Do you feel the fatality of the monotony, about the same old hill stations and beaches in India where your relatives and friends have visited? Planning a trip to unexplored territory where accessibility might be an issue, but the spirit of adventure acts as a tonic. India’s beautiful travel destinations are exceptional for their magnificent region, culture, and hospitality. Some are popular and commercialized, which are saturated by tourists.

Explore Underrated Destinations of India

You need a list of lesser-known places that doesn’t imply it has anything less to offer. A little exploration and research from us will surprise you with how much this country has to offer. Here we have So, here are some of the most underrated destinations in India that have been not noticed by a lot of people, and now we want our travellers to know more about such unexplored places.

Majuli – Assam

Majuli is one of the most surreal places in India with a lush green environment and pollution-free World’s largest freshwater island in the river Brahmaputra. The unmatched beauty of the place is wrapped in a unique and quite interesting culture inhabited by tribals with various migratory birds and a dose of mesmerizing sunsets. Majuli tour is incomplete without visiting the Satras (regarded as the hub of neo-Vaishnavite culture) which function as monasteries and heritages.

How to Reach? To reach the island one has to take a ferry from Neemati Ghat in the Jorhat district. The main town Jorahat has accessibility by train which is 20km away. 

Bishnupur – West Bengal

Bishnupur has a glorious past, was the capital city of the Malla dynasty. The rich architecture and handicrafts such as weaving reflect its unique form. Its elegance is brilliant and detailed terracotta work as the carvings on the temples or handicrafts by the weaver are just a few examples that endured the ravages of the time. Bishnupur is also one of the principal centres of tradition in Bengal as Gharana of Hindustani Classical Music. Every year the weeklong festival “Bishnupur Mela” held in Poush(December-January) is a unique experience of the ‘Bishnupur culture’ in West Bengal.

How to Reach? Bishnupur has several direct trains from Kolkata. It is perfectly connected by NH2, which takes 4 hours from Kolkata.

Spiti Valley- Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is perhaps the most desirable place because of the unusual purple hue of the mountains in Himachal Pradesh. The dying explorer in you can be unleashed in the valley of the majestic Himalayan deserts. The breathtaking views of pristine gurgling rivers, scenic alpine lakes, and a rare variety of flora and fauna will mesmerize you. The open-minded local community and their warm welcome are some of the features of the Spiti Valley tour. It is also home to the world’s oldest Buddhist cultural centre – Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and Key Monastery. 

TIPS: The foreigners require a pass – Inner Line Permit to travel beyond Reckong Peo. 

How to Reach? You can travel to Reckong Peo by bus from Shimla and then to Kaza. The other route, Manali to Kaza is not for the faint-hearted, which is roughly 200 km.

Gavi – Kerala

Gavi cast its enchanting spell that recounts the pristine forest and its wilderness. The hills and valleys, sprawling grasslands, cascading waterfalls, and cardamom plantations offer a spectacular view of the deep ravine forest. The leading eco-tourism as Jungle Camping, Wildlife Trek, and Boating has caught the attention of nature lovers and adventure tourists. Gavi makes a unique venture with the active involvement of tribals, sharing their traditional knowledge of the forest, as guides, gardeners, and cooks. 

How to Reach? There is no railroad in Gavi, the nearest major railway stations are Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Madurai. The alternate option is to travel from Kumily(40km).

Gangtok – Sikkim

A beautiful hill town wreathed in clouds blended with cultural identities to urbanization. Gangtok is a dynamic part of the paradise of the northeast states of India. The town provides the perfect base to travel its surrounding regions abundant with natural beauty that offers the spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Apart from various natural attractions, it has many famous religious sites. For adventure enthusiasts, it comprises trekking and camping in the Himalayan mountain ranges. The annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival held in December attracts a large number of locals and tourists each year.

How to Reach? The capital city of Gangtok has Pakyong Airport. There is good connectivity by roads from Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Kalimpong. 

Tawang – Arunachal Pradesh

The beautiful town of Tawang in endowed in the solitude of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges with mesmerizing Tawang chu River. The place is greatly significant for Buddhist monks being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. The Tawang Monastery is one of the gems in Arunachal Pradesh recognized as the second-largest monastery in the world. The major religious festivals “LOSAR” in February-March and “TORGYA” in January are celebrated annually. The glacial lakes in and around Tawang with crystal blue water, splendid waterfalls, and hot springs are splendid stopovers. 

