Adventure Tourism in India

Adventure Tourism in India

Introduction:
India, a vast land of distinct topographical features like high mountainous regions, barren desert areas, verdant valleys, turquoise sea etc. Amalgamation of all these geographical features has made India an incredible land of natural beauties.

To exhibits all these treasures troves of nature to its guests, Indian government has started various forms of tourism within its territory. One of such forms of tourism is adventure tourism, which is still in its infancy in India.

Gradually, adventure tourism is catching up the pace and Indian government is working hard to make India, one of the best adventure tourism destinations in world.

What is adventure tourism?
Adventure tourism is a form of tourism that involves exploration or travel to remote or exotic areas. This form of tourism enables the tourist or adventure seekers to engage themselves in various kinds of outdoor recreational activities, which are provided to them on fee-for-service basis, with a focus on experiences associated with the natural environment.

Adventure tourism bring the tourists close to the nature, due to which it is also known as nature-based tourism.

Adventure Tourism Zones In India:
India is a unique land having varied geographical features in its kitty. All these distinct features are available in various regions that are the best site for adventure tourism in India. The snow-capped mountainous region of Great Himalayas are an ideal zone for adventure tourism in our country. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim, Upper fringes of West Bengal, are all part of Himalayan mountainous region that are the finest zones of adventure tourism.

Apart from Himalayas, Goan beaches, desert area of Rajasthan, Western ghats and Eastern ghats of South India, and various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are the excellent zones for adventure tourism in India.

Adventure Tourism Destinations In India:
India has plentiful of adventure tourism destinations. Some of the popular destinations that are brim with adventure enthusiasts throughout the year such as Leh-Ladakh, Zanskar Valley, Kargil and Suru valley, Manali and Kullu valley, Lahual and Spiti valley, Dharamshala and Kangra valley, Chamba valley, Kinnaur and Sangla valley, Rishikesh, Garhwal and Kumaon valley, Darjeeling.

Even some wildlife sanctuaries and national parks such as Jim Corbett National Park, Gir National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Kaziranga National Park which are popular among the tourists for wildlife safaris and nature walks.

Adventure Activities In India:
India has vast range of adventure activities which are attracting loads of vacationers and adventure seekers. Some of the best known adventure sorts of India are trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, cycling, skiing, heli-skiing, para gliding, hangliding, river rafting. These exciting sports can be done at mountainous region of Himalayas, Sahyadri range of Western ghats etc.

Some other thrilling adventure sports are scuba diving, swimming, surfing which can be done at the vast azure Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal. Goa, a tiny coastal land which is famed for various kinds of water sports. Beside these you can also indulge yourself in some other adventure sports like desert safari, wildlife safari, elephant safari, jeep safari, nature walks at various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of India.

Adventure Tourism in India: Angling in India
Today, in India, the sport of angling is combined with conservation. As per the existing Indian protection laws, the fish is allowed to be caught, but must be released within a stipulated time period. The average time taken to land a Mahseer is in ratio to its weight–5 minutes to 5 lbs. With just enough time to record its weight, and preserve your moment of glory with the prize catch of film, before the fish is revived-you have to be really quick or else it could just end up as one of those fishy stories of, “the great one that got away.”

Adventure Tourism in India: Camel Safari in India
Thar Desert Camel Safaris of India are now one of Asia’s fastest selling adventure holidays.

These include camel treks ranging from short rides around Jaisalmer to extensive trips that remind you of Lawrence of Arabia on his epic journey across the Sahara, Marco Polo, on the historic silk route, a medieval trader leading his caravan through the hostile spice route or a royal caravan serai heading for one of the medieval kingdoms of the Thar desert- without many of the hardships of course! They are a great way to see the desert and to enjoy a novel and adventurous holiday.

