Adventures & Sports
The stereotype image of India such as a land of snake charmers
and trumpeting elephants is now a thing of past. Far from being
mostly a historical and cultural tourist destination for a long
time, India has now emerged as an important travel destination for
discerning adventure sports enthusiasts in recent years.
India is arguably the only country in the world, which offers such
a sheer variety of adventure opportunities. And surely enough, this
diversity is utterly amazing - from heli-skiing and rock climbing
in the mighty Himalayas to river-rafting in the white waters
of the raging Ganga, Teesta or Indus; from
ballooning and hang-gliding over the great Indian plains to an exotic
encounter with the camel-safaris in the vast expanse of the Thar
desert of Rajasthan; from tracking the legendary Royal
Bengal Tiger on the backs of elephants to trekking in the Himalayan
ranges - the options are endless.
Some of the most popular adventure sport activities are listed
below (Click the hyperlink for more information)
Angling And Fishing
With the abundance of coastline and inland waterways, India
is the perfect destination for all types of angling and fishing
holidays. Among the notable adventure activities offered by India
are angling and fishing. The Indian coastline, sprawling over a
distance more than 7,500 km long, is washed by some of the clearest
and cleanest seas in Asia. Its sheer variety offers unlimited opportunities
to the sea angler, who can find somewhere to fish all year round.
India is home to several rivers that meander through the vast expanse
of the Gangetic Plains. Added to this, many important rivers flow
down the peninsular South India. As most of the north Indian
rivers originate from the high reaches of the mighty Himalayas.
As a result they are snow-fed and are full of water throughout the
year. The clear waters of these raging rivers and their tributaries
offer excellent angling and fishing spots that are enchanting in
their supreme scenic beauty of the mountain, They also offers a
variable feeding and breeding ground for a number of different varieties
of fish. The adventurous settings for angling and fishing range
from the majestic Himalayan valleys, snow-fed streams and high altitude
lakes to the wide coastal stretches of the Arabian Sea and
the Bay of Bengal.
The Golden, the Silver, the Silver Grey and
the Black Mahseers are all preys worthy of any fishing aficionados
attention. You can also hook the crafty trout or the menacing shark
in the rivers and seacoasts of India. Two varieties of trout,
namely the rainbow trout and the brown trout, exist
in India.
Fishing and angling in India go hand in hand with conservation,
and after having caught your fish, shot your picture and recorded
its weight it is best to release it into the water again. The Indian
Protection laws rule that conversation of animal life is mandatory
with this adventure activity. Anglers from across the world throng
to India trout fishing in the rushing waters of the clear water
streams and high altitude lakes of the upper Himalayas.
There are several fresh water lakes, which provide excellent spots
for the fishing and angling activities. Dodital Lake surrounded
by the Himalayan peaks is a fine place for a catch. The Cauvery
Fishing Lodge near Mysore is noted for Mahseer. The hill
stations of Munnar make for perfect places for fishing in
the gurgling streams of Kerala. However, Kashmir is
the undisputed paradise for the angler. Early mornings and late
evenings are best times to indulge in this sport. If you want to
combine fishing with another adventure sport, you can indulge in
trekking. Here you will have the opportunity to fish in some of
many high altitude lakes that are located at an altitude of 14,000
ft.
An angling and fishing adventure-holiday in India provides a unique
opportunity to remain in close touch with nature and free yourself
from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Those who want to remain
in solitude can enjoy the pristine beauty of the riversides and
spend hours in quiet contemplation. So it can be said with absolute
certainty that if you are looking for the ultimate angling and fishing
destination, India is the answer to your search. It provides you
with an endless array of alluring and thrilling options to choose
from. Top
Cycling and Motor Biking
Cycling
or motor biking in the Coolest Himalayas in India can be
quite an experience for you. A cycle ride across the world's highest
mountains dotted with green valleys, snow capped high peaks, the
deodars has the potential of touching the adventure freak in anybody.
But you should try your hands at this adventure activity only if
you are one of the tough Harley Davidson role model types.
As a matter of fact there is no better way to experience the local
culture of a place than by actually cycling through it. You will
have the opportunity to stop at the towns and villages to get a
deep insight into their way of life. There can be no two thoughts
about the fact that motor biking through a place is a unique way
of experiencing the local tradition and culture of a place. Added
to this, the astonishing scenic grandeur of the breathtaking Himalayan
milieu will make your adventure holiday worth remembering all through
your life.
Some of the best places for cycling and mountain biking in the
Himalayan region of India are in the states of Jammu and Kashmir,
Himachal
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal
Pradesh. These states are replete with great scenic beauty and
are treasure-troves of exciting routes, some of them discovered
and while others waiting to be explored.
It is mandatory to obtain clearances beforehand, as there is danger
of security being jeopardized, because majority of the Himalayan
peaks borders with the neighboring countries.
