If you want to explore the backwaters of Kerala, Kerala houseboats are definitely the ideal option for you. When you are in the houseboat, you would be able to enjoy the picturesque lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers here. In fact, when you hire a houseboat, you can expect to see the backwaters in its best form. This is indeed very relaxing, by means of which you can explore the beauty here, as well. However, before you visit here, it is essential that you get a proper guidance of the houseboats, so that you do not face any problem, while you are here.
Category : India Adventure Travel, Kerala Backwaters
If you are not quite aware of what places in the world that have some of the best extreme sports adventures, then try to check out the northern part of India. There you will find many avenues for mountaineering and exciting snow sports. Whether you’re looking for heli-skiing adventure, ice skating, or ice climbing escapade, north India is an ideal destination for such expedition. Places such as Manali in Himachal, Garhwal region in Uttar Pradesh and Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir have the ultimate extreme sports you are searching for. So start packing up your sports gear and let’s have an interesting voyage to Indian north.
There are plenty of activities one can engage in when the particular interest is winter sports. It is not just limited to snow skiing. You can have many choices of sports out in the snow. If you’re up for a breathtaking climb up the snowy mountains, then call out friends and reach the peak together. But if you have a particular fear of heights, you can opt for ice figure skating. Glide in the snow and have a whole of fun dancing.
Snow Skiing
Snow Skiing
Another adventure-filled snow sport is snow skiing. In the northern part of India, one can go skiing in the leading upland hill resort of Kashmir which is known as Gulmarg. The popular resort has an altitude of 2,730 m and is a great spot for your favorite winter sports.
Other than Gulmarg, another premier skiing resort called Auli in the Indian north can be found in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttaranchal. The snow-capped mountains and hills in The Manali Region in Himachal Pradesh are not just conducive for winter sports but summer skiing as well. The mountainous area in Narkanda has natural ski slopes but during the warmer days, skiing is not recommended. Shimla is never left behind as a favorite spot for skiing especially during winter season.
Ice Skating
Ice Skating
Similar to snow skiing, ice skating is performed by sashaying smoothly along a flat ice-covered skating rink instead of gliding along snow-covered slopes. When ice skating, put on a pair of ice skates and comfy attire to beat the frenzy cold. The sport requires proper balancing since the skating blades won’t let you stand still if you are yet a beginner. You can skate alone or better yet, be with a partner to make it more interesting.
Check out ice skating in Shimla which holds an annual sports festival. The yearly event highlights ice skating as a major attraction. No worries if you are a beginner in ice skating. Just learn the ropes with stability and steadiness and you will enjoy this particular snow sport along with the rest of the ice skaters.
Mountaineering and Ice Climbing
Mountaineering and Ice Climbing
If you are the type who would opt for a more adventurous kind of sport, then mountaineering and ice climbing is a nice challenge for you. Try beating the odds at the Indian Himalayas for a truly thrilling climbing experience. Some of India’s mountaineering regions are Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal. But mountain ranges like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have limited or constricted climbing options.
The most challenging mountain peaks in the Indian Himalayas that climbers would want to try would be Nanda Devi and Kanchenjunga. Apart from that, mountaineers can also try their experience at Garhwal Himalayas, the Zanskar range in Jammu & Kashmir, Kullu & Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh and the eastern Himalayan range of Sikkim & Darjeeling.
Heli Skiing India
Heli Skiing
Some ski lovers don’t just settle for the regular type of skiing. Those who would want something more thrilling and risky can try heli-skiing. As the term implies, a helicopter will bring the skier to the snow-covered mountain peak and from there, the sport enthusiast will glide his way downward the slopes. As exciting as it may seem, this kind of sport poses certain risks since a skier will eventually have to find his way toward the plain through unfamiliar routes and contours. Aside from the Indian Himalayan region, other cool Skiing Places in India are Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chandrakhani Pass near Manali. Gulmarg, J&K, Pithoragarh, Kumaon Himalayas, Uttaranchal.