How to Reach? The nearest airport to reach Tawang is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam, and the nearest railway connectivity is in Rangapara in Tezpur, Assam. 

Mandu – Madhya Pradesh

Mandu is a city of timeless monumental structures that promises to make you travel through time. This citadel is the finest example of Afghan architecture perched atop a pleasantly green, thinly forested plateau. The imposing monuments with grand palaces and massive intricately designed gateways are the witnesses to Mandu’s long, rich, and varied history. The city of Mandu adorns the legendary love story of Baz Bahadur and astounding singer Roopmati. A walk through the Jahaz Mahal, Jami Masjid, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, and others of these monuments can leave you spellbound. 

How to Reach? The nearest airport to reach Mandu is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport at Indore and the nearest railway connectivity is Ratlam Junction. Well-built roads make it reachable through different parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Mokokchung – Nagaland

Mokokchung, a small but beautiful town is out of chaos, which will leave you spellbound. It is surrounded by a lush green forest with serpentine roads and dangerous slopes with a few dotted houses in the landscape. It is stated that Mokokchung has some of the oldest villages in Nagaland. This district is known as The Land of Ao’s “Mokokchung” where you will find their descendants and culture. The people greet tourists warm-heartedly, which makes the place wonderful.

TIPS: Inner Line Permit is required for the tourist before visiting Nagaland. 

How to Reach? Mokokchung is well connected with other towns through National Highway with other towns of Nagaland and Assam. Nagaland State Transport buses run regularly from the main town.

Auli – Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is renowned for bounded snowy peaks of the mighty Himalayas covered with coniferous forests. Auli is a famous hill station dotted with apple orchards, old oaks, and pine trees. There is no shortage of the natural beauty of Himalayan views with meadows, adventure activities, romantic vistas, cable cars, and much more. The sylvan peaks with the long stretch of snowy valleys make idyllic surroundings a popular skiing destination in India. Artificial lakes, sacred temples, and trekking spots captivate the attention of tourists.

How to Reach? If you are planning for Auli, Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport, and Rishikesh railway station is situated 264kms away. It is well connected by motorable roads from major destinations of Uttarakhand.

Coorg – Karnataka

We all look for a break from the usual monotonous life. Coorg is a lovely hill station which is often called as the “Scotland of India” and the “Kashmir of Karnataka”. It justifies itself with lush greenery, exotic and rich flora and fauna, and enduring, the colourful and simplistic lifestyle of locals. It adds a wide range of options to keep its tourists entertained with adventurous trekking routes to caves, temples, forts, and museums. Its wildlife sanctuaries and umpteen sightseeing places are Madikeri fort, Omkareshwar temple, Golden Temple, and others. 

How to Reach?  The nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore Airport, located about 160 km away and Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station. State transport is available on a regular basis from cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore.

Patan – Gujarat

In childhood, we used to build a fort of sheets and pillows enclosure. The town of Patan is one of Gujarat’s historical ancient cities hugged by its fort walls and gates. The fortified city that served as Gujarat’s capital for 650 years stands as a testimony of that bygone era. The bustling bazaar of this charismatic town is tucked in the narrow lanes with Havelis. The architectural remains of Rani ki Vav, the old fort near Kalka, unique patola and mashru weavers, the snow-white Jain temples, the Hemachandracharya Jain Gnan library, etc. attract tourists from everywhere.

How to Reach? The nearest airport to Patan is Sardar Vallabhai Patel Airport at Ahmedabad and Railway Station at Mehsana, about an hour’s journey from the city.

Bodh Gaya – Bihar

Bodhgaya, on the banks of the River Falgu in India, is a serene township associated with one of the four holiest cities of the Buddhist faith. The life of Gautam Budha is connected with this town where he meditated, preached and attained enlightenment, under the famous Bodhi tree. The place emanates an aura of spiritual solitude and supreme peace and is revered by Buddhists all across the world. A niche of Gaya city becomes a place of convergence during the festivals that are celebrated with great fervour in Bodhgaya.

TIPS: You can get accommodation in the monasteries and a chance to come close to the day-to-day lives of the Buddhist monks.

