Some useful tips about Domestic as well as International Travels

Guys, I think this information worth for all travelers who travel abroad or within the territory. Just keep in mind following things.

• To beat jet lag, book an overnight flight or one that arrives in the evening when travelling east so you can either catch your sleep on the flight or as soon as you get in to your destination.

• To prevent the swelling of feet as is wont to happen on long flights, walk in the aisle at intervals and try not to take off your shoes.

• Refrain from excess on the free booze when on a flight, as too much alcohol causes dehydration. Tank up instead on aqua-pura.

• When making flight reservation, remember to request for special meals if you have any food restrictions.

• After September 11, airlines follow very strict security procedures. So make sure you reach the airport for check in well before departure time. Its best to check with the airline regarding how much in advance you should be at the airport.

• If your baggage does not arrive on the same flight as you, fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), with a description of the baggage, a list of contents and address to which it should be forwarded. If your baggage does not arrive at all, place a claim with the airline within 21 days.

• Overbooking is a fact of life in the airline industry. If you are not in a particular hurry to get to your destination then volunteer to give your seat up and take the next flight. The airline will provide you a hotel room and other frills, so you can end up having an extended vacation at the airlines expense!

• Do not accept any package from a stranger.

• For a smooth ride on a plane, choose the seats located near the wings as if the plane hits an air pocket, this is where you will get the least amount of bumps.

• If you are planning to watch the in flight movie, choose the fourth or fifth row from the screen to avoid getting a neck cramp.

• If you are prone to motion sickness, take an anti sickness pill before the flight. The pill won't help much, if you have it after you have started feeling sick!

• Abide by the list of items prohibited on board and carry most items like skis/cues/walking canes/sticks/Swiss knives in checked in baggage - this smoothness the check-in process plus avoids the risk of confiscation and unnecessary delays.

• Last and this is equally important - report any unattended items in the airport or aircraft to the nearest airport or airline personnel.

Happy travelling to you all.

Related Links :

