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, Ballooning, Para Gliding and Hang Gliding. 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.

Ballooning

About 50,000 cubic feet of hot air fills a giant nylon balloon to which a basket is attached. Hot air ballooning is becoming a great adventure option in India. To learn to pilot a hot-air balloon you need to be at least 16 years of age and physically fit. Depending on how quickly you master it, training takes three to six months.

Facilities for ballooning are available for amateurs and professionals across the country. A festival balloon mela is organized in Delhi every year and anyone can take a joy ride. The Ballooning Club in India organizes numerous international balloon festivals and demonstration flights annually.

The first ever hot-air balloon took to the sky in 1783. However, with the advent of air planes, flights 'by lighter-than-air' machines went out of fashion until it was revived in the last century as an adventure sport.

The best time to indulge in ballooning is after sunrise when the winds are at their calmest. Winter months provide the most reliable conditions, but during summer it is better to take off early in the morning. The duration of ballooning flight can change at the pilot's discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.

A balloon can move as fast as the wind blows, but high wind landings always require skill and experience. The passenger capacity depends on the size of the balloon, but usually it varies from 2 in sport balloons and up to 12 people in passenger balloons. The balloon crew tracks the flight and are usually there when the balloon lands.

There are no seats in the basket - therefore, standing for the duration of the flight, about an hour is unavoidable. The walls of the baskets are usually four feet high. Adults should accompany children under 12 years.

Clothing should be exactly the way you wear during a hiking trip that includes sturdy shoes or boots plus sunglasses, gloves and a cap. Remember, it does not get any colder in the balloon than on the ground. Always bring an extra film for photography. A balloon can rise up to 800 feet and above, while joyrides for groups may be restricted to heights between 200 and 500 feet.

There are ballooning clubs in Guwahati, Dehradun, Bangalore, Delhi and Jaipur.

Balloon Ride Over The Taj Mahal: Hot-air ballooning in India is being given a new dimension by some travel agents/tour operators. They not only operate joy flights on the balloon but also conduct interesting tours like balloon-cum-horse or camel safaris. They also offer a view of the Taj Mahal from a balloon, with the Yamuna flowing by. The sight is not only an exciting but also a thrilling experience.

Ballooning In Rajasthan: The undulating sand dunes are ideal for ballooning buffs. People can even travel short distances between towns or historic resorts in these hot air balloons. The best attraction, of course, is to coast over fairs as Pushkar, or Beneshwar or Nagaur in a hot-air balloon.

Contact
The Balloon Club of India,
8 - B Bahadurshah Zafar Marg
New Delhi - 110 002
Tel: 91 - 11- 2371 6665
Fax: 91 - 11 - 2371 7947
Email: balloonindia@yahoo.com

Hang Gliding

The sport of hang gliding involves hanging suspended by a harness from a large flying instrument- a kind of kite shaped vehicle called a hang glider. With the help of certified instructors anyone can fly with only ten minutes of instruction on the ground. But, for high altitude gliding learning you must enrol in a hang gliding course where there are experienced pilots to guide you till you become professional in this sport.

A hang glider is piloted by shifting one's weight. Flight is dependent on the existence of rising columns of warm air called thermals. Take off involves running off moderate slopes till the glider inflates. Tandem flights use a wing large enough to hold two people, the pilot and a passenger. Though a relatively recent entrant in adventure sports, hang gliding has really caught on with clubs coming up in cities such as Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Mumbai and Bangalore.

While hang gliding one can look beyond the spines of receding mountain heights, past rivers that gorge their way through dense forests and on to the plains. On an exceptionally lucky day, one may even be able to trace the route of the river till it vanishes into a slight haze.

The safety of the pilot is assured by a parachute, which is made of high quality material to withstand different heights, wind force and gravity to which they are exposed. The alti-meter, vario-meter and wind-speed meters, and indicators are used for right movements and safe landing. Hang gliders are portable, which you can easily carry on your back or in a jeep to the gliding site and can be made ready quickly.

Among the basic equipments of hang gliding there are harnesses, helmets, and emergency parachutes. Hang glider is an aircraft to which undercarriage and take off power is through the pilot's legs. It consists of 3 aluminium tubes pivoted at the nose, a trapeze or cross bar for control and a tail. They are of various sizes and weights ranging from 7 to 25 kg.

While India has good thermal soaring effects during the summer months, and offers hill soaring almost round the year, the soaring in the winter months, although too static-is also good for hang gliding. Like many other sports hang gliding is also dependent on the weather.

Contact
Himalayan Institute of Adventure Sports
Village Barua
P.O. Bahang, Manali
Himachal Pradesh-175103.

Major Hang Gliding Sites In India

Hang Gliding In Himachal Pradesh - Billing, 14-km from Bir and is said to be among the finest sites for hang-gliding in the world. An annual hang-gliding tournament is also held over here. Dharamkot another great site situated in Dharamsala is situated at 11, 800 ft and requires a 2-km trek from the nearest road head.

Hang Gliding in the Nilgiris - Situated 20-kms away from Ooty, Kalahatty in the Nilgiris, has a launch area that is well connected by a jeepable road. This cross-country route in the Nilgiris passes over forested areas giving glimpses of wild animals in the sanctuary below. The Bombay Hang-gliders Club organizes rallies at Talegaon in the Western Ghats on the Bombay-Pune highway.

Other Hang Gliding Centres in India :
Pune, Maharashtra
Delhi
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Chandigarh
Shimla, HP
Devlali, Maharashtra
Bangalore, Karnataka
Kalahatty, Ooty

Paragliding

Riding the warm thermal currents of the air on a Para glider is perhaps the closest man has ever come to sailing the skies as free as a bird. Almost at will, you dip and wheel high over the hills and valleys. Paragliding uses thermals as the driving force, and is the closest one can get, to being a bird. In perfect weather conditions you can stay aloft for over three hours and can soar to heights more than 3000 meters. In paragliding, the launch site for the gliders usually involve gentle hillsides but recently machine based takeoffs have made Para Gliding possible even in the flat lands of India. The flying season spans September to December and then March to June.

Paragliding is the simplest form to fly and all you require is a Para glider. A Para glider is a non-motorized, foot-launched inflatable wing, which is easy to transport, launch, and land. It is constructed of rip-stop nylon or high stress polyester fabric. The pilot is clipped into a harness and is in a comfortable sitting position. The harness and the Paraglider attached by sturdy kevlar lines. The Para gliders can fly in the air for hours and climb to altitudes, more than 10,000 feet high or opt for cross-country flying adventure covering vast distances. The basic techniques of para gliding include - launching, turning and landing. Once airborne, a great deal of manoeuvrability can be achieved with the Para glider. The glider can be steered by pulling suspension lines, which, cause gliding motion, thus enabling the pilot fly at any course at will.

Paragliding Equipments - The essential equipment consists of a glider, which when inflated offers resistance to the thermal currents and retards the rate of descent, a harness that attaches the Paraglider firmly and safely to the pilot. It is so designed that it can be released quickly to avoid injury, by dragging the pilot over the ground after landing.