How to Reach? The nearest airport and railway station is at Gaya which is 6-7km away. Roads well connect it with other major cities of India.  

Bangaram Island – Lakshadweep

Bangaram is a tiny teardrop-shaped island surrounded by a shallow lagoon and enclosed by a coral reef. The island is uninhabited except for occasional visitors. It makes a perfect destination for people who want to disconnect entirely from the fast-paced world. The sparkling beach with the beautiful view of sunrise and sunset is a treat to the eyes. The serene beach of Bangaram Island includes adventure sports like scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkelling, and deep-sea fishing. 

TIPS: Entry permit needs to visit all Lakshadweep Islands.

How to Reach? The nearest aerodrome is at Agatti Island and from there speed boat and helicopters are available for Bangaram Island. 

White Town – Puducherry

The charming, quaint town of Puducherry is called the French capital of India and this area was reserved for the French people back in the day. The White Town of Puducherry has retained its old-world charm from perfect yellow buildings to the sunny beaches, arched gates lined with bougainvillaea, and clean European-style streets, making this area surreal as if stuck in a time warp. Some of the key spots that you can visit while you are in the town are Shri Aurobindo Ghosh Ashram, Paradise Beach, Gingee Fort, Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple, Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus, Jawahar Toy Museum, Le Club, and many other tourist attractions. 

How to Reach? It is located at a convenient distance of 379 km from Bangalore and from Chennai it is nearly 150 km. The nearest airport and railway station are located in these cities. 

Unakoti – Tripura

A prime tourist spot in Tripura is identified for its marvellous rock carvings, murals with their primitive beauty, and waterfalls. Most of these rock carvings are huge and made on vertical walls exposed in the open atmosphere. Unakoti attracts tourists and devotees from far and away. A storehouse of India’s heritage it muses religious and spiritual importance from Hindu Mythology. It also makes a nice place for hiking, trekking, and other activities as the natural offerings of the area. A big fair popularly known as Ashokastami Mela is held in April every year.

How to Reach? Kamalpur is the nearest airport for Unakoti and Kumarghat is the nearest railway station. It is well connected by roads and transport from most nearby cities and towns. 

Read Also: 10 Holiday Destinations For Your First Post-Lockdown Escape!

My motherland, India is home to a diverse culture of indigenous tribes travelled from different parts of the world. Since ancient times they have created a long-lasting impact with modern theories. A deceptive world where the spiritual connection with the almighty has given rise to some of the unusual rituals and festivals. Some of these traditional rituals, despite its weirdness and crazily bizarre events, celebrated with unusual enthusiasm, leave us with a big question. In this article, it has been tried to concise 11 Most Unusual Festivals of India that are strictly followed to restore balance in religion. 

Thaipusam Festival, Tamil Nadu

Let’s start our bizarre list with the utmost devotion to revel in divine bliss. Thaipusam/Thaipoosam is celebrated to show the endurance to Lord Murugan (believed to be the son of Lord Shiva). Devotees prepare themselves approx 48 days ahead by spiritual cleansing with prayers and fasting. The festival is famous in South India and other parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries where the Tamil community is present. 

What is unusual?  On the day of the festival, the devotees perform the rituals and set out for the pilgrimage engaging themselves with the extreme act of religious observance. Some fanatical devotees carry burdens by one the most amazing practice by piercing the skin, tongue or cheek. 

Time: The festival starts on the full moon of Tamil month of Thai and continues over 10 days in January. 

Venue: Sri Dandayudhapani Temple in Palani

Nag Panchami, All over India

How about a festival dedicated to snakes, Creepy? Nag Panchami isn’t for the faint heart, especially which are dug out of the ground. Nag (Cobra in English) owns a great significance in Hindu mythology, which is often worshipped. The festival takes place during the month of Shraavana (Hindu calendar month) when the monsoon in India is at the peak. The rainwater seeps the hole of snakes which can harm humans on the ground by biting. According to the myth, to protect themselves Nag Panchami is celebrated. 

What is Unusual?   On this auspicious day. the fear of snakes miraculously turns into blissful devotion.  In some of the villages, the devotees indulge with the alive snake. The temple priest sprinkles Haldi-kumkum (turmeric and vermilion) and flowers on their hoods, later they are also fed milk, as the ultimate sign of good luck.