01. Museums and Art Gallaries of India : A Survey - 1
02. Museums of Jammu and Kashmir : Sri Pratap Singh Museum Srinagar - 2
03. Art Gallery Jammu :Dogra Art Gallery - 3
04. Himachal Pradesh : The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives Dharmshala - 4
05. Himachal Pradesh : Bhuri Singh Museum, Shimla - 5
06. Shimla State Museum - 6
07. The Nicholas Roerich Gallery, Shimla - 7
08. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Summerhil, Shimla - 8
09. Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum, Naggar - 9
10. Punjab and Haryana : Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Amritsar - 10
11. Government Museum and Art Callery, Chandigarh - 11
12. The Chandigarh Architecture Museum - 12
13. The Natural History Museum, Chandigarh - 13
14. Anglo Sikh War Memorial Ferozeshah - 14
15. Art Gallery, Patiala - 15
16. Sanghol Museum, Chandigarh - 16
17. New Delhi : The National Museum - 17
18. The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi - 18
19. The Rail Museum - 19
20. The Nehru Memorial Museum, New Delhi - 20
21. The Gandhi Memorial Museum (Rajghat) and the Gandhi Smriti Museum (Tees January Marg) - 21
22. Tibet House Museum, New Delhi - 22
23. The Archaeological Museum at the Red Fort, New Delhi - 23
24. International Dolls Museum, New Delhi - 24
25. The Crafts Museum at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi - 25
26. Museum of Natural History, New Delhi - 26
27. Allahabad Museum, Uttar Pradesh - 27
28. Sarnath Archaeological Museum, Varansi, Uttar Pradesh - 28
29. Government Museum Mathura, Uttar Pradesh - 29
30. Bharat Kala Bhawan, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - 30
31. Lucknow State Museum - 31
32. Rajasthan Government Museum, Ajmer, Rajasthan - 32
33. Government Museum, Alwar, Rajasthan - 33
34. Archaeological Museum, Ajmer, Rajasthan - 34
35. Virat Nagar Museum, Bairat - 35
36. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Bikaner - 36
37. Government Museum, Bharatpur - 37
38. Fort Museum, Bikaner - 38
39. Fateh Prakash Palace Museum, Chittorgarh - 39
40. The Maharaj Sawai Madho Singh Museum, Jaipur - 40
41. Government Central Museum, Jaipur - 41
42. Juneja Art Gallery, Jaipur - 42
43. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh (II) Museum, Jaipur (1) - 43
44. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh (II) Museum, Jaipur (2) - 44
45. Museum of Indology, Jaipur - 45
46. Hawa Mahal Museum, Jaipur - 46
47. Folklore Museum, Jaisalmer - 47
48. Government Museum, Jaisalmer - 48
49. Government Museum, Jhalawar - 49
50. Government Museum, Jodhpur - 50
51. Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Jodhpur - 51
52. Government Museum, Kota - 52
53. Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Jodhpur - 53
54. City Palace Museum, Udaipur - 54
55. Shilp Gram, Udaipur - 55
56. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum, Udaipur - 56
57. Calico Museum of Textile, Ahmedabad, Gujarat (1) - 57
58. Calico Museum of Textile, Ahmedabad, Gujarat (2) - 58
59. Archaeological Museum, Lothal - 59
60. Utensil Museum, Ahmedabad - 60
61. Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery - 61
62. Government Archaeological Museum, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh - 62
63. The Gujari Mahal Museum, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh - 63
64. Central Museum, Indore, Madhya Pradesh - 64
65. Sarod Ghar, Gwalior - 65
66. Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 66
67. National Gallery of Modern art, Mumbai - 67
68. Chhaptrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya, Mumbai - 68
69. Mani Bhawan Gandhi Sangralaya, Mumbai - 69
70. Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Victoria and Albert Museum), Mumbai - 70
71. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai - 71
72. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune - 72
73. Sculpture Gallery, Goa - 73
74. Christian Art Gallery, Goa - 74
75. Banerji Art Gallery, Goa - 75
76. Religious Expression Gallery - 76
77. Cultural Anthropology Gallery, Goa - 77
78. Contemporary Art Gallery and Western Bronze Gallery, Goa - 78
79. Jalan Museum, Patna, Bihar - 79
80. Nalanda Archaeological Museum - 80
81. Patna Museum - 81
82. Assam State Museum, Gauhati - 82
83. Indian Museum, Kolkata, West Bengal - 83
84. Ashutosh Museum of Indian Art, Kolkata - 84
85. Victoria Memorial Museum, Kolkata - 85
86. Bangiya Sahita Parishad Chitrasala, Kolkata - 86
87. Birla Academy of Art and Culture Museum, Kolkata - 87
88. Crafts Museum, Kolkata - 88
89. Nehru Children’s Museum, Kolkata - 89
90. Rabindra Bharati Museum, Kolkata - 90
91. Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata - 91
92. Asiatic Society Museum, Kolkata - 92
93. Kolkata Panorama at Town Hall - 93
94. Orissa State Museum, Bhubaneshwar - 94
95. Archaeological Museum, Konark - 95
96. Archaeological Museum, Amaravathi - 96
97. Bhagavan Mahavir Government Museum, Cuddapah - 97
98. Salarjung Museum, Hyderabad - 98
99. State Archaeological Museum, Hyderabad - 99
100. Kolanupaka Site Museum - 100
101. Nagarjunakonda Museum - 101
102. Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum, Vijaywada - 102
103. Sri Venketeswara Museum, Tirupati, Chittoor - 103
104. Archaeological Museum Badami and Aihole, Karnataka - 104
105. Archaeological Museum Halebid - 105
106. Karnataka Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bangalore - 106
107. Technical Museum (Vishweshwaraiah Museum), Bangalore - 107
108. Gandhi Bhavan, (Kumara Krupa Road), Bangalore - 108
109. Hal Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum, Bangalore - 109
110. Archaeological Museum, Bijapur - 110
111. The Tipu Sultan Museum - 111
112. The Government Museum Ooty, Tamil Nadu - 112
113. The Government Museum, Vellore - 113
114. Silappathikara Art Gallery - 114
115. Government State Museum, Chennai - 115
116. Fort St. George Museum, Chennai - 116
117. Dakshinachitra, Chennai - 117
118. Sri Meenakshi Sundaresvara Temple Museum, Madurai - 118
119. Palace and Museum, Padmanabhapuram - 119
120. Pondicherry Museum - 120
121. The Government Museum, Padukkottai - 121
122. The Government Museum, Salem - 122
123. Hill Palace Museum, Kerala - 123
124. Priyadarshini Planetarium - 124
125. Science and Technology Museum - 125
126. Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Musuem, Calicut - 126
127. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Thiruvananthapuram - 127
128. Museum of Kerala History, Erunakulam - 128
129. Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram - 129
130. Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Thiruvananthapuram - 130
131. Anthropological Museum at Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 131
132. Samudrika (National Marine Museum) - 132
133. Forest Museum at Andman and Nicobar Island - 133
134. The Hills of Lansdowne : A Honeymoon Resort - 1
135. Things to see and do at Lansdowne : A Honeymoon Resort - 2
136. Where to stay and eat at Lansdowne : A Honeymoon Resort - 3
137. Pauri : An impressive welcome for Honeymoon Lovers - 1
138. Things to see and do at Pauri : A Honeymoon Place - 2
139. Where to stay and eat, Tourist Offices at Pauri : Honeymoon Place - 3
140. Auli : It is time to Ski - 1
141. Things to see and do at Auli - 2
142. Where to stay at Auli - 3
143. Where to eat at Auli - 4
144. Holidays in Chamba : The dominion of clouds - 1
145. Things to see and do at Chamba - 2
146. Where to stay and eat at Chamba - 3
147. Mori : Chill by the river - 1
148. Things to see and do at Mori - 2
149. Where to stay and eat at Mori - 3
150. Mussoorie : Lording it over the plains - 1