Trekking is a common adventure experience of many locals and sports enthusiasts in many parts of India. An interested trekker can choose variety of trekking options from a simple trekking path to something more complex that ranges from a week’s adventure to four weeks of trailing. This wonderful experience allows you to discover nature and appreciate the beauty of India. It lets you explore the country and its people even better, too. Trekking is so much more with friends and other companions.
Cautions While Trekking in India
While trekking is a simple hiking or trailing activity, it comes with a responsibility from the trekker to make the expedition environmentally friendly and should not harm the culture and traditions of the place. Do a research of the geographical and historical characteristics of the area you chose for trekking. Also familiarize the trek routes, check out the season and weather of that particular region, know where to purchase needed supplies, and find out the different local trekking agencies to guide you.
Things To Carry
In preparation for the trekking expedition, here are the items that a trekker would need:
- Broad-brimmed hat
- UV proof sunglasses
- SPF-15 sunscreen lotion
- Scarf
- Lip balm
- Water bottle
- First aid kit
Before deciding to start off the trail, make sure that you are physically fit for the activity. For unforeseen circumstances, the first aid medical kit will be a great help. The sunscreen, UV glasses, and hat are nice protection against the sun. A bottle of water will keep you going and prevent dehydration as you hike along especially in higher altitudes. When trekking itinerary can take longer, food supplies like canned goods should be handy and sleeping gears must be ready, too.
Trekking In Indian Himalayas
Trekking In Himalayas
The Indian Himalayan ranges are one of the most popular regions for trekking and known as one of the best trekking places worldwide due to its impressively stunning mountain peaks. In the trail, one gets to discover many Hindu mountain settlers, ancient temples, Buddhist monasteries in remote areas, and numerous village establishments.
Trekking In Ladakh
Trekking In Ladakh
Among the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, Ladakh is known as the most rugged mountain range. It is situated between the Great Himalayan Range and the wide plateaus of Tibetan region which makes the area famously referred to as the Trans Himalayan Zone. The Central Asian Milk Route in Ladakh region remains a mystery to many trekkers and even locals. This is why trekkers and extreme sports enthusiasts would opt to experience this place.
Trekking In the Passes
Trekkers will find hiking in Himachal a thrilling expedition. The trails in this part of India can be moderate to arduous and the voyage may last up to two weeks, especially when trekkers pass through the high altitudes. Jammu & Kashmir region is part of the passes. The 16-km trek from Uttaranchal to Kedamath offers breathtaking scenes of the Garwhal peaks.
Trekking in Darjeeling
Trekking in Darjeeling
The mountains of Darjeeling are relatively similar to the Nepalese region. Along the borders of Nepal, the Darjeeling mountain ranges offer spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and a peek of Everest, Lhotsa and Makalu. Darjeeling region is bestowed with clear and definite nature trails, making the voyage an easy one for the trekker.
Trekking in Sikkim
Trekking in Sikkim
Trekking in the Sikkim region will truly be an unforgettable experience to many trekkers. Taking a speculative view of the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, trekkers will definitely have fun and adventure in their hike. The amazing forests will bring trekkers closer to nature and give them a different kind of experience toward nature.
Have you ever checked for water and river sports in India? If not, then you are at loss since India has some fine spots for water sports. If you love the water, you are in for a treat with their superb packages which have some exciting sports like fishing, angling, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and water rafting.
The possibilities for water sports in India are countless. In the Bay of Bengal, you can enjoy the fabulous island of Andaman and Nicobar. If you prefer the exotic Arabian Sea, you could go to Lakshwadeep. If you best want to settle for the mainland, you can head for the great waters of Goa. Here, amateurs and neophytes can get deals on professional trainers to start them off with water sports. If you fancy river rafting, check out the river of Ganges along with its northern tributaries.
Water Rafting
Water Rafting
The long and wild rivers of India will be perfect for those thrill-seeking bunches who want to experience great river rafting or white water rafting. And did you know that the upper Himalayan Rivers are among the best sports for river sports? There are numerous staircase rapids that dare the extreme sports enthusiast.
The Ganges River remains mysterious even for those experienced explorers and there is sure to be full of surprises for the rafters. Another popular site for white water rafting is Ganga near Rishikesh in Uttaranchal. There are rapids for everybody in this place. To say specifically, there are 12 major rapids stretching in a span of 36 kilometers. Experts and novices would surely be delighted.