Adventure Tourism in India: Mountaineering in India

Mountaineering as a sport has a history as old as the history of the evolution of human race itself. Mountaineering started when the need was felt for people who could climb difficult heights and terrains to meet people across the border, to trade, or to conquer new territories. In the course of time, man developed new modes of transportation and communication and venturing out on these difficult routes were not needed. Nevertheless, what remained was his nature to take risks and getting pleasure in conquering something totally unknown and unexplored. This inner urge to take up challenges has led man to do things that are quite daring.

Adventure Tourism in India: Paragliding in India

If you like Icarus ever wished to fly, we will make your dream realize. The adventure of paragliding is something you just cannot miss. Soar over the hills, dip whenever you aspire to get a better view of the Earth, glide and sail, feel the freedom of the bird. The adventure of being at the altitude needs an attitude! No noise pollution, no smoke just plain fun. The thrill of have your own wings, the big wide sky with no traffic jams is a safe and easy aero adventure. Paragliding is fun for the people who constantly would love to reach new heights. Be amongst the stars during the day and count the constellations at night! Live life happily in the lap of Mother Nature. The package offers training for the novice too. Come fly, with us. The paraglider, harness, helmets, radios and ankle boots are equipments required for the adventure. Besides the monsoon season, the sky is your road for the escapade, come on touch the sky.

Adventure Holidays in India: Elephant Safari

How about a safari atop an elephant? Jeeps and other mechanical means of transportation may distract the fellow animals in the jungle. The Elephant is the best possible option available to admire the beauty of nature. The wildlife adventure in India is incomplete if an Elephant safari is not include in the itinerary. Come and explore the wild terrain of the Corbett National Park on the most majestic animal of all. Do not forget to click the tigers in the Reserve. Even horse safaris do well with the tourists in India. The strong and sturdy animal has since long been galloping across the terrific terrain in India.

Adventure Tourism in India: Rock Climbing in India

It is not quite easy to define rock climbing, but it is not difficult too. Anyone who claims to be a rock climber has his own version of the game.

Rock climbing for some is to challenge their spirits and explore new heights, to give a fillip to their unbounded imaginations; for others, it is a way telling the world that he/she has finally arrived. For many of the professional rock climbers, it is not a sport. Can you call a mission to moon a sport or pastime? If not, then why should rock climbing be called a sports is the argument. For them, rock climbing is an adventure of the greatest magnitude; it is a fight against self, against the elements, and the ultimate goal is to reach the summit and return back alive.

Adventure Tourism in India: Scuba Diving in India

One of the greatest adventures in life can be to explore the totally unknown and unexplored world under sea. The joy of floating inside the sea like a fish where every creature is your friend and every new sight is a discovery can be immense. In addition, the sheer thrill of watching the rich flora and fauna of the sea in their natural habitat is unparalleled.

Adventure Tourism in India: Skiing in India

The sheer joie de vivre inspired by one’s first successful slide down a ski slope defies description. Once limited to a privileged few, the adrenalin-producing pastime of skiing has been brought within the range of the common man now. For the purist, there is unsullied, powdery snow. For the accomplished and ego-conscious, there are punishing runs. For wobbly beginners and confident intermediates, there are easy slopes and understanding instructors who soon inspire dreams of Olympic glory.

Adventure Tourism in India: Trekking in India

Off late, trekking in India is becoming popular among the tourists all over the world. This might have been a new phenomenon for the travelers from abroad, for Indians, these mountains signify not only the natural beauty but also a source of spiritual guidance. Trekking has remained men’s passion from the day he took his first step on the earth. He always ventured out of home and his natural surroundings to explore something new, a world that was unknown to him. It is astonishing to learn that the human race migrated from one continent to another when there were no means of communication, no helping hands, and most of them who left their home could never return back.

