Brimming over with a matchless range of topographical diversity, India offers some rare and adrenaline-pumping indulgences in adventure sports activities. From the remote Trans-Himalayan trekking trails of the Nubra Valley in Ladakh, to the wildlife-rich tropical rainforests of Assam. From the stark moonscapes of the Rann of Kutch to the hot desert lands of the Thar region in Assam. From the coastal delights of water sports in Peninsular India to the awesome river runs cross country, there is no dearth of adventure activities to enjoy. What makes it even more fun is that professional outfitters and sophisticated equipment are available in plenty for some truly remarkable experiences in the natural world.
Amongst the world’s top-ranking destinations for rewarding eco-adventure journeys, India offers unparalleled pro-active experiences suitably supported by expert guides, experienced trackers and naturalists. Explore the many wonders of the cold desert expanses of Ladakh, the gorgeous Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and lesser known but fabulous offerings of Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal and more…
Skiing
Go see the snow in the pristine white snowfields of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand with family and friends. But what’s even more enticing is enjoying those first lessons of skiing and snowboarding under the watch of professionals. The go-to destinations from December to March you can fulfil your desires from some shining moments amidst India’s legendary Himalayan landscapes Gulmarg, set at a height of 2, 730m in the Kashmir Valley, is India’s premier ski resort where you can thrill to some superb experiences of snowboarding, sledding and ice skating as well can also be enjoyed here. The more experienced prefer to enjoy a heli-tour…not cheap, but fantastic fun. It offers world class skiing runs, and facilities including T-bars, ski-lifts, chair-cars, and rope-ways. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering here also arranges skiing courses.
In Himachal, people venture out of the hill station of Shimla to Kufri and Narkanda to revel in snow play in the high winter. An annual skiing competition is held in Kufri in the month of February. Manali is the biggie when it comes to skiing and heliskiing tours combined with cultural enticements.
Auli in the Garhwal Himalayas is a top-notch spot for world-class ski runs. Equipment, accommodation and guides can be arranged by the adventure wing of the state tourism department --the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) which also offers 7-day/14-day skiing courses in the months of January-March.
Trekking
Spread across the country are hundreds and hundreds of enticing trekking trails, rich in flora, fauna and avifaunal life and traditional settlements. In the winter months the adventurous of heart can take on the chadar or ice trek in Ladakh. Not for the faint hearted!
Sikkim in the North East is increasingly cashing in on its uncrowded trekking tails, with many global adventure buffs yielding to the wonderful itineraries on offer from expert outfitters. Amongst the really good ones are the Pema-Ralan, Nayabazar-Soreng, Yuksam-Rahtong Glacier and Rumtek-Yuksam designated trekking routes. For another high altogether take on an orchid trek or rhododendron trek in its pristine forested ridges with panoramas of Mt Khangchendzonga and her retinue of peaks.
In the Kumaon-Garhwal Himalayan belt one can explore the Tapovan trail which follows the Gangotri Valley to the source of the holy Ganga at Gaumukh. An unmissable wonder is the Valley of Flowers Trek in the rainy season.
Heading south you will sample the beautiful environs of Western Ghats via the Karjat-Matheran tract of the Sahyadri Range. The Kamshet-Karla belt along the Konkan Coast brings you to Buddhist caves dating to the 2nd century BC. Hiking opportunities are plenty at Maharashtra’s old forts such as Raigad, Shivneri, Singhad, Rajmachii and Torna. The misty heights of the Baba Budangiri Hills in Karnataka will slay you with their endless charms as will the shola forests of Kerala. Unmissable too are the joys of the trekking trails in the Nilgiri Hills and the Wayanad region.
