Sailing in India

The leisure boating and sailing has good potential in India, contrary to the stagnant leisure boating activities of other countries. The pleasure boating and sailing culture is more natural in India than other countries. This is because the water in India flows in such abundance that, the love for water has become a way of life here.

If you are dreaming of sailing crystal clear waters, surrounding remote tropical islands, then visit India. India has a variety of specialized sailing vacations, put together for you.

The Boating & Sailing Possibilities in India
Boating and sailing can lead to a healthy lifestyle among both the young and the old generation
Boating and sailing are the best inland waterway, a good alternative to roads. India has 16,000 km of waterways and there is immense potential for its development. This water sport is very cheap and usually not a rich man's hobby. The whole family, including the ladies and kids can indulge in this activity.

Make it More Adventurous
Though boating is a very casual water sports, it can be made more adventurous. Boating in India offers an opportunity to explore the regions, especially the wildlife regions that are inaccessible through land. In India there are numerous wildlife sanctuaries that have a lake or water reserve within their locality. Adventurous boating and sailing can be specifically arranged in the Indian wild reserves such as Sundarbans and Periyar, where touring via a jeep or an elephant isn't possible. Beside the wilds, tourists can also enjoy a exciting water sport adventure at the coastal regions of India and the most favoured example for boating in India is Goa.

Some Ideal Boating & Sailing Opportunities
Alappuzha
Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of the most exotic backwater sites of Kerala backwater tour. Washed by the Arabian Sea, intermingled by a number of canals and bridges, this place is famous for Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. So plan a Kerala Tour to enjoy the real adventure. Besides the natural beauty, Alappuzha provides you the indigenous coir products of superior quality.

Periyar
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most talked about wildlife parks in the world. In 1895, the British undertook water resource management plans for the area that led to the origination of this national park. The picturesque lake in the heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km, which, now it covers an area of 55 sq km. This perennial source of water makes this place an ideal habitat for wild animals and birds. You can enjoy boating in the Periyar Lake, elephant and Jeep safari in the park. You may be fortunate enough to view the King of the Jungle - Tiger and the other animals like deers, elephants, neel gai, sambhar etc.

Kottayam
Kottayam is one of the fabulous backwaters destinations attracting the tourists from all over India. Scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches; all tempt you for a Kerala Tour in Kottayam.

Cochin
Even a simple dawn in Cochin or Kochi, the commercial harbour city of Kerala, showcases the breathtaking beauty of the city. Cargo-laden barges and 'Vallams' or country boats move, ponderously slow, over the sprawling vastness and glistening water of the Vembanad Kayal, Kerala's largest lake.

Kumarakom
Apart from being a backwater tour destination in Kerala; Kumarakom is also home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which has some of the rare and extinct bird species. You can also be fortunate enough to have a close glimpse of those birds. If you are an adventurous buff, then you can indulge in water sports such as wind-sailing & water skiing. You can also enjoy canoeing in the silent lakes.

Lakshadweep Islands
The southernmost isle of the Lakshadweep group, Minicoy has a large lagoon which is good for sailing, Kalpeni Island, further north, has seas suitable for sailing.

Maharashtra
The western state of Maharashtra stretches along the coast of the Arabian Sea, with the districts of Thane, Mumbai, Raigarh, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg offering easy access to the sea. Further inland, amidst the low hills of the Sahyadris, lie a number of lakes which are excellent for sailing.