Adventure India : Ballooning and Nature Walks - 20

Ballooning:

A balloon is a type of aircraft that remains aloft due to its cheerfulness that bubbles to the surface. A balloon travels by moving with the wind. It is distinct from an airship, which is a floaty aircraft that can be propelled through the air in a controlled manner.

Ballooning is a great way to see a city. New Delhi's Safadarjung Airport provides some opportunities to float past the old monuments. One can also view the Taj Mahal from a balloon flight. Bookings have to be made in advance. Ballooning events are held annually in Rajasthan's three cities - Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer

Nature Walks:

India's nature walks are conducted in breathtaking locales and allow one the chance to get away from the everyday of life and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Let the peace and quiet of the nature walks in the picturesque locales allow you to restore yourself. The soothing experience is well worth the effort and can be quite a thoughtful experience. The walks allow you chance to chew over and truly make you feel one with nature. Your experience is heightened by the wealth of bird and animal life that are found in the region. So go ahead.. Give your self a break where you literally stop by the wayside to smell the flowers.

Two of India's most exciting national parks. namdhapha and Kaziranaga in the hill states of North-East have always held a very special attraction for nature lovers. Walking strictly restricted in most Indian Tiger REserves, is encouraged in Namdhapha and permitted in parts of Kaziranga, providing excellent viewing opportunities. Experiencing wildlife is especially good, but the main emphasis of this trip is the mosaic of tribal cultures one encounters. There are few trips as richly diversified as this one.

Best Time : November to mid-March

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8
09. Adventure India : River Running - 9
10. Adventure India : Zanskar Trek, Skiing and Heli-Skiing - 10
11. Adventure India : Trekking - 11
12. Adventure India : Trekking Options in India - 12
13. Adventure India : Angling - 13
14. Adventure India : Spice adventure with culture - 14
15. Adventure India : Camel Safaris - 15
16. Adventure India : Tiger Safari and Yak Safari - 16
17. Adventure India : Elephant Safari - 17
18. Adventure India : Horse Safaris and Horse Safari Trails - 18
19. Adventure India : Jeep Safari - 19

Adventure India : Jeep Safari - 19

A superb way to explore the Buddhist mountain kingdom of Ladakh and the remote and mysterious Nubra Valley. Wide open spaces, wind across your face, breathtaking, bewitching scenery is what you see driving past different landscape on mountain roads, A journey om the the Manali - Leh road, Manali - Leh road, Manali - Rohtang Pass the bleak desert scape of Ladakh and the Zanskar valley, through which passes the strategic Manali-Leh highway and the old Hindustan-Tibet road. the Zanskar valley is a particularly challenging area where even a casual visit to a monastery or a remote village settlement involves a rewarding safari. Driving past different landscapes, apple orchards, quaint villages and temples, the tribal districts where the landscape contrasts starkly with the greenery seen earlier, the Great Himalayan jeep safari is an unmatched experience.

Jeep safaris are also offered in the verdant hills of Arunachal Pradesh and are popular across Rajasthan in winter.

A jeep through Saurashtra takes one through six different habitats: the desert wilderness of the Little Rann of Kutch, the wetlands of Khaijadiya bird sanctuary, the deciduous forests of Gir, the tropical thorn scrub forests of Hingolgadh sanctuary and the Savannah-like grasslands of Velavadar National Park. This little explored circuit offers glimpses of some of the rarest of wildlife species including the Asiatic lion and Indian wild ass which are nto seen elsewhere in India.