Adventure Tourism in India: White Water Rafting in India

If you want to get some kick, some change in life, or just to have some fun, river rafting can satisfy most of your desires. If you have the zeal, then go for the challenge and show others that you can do it. White-water rafting is not for fashionable thrill seekers, but for those who thrive on hair-soaking risks, which keep the adrenalin flowing overtime! The thrill of rushing down fast-flowing mountain streams a froth with huge waves, dashing against dangerous boulders and dizzy rapids, while you cling for dear life dependent on a fragile, inflatable rubber raft or dinghy.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Human beings have made use of the wheel since ancient times. The invention of the wheel not only brought about a revolution in the realm of transportation but also gave rise to a number of sporting activities. Through the centuries, the wheel remained a faithful companion of man in both war and peace.

Three- and four-wheeled horse-drawn carriages became popular mode of transport during the medieval period. Though horse-drawn carriages could transport a number of people from one place to another, there was a need to create a vehicle, which could be powered by human muscle and was easy to handle. The first “bicycle” was invented in the early years of the 19th century; however, it was nothing more than a “wooden horse”. This strange-looking two-wheeled vehicle was also referred to as celeriferes and velociferes. The rider had to sit on the “wooden horse” and push his feet backward along the ground, to propel the vehicle forward. In the process of moving forward, the rider had to keep his balance. In 1817, Baron Karl von Drais built a model with a handlebar attached to the front wheel. The handlebar helped the rider to maintain balance, without having to touch the ground too often.

Between 1817 and 1900 a number of developments like steel tubes, ball bearings, stable handlebars, pedals, chain, wire spokes, pneumatic tires, etc., improved the bike. At the beginning of the 20th century, bicycles became lighter, faster, comfortable and easier to handle. The low cost of maintenance made bicycle the most popular means of transport in the world. Bicycles were also used in great numbers during the World War II. In the course of time, people not only used bicycles for transportation but also for sporting activities, which included short- and long-distance races. Better and lighter models of bicycles were made for traversing hilly countryside and steep mountain roads. The sport of mountain biking has gained a lot of popularity amongst adventure seekers in countries having hilly tracts and mountain ranges.

India has some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. It also has some of the world’s highest roads. Mountain biking amongst the majestic backdrop of the great Himalayan ranges is an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

TYPE

Mountain biking is a land-based adventure sport.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Mountain biking in the foothills and hillocks across the countryside is relatively easier and less demanding than biking on high altitudes. The level of difficulty generally rises with increase in altitude.
However, apart from the altitude, a number of factors determine the level of difficulty of a particular trail: distance to be covered, obstacles faced, inhospitable stretches, steep inclines, forest tracts, etc.

Short-distance trails can be covered in a day or two, while long-distance trails can be covered in a matter of days or a couple of weeks. Long-distance trails usually take you through different terrain and test your physical and mental endurance level to the limits.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

If you are interested in enjoying the thrills offered by biking in the midst of high mountain ranges, you must be physically fit, as mountain biking is a high endurance activity. There is no special or prescribed physical requirement for a person interested in taking up the sport of mountain biking but expectant mothers and people suffering from high blood pressure and heart problems must stay away from it. Even if you are physically fit for embarking on a mountain biking trail, make sure that you are acclimatized to the local climatic conditions before starting.

NECESSARY EQUIPMENTS

A mountain bike is a sophisticated vehicle and you will need to carry necessary equipment for ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. Apart from your mountain bike you will have to carry the following: Biking shoes, bike helmet, insulated gloves/waterproof gloves, cycling bags to carry essential material or your belongings, Lightweight, washable, insulated sports bottles for keeping beverages cool, collapsible water bags, first aid kit for long trails, sunglasses, insect/bug repellents and sunscreen lotions.

For maintenance and repair you must carry a cycle repair kit, which will have, lubes, non-toxic, water-soluble degreaser, grease tubes for greasing bearings and an aero spray for bike cleaning.

You must also carry a bike pump and a tool kit apart from spare tires. Accessories like speedometer, bike rack for carrying 90 lb (40 kg) weight, batteries, instruction manuals, maps and flashlights can also be used on long trails.

You must select suitable clothing or thermal wear to provide protection from the elements, while enjoying high-altitude mountain biking.

You can either carry all the necessary equipment for mountain biking or take the services of a backup van/jeep to carry your belongings and spares.

