Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Jungle Safari


All wilds are not harmful, in fact some of them like Camel and elephants help you to bond with another beasts too. Assay your holiday bank of several safaris here after:


Various Safaris


Camel Safari
A camel safari is indeed a distinct experience, as you will definitely feel a sense of immense thrill while riding it. If you're doing it the first time, try a one day safari only. It was the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), in Jaisalmer who first came up with the camel safari idea and it soon caught on in other areas like Pushkar, Bikaner and Shekhawati.


Elephant Safari
Elephant safaris are popular in Kerala and some other sanctuaries in the country. It is true that the rider sits rather high from the ground and you may feel a little uncomfortable at first. But you will soon get used to the rhythmic walk of the animal and enjoy your safari. This is truly the best way to view wildlife at pretty close quarters.


Jeep Safari

You have the option to select from the various customized jeep safari tours offered by the tourism board of India. It can take you from high altitude destinations of Leh, Ladhak and Kinnaur - Spiti where to various sanctuaries & parks, which are epitome of wilderness. Experience driving through the mountainous valleys along winding passes and incredible heights is a journey every adventure seeker would love to have.


Jungle Safari in India

Assan Bird Sanctuary
Best time to visit - November to February. Located in the Doon valley of the 'Shivalik' Range in Garhwal, the surrounding temperate forests of the Rajaji National Park house many rare species of birds.


Bandhavgarh & Kanha National Parks
Best time to visit - November to June. These famous parks of Madhya Pradesh have done a good job of preserving wildlife. There has been a significant rise in the population of many of the endangered species, including the Tigers. A well developed infrastructure, dense forests, and an abundance of wildlife make for an unforgettable safari. Best season to visit is November till June.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Best time to visit - November to February. Bird watchers can see many migratory birds besides the usual. In fact, there are over 300 species here.

Corbett National Park
Tourists can avail numerous jungle safari packages and get the opportunity to sight animals such as Jackal, buffalo, fox, hyena, leopard, wild cats, crocodiles and tigers. Corbett National Park is one of India's finest wildlife sanctuary. The park stretches over 1300 sq. kms in the Himalayan foothills with open grasslands, sal and riverine forests and the beautiful Ramganga river flowing through the entire length. Over 50 mammal and 580 bird and 25 reptile species have been listed in Corbett.


Best time to visit - September to May. Situated in the Himalayan 'Shivalik' foothills of Garhwal & Kumaon, Here you can have a close look at a Tiger, wild Tusker or the Himalayan deer.


Gir Forest
Best time to visit - October to April. 1400 sq kms of the Sasangir Forest houses the Asiatic lion, a rare species.


Ranthambore National Park

Best time to visit - October to April. Take a safari through 2 of the best tiger reserves in the country.

Bird Watching


Birds have a special charm and endearing traits that can delight any heart. A flutter of their wings, and they are gracefully airborne, soaring high in the skies without a care in the world. And for those who have a fascination for our feathered friends, India provides unique bird watching opportunities in its numerous game reserves and sanctuaries spread across its territory. There are more than 2000 species of birds in the vast Indian sub-continent, and each one of them is as fascinating as the other.

Some of the prominent bird sanctuaries in India are the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary that is part of Project Tiger, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the Corbett National Park. Here you can observe innumerable birds in their natural habitat, delight in their quaint habits and marvel at the will and steely determination in their tiny souls

Beach




For six months of the year between October to March, India's coastline, provides a perfect excuse for a beach holiday. These range from secluded, seldom visited beaches ideal for a quite interlude, to internationally renowned resorts, complete with several luxury options to choose from, and yet others where the accent is on water sports.

Beaches in Kerala
Varkala Beach
This is a holy beach, known as 'Papanashini' meaning, that which destroys sins. A narrow winding road leads away from Varkala town, flanked by thousands of palm trees and fertile paddy fields. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Mineral water springs gushing out from these cliffs are well known for their medicinal property.There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach. Ancient Janardhana Swamy (Vishnu) temple is near. Visitors can pay homage to Kerala's saint and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru.