Time: It is celebrated on the fifth day after Amavasya or moonlit-fortnight in the holy month of Shraavana (July- August).

Venue: The festival is celebrated across the country, popularly observed in Bengal, Maharashtra, and South India.

Madai Festival, Chhattisgarh

Chhattishgarh is a popular tribal destination known for its major festivals of what is considered as Sanskritik Chhattisgarh. Despite Madai is a popular festival, people from other parts of the country know little about it. During this festival, ritualistic performances with folk dance, music, sacred prayers are dedicated to goddess Kesharpal Kesharpalin Devi. One can also witness vibrant fairs with bright shops having several tribal handicrafts and relish some unique cuisine. 

What is Unusual? This is one of the few festivals in our country which travels from one place to another. The festival is also marked with the sacrifice of an animal, usually, a goat which breaks into relishing lavish feasts. 

Time: December to March

Venue: This festival starts from Bastar tribal area, then moves to Kanker from where it goes to Bhanupratappur, with few stops in-between at Narayanpur, Antagarh to Bhanupratappur, Keshkal and Bhopalpattnam then finally ends in March to Kondagaon. 

Sekrenyi Festival, Nagaland

Sekrenyi is a popular festival for Angami tribe of Nagaland. This festival is celebrated for 10 days to eliminate negative energies as well as to renew and cleanse the entire village. This tradition involves a great number of rituals as well as customs respecting nature. It is a festival of purification with feasting, duet songs and folk dance that allows inter-village visits and assures human bonding. The preparations of the festival start two days prior by collecting firewood and hunting animals for the feast. 

What is Unusual? One of the highlighting features of the festival is Thekra Hie where young people of the village sit together to participate in traditional events served with the jugs of rice beer and plates of meat.

Time: Sekrenyi Festival is celebrated on 25th day of the Angami calendar month. According to the English calendar its mostly around February. 

Venue: Kohima, Nagaland

Agni Keli, Karnataka

Though fire means danger, it is also the symbol of the festival. Coming back to India’s other unique festival, here a village plays with fire every year. Devotees gather at the temple of Kateel Durga Parameswari, honouring Her, depicted as the goddess of war. It is celebrated over 8 days and features a series of themed performances including the parade of the jewel-decked goddess through the streets. On the second night of the festival, the fiery action attracts thousands of spectators. 

What is Unusual? A centuries-old tradition that involves participants throwing burning palm fronds straight at each other. Agni Keli lasts about 15 minutes with flying branches and sparks through the night sky, falling around the participants. 

Time:  It commences on the night before Mesha Sankramana Day, mostly occurring in April.

Venue: Kateel Durga Parameswari Temple is in Kateel on an island of the river Nandini, about 29 km from Mangalore city. 

Lath Mar Holi (Barsana, Vrindavan)

As we know the Holi is a festival of colours, that is celebrated in India with great vigour and enthusiasm. All this sounds so interesting and wonderful. Wait! what if some women chase you with sticks. Sounds terrifying? Well, the unique customs of Lath Mar Holi have attracted tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna playfully teased his beloved Radha on this very day and angry ladies of Barsana chased the Lord away. As a mark of this event, every year the Lath Mar Holi is celebrated.

What is Unusual? Interesting way of playing Holi, not only with colours but also sticks. As a part of the tradition, men sing provocative songs to invite the women for playfully to beat them with bamboo sticks. The folks try to defend them with a shield and usually stay under the influence of ‘Bhang’. This reflects love, fun and equality.

Time: This celebration takes place a few days before the actual Holi on the last full moon day of Phalgun as the Hindu lunar calendar month marking the spring. According to the English calendar between March to April.  

Venue: Nandgaon and Barsana towns of Uttar Pradesh, extremely popular for the celebrations.

Puli Kali, Kerala

Puli Kali is a peculiar event of the most popular Onam festival in South India. This curious activity originated 200 years back when the Maharaja of Cochin formed a traditional Kerala folk art, dance, music and drama that depicted the theme of the wild and macho spirit of the force. As the name, Puli Kali means “tiger play” or “tiger dance” that is what you can see tigers acting on the street to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Every year it attracts people from across the State and the world to view this special event. 