You will find it extremely difficult to obtain the necessary equipment for mountain biking from local markets and will have to import specially designed mountain bikes, equipment, spares and accessories from abroad.

MAJOR DESTINATIONS

Mountain biking as an adventurous activity is new to India. However, the country offers some of the most challenging mountain biking trails in the world. The famous mountain biking trails in India are discussed below.

The Leh-Manali Highway is the second highest motorable road in the world. It winds its way through some of the most hostile terrains. The entire stretch of 485 km (301 miles) between Leh and Manali offers a challenge to mountain bikers who have the opportunity to cut across the majestic Himalayan ranges through four mountain passes. This highway reaches a height of 5,328 m (17,480 ft) at Taglang La pass. The other three passes along the highway are the Lachlung La, the Baralacha La and the Rohtang pass. You will have to push your endurance to the limits to accept the challenge offered by this dangerous high-altitude trail. In spite of all the dangers involved, the Leh-Manali highway rewards you with spectacular and picturesque landscapes.

You can enjoy the beauty of the Ladakh plateau as you commence your journey from Leh towards Manali. The first halt is at Upshi, which is located at a distance of 49 km from Leh. The Taglang La pass is 109 km from Leh and is the next halt from Upshi. There are a number of camping spots along the highway between Upshi and Taglang La pass. The Leh-Manali highway suddenly evens out from this pass and enters the Morey plain. The descend continues until you reach Pang (184 km from Leh). The stretch of road just before Pang traverses a series of magnificent gorges. Pang is a tent settlement where you can rest for the night before resuming your journey. After leaving Pang, you will reach the Lachlung La pass, which is 209 km from Leh and is the second highest pass (5,060 m/16,601 ft) along the Leh-Manali highway. You will encounter some hair-raising bends along this road between Lachlung La pass and Sarchu (263 km from Leh).

Like Pang, Sarchu is also a tent settlement and a good place to stop over and stretch your limbs. Sarchu is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. From Sarchu you will climb to the Baralacha La pass (4883 m; 16020 ft), located at a distance of 299 km from Leh. You can also stop and relax at Darcha (340 km from Leh), which is located in between the Baralacha La pass, and the town of Keylong (372 km from Leh). Keylong is the first major town on the Leh-Manali highway and is near Tandi (380 km from Leh). Tandi is a located on a T-junction from where the highway turns southeast towards Manali. Between Tandi and Rohtang pass (the 4th and the last pass along the Leh-Manali highway), you will have to pass through Gondla (390 km from Leh), Sissu (398 km from Leh), Khoksar (414 km from Leh) and Gramphu (419 km from Leh). Rohtang pass is located at a height of 3978 m (13051 ft) and is located at a distance of 434 km from Leh. After crossing the Rohtang pass, you can reach Manali (485 km from Leh), which is the final destination of this adventurous journey.

Apart from the Leh-Manali highway, you can enjoy the thrilling experience of mountain biking in the foothills of the Himalayan ranges in and around the towns of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Mussoorie (all in the state of Uttar Pradesh). You can also go for mountain biking in Kullu and Manali (in Himachal Pradesh). The foothills of the eastern Himalayas in Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong also offer a number of short- and long-distance mountain biking trails.

BEST TIME

The best time for mountain biking in India is between the months of June to September, when mountain roads are open to traffic. In some parts of India, you can enjoy the experience of mountain biking between March and June. It is advised not to take part in mountain biking in the rainy season when the mountainous roads become slippery.

THE PROCESS

As soon as you choose a particular trail, the process of mountain biking begins. Make sure that your bike is in perfect shape, after it has traveled with you to the point of starting the journey. Thoroughly inspect your bike and make the necessary repairs. Before you start, take all the items you would require on the way and plan your adventure. Planning your trip not only helps you to stay focused but also helps you to achieve your day-to-day targets.