Best Time : Mid June to September

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8
09. Adventure India : River Running - 9
10. Adventure India : Zanskar Trek, Skiing and Heli-Skiing - 10
11. Adventure India : Trekking - 11
12. Adventure India : Trekking Options in India - 12
13. Adventure India : Angling - 13
14. Adventure India : Spice adventure with culture - 14
15. Adventure India : Camel Safaris - 15
16. Adventure India : Tiger Safari and Yak Safari - 16
17. Adventure India : Elephant Safari - 17
18. Adventure India : Horse Safaris and Horse Safari Trails - 18

Adventure India : Horse Safaris and Horse Safari Trails - 18

These are gaining in popularity and are offered in Rajasthan. Conditions are similar to camel safaris with grooms (and often the horse owner) accompanying the tour. The trails chosen usually enables tourists to visit small villages, old forts and temples. Horse safaris move across a variety of terrain and vegetation including scrub covered arid plains to forested hills. Night stays are often in comfortable palaces, forts or havelis.

Ride thorough bred and half-bred, Indian bred Marwari and Kathiawari horses which are retired from racing. The average distance covered daily in 20-35 kms. Accommodation is in deluxe tents with separate baths and toilets. The saddlery is English.

Best Time : November-March

Horse Safari Trails:

Anokhi, the Jaipur Polo and Equestrian Academy is located amongst the picturesque surroundings of the Anokhi village, 5 kms from the airport. Ride along numerous trails that lead to a colorful countryside.

Shikarbadi :

Shikarbadi, near Udaipur, was once the hunting lodge of the Royal Family of Mewar. Today, it is a well-equipped resort with a number of modern amenities. There is also a special tented village, a small private lake, a deer park and the Imperial Stud Farm within the resort. It has some of the finest stables in the country. Its horse safaris present an ideal opportunity to travel the off-beaten track.

Aodhi:

Aodhi serves as an ideal base for exploring the imposing Kumbalgarh Fort. Surrounded by a thickly wooded forest, the ramparts stretch across 36 kms.

Ghanerao:

The horses are pure bred Marwari, with deep seats and uncharacterized by cars that meet at the tip forming a heart. In addition, thoroughbreds and half-breeds, all from the Polo Stables of the Maharana of Udaipur are also used.

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8
09. Adventure India : River Running - 9
10. Adventure India : Zanskar Trek, Skiing and Heli-Skiing - 10
11. Adventure India : Trekking - 11
12. Adventure India : Trekking Options in India - 12
13. Adventure India : Angling - 13
14. Adventure India : Spice adventure with culture - 14
15. Adventure India : Camel Safaris - 15
16. Adventure India : Tiger Safari and Yak Safari - 16
17. Adventure India : Elephant Safari - 17

Adventure India : Tiger Safari and Yak Safari - 16

Tiger Safaris :

Tiger safaries offer a full experience of Indian wildlife through India's famous national parks like Bandhavgarh, Sariska, Corbett, Kanha and Ranthambhor.

The Periyar Tiger trail, is an exciting trekking programme through the deep forests in the Periyar river valley, near Thekkady tourist resort in Idukki district, Kerala. Led by a small team of experienced guides who have quite their former jobs as poachers, hike into cool, green forests and out again into vast, sunny meadows. One can see an astounding array of wildlife including elephants, samber deer, birds like brilliant blue kingfisher and the great pied hornbill, and more than 100 species of butterflies. Tourindia is the only operator certified by the Kerala Forests Authority to participate int his unique ecotourism pro grammes, which takes guests for a 2 night/3 days or 1 night/2 days trek.

Best Time : Mid November to Mid March.

Yak Safaris :

Yak Safari is a safari with a difference. A Yak Safari is organized from Dzongri onwards by Sikkim Tourism or recognized Sikkim travel agencies on prior booking. A two-day yak safari can be done while trekking from Yuksam situated 5,800 feet above sea level to Dzongri at 13,800 feet. All along the route, one is amazed and spellbound by the spectacular mountain scenes.

Either take a yak or trek along the spine of the Singelila Range to the 4572 meter high Dui-la, the pass of the Devil. The route with no habitation, follows the ancient grazing trail of the yak herdsmen. It is the domain of yaks and their lonely herdsmen, lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams, cascades, chiselled snow peaks, meadows, forests, Rhododendrons, wildlife, birds, and breathtaking views of 6000 to 8000 mts high peaks of the Kunchenjunga, and the Mount Everest group. This is an experience unique to Sikkim.

Guys, at least once in a year everyone you have to visit at these places and take an experience of great Indian Adventure. Because it is the part of our life.

