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 : 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
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8