Keep your cool as you go mountain biking, as this activity will test both your physical and mental levels of endurance to the limit. While peddling away to glory, take time to enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

RESOURCES
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India is the apex body responsible for granting permits to the restricted zones. Most of the Indian missions abroad are also authorized to grant such permits. Apart from these two, the foreigners’ regional registration offices (FRROs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, and Amritsar can also grant these permits. The officials of the state governments are also authorized to grant permits.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Wear proper clothing for protection from cold winds.

2. Make proper arrangements for camping along the trail route.

3. Make repairs whenever needed.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

If you want to get some kick, some change in life, or just to have some fun, river rafting can satisfy most of your desires. If you have the zeal, then go for the challenge and show others that you can do it. White-water rafting is not for fashionable thrill seekers, but for those who thrive on hair-soaking risks, which keep the adrenalin flowing overtime! The thrill of rushing down fast-flowing mountain streams a froth with huge waves, dashing against dangerous boulders and dizzy rapids, while you cling for dear life dependent on a fragile, inflatable rubber raft or dinghy.

Battle with the raging rapids and torrents as the rivers flow through picturesque mountains and icy waters froth over the boulders and cut their way through deep gorges. Or, alternately, sit back and enjoy floating on the river. White-water rafting has come of age in India. With its numerous rivers, mostly in the Himalayas, providing perfect destinations for this sport, India has a natural advantage over the other countries in the world calling the adventurous in you to unwind yourself.

River rafting as an adventure sports is not quite old for India; in fact, most of the people have come to know about it only in the last two decades.

TYPE

White-water rafting is a high-altitude, water adventure.
LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY

Rivers are graded on a scale of 1 to 6 depending on the state of the water and the skill required to navigate them-level 1 being for the beginners while level 6 for persons who have lost love for life.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Persons suffering from a weak heart, epilepsy, diabetes, or any other serious ailments or expecting mothers are not permitted on the rapids. The lower age limit for white-water rafting is 14 years on all sections expect the float trips where it is relaxed to 10 years. Non-swimmers may be restricted to certain sections of the river on the advice of the river guide.

EQUIPMENT

The main equipment is a raft made of special materials, which lend both strength and lightness. Usually, rafts have inflatable compartments with vulcanized rubber bodies reinforced by nylon fabric and neoprene. This enables the raft to go over sharp rocks without tearing. The raft is commonly made available by the clubs and organizers through which you participate in this program. Other kits include life jackets and helmets.

You need to carry with you a sleeping bag, sneakers, light synthetic quick drying clothes for the river, swimsuit, shorts and T-shirts, sun shades/glasses, suntan lotion, a torch and two pairs of shoes.

BEST TIME

There is no fixed time to indulge in this sport. India being a large country, most of the rivers provide different times of the year to participate in it. Practically you have a stretch of around 8 months starting from May to November to participate in your favorite pastime.

Alaknanda October to November
Bhagirathi Mid-September to mid-May
Ganga Mid-September to mid-May
Beas May to June
Indus July to September
Zanskar July to September

MAJOR DESTINATIONS

The mighty river Ganga plays host to river running. The 70-km stretch from Devprayag to Rishikesh is the venue of this relatively young sport. In the last few years, river rafting has become increasingly popular and several camps have come up along this stretch. The rapids have been graded according to the difficulty of the run.

Uttar Pradesh has many other sites where one can go river rafting. In Garhwal, the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, the main tributaries of the Ganga, meet at Devprayag, where their foaming waters provide excellent river-rafting opportunities. As the Ganga traverses down from Devprayag, it offers some fine stretches for the amateur rafter. In Kumaon, the river Sharda (or Kali Ganga) flows down from Nepal to meet the Gori River at Jauljivi. This stretch of water is suited for more experienced river rafters, as the rapids are grade 4 or above. However, in the lower reaches, the waters are calmer and even novices can enjoy this stretch.

