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Adorned with a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, Odisha has numerous lakes and reservoirs offering water sports activities. From the adrenaline-pumping waves of Puri Beach to the tranquil backwaters of Chilika Lake, the state offers a wide range of activities that cater to both adventure enthusiasts and a laid-back explorer. The growing popularity of water sports in Odisha is driven by the state’s efforts to promote tourism and its commitment towards ensuring safety and quality experiences for visitors. So, whether it’s surfing, jet skiing or parasailing, Odisha’s water sports scene promises excitement and exploration for all.
8 Best Water Sports In Odisha
You can immerse in multiple water sports in Odisha, ranging from coastal adventures and inland water sports to unique and niche activities. A few are mentioned below for reference.
1. Surfing
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Puri, a renowned pilgrimage site, is also a hotspot for surfing. With surf schools offering lessons and equipment rentals, the place witnesses a mix of local and international surfers. The local surf culture is welcoming, with a laid-back vibe that encourages camaraderie among surfers. The annual India Surf Festival attracts an array of surfers from around the country, which makes it one of the most famous water sports in Odisha. The surfing conditions for the most part are ideal as the beach features a sandy bottom, which is generally safer for surfing compared to rocky bottom beaches.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 – ₹10,000
Suggested Read: Best Beaches In Odisha You Must Check Out On Your Next Trip
2. Jet Skiing
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Jet skiing is a thrilling water sport that is quite popular in Odisha, its increasing popularity is due to Odisha’s diverse water bodies, including its beaches and large lakes, which provide excellent venues for this activity. Popular locations for jet skiing in Odisha are Puri Beach, Gopalpur Beach and Chilika Lake, all of them offering a unique jet skiing experience. So, whether you want to explore the serene waters of Chilika Lake or the lively waves of Puri Beach, jet skiing in Odisha has a lot to offer to adventure enthusiasts.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Cost/Person: ₹500 – ₹3,000
3. Parasailing
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Gopalpur Beach and Puri Beach are hubs for this activity. In paragliding, the participants are harnessed to a parachute-like sail and towed behind a motorboat, offering a bird’s-eye view of the ocean and its coastline. Puri Beach is one of the most sought-after destinations for parasailing in Odisha as the aerial view from above offers a panoramic vista of the ocean, the sandy shore, and the bustling life along the coast.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 – ₹4,000
Suggested Read: Explore Offbeat Places In Odisha For A Peaceful Getaway
4. Scuba Diving And Snorkelling
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As Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake offers opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling. The clear waters around some of the islands make it possible to observe aquatic life and underwater landscapes. And thus, it is one of the most famous water sports in Odisha. Certified instructors and guides ensure that all divers are equipped with the necessary gear, including wetsuits, masks, fins, tanks, and regulators. Pre-dive briefings cover safety protocols, communication signals, and emergency procedures. Divers are also accompanied by trained professionals during the dive.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Cost/Person: ₹500 – ₹7,000
5. Kayaking
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The Mahanadi River, flowing through Odisha, offers several stretches suitable for kayaking. The experience ranges from calm paddling through the mangroves to more adventurous routes in the upper reaches of the river. The river’s scenic beauty, combined with its biodiversity, makes it one of the best water sport activities to do in Odisha. Many locations offer guided kayaking tours, which are recommended for beginners and for exploring unfamiliar waters. Kayaking equipment, including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, is typically provided by local operators.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Cost/Person: ₹500 – ₹2,000
Suggested Read: Get Ready To Explore Some Spooky And Eerie Haunted Places In Odisha
6. Windsurfing
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Windsurfing is an exciting water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. It is becoming increasingly popular on the beaches of Puri and Gopalpur. The coastal winds, especially during certain times of the year, create ideal conditions for windsurfing in these areas. Equipment rentals and lessons are available for those interested in learning the sport, the equipment usually includes a board, sail, mast, and boom.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 to ₹4,000
7. Boating And Canoeing
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Boating is a popular activity in Chilika Lake, where tourists can hire traditional wooden boats or modern speedboats to explore the lake’s islands and bird sanctuaries. The Hirakud Dam, one of the largest artificial lakes in India, offers boating facilities. The reservoir is known for its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings. Apart from traditional boating, canoeing is also available for those looking for a more hands-on experience. Canoeing is a popular activity on the calmer stretches of the Mahanadi as the river’s wide expanse and gentle flow in certain areas provide a serene setting for paddling.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Cost/Person: ₹500 to ₹2,500
Suggested Read: Explore The Top Wildlife Sanctuaries In Odisha With Rich Biodiversity
8. White Water Rafting
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White water rafting in Odisha offers thrilling experiences along the state’s rivers, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when water levels are higher. Although not as widely recognized as other Indian destinations for rafting, Odisha’s rivers provide challenging and exciting rapids for adventure enthusiasts. Key locations for white water rafting include- the Mahanadi River, Indravati River and Kolab River. The rafting levels range from I to IV(easy to challenging), adventurers can indulge in more advanced levels according to their convenience.
Best Time To Visit: June to September and October to February
Cost/Person: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000
Odisha’s rich natural beauty and varied aquatic environments provide a blend of adventure and relaxation for water sports enthusiasts. With scuba diving and snorkelling in Chilika Lake, kayaking on the Mahanadi River, windsurfing at Puri, there are various water sports in Odisha for you to indulge in. So, if you are seeking a thrilling experience, then book a vacation with TripXL now, and quench your thirst for adventure here.
Cover Photo: troy williams / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