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8
09. Adventure India : River Running - 9
10. Adventure India : Zanskar Trek, Skiing and Heli-Skiing - 10
11. Adventure India : Trekking - 11
12. Adventure India : Trekking Options in India - 12
13. Adventure India : Angling - 13
14. Adventure India : Spice adventure with culture - 14
15. Adventure India : Camel Safaris - 15

Adventure India : Camel Safaris - 15

Guys, as a part of Adventurous India, just take a look on some safaris in various areas and region of India. Many visitors and new buddies doesn't know all these things that where they can get a good safari. I am sure that this information definitely help them to find out the real way.

Camp on a solitary oasis, experience the dark starry nights and dance to musicians playing haunting music. Camel safaris are the ideal way to spend time exploring rustic Rajasthan. A camel safari moves through the golden sands of the savage Thar desert passing through remote villages. Pioneered by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) in Jaisalmer, there are now many companies offering the safaries.

The fortified cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner are the best areas for camel safaris. The Bikaner are the best areas for camel safaris. The adventurous can take an entire trail combining Shekhawati, Pushkar and Bikaner.

Riding a camel can take getting used to, similar to the first time trying to sit cross-kneed. Camel rides are not like elephant rides where one sits back comfortably and lets the animal do the rest. Be prepared for ankles and knees. It will be better to try a one-day safari before getting on to anything major. The camel carts are fully equipped and visitors need not bother about comfort in the desert. One can ride or walk along leisurely with the safari and enjoy the desert scape. Camel safaris can be tailored to suit the needs of every traveler from a few hours to a week. The safaris are also available in Gujarat.

Best Time : Mid-September to Mid-March

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8
09. Adventure India : River Running - 9
10. Adventure India : Zanskar Trek, Skiing and Heli-Skiing - 10
11. Adventure India : Trekking - 11
12. Adventure India : Trekking Options in India - 12
13. Adventure India : Angling - 13
14. Adventure India : Spice adventure with culture - 14

Adventure India : Spice adventure with culture - 14

Himachal Pradesh has a number of natural hot springs mainly in Sutlej and Beas rivers. Hot spirngs have become quite popular in Himachal Pradesh for their medicinal properties. Familiar names include Jeori, 180 kms from Sheila, Karol and Manichean in the Kullu district.

A host of monasteries surrounded by tea gardens and an amphitheatre of low hills, is an ideal landing ground for hang/para gliders. In Lahual, the Guru Chantal Monastery has a wooden structure with pyramidal roofs and interesting wood carvings. There is a large Tibeatn community here.

Visit the Dalai Lama's residence in Meleodganj, a major centre of Tibetan culture, 6 kms from Dharamshala, Mcleodgnaj is a charming Tibetan settlement with bustling bazars that sell carpets, handicarfts and delicious Tibetan food. A giant prayer wheel ornaments the main stret, a nd in the monastery, a serene statue of the Lord Buddha presides over the gentle chanting of the monks.

Meleodganj has a School of Tibetan Studies with rare manuscripts and ancient texts, the Tibetan Institutue fot the Performing Arts and a handicrafts centre. The districts of Lahual and Spiti are home to some of the most famous Buddhist monasteries - "Sherlang', 'Durang', 'Chamba Chibbo', 'Domlang Gompa.' The 10th century Tabo monastery is home to more than 60 lamas as well as a large number of scriptures, pieces of art, wall paintings-tankhas and stucco.

Erected around 900 A.D. Kadang is the largest Gompa, situated in the village Kardang at the 15,000 feet high "Rangch Peak' in Lahual. Its library contains the largest collection of 'thankas'.

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8
09. Adventure India : River Running - 9
10. Adventure India : Zanskar Trek, Skiing and Heli-Skiing - 10
11. Adventure India : Trekking - 11
12. Adventure India : Trekking Options in India - 12
13. Adventure India : Angling - 13

Adventure India : Trekking - 11

Virgin, unexpected treks await the trekker through fruit laden orchards, forests of pine and cedar, gurgling streams, sacred temples, rocky gorges, imposing passes and soft music from flutes of village shepherds.

Kullu-Manali region, along with Lahaul and Spiti areas, offer the best soft, medium and hard trekking opportunities. Some popular treks in the Kullu-Manali valley include Raison-Malana-Chandra Khani-Raison, Manali-Bhrigu-Rohtang Pass-Manal, Manali-Chikka-Hamta Pass-Manali, Raison-Padri-Khauli, Pass-Garasa-Raison, Manali-Chandratal-Manali.

The Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand too, are nature's finest expressions of land blessed with natural beauty and trekker's paradise.

Trekkers in Sikkim are spell-bound by the profusion of plants and flowers. A variety of over 4,000 species of plants including mangolias, rhododendrons, junipers, blue poppies, gentians and primulas make a pretty posy of memories of trekking holiday. One of the unique features of the Sikkim Himalayas is the splendor of numerous mountain lake flowers in a riot of colours beyond 10000 feet., a feast to the eye of the trekker. One may chance upon the shy musk deer or wave to the exotic Red Panda perched among the tree-tops. By the time you have covered the last lap of your trek, you will be familiar with the hospitality of the Sikkimese and the deep rootedness of their religion and culture.

A detailed trek itinerary can be made with the help of Sikkim Tourism. Adventure Division, Gangtok or any recognised travel agent in Sikkim. Trekker huts along trek routes are available at Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang and Tashiding. A eleven-day, relatively leisurely trek that is spiritually elevating is Pemayangtse - Sangacholing - Khecheopalri - Bubdi - Sinon - Tashiding - Ralang.

Plenty of trekking routes have been opened in the Garjeeling area to savour the breathtaking beauty of the eastern Himalayas. This was the home of late Tenzing Norgay and has since 1954 boused the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where he trained a generation of mountaineers. The earliest Everest expeditions started journey from the Darjeeling area. The trekking adventure culminates at Sankakphu - a summit at an altitude of 3,658 meters (12,000 feet) on the famous Singalila ridge.

Various forts in the Sahadris also provide a good base for trekking activities. Forts around Pune include Sinhgad, Lohagad, Visapur, Shivneri, Purandar and Rajgad. Pratapgarh near Mahabaleshwar, Panhala near Kolhapur, Torna near Bhor, Rajmachi near Lonavala, Harishchandragad, Maholi in the Kasara hill range and Mathera via Garbet Point are other exciting options. There are various clubs and private institutions which organize trekking expeditions on a regular basis to the above mentioned forts.

Best Time : Mid May to Mid October.

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8
09. Adventure India : River Running - 9
10. Adventure India : Zanskar Trek, Skiing and Heli-Skiing - 10

Adventure India : River Running - 9

This is the most organized and developed water sport in the country. It includes rafting, canoeing (travel by canoe) and kayaking (travel in a small canoe). India's rafting stretches are mainly on the rivers Beas, Sutlej, Mahakali ang Ganges, of which the Ganges is considered the safest. River trips are organized in the Indian Himalayas from the Zanskar and Indus rivers in Ladakh, to the Brahmaputtra and Lohit rivers in Arunachal Pradesh.

If you are lucky you might even catch the night rafting, when the runners raft by the light of the full moon that casts eerie shadows all over the flat Himalayan deserted land. In Sikkim, rafting is organized on the Teesta river. However, the Teesta is definitely not for beginners and strictly for those who are looking for a little adventure in rafting. River rafting is also done on the Sutlej, Chenab and Tons. Kayaking is becoming increasingly popular in India and can be done on the Beas.

White water rafting expeditions in India are organized and managed by professional Indian teams who have trained abroad in some of the difficult water stretches of the world. One such team recently won the prestigious Engadine Trophy at the international river rafting competition on the Inn river in Switzerland.

The Ganges affords some of the most spectacular river running in the country. Ideal for both paddle rafting and oar rafting, the river descends towards Rishikesh, passes under the Lakshman Jhoola and the run concludes at the dam beyond Rishikesh. The early stages of the Ganges offer the exhilarating alaknanda and the Bhagirathi rivers. The Indus snaking through Ladakh and the Zanskar and Chenab in Kashmir provide very different river running experiences.

Rafting on the magnificent River Kali is also popular in the Western Ghats of north eastern Karnataka. The programme is carefully designed and managed by rafting professionals. Safety aids such as PFD's (Personal Floating Devices) including life jackets and helmets are provided and are mandatory for all participating guests.

Garhwal, lying in the north western region of Uttarakhand offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

Sikkim Tourism organizes package programmes during October to November. On request, it prepares tailor-made itineraries too. Kayaking is undertaken on the Teesta and is arranged for groups. Some experience in kayaking is required. Permission is required from Sikkim Tourism for conducting rafting trips by private parties. Contact the adventure Division, Sikkim Tourism or any recognized travel agent for further information.

Best Time : October to May

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
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08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8