What is Unusual? The striking feature is performers dress up as tiger with readymade masks, cosmetic teeth, tongues, beards and moustaches. They enact the roles of the wild beasts while dressed up in such a manner is no easy feat either! 

Time: This grandeur is celebrated every year on the 4th day of Onam ( a harvest festival, and falls on the 22nd Nakshatra Thiruvonam in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam) which occurs in August–September.

Venue: The streets of Swaraj Round, Thrissur.

Hemis Festival, Leh

The colourful prayer flag of Ladakh brings an unreasonable smile on the face of everyone, from a child to an adult. The two-day Hemis Festival is a sequence of the most vibrant events you’ll ever come across. According to the legend, Lord Padamsambhav’s conquested on the Ruta demons marked the victory of good over dark forces. This festival commemorates every year as the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet.

What is Unusual? The Masked Dance, performed by the lamas is the main highlights of the Hemis Festival. It is a slow dance and each performer wears colourful masks and costumes that depict the legends of the war. The character’s movement on the beats of cymbals, drums, and unwieldy trumpets elaborate the grotesque expressions.

Time: This festival is celebrated on the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar or June-to-July of the English months.

Venue: It is held at the 300-year-old Hemis Jangchub Choling, Buddhist monastery near Leh.

Sume Gelirak Festival, Odisha

A major festival of Bonda tribe that teaches the importance of love and friendship in one’s life. In reality, the tribe lives a very sequestered life on a hilltop, thus, aloof of the happenings outside their world. The Sume Gelirak festival helps the tourists to dive deep in the cultural richness of one of the tribes of Odisha. The celebration proceeds for 10 days includes a scenario with several ritualistic practices, folk dance and songs in their traditional attire and musical instruments. 

What is Unusual? The festival includes a unique style of celebration, a categorised fight for pairs of boys, young as well as and older men stand face-to-face and hit each other with branches of a tree on the beats of the drum. This is also the perfect time for the ladies to find their better life partner.

Time:  In the month of Chaitra, the festival is celebrated as the threshing of the rice harvest. It starts on Sunday mostly in January according to the English calendar. 

Venue: Koraput, Odisha

Karni Mata Festival, Rajasthan

Let’s drive this unusual festivals list to 600-year-old Karni Mata temple which is home to more than thousands of rat. They are considered very sacred and bring good luck. Karni Mata Fair is an interesting attraction for tourist, to get acquainted with the rich religious traditions of the place. As the name suggests, the fair is dedicated to the mystical goddess possessing supernatural powers. On the first day of the festival, special preparations are made in the temple as Goddess is beautifully decorated with the proceedings of Mangal-Aarti and bhog to the deity.

What is Unusual? The temple is also known as Rat Temple of India. Interestingly, rats are considered as “kabbas”, the souls of Karni Mata’s devotees. To seek blessings from kabbas they eat the leftovers of the rat. 

Time: The festival is held twice a year during the holy Navratras in the months of March-April (the bigger festival of 10 days) and October-November.

Venue: Karni Mata temple is located in Deshnok village of Rajasthan. 

Chau Jhumur Utsav, West Bengal

Purulia is the land of the spectacular nature, people, culture and heritage. Chau Jhumur Utsav depicts the rich cultural tradition of the region and has evolved as a major crowd-puller in the region. The festival continues for 3 days with vibrant performing folk art, nearly 3000 artists follow the tradition. The festival is aptly complemented by drums, shenai, reed pipes and other instruments. Besides attending the festival visitors can also see mask making at Chorida Village, 8th-century Jain Temple, visit the Joychandi Hills and trek at Jharnakocha Cave. 

What is Unusual? During the festival of Chau Jhumur Utsav, a colourful martial mask dance is performed based on mythological tales that spread moral and ethical ideals. Chhau dance is recorded in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010. 

Time: December

Venue:  It is held at the Bamnia School playground of Maldi village of Balrampur in Purulia.

The real beauty of wildlife is pre-eminence in the jungle than in the caged. The safaris allow you to get close to theses rare breeds in their natural habitats displaying their raw emotions. India is blessed with rich landscapes which are the apparent homes of diversified wildlife. The sensational sanctuaries of India can fulfil the bucket list of best jungle safaris. While the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger is the top attraction for safari, the arrays of other wildlife will surely fascinate you. If you have the desire for the wildlife Safari trip to come across with the true beauty of nature then this post is for you. These are some of the best offbeat safaris which await you for the adventure, read on.

