Adventure Holiday IndiaWhen you think of an adventure holiday India style, probably what comes to mind is crossing the road or eating food from a street vendor. But India has a lot more to offer, including up-close-and-personal adventure travel. Here's just a brief introduction to some of the popular options for adventure travel India-wise. If these don't get the adrenaline rushing, you could always try to make friends with the tribal people of India's North Sentinel island—they're called Sentenelese and have no contact with the outside world, by choice and hostility! (Disclaimer: This is NOT travel advice, go there at your own risk!) Adventure Holiday India Option #1: White Water RaftingWhen I went to Rishikesh, which is still so far my favorite place in India, I was itching to try white water rafting, but didn't get the chance. I will make sure to go next time. The Ganges comes flowing really fast out from the Himalayas, giving the whole place a really vibrant feel. You can organize white water from most hotels in the area and there are grades between 1 and 6. You can combine rafting with canoeing and hiking through forest at the stage where the river enters the plains. Best times are September to November and March to May.For current whitewater rafting providers, type "Whitewater Rafting Rishikesh" in this search box...
Adventure Holiday India Option #2 MountaineeringFor those keen on mountaineering there are various Himalayan options available, again depending on your degree of experience. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Garwhal regions are all options, depending where else your journey takes you. There are a number of permits required for those wanting to scale mountains in India so you need to contact the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in Delhi, more than six months in advance. If you are going with a organized group, they should organize all this for you. You should obtain an X Mountaineering visa from the Indian Embassy.For current mountaineering providers, type "Mountaineering Rishikesh" in the following search box... Adventure Holiday India Option #3: Tiger Safari – Jim Corbett National ParkIndia’s first wildlife reserve is definitely worth a visit for a Tiger Safari with rest houses available in the reserve for some detailed trekking and safaris. This reserve is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is spread over some 500 sq. kms. There’s a lot to keep a visitor occupied with fishing, bird watching and Elephant safaris that take you deep into the reserve to spot tigers, deer and even crocodiles. If a stronger rush of adrenaline is required then try bungee jumping, rock climbing and river crossings with some nature walks thrown in to calm the senses.You can get there via an organized tour from Delhi or DIY with buses and trains from Delhi, Moradabad and Nainital amongst others.For tours to Corbett, type "Corbett National Park tours" in this search box... Adventure Holiday India Option #4: Fancy Elephant Handling?If an Elephant experience is what you're after, head to Punnathur Kotta, approx four kilometers (2.5 miles or so) from the Guruvayur temple in Trichur/Thrissur in Kerala. Originally a palace, it was sold to the Guruvayur temple as a haven for the temple Elephants. There are around 60, trained in various temple duties and rituals. There's a 10 day festival in February-March, where they can be seen beautifully decorated with their gold ornaments and elaborate seats, known as howdahs, decked out with parasols.You can visit the old palace and you can even help the mahouts (Elephant handlers) with the daily Elephant bathing, which is done to keep them cool. Elephants are scrubbed with coconut husks and you can see them visibly enjoying the attention. You can also help feed them coconut and palm leaves with cooked rice, bananas and sugar cane. While in Kerala, you can chill on a houseboat, get a nose full at a spice farm and more. To see your current options for Elephant handling, type "Elephant Sanctuary South India" in the search box below... Bonus Adventure Holiday India Options (at your own risk!)
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