A helmet and a reserve parachute are for the pilot's safety and a vario-meter to gauge the ascent or descent of the glider. For those who cannot afford the equipment cost or do not have the time to learn flying, there is an alternative. One can sit along with an experienced pilot in a Tandem Glider, a two-seater and while the pilot manoeuvres the glider, one can sit back and enjoy the thrill of non-powered flying. Similar to any other adventure sport, there is a risk factor involved in paragliding, but in recent years, improved equipment and techniques have created an amazing safety record for the sport.

There isn't much difference between Para sailing and Paragliding, except that Para sailing is done with a parachute tied to a moving vehicle. But in paragliding the launch site for the gliders usually involve gentle hillsides. Since Para gliders do not have to withstand the stresses of free-fall deployment, they are much lighter and aerodynamic, designed to go up rather than down.

Learning the Sport - Elementary Courses are for about 3 days, the Intermediate Course is for 10 days, a Basic course is for 5 days and the Advance Course is for 10 days.

Contact
Himachal Tourism conducts training programmes and events at various times of the year. There is an Adventure Sports Hostel at Dharamsala and an Aero Sports Complex at Bir. For details of training facilities, contact sports associations, or the Divisional Tourism Development Officers of Himachal Tourism.

For courses in Para Gliding
Nirvana Adventures
www.nirvanaadventures.com
Email: srao@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in

Questrails
www.questrails.com
info@questrails.com

Major Paragliding Sites In India

Himachal - The bald peak of Billing, above the Buddhist monastery of Bir in Kangra, has been the venue for five national and three international hang-gliding rallies since 1984. The site is perfect for Para-gliding too. Paragliding sites are located at Pabbar valley , Arhaul-Anu near Rohru and Garhalla Talab in Chopal in Shimal district, Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur in the Kullu valley.

Uttaranchal - The unique topography makes Garhwal an excellent destination for both experienced and beginner Para gliders.

Rajasthan - The open countryside of Rajasthan also offers gliding opportunities that can prove remarkable, and with permission from civil aviation authorities, these may be organised in several cities of Rajasthan where there are runways and strips available. These include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Kota.

Maharashtra - The flying in Maharashtra is almost entirely on the Western Ghat hill range, which run in an almost unbroken line from Gujarat in the north, to the Nilgiri Hills on the southern tip of India. Flying tends to be centred on the affluent region around Mumbai and Pune, but there is plenty of potential elsewhere in the state for pilots who are prepared to explore. Popular flying areas, include the hill stations and fort sights of Maharashtra: Matheran, Deolali, Mahabaleshwar, Singhgad and Panchgani.

Delhi - Sohna, about 40 kms south west of Delhi is coming up in a big way for flat land paragliding. Some Delhi based outfitters organise regular tandem flights and training courses starting November to February with specially designed take off machines known as Winch.

Important Paragliding Places in India :
Billing, HP
Kullu, HP
Solang, HP
Lahaul & Spiti, HP
Naukutchiyatal, Nainital
Dayara Bugyal, Garhwal
Dhanolti Ridge, Garhwal
Bedni Bugyal, Kumaon
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Bikaner, Rajasthan
Matheran, Maharashtra

Parasailing

Parasailing consists of a parachute-like parasail, attached to a 300-meter long towrope, which is pulled along, by a speeding form of transport. When the speed rises to beyond stalling speed, the parachute rises, taking the pilot up in the air. Parasailing has two variations: a terrestrial and an aquatic one, with a jeep (usually) being used on ground and a motorboat being used in the water. As compared to gliding, parasailing is easier to learn and is also safer.

The length of the towrope restricts the height gained by a parasail. The rule of thumb is that you achieve a height two-thirds the length of the rope. Other factors like wind speed, participants weight also have an important part to play. The time in the air depends on the amount of space available and the strength of the breeze. The stronger the breeze and the longer the run for the towing vehicle the longer and higher the flight will be. There are no weight restrictions in parasailing. The lighter you are, the higher you can go. Parachutes come in various weight classifications.

Goa, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai and certain parts of Orissa, Manipur and Delhi are used as destinations for parasailing. In Goa and Thiruvananthapuram, it's almost totally an aquatic sport, whereas in Manipur it's land-based. In Orissa, parasailing is done on both land and sea.

Para sailing, has been introduced by Assam Tourism Development Corporation to attract domestic and foreign tourists. The ideal place for Para-sailing in Assam is North Guwahati.

Delhi Tourism regularly organises Parasailing on request. Parasailing is organised by many operators on the Chennai - Mamallapuram road.

Skydiving

Skydiving's a fairly expensive sport to indulge in, but the Air Force Adventure Foundation organises training and flights where civilians can participate. A selected number of adventure sports specialists in large metros like Delhi and Mumbai can also help if you're interested in skydiving.

Skydiving as a sport is yet to catch on completely to become amongst India's top aero sports. A handful of organisations, however, do organise training camps where enthusiasts are taught the art of leaping out of a plane in midair, doing a `freefall' and then opening the parachute to land softly. An innovative variation of skydiving is `skysurfing', which involves performing manoeuvres like loops and twists - done almost exclusively by professionals as a spectator sport.

Bike Safaris

If you are the kinds who love to explore on two wheels, India is just about the perfect destination to indulge in your passion. A combination of good roads, cross country options, dirt tracks, back country roads make exploring the country on two wheels a wonderful experience.

Motorbike safari is catching up as a thrilling adventure sport. People who love bikes and travelling on it, keenly take an interest in this motorbike safari. Safari usually involves exploring the unexplored regions. But its also a chance to check out places, which usually become a little off the way when you are on a planned tour trip. On an off road journey you'll witness spectacular sceneries, encounter wildlife that's not possible to even check out on a jeep safari trip inside the jungles and the warmth of the local people, who are always there to help visitors and shower them with the hospitality.

Motorbike Safari Tips - Travelers should have motorcycle-riding experience before they sign on for the trip. Be prepared to stay in tents, low-end accommodation, houses of local people and camps. Drinking water won't always be available, so keep a backup of plenty of drinking water. If not possible, boil the one you get, purify it with chemical tablets and carry water bottles.

If you are planning to camp on you safari trip, carry you own food. Always carry route maps, which are accurate and reliable. Engage a guide if you are unaware or new to certain location of your safari trip. Carry a basic first aid kit and sufficient supplies of photographic films, as they might not be available on remote locations.

When renting a bike make sure that the bike is reliable and is in good and usable condition.

Climatic conditions and weather always vary and day and night temperature in the desert and at high altitude places also differ, so ensure that your clothing is suitable for all appropriate weather conditions.