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, Assam

Pobitora sanctuary is heaven for the tourists seeking for the venture with distinct terrains having some of the rare species. It is spread in the forest, grassland and wetland habitats. The limelight of the sanctuary harbours the highest density of one-horned rhino after Kaziranga. This sanctuary is also home of other mammals such as Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Feral Buffalo, Chinese Pangolins etc. The wetland of Brahmaputra is the resident for many disappearing species of birds. It also attracts thousands of migratory birds during winter. 

Best Time To Visit: November to February. 

How to Reach?

The sanctuary is located in the Morigaon district of Assam. It is approximately 40km from Guwahati. You can book a cab or take the public bus to reach the place. The nearest railway station is Jagiroad that is well connected from Guwahati. 

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is categorized as tropical deciduous forest, bewildered with the most varied flora and fauna. The park reveals its extraordinary beauty and biodiversity with the hilly corridor of Maikal range covered with dense lush green Sals and bamboos. It is home to the world’s largest cat, Bengal tiger, including other species as leopard, bison, flying squirrel, wild dog, hyena, sambar, chital, etc. Recently a rare black panther was also sighted in this park. It is also a perfect gateway for the bird watchers where more than 150 species of birds are spotted. 

Best Time To Visit: November to June. 

How to Reach?

The sanctuary is located in Bilaspur district of Chhattishgarh. It is approximately 60km from Bilaspur. You can book a cab or take the public bus to reach the place. The nearest railway station is Belgahna.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

The astounding location of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for nature’s bounty with scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. It is one of the most renowned sanctuaries of South India at the Western Ghat ranges. The reserve has been launched for the notable project- Project Tiger 1978, protecting the endangered tiger population, later it was also declared as Asiatic elephant reserve. The other species found are Wild Pigs, Sambar, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Dole or Barking Deer, Indian Wild Dog and rare primates such as Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Gee’s Golden Langur, etc. 

Best Time To Visit: October to June. 

How to Reach?

The sanctuary is a protected area in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala. It is approximately 200km from Kochi. You can book a cab or take the public bus to reach the place from Kottayam, Ernakulam or Madurai. The nearest railway station is Kottayam.

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise renowned for dense forests, lakes, steep valleys and streams. A glorious wildlife scene with its rich flora and fauna makes it attractive to the travellers. It provides a refuge for many endangered species like the Asian Elephant, Sambhar, Monkeys, Bison, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Cheetal, Antelope, Crocodile, etc. to dwell in their natural habitat. It is one of the few places in the world where you can view the shadowy beauty of the melanistic leopard or Black Panther. The pristine riverine landscape is home to some of the frequently spotted birds. 

Best Time To Visit: September to May. 

How to Reach?

The sanctuary is located at Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is at a distance of 208km from Bangalore and 60km from Mysore. You can book a cab or take the public bus to reach the place. The nearest railway station and airport is at Mysore.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman Islands

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park allures tourist for its open sea, rare coral reefs and marine life. The park comprises 17 small untouched islands situated between South Andaman Island and Rutland Island. The towering tropical canopies, myriad lagoons, coral reefs, rainforests, and mangroves are home to protected marine life, especially sea turtles and corals. You can witness the breeding ground for turtles, encounter coral reefs from a boat, by scuba diving and snorkelling. Apart from marine life, tourists can also witness a variety of reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Best Time To Visit: October to February. 

How to Reach:?

The National Park is a part of Wandoor in Andaman and Nicobar islands. It is easily accessible by road via buses and taxis from all the major cities of Andaman and Nicobar islands. You can also access the Department of Information and Publicity for transport to reach the park.

Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

The unique ecosystem of Tadoba National Park indicates a great conservation value of the area. The Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Teak Forests has an important role in the Central Plateau Biotic province. It is the oldest and largest project tiger reserves of India. Aside from the significant increase of tigers, it is home to other mammals, like Indian Leopards, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Small Indian Civet, Chausingha, etc. Tadoba lake sustains a wide diversity of water birds and raptors that include the endangered Indian python and the common Indian monitor.

Best Time To Visit:  October to June and remains fully closed on Tuesday. 

