Trekking

You can trek for one day or one month; backpack all your gear and wonder off in the wilderness or stroll comfortably with just a shoulder bag, water bottle and camera whilst animals transport your camping gear, heavy baggage and logistic loads. You may set a challenging pace and go over difficult grades and high passes or just amble along, enjoying the wild flowers, magnificent scenery, uncomplicated lives of people staying close to nature, stopping when you please, chatting with your companions, forging new relationships and hoarding a fund of fascinating memories to cherish. India is the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, offering everything from short and easy excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks, invoking visions of the spectacular Himalayas, the lush meadows, green woodland and fragrant orchards. The captivating landscape, with an incomparable diversity of flora and fauna: India is regarded as the 'trekkers' paradise' and, indeed, is a refreshing treat to the trekkers.Make sure you do enough research and are adequately prepared for the trek. A good guide on unknown routes is much of a blessing. Many agencies will organise treks and complete logistics if you plan with them a little in advance and an organised trek leaves one time to enjoy the trek in totality.

Jeep Safaris

Jeep safaris are the perfect way of discovering some of India's less accessible places, for the Jeep is a sturdy and hardy vehicle that can travel with ease on rough and rocky terrains. Also, due to its varied and unique topography, India offers some unique destinations that are best reached in jeeps. You could go on a Jeep safari across the Thar Desert, or even on a cross Himalayan jeep safari, which would see you plying the famous Manali to Leh route.Travelling everyday a couple of hours through beautiful and rugged terrains enjoying the scenery and camping every day at a new place has a charm of its own. Make sure you utilise the services of an experienced organisation and resourceful manpower that has thorough knowledge of the area, for a lifetime of an experience. A good driver is a must and so is a good team taking care of day-to-day arrangements. Some of the areas require inner line permits for foreigners so advance planning is vital for jeep safari programs

Biking

Cycling is one of the best ways to see India. It isn't difficult and provides the cyclist with glimpses of India denied to the traveller whizzing past on four wheelers. Riding a bike is always a pleasure for a person who loves adventure and sports. Mountain biking isn't like participating in Tour De France. It's like climbing on a mountain with the help of a bike. Whether you are riding on a smooth surface or a hard one, mountain biking provides you a superb drive, so conquering the countless climbs and drop- offs is a matter of pure skill, strength & nerve. If you are looking for the excitement of challenging climbs and some of the best downhill in the world, set amongst ever-changing scenery, are present in our very own Himalayan ranges and this trip is hard to beat. In general, mountain biking trips focus on those who are born to be wild. A great way of sight seeing in India and its environs is on bicycle, as it gives an independence and intimacy with the people, culture and landscape that is unparalleled. Cycling allows one limitless possibilities of routes and in India is delightful through the year with routes are tailor-made on less frequented drives.The rich and wildly diverse terrain of India need not be seen through the smudged and speeding windscreen of a jeep or bus. Downhill cycling can be great rush of adrenaline

Angling

With a landscape dominated by numerous rivers, India is an ideal Angling destination. The fast-flowing rivers that descend through spectacular mountain valleys in almost continual rapids offer not only tremendous sport of Fishing but also wonderful scenery and solitude to the tourists.Mahseer (^B)The Garhwal and Kumaon hills considered ideal for fishing in India are probably one of the last refuges of truly wild Mahseer fish. The only other area in southern India, a perfect destination for Angling is River Cauvery.The popular fishing venues for Mahseer Angling in India are :River Cauvery in Karnataka Jia Bhoroli river, a tributary of Brahmaputra in Assam,The junction of Nayar River and the Ganges at Byas Ghat in Garhwal (Uttaranchal)The junction of the Sarju River with the River Kali at Pancheshwar, KumaonThe Junction of the Sarju River and Eastern Ramganga, KumaonNadaun and Hamipur, the Pong Dam reservoir, Neugal Khad and Baner Kund in Himachal Pradesh.The streams around Munnar in KeralaThe best time for Mahseer fishing in India is in autumn from September to November as the rivers become clear after the monsoon and in spring from March to May when the early monsoon rain raises the level of the rivers again. The Himalayan Rivers clear up by the end of September.Trout (^B)Known as the Champagne of the sport, Trout is a sophisticated anglers' delight. A small but hard to catch fish, the Trout lives only in glacial water. Most options for Trout Fishing are concentrated in the Northern Indian Region. Many a streams of Kullu valley namely the Tirthan, Jiwa, Larji, Katrain and Kasol and Rohru around Shimla abound in the commonly available Brown Trout, though the Rainbow Trout is also found at times. The Baspa River in Sangla valley is any Trout anglers delight. Many a streams in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) abound in Trout as well, the most famous being Lidder and Sindh Rivers. Many a lake in J&K hold considerable stocks of trout. The only lake in Garhwal (Uttraranchal) where one can find trout is the Dodital at a height of nearly 10000 feet, which is only accessible with a trek of two to three days from the road head.Good equipment and technique plus an athletic frame are vital to any angler, which must be complemented by a fishing permit from the local authorities.Apart from Mahseer and Trout one may try to fish for other varieties at the following sites.Lake Powai in MaharashtraLakes in Kumaon (Saat-tal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiya Tal), UttaranchalThe Madh Island Coastline near Mumbai in MaharashtraWalvan Lake, Lonavala, Maharashtra