There exists many numbers of picturesque less frequented routes
in the mountainous region of India. Cycling through the Tarai
forests along the foothills of Nainital and Himachal
Pradesh is an experience which defies description. These stretches
offer exceptionally beautiful areas for the mountain cycling and
biking adventurers. The leisurely pace of the ride through the verdant
valleys, the environs almost devoid of pollution, the sparsely trafficked
roads - all these combine to make cycling and motor biking in the
Himalayas a an experience worth remembering. Top
Camel Safari
To sail through your holidays, how about an adventure in the golden
glowing sands? In case the idea of traveling on the sand under the
open sun excites you we have just the right offer for your next
great Indian Holiday. Come and experience the Great Indian
Desert of Thar in a truly unbelievable way, travel by camel
safari, cook by the campfire and sleep under the bare stars.
While meandering through the golden landscape of the Thar Desert,
you will come face to face with the rich heritage, culture and the
colorful lifestyles of the royal state of Rajasthan. Camel
has been an integral part of the desert life. It comes to the rescue
of the desert people who have to wander miles in search of water.
Added to this the easy pace of the safari on a camel back will provide
you an opportunity to enjoy and observe the minutes of the land
of forts, citadels, colors and enchanting people.
The camel safari adventure in the Indian desert has the caught
the tourist's attention and is on the way of becoming the most popular
adventure holiday in India. It has proved to be one of the most
perfect ways to know and understand India. Traveling through the
desert will be reminiscent of the rapidity and the spirit of the
intruding armies, which led their invasion innumerable times through
these deserts.
The desert safaris in India revolve primarily around the princely
states of Jodhpur,
Jaisalmer, and Bikaner. A typical safari comprises
traveling to the architectural ruins of Lodurva located in
the vicinity of Jaisalmer, the sand dunes of the Samm, the
oasis at Anasagar and the water source of Moolsagar.
It is sure to be a once in lifetime experience of the desert rural
Indian life and traditional hospitality.
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Mountaineering
Mountaineering in India offers you the choice of climbing some of
the highest peaks in the world. You can have the wild experience
of mountaineering in many muntain ranges like Satpura, Western
Ghats (Sahyadri), Nilgiri etc., however, challenging
the mighty Himalayas offers endless adventure, cultural learning
and recreation opportunities. Mountaineering and climbing in the
Himalayas on some of the world's greatest peaks is the experience
of a lifetime. It also provides opportunity to see some of the highest
permanent settlements in the world, unveiling preserved cultures
and a way of life inimical to modern times.
The sport of mountaineering in India was introduced by the Europeans
in the 18th century. Though for many mountaineering is an adventure
sport, there are others for whom it is a serious hobby.
India has been blessed with several mountain ranges that are perfect
to undertake mountaineering. You can take your pick from the countless
peaks in India and even choose your own trekking route for an adventure
holiday in India. In case you are seriously planning an adventure
filled holiday it is advisable to study maps that provide comprehensive
stuff on the mountaineering trails in India. Mountaineering equipment
is locally available along with the other support resources and
short-term courses in most cases.
Mountaineering is an ideal activity during the summers that lets
you escape from the heat of the plains. However, one should avoid
the summers as landslides are experienced in several parts of India
due to the heavy rains. Some of the best mountaineering spots can
be found in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, Himachal
Pradesh, Ladakh region of Jammu
and Kashmir, and the North-East. Num and Kun,
and the Zanskar range in Jammu and Kashmir are renowned summits
with the mountaineers. Besides amateur mountaineers, technical climbing
skills are put to test at Kishtawar at peaks that are as
high as 6,500 m above ground level. Lahaul and Spiti
in Leh, and the Kullu valley also have several challenging
peaks. In India the peaks are categorized into open', 'virgin',
'border', 'trekking', and 'others' and you can make several choices
in each category.
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Water Sports
The Himalayas offer you some of the toughest and most exciting river
runs in the world. River sports in the rapids are
the most popular, throughout the summers and can really get your
adrenaline pumping. The coastal regions provide excellent opportunities
for water sports like water skiing, wind surfing,
yachting, snorkeling and scuba diving.
India has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations in
the world for White water Rafting. Its rushing waters, coming
from the glaciers of the mighty Himalayas, offer matchless
thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting
trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in India.
India has a multitude of rivers and abundance of locations that
are perfect for white water rafting. Most of the water rafting destinations
are located in the Himalayas, and the River Ganges is the
most popular of them all. Several camps are organized along the
70-km stretch from Rishikesh to Devprayag to Rapids
have been graded according to the difficulty of their run. The rivers
Yamuna, Alaknanda, Tons, Mandakini,
Kalisor, Bhilangana and Bhagirathi offer many
stretches, for both professionals as well as amateur rafters. Ranges
in Ladakh and Sikkim
also offer great river stretches for rafting.