Jeep Safaris
One of the great highlights of exploring India’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, is rewarding jeep safaris with a knowledgeable naturalist. In the winter months and early summer days is the time to go tiger-spotting birding and even camping under the stars in luxury tents in places such as the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. In Madhya Pradesh lies Bandhavgarh National Park, the world’s top tiger-spotting destination. Kanha National Park here is famed for its successful conservation programme for the endangered barasingha
In the South go game spotting in Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. In Karnataka. Expect highly rewarding experiences in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Kerala’s stunning Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Camel Safaris
Enjoy rich experiences of natural beauty and cultural highs camping out in Sam and Khuri dunes in the desert land of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Thrill to mashaal-lit dinners and dances by the local troupe of traditional folk dancers. In the saltpan wilds of the Rann of Kutch, go on moonlight walks from the tented city which springs up here in the winter in Gujarat. For a more daring experience enjoy a safari on a double-humped Bactrian camel on the sun-warmed sand dunes between Diskit and Hundar in the Nubra Valley.
Horse Safaris
The sand-strewn trails of Jodhpur and Bikaner and the forested expanses around Rawla Narlai and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan make for some exceptional horse safari adventures. At Dundlod, Mandawa and Ghanerao make your acquaintance with the indigenous Marwar horse reputed globally for its deep seat and in-curling ears.
River Rafting
India has steadily climbed the charts as a global rafting destination for novices and mature rafters. World-standard rafting trips on offer by internationally trained rafting professionals now include luxury camping and gourmet meals, light entertainment and interfaces with local communities. You can ride the waters of the Ganga from Kaudiyala near Rishikesh, the Teesta in Sikkim and the Zanskar in remotest Ladakh. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam’s (GMVN) adventure wing operates a rafting camp at Kaudiyala.
In Karnataka the Cauvery River and the Kali River are a magnet for rafters as are swelling waters of the Ulhas River near Karjat in the rainy season.
Hang Gliding
The country’s go-to spot for years has been Billing near Palampur in the Kangra region and the Solang Nallah near the Rohtang Pass out of Manali. Kamshet in Maharashtra is a biggie now for the sport with private operators offering stay options as well. It is legendary for the perfect weather conditions, ideal terrain, and superb views.
Paragliding
Himachal’s Solang Valley and Deori Ghat offer a combination of lots of thrills and gorgeous countryside. The Sahyadri Range of the west coast and the seaside environs of Goa have garnered much enthusiasm for the professional take on the sport. Flying near the sea is quite a unique experience at Anjuna and Arambol in Goa.
River Cruises
Explore the splendours of the Brahmaputra River in Assam on a cruise boat run by Assam Bengal Navigation. The journey takes you from the historic city of Guwahati in Assam to the wilds of the world famous Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to observe the conservation programme of the world’s endangered Indian one horn rhino. Another important conservation programme has seen the revival of the barasingha, whose numbers had diminished alarmingly, given its stature as trophy animal for its magnificent antlers by hunters. Along the way you will get to see eastern India’s legendary tea estates Assam Bengal Navigation is the original cruise operator on India's Brahmaputra and Ganges Rivers, having navigated these mighty waterways since 2003.
Assam Bengal Navigation offers an amazing exploration of the Brahmaputra. The journey takes you from the historic city of Guwahati in Assam to the wilds of the world famous Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to observe the conservation programme of the world’s endangered Indian one horn rhino. Another important conservation programme has seen the revival of the barasingha, whose numbers had diminished alarmingly, given its stature as trophy animal for its magnificent antlers by hunters. Along the way you will get to see eastern India’s legendary tea estates.
Silk & Rhinos, the 4-night cruise starts at Guwahati and terminates at Silghat near Kaziranga. On offer is a window also to Assam's rich silk-weaving heritage on a walk through Sualkuchi. Another highlight is the Kamakhya temple, one of the most revered centres of tantric practices in India.
The ABN Sukapha was designed specifically to navigate the mighty waters of the Brahmaputra River. This comfortable active expedition-style ship offers roomy bamboo panelled 12 cabins with en suite shower/WC with Kama Ayurveda toiletries— and grand panoramas of the river.
Today both amateurs and mature adventure sports buffs can unhesitatingly plan all-year round activities for the holidays they have on hand. India never disappoints when it comes to natural beauty, diversity of terrains and outfitters ready to support your dream adventure travel.