Other sites for white-water rafting that have been identified include Barkot to Lakha Mandal and Damta to Yamuna Bridge on the river Yamuna, Mori to Tuni on the river Tons, Kalisor to Srinagar and Srinagar to Bagwan on river Alaknanda, Ghansali to Gadolia on the river Bhilangana, Chandrapuri to Rudraprayag on the river Mandakini, and many stretches along the river Bhagirathi, both for professionals and amateurs.

River rafting is also organized in the other parts of India. The Indus and Zanskar rivers, which flow through the arid ranges of Ladakh, offer gentler trips with gradations ranging from one to two. River Chenab has a 130-km stretch from Kishtwar to Ramban where the rapids are graded from one to six.

Sikkim also offers good river stretches for rafting. The Teesta and Rangeet are two major rivers on which river rafting is possible in this tiny state of eastern India. Two major stretches are Makha-Sirwani-Bardang-Rongpo on the Teesta and Sikip-Jorethang-Majitar-Melli on the Rangeet.

THE PROCESS

River rafting can be a child’s play if you know how to go for it but it can also become a devil’s game if you don’t. Safety is the key to a successful river-rafting expedition. Don’t go for it in a hurry. If you are a first timer, start with Grade 1 and learn the tricks of the trade under the guidance of expert rafters. Believe it, this may prove to be the experience of a lifetime. The raft is navigated by an experienced helmsman who is familiar with the topography. Sometimes, every member pitches in the rowing in order to match the river’s might. Though beginners can also enjoy white-water rafting, all precautions such as wearing life jackets and crash helmet must be taken. The guides and organizers usually make all back-up arrangements for evacuation and medical attention in case of a mishap

IMPORTANT EVENTS

Indian River Running Association organizes Four Square White-Water Rafting Challenge every year in the months of March/April at Rishikesh. Many teams from all over India participate in the competition to give a display of their talents. Any person who is medically fit can participate in this competition, by paying an entry fee of Rs. 1,000.

RESOURCES

Institutes
No formal training is required to participate in this sport. All you need is to know a bit of swimming (even this can be dispensed with if you are not going to participate in grades above 2 or 3) and some amount of madness! The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports provide some basic courses in water sports at Manali, but they are not exactly structured for this sport.

Permits and Government Agencies

Many regions in India have been put under restricted area list and special permits are required for undertaking white-water rafting in these areas. In most cases, the Ministry of Home Affairs, consulates/embassies/high commissions of Government of India and foreign residents’ registration offices can provide these permits. Given below is a list of these areas in the states concerned with names of the authorities to contact for permits.

Himachal Pradesh

1. Poo-Khab-Sumdho-Dhankar-Tabo Gompa-Kaza circuit
2. Morang-Dabling circuit

The district magistrate and director general of police of the state are entitled to grant these permits, apart from the regular channels listed above. The Special Commissioner (Tourism) and Resident Commissioner, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Bhawan, New Delhi also grant such permits. Inner-line permits for the districts of Lahaul and Spiti can be taken from Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Block II, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003. Special permits are required for trekking only. Individual tourists are not permitted to visit these areas.

Sikkim

1. Gangtok
2. Rumtek
3. Phodong
4. Pemayangtse Khecheperi
5. Tashigang

Individual tourists are permitted in these circuits. A maximum of 15 days is allowed. The state government, if necessary, can grant an extension of 15 days on request in the written form.

6. Dzongri in West Sikkim
Individual tourists are not permitted to visit this place. Tourists groups can stay for a period of 16 days.

7. Tsangu (Changu Lake in East Sikkim)
Individual tourists are not permitted. Permit is valid for day visit only. Tourist groups are expected to travel on identified tour circuits only.

8. Mangan, Tong, Singhik, Changthang, Lachung and Yumthang
Individual tourists are not permitted in these circuits. Tourist groups are allowed to stay for five days only.

For more information on getting permits inside Sikkim, tourists may contact Commissioner and Resident Deputy Director (Tourism), Sikkim House, 12 Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi (Phone: 011-3010747, 3013026).