Scuba diving and Snorkelling
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
If scuba diving and snorkelling are your favorites, you could check out the beautiful marine life hiding inside the enigmatic horizons of sea and the scenic coastal regions of India. These places are deemed best for divers and snorkellers. There are numerous coastal sceneries along the stretch of the coastal belt on three sides. Those who are really into water sports can take pleasure in the Indian sun, sand, and sea. If you are more active, you could opt for kayaking and canoeing.
Category : India Adventure Tour, India Adventure Travel
Skiing in India? Most people have probably not heard of it. But did you know that India has the best skiing sites? For one thing, there are many exciting things to do. There are many sites which are so full of thrills. Many unexplored valleys, snow-capped mountains with stunning glaciers, and towering peaks await; the thrill of discovering new sites is unparalleled. Aside from the breathtaking view, you get to experience the wonderful flora and fauna that come together with the superb place. But before you jump in to a fantastic world of skiing, there are some things to remember.
Now let us move on to the wonderful skiing destinations in India.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is one of the popular skiing destinations in India. It is popularly known as Kashmir’s foremost upland hill resort. The altitude is amazing at 2,730 meters. It is one of the biggest and well-equipped resorts in India. The conditions for great skiing will last from the month of December to April. There are numerous modern facilities and world-class equipment in India. There are available ski-lifts, T-bars, rope-ways, and chair-cars to help you with skiing. Other activities like skating and heli-skiing are an option too. If you like, a skiing course is available at the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering which is located there. In the winter, you can try the great slopes of Garhwal and Kumaon which will be covered in rich snow. They are ideal skiing sites. The have wide open spaces above the snowline which offer the magnificent glaciers which you can tour.
Auli
If you want grand scenery, head over to Auli Garhwal Himalayas located in Uttaranchal. It is a major skiing destination with fine, flowing, snowy slopes. There are rich pine forests which overlook the peaks of Kamet, Nanda Devi, Mana Parbat, and Dunagiri.
Manali
There are other unforgettable destinations like Kufri, Narkanda, and Manali in Himachal. These are places not only for winters but for summer skiing as well. There are great slopes which offer some skiing in the summer months. Kufri in Shimla on the other hand has been a favourite for skiers during the winter months.
Sking tips In India
First you have to consider some precautions and remember to bring the essentials to a skiing trip. You have to keep this in mind before you embark on your adventure to India. As the snow of India is pretty much untouched, you have to take extra precaution. For one thing, the Himalayas in India are extreme and unpredictable. There are things you have to take into consideration with every move. India is different. As with all other skiing trips, it is more than bringing freeze-blocking clothes. This is vital for you!
Sking Tips In India
For the skiing range in India, you have to bring a complete set of equipment. They also have to be the best. Strength and durability are your main concerns for India, specifically, for clothing you need gear that has flexibility. You need to get clothing which can effectively balance your own body’s temperature in accordance to the outside climate. The best fabrics for this job are those that are relaxed and versatile. Stretch fabric can do the trick. This is also required for skiing down a snow-filled slope or doing some extreme skiing.
Look for ones with good fitting styles and those that are waterproof. These qualities impart better options for a skier and allow you to exercise wider ranges of motion. For a rundown of the things to consider when getting a ski jacket, here are a few things to consider. It must be made of a breathable fabric, not constricting and tight, and it must be waterproof. You have to check the seams to see if they are taped. A good quality jacket also has venting zippers with additional stretch mechanisms for more comfort.
If you have managed to find a good jacket, you should go next to gears which include ski helmets, ski goggles, ski socks, and of course, the ski boots. Goggles can keep you safe during your ski trip. Aside from mechanically protecting your eyes, they provide shield from the glaring snow during bright days. It is good to get skiing goggles with tinted lenses because these provide added UV protection for your eyes to improve your visibility. Also, the weather conditions in India are ever changing so not having goggles during a ski can be disastrous. For utmost and added protection, you need a ski helmet to protect your head.
Remember, prepare well and enjoy!