Scuba Diving

The underwater world has always been a mystery for those who would like to touch the depths of the mysterious sea world. Diving is usually done at the destinations, which are unexplored and unspoiled, like a never-ending adventure. The tropical island destinations of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshwadeep in India are somewhat like this and are considered to be the most unique diving haunts of India.
If Lakshadweep has the clears blue lagoons of soft and hard corals, then the volcanic islands of Andaman and Nicobar are gifted with some of the most amazing and least explored coral reef sites in the world. The third destinations that will catch a divers interest are the beaches of Goa. With numerous beach resorts and water sports club the beaches of Goa offer a unique opportunity to get a first hand experience of the underwater world inhabiting secluded sea shores of Goa.
Another noteworthy beach resort is Devbagh near Karwar beach in Karnataka. A unit of Jungle Lodges and Resorts; this eco friendly tourism site offers holiday package activities that include excellent scuba diving opportunities as well as diving sessions for the learners.

Bungee Jumping

Supposedly a sport which originated somewhere in the Pacific Islands, where daring islanders leaped off a cliff face with vines tied to their ankles, bungee jumping is a hot favourite in many parts of the world. It's still not caught on in India, largely because high quality infrastructure is hard to come by. It isn't non-existent, though, and a few adventure-tour specialists in Mumbai and Delhi offer opportunities for bungee jumping.

Few of the bungee operators offer 130 foot jumps from a crane. Crane systems can be also brought to the site of your choice for organising a Bungee Carnival. Age: You need to be between 14 and 50 years and in good health particularly without any major back problem or high blood pressure. Jump facilities do exist for mentally or physically challenged individuals.

Aero Sports

Just like on the land, there are numerous adventure opportunities in the air too. Man has for times immemorial, yearned to glide and soar like a bird in the sky. Parasailing and Paragliding are indeed, experiences that combine the wonder of smooth sailing in the air and the thrill of soaring high above the ground. Once in the air, you experience the ethereal serenity of the sport. It is an experience that is, surprisingly, thrilling as well as becalming.

In India some of the major aero sports that adventure lovers would love to indulge in include, paragliding,hanggliding and ballooning.Even amateurs can indulge in these sports, with a proper orientation. There are many government sports institutes and sports clubs in India that organize training courses for Para gliding and hand gliding. Tourism organizations in various states of India also organize sports events and competitions to promote these air sports.

Be it ballooning, hang gliding or para gliding, India offers excellent locations and facilities at Kangra, Dasauli, Dharamasala, Shimla, Pune, Mhow, Indore, Mysore, Udhagamandalam and Shillong. Float over the mountains ... soar higher on every current of air... hang-glide in the mountains and valleys of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, the Chamudi hills of Karnataka and the hills of Shillong in Meghalaya. Except for the monsoon season, Para Gliding and Hang Gliding are safe throughout the year.

Natural Climbing

Rock climbing in India can be an enriching experience- quite apart from the exhilarating experience of climbing on virgin solid granite. In India, as in the other parts of the world, it started off as training for mountaineering. As a sport it took off only about 15 years ago. As the climbing standards reached greater heights in the rest of the world, India too was introduced to sticky rubber, chalk, modern protection and higher climbing standards and development of many superb climbing areas. Some of the areas are superb and can easily be compared to some world class climbing areas. The climbing areas usually being close to interesting historical sites and unique monuments can provide a pleasant distraction.