Major Motorbike Safari Regions In India

Motorbike Safaris In Himachal Pradesh - You can take your bike to areas, where even a jeep cannot reach. Because bikes are light in weight and quite flexible as far as altitude is concerned, you won't find any problem in driving through the cold desert region of Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. You can drive through one of world's highest highway. Drive out of Manali and you will reach Rohtang pass, at an altitude of 3,980m, which provides the entrance towards the arid region of Lahaul to Leh and Ladakh. From Shimla, move towards the picturesque Kinnaur and continue driving through the barren region of Spiti, which take the bikers to the Kunzum Pass, which is the entry point to Lahaul. Motorbikes can impose certain limitations to explore this region of Himachal, but are a wonderful option to visit the off-beaten tracks of this Himalayan state. Many travel agents in Manali organize bike safaris to Leh and take care of all the logistics from the Bike to mechanics, accommodation to food and even an escort sometimes. So consult your travel agent if you want to join a fixed departure.

Motorbike Safaris In Rajasthan - Riding a bike through the countryside of Rajasthan is an exhilarating way to travel and witness the rural aspect of Rajasthan. The journey starts from Ranthambore National Park, one of the major and famous Tiger sanctuaries. Abandon your bikes for sometimes and enjoy a jeep side inside the sanctuary. Another wildlife sanctuary worth checking out is at Bharatpur, called the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Its a famous bird sanctuary.

The motorbike tour options in India include a 14-day bike safari through Rajasthan and a 17-day run through Ladakh. Traveling India by motorbike, gives the freedom to the biker to have close encounters with the beautiful countryside and the people of rural India. You also get the independence to travel wherever you want to.

The Royal Enfield Bullet is a good Indian Bike for traveling across the country and is preferred by most foreign and Indian visitors. For more information visit: www.royalenfield.com

MOUNTAIN BIKING

One of the finest places for mountain biking is Dandeli forests. The innumerable trails in the forests offer excellent conditions for such an adventure sport. Giorgio Meneghetti of Italy offers you the biking experience of a lifetime. The program includes a training session to familiarize you with the bike and its functions. The is an easy trail for beginners & a Tough Trail for the more experienced.

The Charges for the program : Easy Trail - 1 to 2 hrs - Rs 350or US $ 10 Tough Trail - 3 to 3 ? hrs - Rs 500 or US $ 15.

Mountain-biking experience is also offered by M/s. Ozone at the Cauvery Fishing Camps. The trails offers some fantastic scenery in and around the Cauvery valley. Charges: One-day biking program - at Bheemeswari - Rs 750 or US $ 30 Two-day biking program - at Bheemeswari (including a night stay) Rs 2000 or US$ 80.

Motor Rallies

With a terrain that shifts from hill roads to forest tracks, desert trails to beach routes, India tests the mettle of both man and machine in motor rallies. Several championship rallies are held in India every year. Picturesque vintage car rallies are also held in some of the metros like Kolkata's Annual Statesman Vintage Car Rally. One of the most challenging Motor rallies is the Himalayan Car rally.

The Beginning

Motor racing activities first started in the post independence period as many of the World War II airstrips in different parts of the country were left deserted and enthusiasts took advantage of this to pursue this sport. One such airstrip was at Sholavaram, near Chennai. Soon, racing caught on in other parts of the country too. In time, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) became the governing body of this sport. Rallying - the mission to test man & machine against Indian terrain also rose to become a popular sport. National Championships were instituted and winners became cult figures.

Moving ahead

Rallies were shortened to 750 kilometers as long as they were part of the National championship and that made competition very tight. Team MRF, Team JK, Team JCT and Team Paarel are the only four teams in India today. Car and bike enthusiasts yearning for more adventure started setting off to cross country expeditions. Presently, motor sport includes activities like autocross, motocross, drag racing, motor gymkhana, treasure hunts and precise family rallies. Thanks to a deal between the West Bengal State Government and Grand Prix India Private Limited, a world class Formula One Racetrack with all the attendant features, facilities and infrastructure has been set up. Indian Narain Kartikeyan has already made a name for himself in the high-speed world of motor racing. But some applause must go to the sponsors who have supported him in his endeavor: J.K Tyres, Ford Motors, UB Group and the rest.

Indian Motor racing is roughly 50 years old and rallying 30 years. Though motor sport started with circuit racing in India, the fact today remains that racing has hardly progressed within the country.

Federation Of Motor Sports Clubs Of India (FMSCI)

Before 1971, it was difficult to conduct or participate in motor sports in India due to the non-existence of a common code and technical regulations. It was against this background that the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), was formed by five founder clubs, the Madras Motor Sports Club, the Karnataka Motor Sports Club (formerly Bangalore Motor Sports Club), the Coimbatore Auto Sports Club, the Indian Automotive Racing Club Ltd. and the Calcutta Motor Sports Club. It was formed with the objective of promoting and regulating motor sports and also to issue competition licenses. A panel was constituted for the National tribunal and the first General Competition Rules governing motor sports were released.

In the beginning, it was known as The Federation of Indian Motor Sports Clubs (FIMSC). The FMSCI is the only National Authority entrusted with the powers to promote and regulate motor sporting activities in India, by the Government of India. FMSCI has also been recognized as the National Authority for motor sports in India by the two international organisations, the Federation Internationale de l' Automobile (FIA) and the Federation International Motocycliste (FIM).

Towards the late 70's, the FMSCI gained affiliation to the FIA, the world controllers of motor sports for four-wheelers and above, which is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. A few years later, FMSCI became a member of the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), which led them to an FIM, affiliation. FIM are the world controllers of motor sports for three-wheelers and less. FIM are headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

1988 saw the introduction of the Indian Rally Drivers Championship in Chennai. Two years later, a new era was ushered in when Chennai boasted of the only international racing track approved both by FIA and FIM. The National Rally Championship for Cars and Motorcycles has also been a great success for a decade now. Some of the other events successfully managed by FMSCI include FIA Asian Zone Rally Seminar for both foreign and India delegates. Some of the other events lined up for the year include the Indian round of the Asian Motorcycle Union's International Motocross Championship, an autocross championship, a karting championship, a rally championship, a racing championship and an endurance championship and also some smaller two and four- wheeler events. In the past decade alone, some1171 events have been conducted.

FMSCI deserves much of the credit, if today, motor sports in India has developed in both quality and quantity.

Address :
The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India,
"Krishna Towers - I ",
VI Floor, Apartment. #25 9-13,
Sardar Patel Road,
Chennai 600 113.
Phone: 235 2673
Fax: 235 1684
Email: fmsci@md2.vsnl.net.in / fmsci@vsnl.com

Raid De Himalaya

Skiing

A comparatively new sport in India, skiing has gained immense popularity all over the world. The vast open spaces above the snowline have flung open to the skiing enthusiasts, a plethora of ski locales in Jammu and Kashmir, the hills of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh and the eastern states. The awesome height and spread of the snow clad mountains, with the added advantage of powdered snow are tempting enough to magnetize the adventurous spirits of the avid skier, providing all the thrill and excitement attached to the game. Realizing the immense prospect for tourism, India has developed some of the most modern and also the cheapest ski resorts in the whole world.