In Gangtok, one can contact the offices of Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Secretary (Tourism) of the Government of Sikkim.

Jammu and Kashmir

1. Khaltse Subdivision (Drokahpa Area): Khaltse-Dunkhar-Skroduchan-Hanudo-Biana-Dha
2. Nubra Subdivision
a) Leh-Khardung La-Khalsar-Tirit up to Panasik
b) Leh-Khardung La-Khalsar up to Hunder
c) Leh-Sabo-Digar La-Digar-Labab-Khungru Gompa-Tangar (only for trekking conducted by approved tour operators and accompanied by state police personnel)
3. Nyona Subdivision
a) Leh-Upshi-Chumathang-Mahe-Puga-Tso-Moari Lake/Korzok
b) Leh-Upshi-Debring-Puga-Tso-Moari Lake/Korzok
c) Leh-Karu-Chang La-Durbuk-Tangtse-Lukung-Spankmik
d) Pangong Lake up to Spankmik

The Ministry of Home Affairs and the district magistrates of the respective areas grant permits.

Individual tourists are not permitted to visit the above-mentioned areas. One is not allowed to stay for more than seven days even after getting permits to the restricted circuits. Tourist groups are to travel on identified tour circuits only.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Always verify the credentials of the organizers: whether they are recognized or not and how much experience they have in organizing such events. Try to go for the operators who are recognized by the government.

2. Your navigator should have enough experience of conducting such expeditions and he should be qualified enough.

3. An oar boat can generally take a maximum of eight persons; do not try to accommodate more people on to the boat, as it can prove hazardous.

4. Try to study the river stretch from the land to decide on the grade.

5. You should have enough rations to survive and all the regular medicines that may be required in the journey. A first-aid box should also be at hand and 2-3 persons of the group must know how to handle if some accidents occur.

6. All the members of the group should be briefed about environmental protection and its importance. Do not use detergents or any chemical in the river; do not cut any tree, or leave anything that degrades the quality of the environment.

7. Rescue jackets and safety helmets should be worn by all with enough backup resources and medical facilities on the bank.

8. Do not defecate in the 30-m range of the river at places where no toilet facilities are available. Try your best to bury or cover the waste.

9. Avoid breathing when you are going under a rapid or when you are submerged.

10. Do not wear synthetic clothes, saris, or dupattas that may create problems during the rafting. Try to wear natural cotton products that will prove helpful.

The endless scope of adventure tourism in India is largely because of its diverse topography and climate. On land and water, under water and in the air, you can enjoy whatsoever form of adventure in India you want. It is one opportunity for you to leave all inhibitions behind and just let yourself go. The mountainous regions offer umpteen scope for mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, skiing, skating, mount biking and safaris while the rushing river from these mountains are just perfect for river rafting, canoeing and kayaking. The oceans are not behind in any manner as well. The vast and deep expanse of water provide tremendous opportunity for adventure sports in form of diving and snorkelling.

The forest and the desert region have their own distinct place in providing scope for adventure tourism in India. You can enjoy animal safari, jeep safari, bird watching, wild camp, wildlife safari and jungle trail in the forest region while jeep safari and camel safari are the most favoured adventure sports in the desert region. After all this, if you think the list of adventure sports in India has ended, think again. There is still much left in form of paragliding, hand gliding, hot air ballooning, etc.

Adventure tourism in India is meant to provide you an exhilarating experience for life. Many a times in process of having fun, an entirely new aspect of life manifests itself before you and an awareness and appreciation about the surroundings emanates somewhere from deep within your heart.

Adventure Sports
Trekking
Snorkelling & Diving
Skiing
Mountaineering
Backwaters
River Rafting
Safaris
Polo
Water Sports
Paragliding
Aero Sports
Mountain Biking

Adventure Hotspots
Goa
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Kerala
Uttaranchal
North East
Rajasthan
Arunachal Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
Jammu And Kashmir
Assam
Sikkim
Lakshadweep
Andaman and Nicobar

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