Tucked away in the coffee-scented hills of Coorg in Karnataka, the Barapole River offers some of South India’s most thrilling whitewater rafting. With rapids intriguingly named "Wicked Witch" and "Big Bang", the stretch is ideal for intermediate rafters looking for a mix of excitement and lush scenery.

The river flows through dense forest corridors, home to elephants and birdlife, making your rafting experience both wild and scenic. The season from June to September, during the monsoons, ensures the rapids are at their most powerful. With Class II to Class IV rapids, the Barapole is a must-do for any adventure seeker exploring India’s less-trodden trails.

Must-Do Tip: Combine your rafting trip with a plantation stay and try the local pandi curry for a full Coorgi experience.

2. Caving in Meghalaya’s Mawsmai Caves

India’s northeastern state of Meghalaya, literally the "Abode of Clouds," hides some of the most intricate limestone caves in the world. Among them, the Mawsmai Caves near Cherrapunji are perfect for beginner cavers wanting a surreal, underground adventure.

As you squeeze through narrow passages, climb over stalactite-draped ledges, and wade through underground streams, the cave reveals an ancient world sculpted by time and nature. Natural light filters in at certain angles, illuminating crystalline walls and fossil imprints.

Best Time to Visit: November to February, when the weather is dry and the caves are safer to explore.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable, quick-dry clothes and waterproof footwear - things get slippery underground.

Ice Climbing at Johnston Canyon, Alberta

Tackle winter head-on by ice climbing the towering frozen waterfalls of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park. This icy playground, only 25 km from Banff town, offers thrilling vertical climbs against a backdrop of the rugged Canadian Rockies.

Led by expert guides, you’ll learn the basics of crampon use, ice axe technique, and safety roping - then ascend magnificent walls of ice, some up to 30 meters high. The experience combines adrenaline with jaw-dropping winter beauty.

When to Go: Late December to March, when the falls are completely frozen and conditions are prime.

Don’t Miss: Warm up afterward at the Banff Upper Hot Springs with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.

Sea Kayaking in Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

Home to the world’s highest tides, the Bay of Fundy is a kayaking paradise like no other. Located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this bay sees tidal changes of up to 16 meters - enough to let you paddle alongside 50-foot cliffs one hour and walk on the ocean floor the next.

As you kayak along red sandstone cliffs, through sea caves, and past colonies of seals and puffins, you’ll witness a living, breathing marine wonder. Guided kayak tours often include interpretations of the region’s unique geology and indigenous history.

Season: May to October offers calmer waters and better visibility.

Highlight: Try a full moon or bioluminescent night kayaking tour for a magical twist.

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire, Wales

In Pembrokeshire National Park, coasteering - a unique adventure sport blending climbing, jumping, swimming, and scrambling along rocky coastlines - was born. It's a full-body, all-weather experience ideal for thrill-seekers and ocean lovers.

You’ll don wetsuits and helmets, then plunge from sea cliffs into frothy Atlantic waves, explore tidal pools, and navigate sea caves - all under the guidance of experienced instructors. The raw beauty of Pembrokeshire’s sea-carved cliffs adds to the thrill, making it one of the most exciting water-based activities in the UK.

Ideal Time: Spring through early autumn (April to October), when the sea conditions are manageable and temperatures are moderate.

What to Pack: Don’t worry - gear is provided. Just bring a swimsuit, a towel, and nerves of steel.

Gorge Walking in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands, already legendary for their dramatic landscapes, offer an exhilarating adventure known as gorge walking (also called canyoning). Set in regions like Fort William or Cairngorms National Park, this activity involves climbing waterfalls, sliding down natural chutes, and leaping into deep pools carved by centuries of fast-flowing water.

It’s an adrenaline-pumping way to experience Scotland’s wilderness, all while immersed in ancient glens and hidden canyons. With wetsuits and safety harnesses, you’ll traverse wild watercourses in terrain few people ever see.

Best Season: Late spring to early autumn (May-September) for warmer water and optimal safety.

Local Tip: Pair your trip with a stay in a Highland bothy or lodge for a rustic Scottish experience.

Glacier Heli-Hiking on Fox Glacier

New Zealand’s Fox Glacier, nestled on the South Island’s west coast, is one of the few glaciers in the world that descends into lush rainforest. And the best way to explore it? Heli-hiking - a combination of a scenic helicopter flight and an on-foot glacier exploration.

After a jaw-dropping ride over peaks and icy rivers, you’ll land on the glacier itself, crampons strapped on, and set off to explore serrated crevasses, blue ice caves, and icefalls. Guided hikes are suitable for beginners but will leave even seasoned travellers breathless from the scenery.

When to Go: Year-round, though summer (Dec-Feb) offers clearer skies and better views.

Insider Tip: Bring sunglasses - even on cloudy days, the sun reflecting off the ice is intense.

White Water Sledging on the Kaituna River

Forget rafting - white water sledging takes river adventure to the next level. In New Zealand’s Rotorua region, the Kaituna River offers powerful rapids and waterfalls, including Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

With just a sledge, flippers, and a life jacket, you’ll ride the river head-on, steering through rapids and waves face-first. It’s intense, immersive, and perfect for water lovers looking for something truly offbeat.

Best Time: Summer (November to April) for warmer water temperatures and peak flow.

Bonus: After your ride, relax in Rotorua’s geothermal hot springs to balance the rush with some natural spa therapy.