Auli is the Mecca of skiing in India. It is the site where enthusiasts throng in large numbers as this is one of the places with the best infrastructure next only to Gulmarg. Auli is the venue of the Indianwinter games in the country. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam conducts courses here and one must book months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Of the popular skiing destinations the following are worth exploring

Himachal Pradesh - Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, Shoja, Triund

Uttaranchal - Auli, Dayara Bugyal, Mundali, Munsiyari

Jammu and Kashmir - Gulmarg

Heli Skiing

Th For High Mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of Heli-skiing. Under a deep blue sky, the skiers are carried by helicopter to a snow-draped peak. And after that there is nothing except steadily distancing whirr of rotor blades, the sky and the snow. It is a thrilling experience as the skier rapidly zooms down the slopes.

Heli-skiing is an expensive sport because participants are taken to high mountaintops or the ridges by helicopter and dropped there. The skiers then ski down through the unknown route on the slopes. Skiers also choose their own slopes or terrain thus they need not waste time and energy in climbing up the slopes.

The sport is available in the area abound by the Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near Manali. A major feature is the compactness of the heli-skiing area. A sortie of ten minutes can carry the skiers to the top of a 14,000-feet high slope. Gulmarg was the first Asian destination to start Heli-skiing. A helicopter takes the skier's up to the Apherwat peak from where one can choose one's own descent route. Also available in Gulmarg during winter are toboggans, sledges and snow cycles.

Diving in India

1 Goa on the mainland2 Andaman and Nicobar group of islands in the Bay of Bengal3 Lakshadweep group of islands in the Arabian Sea

Every destination is completely unique in its own way, and they all have widely different dive conditions and marine life.

While Lakshadweep has the clear blue lagoons of coral atolls, Andaman and Nicobar are volcanic islands surrounded by deep, undisturbed waters that have an astounding bio-diversity. The third destination Goa has many exciting things to do, on land as well as in water.

Your adventure will begin long before your diving ever does. World class diving often lies in out of the world places. Getting there may not always be easy. Travel routes that run across valleys and plains, through breathtaking landscapes, and at the end of it all, the experience of diving in sites so pristine and untouched - of which you could probably be a pioneer in one of the last remaining diving frontiers - India.

For more information on scuba diving, contact

The Principal National Institute of Water Sports Ministry of Tourism - Government of India
Sundial Apartments, A. S. Road
Altino, Panaji
Goa - 403 001
India
Tel/Fax: 91-832-2436400
Email: niwsgoa@goa1.dot.net.in

1． Goa on the mainland
Goa

Dive Sites Miscellaneous Information Goa Diving

Goa is a little bit of Rio de Janeiro meets Ibiza. But then Goa is a lot of things. This little seaside state, with an identity that's a seamless blend of Portuguese-Latin influence and Indian tradition, was crackling enough to have been one of the Millennium destinations of the world.

The waters are safe and temperate, the absence of riptide currents making them ideal for learners and novice divers. And when you aren't wiggling in and out of your wetsuit, you could be sunbathing or bungee jumping, visiting temples or haunting the flea market. Like we said, Goa is a lot of things.

The three hundred years of Portuguese rule has left an indelible imprint on the collective psyche of Goans. It shows in their music, their architecture and their culture. It's also why Goans make the most wonderful vindaloo this side of the Indian Ocean.

Dive Sites

The marine life of Goa is similar to that found in Maldives. The presence of wrecks in Spanish and Portuguese galleons and World War II ships make the fish life prolific.

Grand Island

Much of the local diving is conducted around this island. Some of the sites near the island include Suzy's Wreck, Davy Jones Lockers, Sail Rock, Turbo Tunnel, Surge City, Uma Guma Reef, and Bounty Bay.

Angria Bank

A four-hour high-speed boat ride takes you to this world-class dive site 120 miles from Goa. A vast underwater landmass about half the size of the state of Goa, it offers an amazing wealth of coral and fish. A 'live-aboard' is available with the local dive center to make diving at this site an unforgettable experience.

Pigeon Island

This rocky outcrop has interesting marine life as well as good visibility.

Malvan Shoal

2 hours away from the capital city of Panaji exist some interesting shallow sites in the water between Vengurla and Malvan.

Miscellaneous Information

Decompression chamber : Available an hour by road from any of the dive sites.

Best Time to Visit : Between November and May (All dive sites are generally closed during the Indian monsoons which is between June and October).

Climate : Tropical - between 25-28? Celsius during summer.

For more info on Goa; give link to the Goa page Diving Centers

Goa Diving

Address :
No. 145-P, Chapel Bhat,
Chicalim,
Goa - 403711
India.
Tel: 91-832-555117

Dive Location :
Joet's Guest House, Bogmala Beach,
Goa.
Tel: 91-832-555036
Email: contact@goadiving.com
Website: http://www.goadiving.com

Barracuda Diving

Address :
c/o Cidade de Goa Beach Resort
Dona Paula
Goa 403004
India
Dive Location : Grande Island & San Jorge Island.
Email: barracuda@vsnl.com
Website: : http://www.goenkar.com/barracuda

2． Andaman and Nicobar group of islands in the Bay of Bengal
Andaman & Nicobar Islands

This is the closest you get to feeling like Robinson Crusoe. 362 volcanic islands scattered in the Bay of Bengal, with only 37 of these being inhabited. These lush green islands have colourful historical past, with strings of invasions by the French, Dutch, Japanese and British & raging wars between settlers and the native tribes. The Cellular Jail, where hundreds of Indian revolutionaries were imprisoned during the Indian freedom struggle, still stands tall. Descendents of these political prisoners and the local tribes of the area are the inhabitants of modern day Andaman and Nicobar.

The tropical rain forests that loom close to the seashore are home to unique species of birds, and to tribes that still haven't learned to use fire. Andaman is an experience quite unlike another. And if you find yourself using more mosquito repellent here than even before, you'll be using a lot more camera rolls as well.

Dive Sites:

Around Port Blair

The waters around Andaman have spectacular bio-diversity, and dive conditions that are ideal for an experienced diver.

Cinque Island

One of the best dive destinations in the island, it has clear emerald waters with a visibility of up to 80 feet. The deep dive offers a terrific variety of marine life including back coral and sightings of sharks, and is ideal for the experienced diver.

Rutland Island

The shallow waters here have a good representation of most small fish and coral, and is a good place for training open water divers.

Snake Island

Awesome rock faces and a spectacular dive landscape. Marine life includes Trigger fish, Grunts, Goatfish and Rays.

Havelock Island

This island is located approximately 4 hours from the Port Blair airport by inter-island ferry. The dive centre located on the island offers a wide range of largely unexplored dive sites rich in underwater marine life.

Miscellaneous Information

The nearest decompression chamber is at the Naval base in Port Blair. Foreign visitors are only allowed to visit certain islands in middle, little and south Andamans.
Best Time to Visit - Between November and May.
Climate - Tropical - between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Languages Spoken - English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil.