Alleppey Beach
This is a long sandy spectacular beach with dense palm groves, that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape, at one end. One can cut across the sea waves lashing the shore in passionate fury, or indulge in the luxury of sitting on a sand dune and paddling your feet in the waters. A towering lighthouse overlooks the beach as a symbol of the past.

Bekal Beach
Flanked on two sides by long, ravishingly beautiful palm fringed beaches, the Bekal Fort stands proud on a promontory. This is one of the largest forts in Kerala and has been under the control of various powers including Vijayanagar, Tipu Sultan and the British. The fort's commanding position, with views across the bays to the north and the south are breath-taking.

Goan Beaches - The Pearl of The East
This is a small Portuguese enclave with India's most dazzling tourist mosaics. It is also called "THE PEARL OF EAST". It is associated with old Portuguese architecture with distinct flavor of lifestyle. It is full of beaches pristine beauty of seascape, its mystical hills, the rhythmic pounding of sea, its swaying palms-all make it a fairy- tale land of travelers. It is the most preferred beach destination in India for many good reasons. Beautiful sandy beaches, a delightful laissez faire attitude, quaint homes and old churches in the Portuguese tradition.

Horse Safari


Today, in the era of sleek cars and shimmering six wheelers, horses riding has gained a status of adventure sports. Moreover riding a pure bread Indian horse gives you a taste of real pleasure. On horseback you can venture further into the remote area and get closer to the wildlife than you can on foot. Ride through the secret valleys of India and you can enhance your adventure by taking this expedition at sunset. Feel the tall grasses, the wild breeze along with the amazing sights of wild life. Awaiting are the surprises on your royal horse safari.

The Horse Stoppages


Rajasthan

Rajasthan is known for its forts, palaces and temples. Kingdoms were carved and established by the Rajputs on horseback, while swords were stained with enemy blood. Ride on the trails that once reverberated with the galloping of the mighty Rajput horses. The itineraries are planned to give an interesting experience with horses along with a complete insight into the desert lifestyle and scenic views across a wide range of terrain.


Mountainous Regions
The ultimate horse safari destinations in India are the mountainous regions of Himalayas. While you can always opt for trekking and short hiking trips within the Himalayas, still horse safari becomes a totally new experience if it is done in the national parks of the states of Uttaranchal and Himachal.

Fishing


The adventure sports of today was once a favourite pass time of the erstwhile monarchs of India who found the sports, which also provided them a time contrive the plan for their next war, quiet interesting.

The major fishing shelters

Himachal

The best sport fish in the world are found in Himachal's streams. Upstream of Rohru in the Pabbar valley region of Himachal, there are several spots that are ideal for fishing. Chirgaon has a trout hatchery, and other common trout fishing sites are- Seema, Mandil, Sandasu, Tikri and Dhamvari; situated near to Rohru.

Assam
Angling is one of the favourite sport of Assam. The major fishing point in the state is River Brahmaputra, yet one can also check out Jia Bhoroli River, Kapili, Manas, and Bhalukpung too for a better game of angling.

Arunachal Pradesh
The state of Arunachal Pradesh, Pasighat have a lot of places like Yingkiong, Bodak, Siom, etc., that provide good spots for Fishing and Angling. The Mahseer being a favorite among angles, getting a 20-30 kg over here is not uncommon. The colder waters of the higher reaches of Arunachal have the golden and the rainbow trout and anglers can easily enjoy the traditional but effective methods of fishing while trekking in the jungles of Arunachal.

Fishing Camps
The major fishing destinations where you can fish in the clam waters of the river are


  • Cauvery River
    Resting along the strong and bold Cauvery river is the Cauvery Fishing and Nature Camp, acclaimed for its treasure of great 'Mahseer' - the finest tropical sporting fish known to man. Another sport that can be accompanied here is trekking through thick forests and exploring the natural surroundings, offered by the nature camps. So come and discover peace and fun together and you will actually feel the travails of city life fading away.

