| Most people associate India with its rich culture and history. However, the diversity of its geography and ecology offers a host of adventure activities. |
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A major portion of the mighty Himalayas is located in India. The foothills of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions offer a wide range of trekking routes, as do the Ladakh and Zanskar regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh is another region that offers a variety of treks, ranging from easy to moderate. In eastern India, Darjeeling and Sikkim are popular trekking destination. We customize the treks to suit your the age, fitness level and areas of interest. |
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The Indian sub-continent has a rich diversity of eco-systems and geographical zones - from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the great Thar Desert, the thick forests and great floodplains of central India to the coral formations and marine life of its long coastline. Within its 55 national parks and 247 sanctuaries, are found an incredible and diverse range of flora and fauna - the majestic and highly endangered Royal Bengal tiger, the Great Indian One-horned rhinoceros, the Asian elephant, several species of deer, antelopes, monkeys and bears, wild buffalo, the elusive and nearly extinct snow leopard, the Asiatic lion, now found only in Gir, and over 2000 species of birds. From modest forest lodges to ultra luxurious wildlife resorts, a wide choice of accommodation is available and we design the programme to suit individual requirements and interests. |
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Rajasthan offers the traveller a novel way to explore this starkly beautiful region on camelback or horseback. Camel safaris generally cover the area around Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur, offering a glimpse of traditional Indian life in the desert. The duration varies from one day to two weeks, though the more popular ones are for 2 or 3 days. Camel safaris trace their origins to the time of trade between India and China, when caravans would journey along established trade routes, laden with spices, herbs and jewels.
Horse Safaris generally cover the more verdant region of South Rajasthan, between Udaipur and Rohetgarh, going through scattered villages and forested hills, teeming with bird and wildlife. Horse riding is also possible in the verdant hills of Himachal Pradesh.
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| The foothills of the Himalayas in North India, the Western Ghats in Western India and the Nilgiri Mountains in South India offer some wonderful trails for mountain biking. |
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These trips offer a unique insight to the cultural and natural wealth of the remote regions of India - from the barren moonscape of Lahoul, Spiti, Ladakh and Zanskar in North West India to the lush green hills of Arunachal, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Assam in North East India; from the desertscape of Gujarat to the forests of Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. The 3-day drive from Manali to Ladakh over 4 passes ranging from 3,600 m to 5,300 m, offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Other popular destinations in Ladakh are the Nubra Valley and the high altitude lakes of Pangong Tso and Tso Morari. A 7- to 10-day jeep safari in the Spiti, Kinnaur and Lahoul valleys in Himachal Pradesh is an exhilarating experience. |
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The rivers in the upper reaches of the Himalayas are excellent for white-water rafting. The most popular are the Ganga, Bhagirathi and Alaknanda in Uttar Pradesh, which have rapids ranging from Grade 3 to 4 on the international scale. The Zanskar and Indus rivers in Ladakh are another challenging possibility. In eastern India, the Teesta and Rangi offer Grade 4 rapids. |
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A nascent sport in India, rock climbing is available on the outskirts of Delhi. Around Tughlaqabad good practice rocks of about 8 meters are ideal for learners. The Aravalli Hills around Delhi have naked rockfaces, which test the capabilities of even experienced climbers. Other major centres are in the Western Ghats, on the Bombay-Nasik highway. Manali in Himachal Pradesh offers some of the best rocks, while in South India, the Chamundi Hills in Karnataka and rock formations along the Bangalore-Mysore highway offer good climbing options. |
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India offers this winter sport in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Kashmir. |
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India has good thermal soaring effects, especially during the summer months. Several sites have been identified by experts - Bir in Himachal Pradesh being the most popular. |
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the Mahseer, which belongs to the carp family, is described as the gamiest fish in the world, as the first rush of the Mahseer is considered even wilder than that of the salmon. In the southern State of Karnataka, the Cauvery River offers some of the finest Mahseer fishing. Uttar Pradesh offers unique opportunities - all the hill streams, down to about 50 km in the plains, teem with Mahseer. Angling is second to none at the great headwaters and the rapids of the Ganga, Jamuna and Sarda rivers, as well as in the rapids of the Ramganga and Kosi rivers. Fish of up to 30 kg. have been caught in the Nainital District in the tributaries of the Ganga - the Kosi and Ramganga. |
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| Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, water skiing and para-sailing are among the many activities available at the many seaside resorts. |
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| For more information about any of the adventure tours, please write to bts@vsnl.com |
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