Getting There

By Air - These Islands are located about 1250 Kms from Kolkata (West Bengal) and about 1200 kms from Chennai (Tamil Nadu). The capital, Port Blair, is served by India Airlines and Jet Airways. Indian Airlines flies from Calcutta to Port Blair six days a week (except Sundays). Jet Airways has a daily flight from Chennai to Port Blair. Indian Airlines flies four days a week to Port Blair from Chennai. Both inbound and outbound tickets should be booked well in advance for these sectors.

By Sea - It is possible to sail to Port Blair from Calcutta and Chennai every week. The crossing takes about 3-4 days. All ships plying on this route are under the auspices of the Directorate of Shipping, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and are operated by the Shipping Corporation of India.

Permits - It is advisable to carry a few extra passport photographs and copies of your passport, as you would need to submit these to the authorities at Port Blair on arrival for your permit to visit the Island.

Diving Centers :

Andaman Scuba Club
Address : Post Box No. 9, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands 744101, India.
Location : Andaman Scuba Club, Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands 74411,
Email : info@andamanscubaclub.com
Website : http://www.andamanscubaclub.com

Andaman Divers

Address : Asparas B-8, Sriram Nagar, South Street, Chennai 600018, India.
Dive Location : Peerless Resort, Corbyn's Cave, Post Box No. 21, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands - 744106.
Email : herbertburri@hotmail.com

Samudra

Address : Sita Kunj, 6th Floor, 164 M.K. Marg, Mantralaya, Mumbai 400021, India.
Tel : 91-22-2870729
Fax : 2852037
Dive Location : Sinclairs Bay View, South Point, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands 744106,
Tel : 91-3192-31824
Email : manavit@yahoo.com
Website : http://www.diveandaman.com

3. Lakshadweep group of islands in the Arabian Sea
Lakshadweep

Dive Sites Miscellaneous Information Getting There Permits Diving Centers

Be warned. There are some things that are really hard to find in Lakshadweep. Like fast cars, shrinks, or tranquillisers. They do have all that water though. Bright and clear as liquid glass, fringed by white stretches of sand where the only throngs you'll ever see are of the sandpipers on the shore. And you could sleep by the seaside with the night sky as your ceiling. Therapy has never felt better.

Geographically similar to that other divers' haunt, Lakshadweep is like Maldives without the crowds. 400 kilometers off the coast of Kerala, this group of 36 coral islands and atolls can be reached by a twenty-hour sea journey from Cochin. Of the ten inhabited islands, only two Bangaram and Kadmat, are open to foreigners and there are dive centers on both these islands. The lagoons are home to a spectacular world of marine life, so unexplored, you may well have a site named after you.

Dive Sites

Around Kadmat Island

Surrounded on the eastern and western side by the lagoon, Kadmat is the ideal haven of solitude. This little island has an astonishing variety of marine flora and fauna. Some of the dive sites explored till date are beyond any sort of written description, they are ethereal moments of pure wonder.

The Wall

A wall of soft coral starting at 12 meters and cascading down to the deep blue. Dive amongst turtles as resplendent as their surroundings.

Sting Ray City

A 21 meter dive along the sand dunes, abundant with Sting Rays.

Cross Currents

Located between the islands of Amini and Kadmat, drift dive along with schools of Snapper, Fusilier and Sharks at 15-21 meters.

Jack Point

A drift dive between 21-30 meters with different types of fish like Jack Fish and King Fish.

Garden of Eden

An abundance of table coral at 12-25 meters along with varieties of small fish and Groupers.

East Channel

Located between 9-20 meters an abundance of soft coral and tuna.

Around Bangaram Island

A teardrop shaped island surrounded by a continuous strip of creamy sand. The temperate blue-green waters of the Indian Ocean are an irresistible invitation to the scuba diving fraternity of the world. The exquisite black coral formations along with Angel Fish, Clown fish, Butterfly, Surgeons, Groupers, Mantas, Sting Rays and wondrous marine life are found in the Lakshadweep.

You can also visit the wreck of the Princess Royal at 32 meters, sunk in a battle over two hundred years ago, or if luck is on your side, have the pleasure of being escorted by a pod of 10-20 Dolphins.

Visit the dive sites Manta Point, Shark Point and The Wall. Dive amidst a submerged reef with shoals of Giant Parrotfish.

Bangaram - a place on the edge of the world. A bit of paradise.

Miscellaneous Information

For both the dive centres, the nearest decompression chamber is a 2 hour chopper ride to the Naval Base at Cochin.

Best Time to Visit - Between November and May
Climate - Tropical - between 25-28? Celsius
Languages spoken - English, Malayalam, Mhal

Getting There

By Air - These islands are located about 400 kms from Kochi (Cochin, Kerala State). Indian Airlines operates daily flight (except Sundays) from Kochi (Cochin) to Agatti. On arrival at Agatti, private resort boats will transfer you to either Bangaram or Kadmat Island. It is advisable to book both your inbound and outbound tickets well in advance.

By Sea - There is a ship service that taken about 20 hours to reach Lakshadweep from Cochin. Tickets can be obtained on arrival or by your travel agent.

Permits

Permits For Bangaram
All foreigners need to send their names, nationality, date of birth, passport number, date of issue and expiry to the resort. The resort at Bangaram will obtain the permits through the Lakshadweep Administration. A minimum of 3 days is required for this.

Permits For Kadmat
6 photographs along with the first and last three pages of your current passport have to be submitted to the office of the dive center. Permission for Kadmat comes from the Home Minstry via Lakshadweep Administration. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for this process.

Diving Centers

Bangaram Island Resort
Address :
Casino Hotel, Willingdon Island, Cochin 682003, India
Tel: 91-484-668221 / 668421
Fax: 91-484-668001
Dive Location: Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
Email: casino@vsnl.com
Website: http://www.casinogroup.com

Lacadives
Address :
E-20 Everest Building, Tardeo, Mumbai 400034, India
Tel: 91-22-4940431, 4940510, 4942723
Fax: 91-22-4951644
Cochin: Pallath Building, Kurishupally Road, Ravipuram, Cochin 682016
Dive Location: Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep
Email: lacadives@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.lacadives.com

When it comes to water sports, Indian Beaches are full of it. If it's diving you are looking for, check out the three main centres of Diving in India. Andaman & Nicobar group of Islands in the Bay Of Bengal, Lakshwadeep group of Islands in the Arabian Sea and Goa on the mainland.
Water sports activities offered by various beach resorts and sports clubs include Sailing, Para Sailing Windsurfing, and Water Skiing. Every beach destination of India is completely unique in its own way and they all have widely different dive conditions and marine life.
Kovalam Beach is one of the best coastal beauties in India and because of its natural location; it affords facilities for a safe sea bath. The salubrious beach village of Covelong is a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life of Chennai and the sea and the surf here are gentle.
Snorkelling in the shallow water around Bangaram Island is one of the favourite water sport activities done at the island beach destination of Lakshadweep. From the 10 inhabited islands of Lakshadweep, only Bangaram and Kadmat islands are open for tourists and there are dive centres on both of these islands. Wind surfing and Kayaking are the best water sport activities at the Bangaram Island.
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.