Rock climbing, is constantly increasing its tribe of enthusiasts. Rock climbing uses a minimum of aids and the challenge is to find the toughest route and scale in the least possible time. Hands and feet do most of the work, but safety equipment like ropes, body harness; friend (cramming devices that contract to the pulling of a trigger and are wedged in the crevices) and nuts (metal wedged of different sizes) are essential.

The availability of good climbing rocks not too far from the city gets greater access and participation from professionals as well as from the amateurs alike.

Rock Climbing Sites

Within a radius of 60 Kilometres from Bangalore, there is possibly the biggest concentration of granite in the country. The rocks range from two kilometre long boulder fields to rock domes rising 300 metres. There are smaller towers 60 metres to 100 metres. Savandurga is the biggest dome near Bangalore, which has been developed. The main dome is 300 metres high and has eight routes on it. The most exciting classic climb is "Bangalore Bill" which sports a 90-metre crux pitch on thin protection.

Bangalore is in the centre of a number of rock climbing destinations like Ramanagaram (the setting for the Hindi blockbuster Sholay), Savandurga, Thuralli, Kabbal, Raogodhu and others.

Badami, a five-hour drive from Bangalore, is also a good place for rock climbing.

Kambakkam, around 100 kms from Chennai, provides good climbing in many grades.

Hampi in Karnataka has some of the best granite rocks in India providing the climbers ample opportunities to test their skills. Also known as the "City of Rocks" 350 kilometres north of Bangalore is another very interesting place. There are an endless number of boulders strewn ranging from four metres to 60 metres as far as the eye can see. One can spend days exploring this labyrinth of rocks. There is an endless potential for new routes at all grades.

In a 300 kms radius adjoining Kolkata, there are some climbing destinations such as Purulia, Matha Bura, Jai C Chandi and Susunia hills. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute offers courses in mountaineering at Gobu and Tenzing Norgay Rocks.

There are several good rock climbing destinations near Mumbai like Kanheri, Mumbra Boulders, Manori Rocks Karnala and Matheran.

In Gujarat Pavagadh is a favourite rock-climbing destination.

In Haryana, Dhauj (50 KM south west of Delhi) is the Mecca of Rock Climbing in India with some of the best rock faces with various grades of Difficulties graded and marked by the Indian Mountaineering Federation. This is perhaps the only place on Rock Climbing with a book written about it (nearly 400 rock faces with sketches and diagrams) by a Delhi based climber Mohit Oberoi. Many agencies from Delhi conduct daylong rock climbing courses and also programmes of longer duration. It is a favourite destination with schools in Delhi and adjoining area for overnight camping and rock climbing programmes.

In Delhi the areas around Lado Serai and Anand Parbat offer some good options.

Birdwatching

Out of 8,600 Bird Species (about 30,000 if subspecies or geographical races are taken into account) the Indian subcontinent affords suitable living conditions for more than 2,400 Birds (Species and subspecies) of which, over 300 are winter visitors. The winter visitors are chiefly from Arctic region to the North. India thus offers unparalleled opportunities for watching a large number of bird species in their natural habitat. Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary at Bharatpur is undoubtedly the Mecca for all bird enthusiasts. The place acquires a unique ambience in the winter months when thousands of migratory birds from the northern latitudes throng the place.

. Even a cursory glance at the Indian countryside will reveal roughly 150 very common species, ranging from the ubiquitous House Sparrow and Indian Mynah to such birds as the Red-vented Bulbul, Black Drongo and White-breasted Kingfisher. Common raptors include Black and Brahminy Kites, Honey Buzzard, Shikra and Egyptian Vulture. Water birds also offer quite a spectacle, especially in the winter, when the migratory waders arrive. Common resident species are White-breasted Waterhen, Indian Moorhen and Black-winged Stilt.

. The best time for birding is no doubt the months between October and April as, in addition to the variety of resident species, migratory waterfowl, raptors, starlings & other passerines and a host of other species are also to be seen all around the Indian countryside.

. The Kumarakom and Thattekad Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala, The Great Himalayan National Park, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Haryana, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in the west are some of the best places to indulge in Birding in India.