There is no particular best time during which rafting activity
can be undertaken in India since the flow and fury of various rivers
are individual. However, on the whole the months from May to November
are the best months for the adventure seekers to indulge in rafting.
Further in South, you can enjoy water adventures along both
the west and the east coasts of India. The islands of Andaman
and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep
in the Indian Ocean are virtually untouched and are some
of the best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling. The beaches of
Goa
and Kerala also offer other sporting opportunities like water
skiing, wind surfing and sailing. The best months
for water sports are October and March.
Scuba Dive or snorkel Bay of Bengal at Andman and Nicobar islands
or Arabian Sea at Lakshadweep group of islands. The crystal clear
waters Indian coasts and shores promise charming scuba diving and
snorkeling destinations that will leave you completely mesmerized.
The rich sea life in India offers an array of opportunities for
scuba diving and snorkeling. Apart from the already well-known scuba
destinations, there are abundant sites, which are waiting to be
explored. Top
Skiing
Skiing in India has gradually become quiet attention grabbing sport
because of the Himalayas. This would be an ultimate holiday
destination for any adventure sport of your choice.
In India there are many favorable destinations like Jammu and
Kashmir, the hills of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh,
and the North-Eastern states of India, which have become
favorite ski hideouts for skiing enthusiasts. Gulmarg is
the ultimate beginner's skiing resort. This high altitude adventure
sport is an ideal escape from the summers of the plains. The heat
and dust are replaced with the cool environs of the happy hills.
With the ever-increasing number of skiing enthusiasts, the skiing
slopes in India have improved with time. Tourists not only from
India but also from all over the world are trained for skiing here.
The increased facilities are easily available and are affordable
in the major skiing spots in India. Top
Trekking
In almost every part of India, there is a variety of trekking adventure
options awaiting the trekker, some soft, others
not so. In this vast wonderland, trekking itineraries from one to
four weeks or more provide endless opportunities for discovery for
the trekker. Among the high altitude regions of Indian Himalayas,
reality becomes a dream. Trekking in India is an unforgettable experience
as it not only let you to experience the unexplored trails made
by nature, but also bring the visitor directly in touch with the
country and its people and helps you to appreciate the mountain
environment.
The concept of adventure sports in India came into vogue after
the development of the various Hill stations all over India by the
British. These hill stations served the base from where treks were
undertaken. After that with the introduction of the base camp it
became easy for the adventurers to explore the neighboring areas
on their own. This resulted in the growing number of professional.
Today, trekking is resorted to by many people.
India is home to the Himalaya, the "abode of snows".
It is well known in every corner of the world as the homeland of
some of the highest mountains peaks of the world. It offers a great
concentration of high snow capped mountains. Apart from enjoying
the amazing beauty of these peaks, you will have the opportunities
to climb some of these peaks. A trek in India is a special and rewarding
mountain holiday. So, it's of no coincidence that India is a spectacular
adventure destination especially among the trekkers. No mountain
lover can resist the temptation of having a trek in the verdant
slopes of Himalayas. Trekking in India will take you through a country
that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers
for a long time. You will come in close contact with the culture
of the people residing in the remote villages.
Trekking during the monsoons should be avoided by the amateur trekkers.
Low altitude trekking can be undertaken during the months of February
/ March and April / May is best suited for high-altitude trekking
in the Himalayas. If you want enjoy trekking in South India,
then proceed towards the Western Ghats from December to April.
The weather is clear and scenic beauty of this region is heart soothing.
The Western Himalayas covering the states of Himachal Pradesh,
Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttaranchal form a major
trekking area in India. It is followed by the Eastern Himalayas
covering Darjeeling in West Bengal and the North-Eastern
states of Sikkim, and Arunachal
Pradesh. The areas around Gangotri and Yamunotri
and those below the Kumaon region are also famous for trekking.
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Wildlife Safari
Wildlife safaris in India are an exciting holiday option for those
who want to get more close to nature. These wildlife safaris will
take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city life amidst
nature. India offers an amazingly large number of animals and birds
in its various wildlife sanctuaries and conservation parks. You
would wake up to a clear and pristine early morning dawn, and the
sound of chirping birds. Nature is as it is an unending discovery,
and each wildlife safari will lay bare so many facets that when
you come to the end of your safari you will hope to return soon
for yet another exciting adventure.
Nothing is as incredible as the elephant back to watch the wildlife.
From the vantage point atop the elephant the eyes can see into the
distance. The height of the animal allows a clear view and it gives
you a great sense of security, the rolling gait adds to the enjoyment.
Expert guides with in-depth knowledge of the wildlife area accompany
these wildlife safaris to make things simpler for you. You can choose
your own pick from the various trails for the most exciting, enchanting,
and enthralling experience in wildlife adventure in India.
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Info on Adventures, Sports, Trekking, Mountaineering , Water Sports etc. of Bharat Heritage - India
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