Snorkelling:
Snorkelling in the shallow water can be quite a family activity for the kids and adults at a beach side, besides making a sand castle, while on a beach holiday. An easy way to visit and solve the mysteries of the underwater world, take a dip and you will be hooked!
If you are new to this sport, the various beach resorts in India provide informal classes to give briefing about what is snorkelling is all about and the safety measure that one should follow while indulging in this water sport. Learning about marine life also becomes an enjoyable experience. The shallow water demonstrations and guided snorkel tours are the most attractive offers provided by the beach resorts.
The snorkelling can be best done at the secluded beach island sites of Andaman & Nicobar and at Lakshwadeep Islands, where the beach beauty and the bio diversity of the ocean world is still intact. Still being a family sport, you can also check out the quiet and not so famous beach sites of Goa such as Colva or Diu beach near Gujarat.

Canoeing, Kayaking & Surfing:
Surfing is one of the best sports when it comes to making a splash in water and the craze of this water sport is catching up as a favourite beach water sport in India. If you like thrills, surfing is for you. What you need is a quick senses and a balancing act on the surfboard.
But one must always remember that with the thrills comes the danger. If you are new to sea and sea sports, then before drowning in the excitement of trying out a beach sport like canoeing, Kayaking or surfing do remember that a lot depends on the water level and the weather. The beaches of the Indian western coast have quiet unpredictable surprises for a water sport lover.
The major surfing and canoeing sites in India include, the beaches of Goa, Karnataka and Kerala, where numerous beach resorts are well equipped with excellent quality surfboards, Kayaks and canoes. These beaches also offer expert training offers for those who are new to these sports.

Water Skiing:
Skiing is considered to be one of the major extreme sports in the sport, but water skiing is something that gives a water sport lover the opportunity to make a splash at the watery depths of the sea world. Similar to surfing in many ways, you do get to balance on the ski board in here too, but a strong a sensory power is also required over here too.
When you are on a beach, you will never run out things to do, and water skiing is one sport that one must indulge into if you are eligible to try one out. There aren't many private beaches at Goa, but the beaches attached to the luxurious beach resorts are the ones that offer a wealth of hi-tech water sports with proper equipment and the highest safety standards.
Other Water Sports Beaches:

Diu Beach
Beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Beaches Of Lakshadweep Islands
Anjuna Beach, Goa
Baga Beach, Goa
Dona Paula, Goa
Kovalam Beach
Colva Beach
Covelong Beach, Chennai

Water Skiing

Water Skiing Sites In India

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

Water Sports

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.

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.

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, Kumaon
The Junction of the Sarju River and Eastern Ramganga, Kumaon
Nadaun and Hamipur, the Pong Dam reservoir, Neugal Khad and Baner Kund in Himachal Pradesh.
The streams around Munnar in Kerala

The 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 Maharashtra

Lakes in Kumaon (Saat-tal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiya Tal), Uttaranchal

The Madh Island Coastline near Mumbai in Maharashtra

Walvan Lake, Lonavala, Maharashtra

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抯 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.

India has its fair share of Tiger Reserves. India抯 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.

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.

Best Season

October through December has the highest glee factor with a 5-star cycle rating. Visibility and conditions are at there best and you'll see the whole country buzzing on and around the trails to prove it!

In mid-November and into December you will have cooler mornings and nights. The days are sunny & warm, with little chance of rain throughout this season.

The Shivalik or lower Himalayan ranges provide ample opportunities for biking. Do consult your travel agent before setting on a biking tour and make sure all logistics are planned to your satisfaction.

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.

Camel Safaris

Rajasthan, India's westernmost state is the very essence of exotic India. You can see Rajasthan on a jeep safari. Or, if you've a penchant for the high life, aboard the "Palace on Wheels", the luxury train. But to really get a hands-on feel of the desert state, nothing comes close to a camel safari. Climb up on one of these seemingly ungainly beasts, hang on for dear life, and let the good times roll, for the Ship of the Desert walks in a way which would certainly remind any sailor of a rolling, pitching deck in turbulent waters!

When to go - Winters are the best time for a camel safari. Rajasthan's summers are almost unbearably hot and dry, so going on a camel safari during this time is virtually impossible. November to March, when days are cool (and nights cold!) is when most camel safaris are organised.

What to bring - Woollens are a necessary part of packing. Desert nights can get very cold, so it's essential to take along warm sweaters and jackets. Although mattresses are usually provided by whoever's organising the camel safari, you'll need to carry bedding - a warm sleeping bag is recommended. During the daytime, the sun can be blistering, so make sure you get your hat, a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen lotion. Carry a first aid kit along with you, as well as any other essentials you might need - out there in the desert, trying to find a shop can be a problem. It's a good idea to carry along extra blankets to cover the wooden saddle, which you'll probably be sitting on. Blankets are excellent padding, and can protect you from a sore bottom after a hard day's riding.

Getting there - Most camel safaris start from Jaisalmer, which is connected by air, train and road to the rest of India. Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, is also a convenient base for exploring the state, whether on camel or otherwise. Jaipur has a well-connected airport, as well as regular train and bus links to a number of cities across India. All camel-safari towns in Rajasthan, such as Bikaner and Mandawa, are connected by road to Jaipur. Buses run between all the major towns of the state, and private cars or taxis can be hired to do the trip.

Important Tips

Drink plenty of water, at least 2 to 4 litres a day, to prevent dehydration and keep yourself well covered, to prevent sunburn.

Wear a sunhat and sun glasses and slap on the suntan lotion if you don't want your skin to start peeling. Use a good sunscreen with high SPF.

Rajasthan, although it's fast getting as commercialised as any other part of India, still is pretty unspoilt - especially as far as the desert is concerned. Keep it that way; please don't leave a trail of junk behind you or harm the ecology and culture of this beautiful region.

Fundamental facts

A large number of travel agents and tour operators in Rajasthan organise camel safaris. Most of these are in the vicinity of Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ossian and Khimsar, and stretch from anywhere between 2 to 7 days, with longer ones of up to a month. Shorter, daylong camel safaris, which just about give you a glimpse of the desert, are also organised. The majority of camel safaris start from the desert fort town of Jaisalmer.

In most cases, one camel is provided per person, and a camel cart accompanies the entourage, laden with food, utensils and other supplies; it's also an option for anyone who gets sick of sitting on a lurching camel. Tents, food, mineral water, mattresses and an escort are invariably provided, and most operators will also make sure you get a full dose of local entertainment in the evenings. For longer camel safaris, which cover a few days, camps are usually set up at night in the vicinity of villages.