  • Kabini River Lodge
    Kabini river lodge is a major fishing ground . The pristine green jungle on the banks of the greenest of paradise, cleanness of rivers, and freshness in air like awaits to disclose her beauty to the tourists who trample upon the grounds. Kabini river lodge, a unique wildlife resort at Karakul, is tucked in the southern fringes of Mintaka's Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Skiing


India, as a skiing destination presents enormous opportunity to an aficionado of skiing and unquestionably the reason for this is the presence of the great Himalayas. Though skiing is an immensely popular and exhilarating sport, yet it could be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Since skiing entails prolonged exposure to cold winds, proper clothings is necessary. However overdressing can create problems and should be avoided. Proper care of eyes are also necessary.

Skiing Spots in India

Spot 1:
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
At Gulmarg Skiing is like any other sports for which you just need a rod and a guide. In case you don't have your your ski equipments you can shop it or hire it from near by shops skis, sticks and goggles.. The gentlest slope of 200m is linked with a ski lift, which helps one to go up. The longest ski at Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car, which allows a ski run of 2,213m.

Spot 2: Mundali, Garhwal
Mundali has a perfect panorama of snow-capped Himalayas and vast skiing slopes where professionals can enjoy.

Spot 3: Munsiyari
Located at a distance of 66 kms. From Jaulibi and 127 kms. From Pithoragarh. Munsayari has some best base to trek and ski on the Milam, Namik and Ralam glaciers p and Betulidhar are two high altitude places that offer excellent conditions for skiing.

Spot 4: Dayara Bugyal, Garhwal
Dayara Bugyal provides excellent ski areas over a base that stretches at 28 sq. kms. Winters are the best time to ski at Dayara Bugyal and once you are tired of skiing you can camp near the small lake.

Spot 5: Skiing in Auli, Garhwal
Auli is a jungle of snow. Only snow and wind velocity is visible and audible here. Auli enjoys edge over other hill stations when it comes to skiing. Auli offers 180 views of Himalayan peaks. Seasonal skiiers have a perfect clean stretch of 10-20 kms pristine slopes. You can cross the country and become a part of downhill skiing events.

Spot 6: Skiing in Manali
Manali has excellent skiing slopes where one can ski during summers and winters too. Kufri, a neighbouring slope to Shimla, list to top amongst the favourite destinations of skiiers. So pull your socks up and tighten your skiing clothes to whiz along the slopes in Manali.

Trekking


India’s trekking and hiking trails prove irresistible. The serenity and beauty that one experiences in the tranquil and peaceful Himalayas is incomparable to any in the world.

Trekking provides a few pleasures such as enjoyment of the landscape of wild flowers and fantastic scenery.

The Himalayan region varies widely, resulting in differing weather
conditions, terrain, flora and fauna. The Ladakh valley particularly Leh, Zanskar and Nubra, offer spectacular and challenging treks.

In Himachal Pradesh, there are the alpine regions of Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur and Kulu. Sikkim, on the other hand, is a trekking destination with a difference. Its colourful traditional cultures and exotic landscapes have lured trekkers since long.

The Uttar Pradesh hill areas of Garhwal and Kumaon, together with their towering peaks, bordered by mixed deciduous and alpine forests are home to some of the most exotic species of wildlife and a amazing variety for the flora lover. You may, if wanted, cross small streams on log drifts!

The Himalayas are ‘the abode of snow’. Walking in the Himalayas does not require any technical skill although physical fitness is a must. The shimmer of the morning sun on snow peaks covered in mist, swift and gurgling streams, pine forests…lead to incredible solitude and peace.