Wildlife In India

India is home to a rich diversity of wildlife supplemented by an equally rich variety of flora and fauna. The sight and sounds of a majestic elephant, a peacock’s dance, the stride of a camel, the roar of a tiger are unparalleled experiences in themselves. Watching birds and animals in their natural habitats is an experience in itself.

The country offers immense opportunities for wildlife tourism. The immense heritage of wildlife in India comprises of more than 70 national parks and about 400 wildlife sanctuaries including the bird sanctuaries.

A paradise for the nature lovers, these forest areas are also crucial for the conversation of the endangered species like the Leopard, Lion, Asiatic Elephant, the Bengal tiger and Siberian Crane. Spread across the length and breadth of India, these reserves and forest areas, right from the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan to the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar, from the foothills of Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park to six national parks in Andaman; the Indian Wildlife circuit is an Incredible treat, unmatched by any other experience.

Elephant, Deer, Panther, Wild buffalo, Wild ass, the one horned Rhinoceros, Porcupine, Snow leopards etc are some of the animals you can sport in The Himalayan region.

India harbours eighty percent of the entire population of the one horned rhinoceros in the world. The Kaziranga Game Sanctuary is an ideal habitat for the rhino and a popular destination with the naturalists and environmentalists as well as the wildlife traveller.

The Great Indian Bustard and blackbuck of the Karera Sanctuary also attract a lot of tourists. The Madhav National Park originally called the Shivpuri National Park is another rich habitat for the wildlife in close proximity to the historical town of Gwalior and being close to a often visited cultural and heritage destination enjoys its fare share of tourism inflow. The Corbett National Park one of the most popular National Parks in the northern region for the wildlife enthusiast as well as the holiday makers is changing the way wildlife tourism. These National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are promoters of wildlife tourism in India.

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India has its fair share of Tiger Reserves. India’s National Animal, the tiger happens to be a symbol of strength and speed. India boasts of two-dozen Tiger Reserves. The fastest mammal on Earth, the tiger happens to be the joy and pride of India. The Royal Bengal tiger is amongst the most majestic species of the tiger. Sixty percent of the total population of the wild tigers in the world resides in India. Amongst the best-known tiger reserves in India is the Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh. It is often referred to as the crown in the wildlife heritage of India. Tourists at Bandhavgarh can spot Royal Bengal Tigers, cheetals, leopard, gaur, sambhar, and many more faunal species. The highly successful Project Tiger has shown once again that man can only undo in small ways the loss and destruction of natural habitat due to continuous growth and expansion of the population.

Indian wildlife has its share of native birds along with the migratory birds. Several hundred species of birds can be spotted across India. The Himalayan region is well known to be the natural habitat for the Pheasant, griffon vulture and ravens. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park popularly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in the Indian state of Rajasthan, in close proximity of Delhi, is home to indigenous water birds, waterside birds, migratory water birds, land migratory birds, and domestic land species. Tourists from far and wide are attracted to the Bird Sanctuary. At the Dudhwa wildlife reserve migratory birds like Egrets, herons, storks and cormorants share space with the ducks, gees and teals. The region of Andaman is home for the rare species of birds like the Narcondum hornbill, Nicobar Pigeon and the Megapode.

Water Skiing

Water Skiing In Asan Barrage : The best water skiing site worth checking out in India is the Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort. This place has got plenty of options for trying out besides water skiing such as Sailing, Boating, Rowing, Water Skating, Kayaking and Canoeing. Water skiing courses are also available at the Asan Barrage for water sports enthusiasts and training is given by well qualified instructors.

Water Skiing In Dal & Nagin Lake : Situated just 32-km from Srinagar, the facility for water skiing is available at the lake sites of Dal Lake. This site has has privately owned 'bathing boats' which hire out motor launches, water-skis and trained instructors. Also worth checking out is the Nagin Lake site, which much more popular among water sports lovers for its cleaner waters. A government run Institute of Water Sports is also situated at this lake site with trained instructors.

Water Skiing In Manasbal Lake : Another good water skiing option is Manasbal Lake, with a mirror like sheen on its surface becomes an attractive water sports resort, approachable from Srinagar by road. In Kashmir from May to the end of August, that's covering the whole summer season; water of the lakes remains pleasant for water sports. If someone wants a night stay over there then the tourist's huts and bungalows are also available on all the above lake resorts.