Among the more popular circuits for camel safaris are:

Jaisalmer
Bikaner
Mandawa
Jaisalmer

1. Jaisalmer-Badabagh- Baisakhai- Ramkunda- Roopsi- Ludharva- Chatrayil- Salkha- Beri of Kanoi- Masooradi- Jeseiri- Dedha- Deegasar- Kuldhara- Moolsagar- Amarsagar- Jaisalmer This route is really one of the longest camel safaris in the state; a number of shorter versions of it are available, if you don't have the time or the inclination to go the whole hog.

2. Jaisalmer- Moolsagar- Kuldhara- Masooradi- Padiyari- Moondardi- Jaisalmer An abridged version of the first camel safari, this one starts from Jaisalmer, and passes through Moolsagar, Kuldhara and Masooradi, before proceeding to Padiyari and then to the hamlet of Moondardi. From Moondardi, the safari heads back to Jaisalmer. A short trip, but enjoyable enough, especially for someone who doesn't have the time to spare for a longer expedition.

Bikaner

1.Bikaner- Naukh- Kanasar- Baru- Chayan- Sataya- Tadana- Mohangarh- Dungri-Jaisalmer:
This route starts at Bikaner, where you can see the magnificent old Junagarh fort and the lovely Lalgarh Palace, before you get on to your camel and set off. The camel safari works its way southwards, passing through the hamlets of Naukh, Kansar, Baru, Chayan, Sataya and Tadana to Mohangarh. Mohangarh, although a small town, is dominated by an imposing sandstone fortress, which deserves a visit. From the town, the trail continues to Dungri and then onto Jaisalmer, where it ends.

2. Bikaner- Charkhada- Teliyan ki Dhani- Kanasar- Baru Bhala- Bungri- Telansar- Chaku- Bharaiya- Jambo- Jaisalmer
Another of the Bikaner-Jaisalmer camel safaris, but one that follows a different route. This one starts at Bikaner, and instead of heading directly south to Jaisalmer, makes a detour eastward into the neighbouring district of Jodhpur. Passing through the villages of Charkhada, Teliyan ki Dhani, Kanasar, Baru Bhala, Telansar, Chaku and Bharaiya along the way, the camel safari reaches the hamlet of Jambo, in Jodhpur district. From Jambo, it turns westward and goes to Jaisalmer, where it ends.

Mandawa

Mandawa-Dhakas-Khotia-Mandawa:
This camel safari is one of the shortest offered and though it's not full of exotica, it allows you a brief but enlightening glimpse of life in one of India's harshest but loveliest terrains.

These are just a few of the more popular routes; other camel safaris are organised throughout Rajasthan. Some, like the ones above, originate in Jaisalmer, Bikaner or Mandawa, while others traverse the area around Jodhpur and Shekhavati, the latter rich with fresco-decorated havelis. Camel safaris like the ones in the vicinity of Jaisalmer and Shekhavati offer plenty of scope for touring medieval forts, visiting ancient temples and photographing some of Rajasthan's most imposing monuments. The ones around Bikaner are, on the contrary, more suited for a glimpse of typical village life. You probably won't see too many famous forts or palaces on these circuits, but it's a grand opportunity to get a taste of rural Rajasthan.

All major hotels and travel agents in the areas book Camel Safaris. You can get in touch with your travel agent or your hotel for an enjoyable trip.

The Elephant Safari in Corbett National Park

A truly international product, unmatched in value to any other jungle experience, the Elephant Safari in Corbett National Park is one of the most premium jungle experiences that the country has to offer. A combination of Five star jungle hospitality using one of the most premium properties in the Corbett National Park and some of the jungle rest houses deep in the jungles of Corbett National Park over a period of six days you get to experience the wilderness from very close quarters.

A brief itinerary is provided below

Day 01: Delhi/Corbett: O/N The Corbett National Park.

Arrival and check in at Hotel. After a welcome drink and a short briefing on your stay at different lodges. Lunch is served. Proceed for game view drive to Bijrani.

DAY 02: Corbett; O/N Dhikala forest rest house.

Post Breakfast game view drive in Corbett national park for tiger tracking. Drive on to Dhikala Rest House, the natural setting is awesome and the location is picturesque. Lunch/rest/relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the grassland area and its abundant wildlife. The elephant ride from Dhikala provides the opportunity for close viewing of wildlife. O/n stay at Dhikala Forest Rest House.

Day 03: O/N Rathuadab Forest Guest House.

Have a steaming cup of tea before breakfast and you start off early, as it is more rewarding. You may spot chital returning to thick forest after having spent the night feeding in the open; you may even catch a glimpse of a tiger returning after night's hunt. Your elephant will follow game paths through the jungle before entering the Mandal valley. Stop for lunch and short rest. The afternoon safari takes you up a wooded hillside, which has high mountains and thick forests. You follow the Mandal River to Rathuadhab where your camp has been set up for the night.

DAY 04: O/N Halduparao.

This is the most exciting day as you visit Sonanadi (river of gold) sanctuary. A heaven for wildlife, this sanctuary has recently been included in the Corbett tiger reserve because of abundance of game. On the morning safari, your elephant follows the old bridle path used by British officers who traveled on horses, through the Palain River valley to Mondiapani. There is old forest rest house here where you can stretch your legs and have a quick lunch. After lunch your safari continues through the most beautiful part of your trip. Because of the bamboo forests here, one can expect the wild elephants in this path. This sanctuary has the largest concentration of elephants. Herds of elephants gather here to satisfy their enormous appetite by feeding on the tender green bamboo. The Palain River is perennial and provides essential water for elephants. Your camp here is on the bank of the river. There is a "Machan" (watch tower) from where you can safely view the game coming to drink and bathe in the river. Overnight stay at the Forest Rest House (FRH).

DAY 05: O/N the

(You can sleep till late today!) after a leisurely breakfast, bid good-bye to your elephant and the mahout. Your jeep will take you back through another part of the Corbett tiger reserve to the Hotel, Corbett Hideaway. On the way, stop for lunch at one of the forest bungalows. You arrive before sundown in time to have dinner and watch a Kumaoni cultural show. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 06: Leave for Delhi after breakfast.

Details of the program

Accommodation inside rathuadab / halduparao FRH have basic accommodation on twin/ triple sharing basis with non-flushing, Indian style toilets.

Our support team of 6 persons including certified naturalist, driver, attendants & Chef apart from mahout would be there to assist you for your Program.

We provide the linen & other toiletries.

We also serve continental food on the Program too.

Horse Safaris

Horse Safaris are organized in the Marwar region (the chief town of which is Udaipur (give link)) of Rajasthan. Its semi-desert environs provide a perfect backdrop to the rich colours of the people of different tribes and communities. The pride of the region is the Marwar horse, which has been bred over centuries of royal patronage. Rohetgarh offers splendid riding experience of the wildlife, scenic and tourist interest. The tour takes you through the traversed trail offering old forts belonging to erstwhile rulers of the region. It also includes night camps and a peek into the traditions of the region. Contact your hotel or travel agent to arrange for one.