There are trails that ascend steeply, paths that go around local villages, passing through forests of rhododendron. This is interspersed with Juniper and conifers. This is truly captivating
Har-ki-Dun is a difficult trail. It for the experienced trekker. You can go the trail by the road linking Delhi and Dehra Dun. A word of caution: there are several potholes. Trekking through Naogoan, Purola, Jermola, and Naitwar you reach up to the road head at Sankri. The climb is steep at times, and if it has rained, you should be prepared for the occasional landslide. Just before you reach Taluka, you will come across a difficult river. Situated at a height of 1900 m, the Taluka bungalow commands an imposing view of the hills. From the canopy like structure one is afforded a birds eye view of the hills of Har-Ki-Dun.

The walk from Taluka to Seema, at a height of 2560m, takes about 6 and 8 hours. This is a complicated trail. Even a single wrong step could prove fatal. Seema was earlier called Osla. The walk from Osla to Har-Ki-Dun has another river crossing. No logs here since there is a man-made bridge. After this, the incline is steady. At a distance the Bandar punch and Swargarohini ranges, youwill witness a profusion of flowers.

After this, you may move in the Ruin Sara Tal direction. There are 2 routes to approach this picturesque lake, a popular base camp for expeditioners, from Har-Ki-Dun. There is no further to go and you back-track towards Osla until the river crossing and then follow the Ruin Sara trail along the Tons river. In case you fell tired and need a breather, you may rest in a nomad’s hut here!

Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti are shorter treks. These are well-trod-on treks because of easy access in the nullah, north west of Manali.

A short drive gets one to the road lead at solang village.The trek trail is towards Dhundi, a green patch next to river Beas. This affords a pleasant walk through the Bhojpatre trees and Hanuman Tibba or Solang.

While only one day is required for Solang, the more experienced and trained can take the Tentu or the Solang Pass.

In the month of July, the Rohtang Pass, the watershed between the Kullu valley and Lahaul, opens up and the road journey is itself an adventure. The Rohtang Pass is at 13,500 feet, and makes an excellent view of the mountain ranges of Chandra Bhaga, Mulkila and the Kao Rong.

For the beginer, the trek to the Beaskund area in Himachal Pradesh is an ideal one.

A middle-aged person can also go on a trek for the first time to the Garhwal in the Uttar Pradesh hills.

One of the famous treks in the state is to the Amarnath Caves (a place of Hindu pilgrimage) at 3,900 m. The trek can be done in four days beginning at Chandanwari. Beautiful fresh water lakes and mountains are the highlight of the region.

The ideal season for trekking is between May and June and again from September through October.

White Water Rafting


The wild, turbulent waters, fast speed, and the challenge of making it over the churning rapids is a hair-raising experience like non other! The risks are high when the waves sweep over you. All you have to hang on to is the hot-air rubber raft!

The majority of the water rafting destinations are located in the Himalayas. Among them, the river Ganges is the most popular. Several camps are organized along the 70-km stretch from Devprayag to Rishikesh. Rapids have been graded according to the difficulty of their run. The rivers Yamuna, Tons, Kalisor, Alaknanda, Bhilangana, Mandakini and Bhagirathi offer many stretches, both for professionals as well as amateur rafters. Other ranges in Ladakh and Sikkim also offer great river stretches for rafting.

The Ganges, the Indus and its tributaries, Beas, the Zanskar and the Teesta are some of the rivers of water adventure in India, each one providing an exceptional experience. The ride along the Himalayan rivers is simply thrilling as you paddle through the rapids and face the wild white waters. Worth mentioning is the fact that, from either sides, the captivating jungles gaze at you.

For a memorable experience you must raft in the Zanskar rivers. A beautiful and heady feature is the night water river rafting, when the runners raft by the light of the full moon.
In Sikkim, you the Teesta river provides exhilaration. However, the Teesta is a tumultous river, certainly not for beginners. Some other rivers you can raft on are the Sutlej, Chenab and Tons.

The best time for rafting is from April to September although each river has its own run and flow.

To experience this thrill-packed activity, one can get proficiency in just a few hours of training, facilities for which exist in different parts of the country. There is also provision for expert guidance on boards and rescue facilities. Apart from rafting, the thrills of kayaking and canoeing are also a must.