Water Skiing In Goa : Water skiing on the beach sites of India not only makes a perfect relaxation beach holiday activity, but an ideal adventure sport. Among the best beach haunts for water skiing the best ones are situates at Goa, where various beach resorts and hotels offer well-equipped and up to date facilities that are required for water skiing. Besides surfing this is one sport that is catching the interest of beach lovers a lot and with the high safety standards and low risk factor people are more drawn towards this water sport.

Water Skiing In Andaman & Nicobar Islands : Beside the beach sites of the Indian mainland, there are the beaches of the India's tropical islands too, especially Andaman & Nicobar where Water Sport Complex at Diglipur and Island Water Sports Club at Port Blair, offer Water Scooters, Speedboats, Jet Skies, Tube Ride, Wake Board Ride, Knee Board Ride, etc. and is functioned under the Directorate of tourism. So, if you lure for a thrilling experience on water then this sport is meant just for you.

Water Skiing destinations in India

Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort
Calangute Beach, Goa
Dona Paula Beach, Goa
Cavelossim Beach, Goa
Condolim Beach, Goa
Bogmalo Beach, Goa
Sinquerim Beach, Goa

Rafting and Kayaking

White Water Rafting - Many a river in the country specially the North Indian Rivers present themselves as a collection of the best white water in the world within a small geographical location (taking in to account only North India). A number of Lakes in the Kumaon Region and The Ganga with its upper tributaries (Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and various other smaller tributaries) can be hailed as the Queen of the White Water Rafting Industry.

The Indian Association of Professional Rafting Outfitters (IAPRO - website www.iapro.org) is the nodal body that coordinates and controls the white water rafting operations in the country with the help and support of active white water rafting outfitters in the country. All rafting outfitters must have a mandatory permission from the state tourism departments for running operations on any river in the country.

White Water rafting in India can be broadly classified in to two categories namely, Day trips (a few hours of fun) or Multiple Day / Expedition runs. Day trips are offered on the following rivers

Ganga - Uttaranchal	Teesta - Sikkim
Beas - Himachal Pradesh	Kaveri - Karnataka
Braham Putra - Assam
The rivers for expeditions in the country are classified as follows Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Maha Kali, Sarda, Saryu, Yamuna - Uttaranchal Sutlej - Himachal Pradesh Zanskar, Indus - J&K Brahamputra - Assam Teesta - Sikkim Lohit - Arunanchal Pradesh Please check out the IAPRO website to locate an outfitter to help you with planning and executing the program. Apart from these rivers many other rivers are also available for expeditions but a lot depends on the available resources with the outfitters. Chenab in J&K and Pindar in Uttaranchal are some of the other rivers that fit the expedition bill just waiting to hit it bigtime. Kayaking White Water Kayaking & White water kayaking courses - Most licensed outfitters can organise an introductory course on White Water Kayaking at their riverside camps on the Ganges. Rishikesh is your best bet if you want to learn with good instructors and good equipment as majority of the knowledge base in the white water scenarios is concentrated in Rishikesh and nearby reaches of 40 odd Kilometers upstream on the Ganges. Still water Kayaking in lakes - Many a lakes in Kumaon Region are well suited for Lake Kayaking.

Watersports

The Himalayas offer you some of the toughest and most exciting river runs in the world. River sports in the rapids are the most popular, throughout the summers and can really get your adrenaline pumping. The innumerable fresh water streams and lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are ideal for angling and trout fishing. The coastal regions provide excellent opportunities for water sports like water skiing, wind surfing, yachting, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Further south you can enjoy water adventures along both the west and the east coasts of India. The islands of Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep in the Indian Ocean are virtually untouched and are some of the best spots for scuba diving and snorkelling. The beaches of Goa and Kerala also offer other sporting opportunities like water skiing, wind surfing and sailing.

The West coast offers sailing in Mumbai, Goa and the lakes around Pune.

White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Snorkelling or Scuba Diving if there is a concept of water sport in Adventure you can find it in this country. Along the length and breadth of the country the water bodies be it the rivers, lakes or the seas, present themselves as treasure troves of adventure waiting to be explored.

The best months for water sports are October and March.