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

Various established routes and areas for Jeep Safaris include

Leh & Ladakh
Spiti, Lahaul and Zanskar Valleys
Kumaon and Garhwal
Sikkim
Arunachal Pradesh
Gujarat
Rajasthan

Mountaineering

The Himalayas, a dream for any mountaineer and the most cherished mountain system in the world that also is the home to the highest peak on the planet runs from the extreme north of the country and extends all the way up to the eastern most state, Arunachal Pradesh. The biggest adventure playground in the world -the Himalaya provides ample opportunities for the adventure enthusiast from all over the world to try their luck and immortalise their names by climbing some of the toughest and highest peaks. With more than 100 peaks above 6000 mtrs (some of them yet unclimbed) the Himalaya promises every climber their share of adventure, which lures them to the mountains.

Mountaineering is a serious activity undertaken with the primary goal of reaching a mountain's summit. Unlike trekking or hiking it requires a high degree of fitness and experience especially above the permanent snowline (i.e. above 5200 m). Even more than other adventure sporting enthusiasts, mountaineers recognise that they run a high level of risk of personal injury.

The Himalayan mountain range is home to some of the highest mountains of the world and many serious climbers seek to conquer peaks each year.

Starting from Delhi, Lucknow, Calcutta or Bombay, the mountain road heads in Garhwal and Kumaon can be usually reached within two to five days. In view of the height and distance of the Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas, many available peaks can be attempted within a period of four to five weeks from Delhi.

Seasons : The mountaineering season tends to be concentrated during April-November. A number of climbs are also being attempted in winter.

Grade : Mountaineering routes are graded according to the degree of difficulty and accessibility. Prior medical examination is essential. The permanent snow line generally being in the region of 5,250 m, the degree of difficulty of mountaineering routes can broadly be defined as :

Moderate : Requiring knowledge of basic mountaineering techniques.

Advanced : For this category of peaks it is necessary to be in high-grade physical condition and to possess advanced mountaineering skills. Within this category further demarcation is possible till the highest degrees of difficulty. The difference between the various grades of difficulty is thus based essentially on the required techniques concerning rock, snow, ice and rescue.

Equipments : Can be hired from clubs or purchased from one of the agencies selling it. Places where equipment is available for hiring: Muni-ki-Reti, UttarKashi, Joshimath Gangotri, Purola, Chopta, Ukhimath Ghuttu.

Peak booking fees, Inner Line restrictions, import of equipment, camera permits, insurance, medical attention and evacuation procedure have been laid down in detail by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation based in Delhi. This is the national apex coordinating body for the sport in India.

Mountaineering Expeditions

All expeditions have to be cleared by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. Expeditions are graded according to level of difficulty and must be accompanied by a liaison officer provided by the government, at the expedition's expense. Applications must be submitted at least six months in advance to the Indian government. The IMF also maintains a list of available peaks, peak booking fees, access restrictions, medical aid, rescue, weather forecasting and other information pertinent to climbing a peak. The IMF office is at the University of Delhi's south campus. It also has a reference library, documentation centre, museum and climbing wall.

Contact :

The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)
Benito Juarez Road, Anand Niketan
New Delhi - 110021
Website: www.indmount.com

Training

Mountaineering training in India is provided at several Mountaineering Institutes run under the guidance of the Indian government. Anyone physically fit and willing to bear some physical hardship may join.

Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary's first ascent of Everest on May 29, 1953 was a historic landmark in establishing mountaineering as a sport promoted by the government in India. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was created in 1954. In 1965 the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi was set up and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM) at Aru in Jammu and Kashmir in 1983. In 1990 the JIM was shifted from Aru to Batote but continues to face problems associated with violence in the Kashmir valley.

Age limits :

Basic mountaineering - 17 to 35 years
Advanced Mountaineering - 18 to 40 years
Search and Rescue, and Method of Instruction - 18 to 40 years
Adventure Course - some 13 to 17 years others - 21 to 35 years

The Himalayan Club is an organisation that attempts to provide information about, and encourage and assist exploration of the Himalaya. The club publishes an annual journal and newsletter, maintains a comprehensive reference library at the Indian International Centre in New Delhi. Over the last few years, activity at the Himalayan Club has reduced though the occasional film slide show or talk is still held when an expedition has just been completed and its organisers are in the city.

Contact :

The Himalayan Club Library India International Centre
40 Max Muller Marg Lodi Estate New Delhi - 110 003

The Himalayan Club c/o Eastern Bunkerers Ltd.
Scindia House, Basement, Narottam Morarjee Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001

c/o Mr. K. Guha 63 E Maharivan Road Calcutta - 700 029

Rock climbing

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.

In Uttaranchal the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering utilises the sites around Uttarkashi to impart training on the sport. Recently the Asia Climbing championships were held at Uttarkashi generating much interest in the local media about the sport. Areas around Nainital also offer many options for the serious rock-climbing enthusiast. Mukteshwar is particularly a favoured spot with the local climbers.

Gangotri Gorge 400 km. north of Delhi has immense possibilities of big wall climbing on walls ranging from 200 metres to 1,000 metres in a mountain environment.

www.rockclimbing.com

Mt. Abu (Rajasthan)
Pachmarhi in Central India.

Sport Climbing

For people who like to climb but do not have the time to travel to the nearest sites sport climbing on Artificial Walls, emerged as a sport in England and spread rapidly across the globe and today has a cult following. As with natural climbing sport climbing is not weather dependent as it is mostly indoors, is not time dependent and is flexible on the grade of climbing to be selected by the climber by placing the holds at the desired places to choose one's own level of difficulty. Today there are more than 60 artificial walls in the country owned privately and by the government institutes and are rapidly contributing to growth of the sport in the country. The latest star attraction in the country happens to be the Ice Wall erected at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering for the Asian Rock Climbing Championships and is one of its kind in the country. Some other places with artificial walls are the Ramjas Sports and Mountaineering Institute in Delhi, HMI Darjeeling and the Indian Mountaineering Federation, Legend Inn and the Yamuna Sports Complex at New Delhi.

Caving

Caving is not yet a popular sport in India. But that doesn't mean there aren't good sites to explore. Many places in Central and Northern and North Eastern India allow safe caving experiences.

The scientific activity of studying, exploring and mapping caves is called Speleology. The recreational pursuit is called caving in Australia but is called potholing and spelunking in other parts of the world. It is a very popular pastime, which allows cavers to safely experience the underground world.

Caves are very sensitive and fragile environments. Thus cavers need to take the utmost care when entering caves to view and experience the amazing structures such as stalagmites and stalactites, columns, shawls, straws and flowstones.

Meghalaya, in the North East of India has immense opportunities for the enthusiasts. There are around 780 caves near Cherrapunji and Shillong and in the Garo and Jaintia Hills.

For more information please contact :
Meghalaya Tourism (Delhi- 91 11 23014417/ Kolkata- 91 33 22290797,
Shillong- 91 364 2226054) or Meghalaya Adventure Association, Shillong (Tel: 91 364 2545621).

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.