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Kitesurfing India is magically surreal, frustrating, gratifying, and quite possibly the most adventurous kite spot I have ever been to. This is not a destination for the stereotypical vacationer; it is unexplored for kiteboarding, highly intense, and awkwardly enjoyable. In the KITEWORLD magazine article you can read a bit more about our experiences, traveling around the country discovering what India has to offer for potentially being a great new kite destination. The lagoons and beaches there are open, wild, and ready to be ridden. I hope this guide is helpful. For further information please contact us or subscribe to our newsletter to receive notification on upcoming trips and kite safaris we will be scheduling for the 2017 season.
The Spot: Southeast India, state of Tamil Nadu and around the city of Rameswaram. Please refer to the map on the right. |
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Wind/Weather:
There are two windy seasons in the Southeast area of India ( the most windy spot in India). It has very similar wind patterns to it's neighbor, Sri Lanka. There is not accurate wind data available, but you can find the general forecast here!!! Primary wind season: May - September. The wind blows daily a consistent and smooth 15-30 knots from the southwest. Secondary wind season: December - March. The wind blows consistent and smooth but is a bit lighter at 12-20 knots from the northeast. |
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Accommodation:
There are a variety hotels in the town of Rameswaram, however none of them are near the kite spots (right now). However our friends over at Quest Expeditions are the go to folks for beginning your search to kite in this area and have many rooms available for all traveling types. Lodging options vary from tents to amazing bungalows or small villas.
There are a variety hotels in the town of Rameswaram, however none of them are near the kite spots (right now). However our friends over at Quest Expeditions are the go to folks for beginning your search to kite in this area and have many rooms available for all traveling types. Lodging options vary from tents to amazing bungalows or small villas.
Getting There:
There are two ways to arrive in India by airplane: Chennai or Madurai. At the time of our travel, Chennai was the only option with international flights to the area in which we could receive our online (VOA) VISA. Currently India is working to open Madurai up to international flights and a online VISA program, which would be a game changer as it is only two hours north of Rameswaram. You can also receive a visa from your local Indian consulate. If you choose to arrive in Chennai, you will have to take a 12 hour train ride south directly to the train station of Rameswaram. From Madurai you can either get a taxi, local driver, or rental car.
There are two ways to arrive in India by airplane: Chennai or Madurai. At the time of our travel, Chennai was the only option with international flights to the area in which we could receive our online (VOA) VISA. Currently India is working to open Madurai up to international flights and a online VISA program, which would be a game changer as it is only two hours north of Rameswaram. You can also receive a visa from your local Indian consulate. If you choose to arrive in Chennai, you will have to take a 12 hour train ride south directly to the train station of Rameswaram. From Madurai you can either get a taxi, local driver, or rental car.
Getting Around:
Getting to the different kite spots that scatter the coast line is a bit tricky. If you stay with Quest Expeditions they can handle most logistics of getting you to/from the kite spots. If you are on your own, then the most cost effective option is to rent a car for all your transportation needs, however please keep in mind driving in India can be dangerous and risky. Instead, think about hiring a personal driver/taxi during your stay. This option may cost more, but it will save you a ton of stress, and if there is an accident, you won't have a mob of locals trying to hold you liable.
Note: We can't stress this enough. Driving in India is not for the faint of heart. Unless you have spent considerable time driving in a developing country where cows and goats frequently cross the road, people walking the sides of the roads everywhere (even at night with no bright clothing on), and little to no traffic laws are being enforced... then we wouldn't recommend renting a car and driving yourself. Get a driver, hook up with Quest Expeditions, etc
Getting to the different kite spots that scatter the coast line is a bit tricky. If you stay with Quest Expeditions they can handle most logistics of getting you to/from the kite spots. If you are on your own, then the most cost effective option is to rent a car for all your transportation needs, however please keep in mind driving in India can be dangerous and risky. Instead, think about hiring a personal driver/taxi during your stay. This option may cost more, but it will save you a ton of stress, and if there is an accident, you won't have a mob of locals trying to hold you liable.
Note: We can't stress this enough. Driving in India is not for the faint of heart. Unless you have spent considerable time driving in a developing country where cows and goats frequently cross the road, people walking the sides of the roads everywhere (even at night with no bright clothing on), and little to no traffic laws are being enforced... then we wouldn't recommend renting a car and driving yourself. Get a driver, hook up with Quest Expeditions, etc
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GALLERY
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