Where to Find Adventure in India

Given the surge in the number of sports tourists, thrill seekers and adventure lovers boarding flights to India, the year 2018 has been declared as the Year of Adventure Tourism by Ministry of Tourism in India. If you are planning an active holiday or an adventure retreat to the country soon, here are the top spots in the country that an adventure-seeker cannot look past:

Manali

A resort town sitting in the lap of Himalayas in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is adventure lovers’ and backpackers’ preferred hotspot in India. The trek up to the Rohtang Pass leads visitors through snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling hills and a few treacherous bends and curves that induce the adrenaline rush. Paragliding in the Solang Valley is another adventure you must add to your list. Serving clandestine romantic vistas on the side, marked by gorgeous trails, pine forests and apple orchards, Manali is also a preferred honeymoon destination, especially from April-September when most of north India is simmering under the brutal summer sun.

Bandhavgarh

If wildlife spotting is on agenda during your India visit; Bandhavgarh National Park is the place to be at. Situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park has the Royal Bengal Tiger as its most popular denizen. The area called Chakradhar is from where most of the tiger spotting in the park are reported, and visitors are best advised to take a Jeep Safari under the guidance of expert navigators for an enhanced experience and to know more about native flora and fauna. In addition to the tigers, the parks boasts 37 species of mammals, more than 250 species of birds, about 80 species of butterflies, a number of reptiles.

Lahaul-Spiti

Virgin encounters in the rugged terrains await the visitors in Lahaul-Spiti, the isolated northern and eastern tracts of Himachal Pradesh. Popular amongst riders, backpackers and trekkers, these sparsely populated areas are popular for their snow-topped mountains and breathtaking valleys. Parvati Valley trekking expedition is one of the most rewarding experiences for most trekkers as is the trek along the Hampta Pass and Chandra Taal. One can also opt for jeep safaris or mountain biking tours of these regions.

Rishikesh

Famed as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh should be on your list of places to visit in India, particularly for adventure. The excellent rafting opportunities on the River Ganges are the draw for most visitors. Besides, visitors can also find ample venues for cliff jumping, rappelling, camping, kayaking, bungee jumping, flying fox, rock climbing, mountain biking and trekking here. Adrenaline junkies particularly enjoy the rope swing at the Mohan Chatti as well as 1-kilometer long zip-lining adventure across the river.

Roopkund

Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Roopkund Trek is the one that features on the wish list of the most avid trekkers in the country. Boasting untouched forests, gushing rivers, billowing meadows, snow-capped peaks and stunning campsites, the trek has all ingredients to leave an adventure lover’s heart-pounding. Crossing the dense forests of Ghairoli, the alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal and enjoying mesmerising views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti, one can climb from 8,000 ft to 16,000 ft in six days on this thrilling trek.