How to Reach?

The National Park is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Chandrapur is the nearest railway station which is well connected to other major cities of India. Buses and taxis are easily available from Chandrapur to reach the park. The nearest international airport is Nagpur with a distance of 140 km.  

Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Hemis National Park is a picturesque holiday destination with the unspoilt and exotic landscape. The park has the distinction of being a high altitude among the largest contiguous protected region with snowcapped mountains, barren slopes and lakes. The park is bounded by five villages- Shingo, Chillinga, Yurutse, Rumbak and Sku-Kaya. The main attraction of the park is the flourishing habitat of snow leopards and Shapu or the Ladakhi Urial. It is also home to some of the rare species like Himalayan marmots, mountain weasel and Himalayan mouse hare. For bird watchers, it’s a dream destination with a pollution-free environment and noise-free surroundings.

Best Time To Visit:  May to early October.

How to Reach?

The National Park is located in the eastern Ladakh Union Territory. You can fly to Leh which is the base station to reach Hemis. You can go by road on rented conveyance and bus which are available daily. If you are looking for adventure then you can trek from L your way to reach the park.

Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh 

Satpura National Park is among the priceless gems of inimitable nature’s creation. The rugged landscapes with sandstone peaks, narrow gorge and dense forests are enticing for wildlife lovers. The hilly terrains with roaming wild habitat make a unique central Indian highland ecosystem. The park accommodates three safari rides- jeep safari, elephant safari and boat safari. Some of the special attractions of the park are Indian Bison, Leopards, Tiger, Porcupine, Four Horned antelopes, Wild boar, Wild dog (locally called Dholes), Sloth bear, Crocodile, Malabar squirrels, Langurs, etc.

Best Time To Visit:  October to June.

How to Reach?

The National Park is located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. The nearest railway station is Pipariya, approx 50km from the park. You can travel by road which is well connected to several cities including Bhopal, Jabalpur, Chindwara, and Nagpur. The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal.

Khangchendzonga, Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on mixed criteria, is an ultimate escape into the lap of mother nature. The park runs across unique biodiversity of plains, rivers, valleys, lakes and gorgeous snow-capped mountains covered by ancient forests. One of the criteria cited by UNESCO was sacred mountains representing the core sacred region that has been integrated with Buddhist beliefs and constitutes the basis for Sikkimese identity. The park is home to exotic species such as Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Jungle Cat, Golden Cat, Great Tibetan Sheep, Bharal, Musk deer, etc. 

Best Time To Visit:  April and May.

How to Reach?

The National Park is located in the North and West Sikkim districts. The nearest railway stations are Jalpaiguri and Siliguri approx 120km from the park. You can go by road which is well connected to several cities by National Highway 31A. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in Darjeeling, West Bengal.

Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand

Rajaji National Park is encompassed between the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains. The foothills of the Himalayas with the picturesque beauty and rich biodiversity of the park serves its major attractions for both nature lovers as well as wildlife enthusiasts. The dense jungles with diverse forest ranging from semi-evergreen to deciduous, mixed broad-leaved to terai grassland form the range of flora for this park. It is inhabited by vivacious wildlife like elephants, panthers, sambhar, wild boar, barking deer, two kinds of Himalayan bears- black and sloth, etc and over 400 bird species. 

Best Time To Visit:  November to June. 

How to Reach?

The National Park is located on both sides of the river Ganges at Haridwar and Chila. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, approx 18km from the park. You can reach by road which is well connected to several cities as Rishikesh and Haridwar. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun.

India’s rich diversity in culture and heritage is very well reflected and can be experienced at the archaeological sites. The spectacular monuments of different era state several cultures that flourished since ancient time. The land of marvel architecture displays the best wonders of the world from prominent oldest rock-cut caves to bronze age civilization, the famous universities or be the forts of various empires and kingdoms. Understanding Indian history is not so easy though you can appreciate the work of our ancestors and will be astonished of their imaginations. India, the mystical land, has the maximum number of archaeological sites listed in the world’s heritage. It is difficult to sort out all the overwhelming sites that defy the diversity. I have tried to list my top 10 archaeological sites dating as vintage from the pre-historic era.

Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh

The rocky terrain of Bhimbetka is a gift from our ancestors with the broken path which will grasp you in the pre-historic era. It is surrounded by craggy cliffs and lofty mountain which is rich in flora and fauna. The natural rock shelter is an archaeological treasure among cave paintings of the palaeolithic age established around 30,000 years old. The exclusive art of vibrant colours highlights the expression of early human social life and their interaction with nature and animals. Fortunately, these paintings in the inner walls of the cave are well preserved from the exposure of extreme weather. The entire region is environed by 600 caves at Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. It is in the mids of the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Vindhya Range.

How to Reach?

The nearest major airport and railway station are in Bhopal. It is about 48km which is well connected by local transports.

Rakhigarhi, Haryana

The amazing discovery of Rakhigarhi archaeological site enables us to retrace about our civilization. It approves to be the largest known city during the famous Indus Valley Civilization. The town has witnessed the first urban civilization rise more than 4000 years ago with its mysterious downfall. Walking through the open-air museum is like visualizing the ancient settlement. The excavation has revealed the interesting facts about the culture and planning of the city during the pre-Harappan era. Recently a groundbreaking discovery of 62 graves may have the answer of Indian civilization that has vexed some of the best minds in history and science.

How to Reach?

The nearest major town, Hisar, is well connected by airway and railways and from there, tourists can reach by roadways.

Dholavira, Gujarat

A journey to Dholavira is a paradise on earth through the saline desert of Rann of Kutch. The ancient town indicates the presence of the historic ruins of Indus Valley Civilization dating back 2900 BC to 1500 BC. It is the second-largest Harapan culture site in India and fifth in Indian sub-continent. You can investigate the past to discover our future in the most remarkable excavation. It narrates the story of Harappan culture that had sketched the city with broad roads, markets, embraced by two monsoon channels and the world’s largest rainwater reservoir to mention a few. The prominent charisma of Dholavira is the museum that displays Harappan artefacts as first signboards, tools, urns, ornaments and vessels that were dug out from this site.

How to Reach?

To reach the site one has to reach Bhuj which is the nearest connectivity by railway and flight.

Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Ajanta and Ellora caves exhibit some the finest ancient rock-cut caves which are almost buried in the dense forest all-around. Amazingly hand-carved caves were built in the period between the 2nd century BC to 16th AD that anchors the best examples of Indian architecture and sculpture. While 29 caves of Ajanta symbolizes Buddhism, 34 caves of Ellora are the mixture of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The same style consociates both the caves which are 100km apart. The paintings and sculptures are masterpieces that had a considerable artistic influence on modern Indian art. The most famous attraction of these caves is a single largest monolithic structure of the Kailash Temple.

How to Reach?

The closest railway station and airport for the caves is located at Aurangabad.

Nalanda University, Bihar

Nalanda University was one of the world’s greatest ancient Buddhist academic excellence. The traditional foundation of University dates back to the 5th century BC during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. It flourished as an international institution and attracted Buddhist monks from all over the world. The excavation reveals that architecture was inspired by the Kushan style having a large courtyard with the cells where monks lived. A precise portrayal of the University appears from the manuscripts of the great Chinese scholar and traveller Xuanzang who had visited in the 7th century BC. Nalanda Archeological Museum at the verge of disintegration has collections of the precious treasure of excavation and antiquities that have been unearthed.

How to Reach?

Nalanda is well connected by the major towns- Rajgir, Gaya and Patna, by regular bus service and cabs.

St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kerala

Along the Western Ghats of white beach fringe with impenetrable tropical forests embraces one of the oldest church in our country at Palayoor. According to the folklore, the first Catholic church in India was established in 52 AD by St. Thomas who is believed to be one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The church was built by incorporating the old Hindu deserted temple. Thus a fusion of Hindu ornamentation and Persian Church Plan is reflected on its architecture. Later an Italian missionary built a new architecture around the small old teak wooden church. The church witnessed an invasion by Tipu Sultan during the 18th century which was destroyed by fire, thereafter, it was reconstructed.

How to Reach?

The church is well connected by the railway station and with State Highway from Thrissur. The nearest airport is at Cochin. The church is basically located in Palayoor at the distance of 28kms from Thrissur. The cabs and local transports are easily accessible.

Cheraman Juma Mosque, Kerala

The landmark structure of Cheraman Juma Mosque is considered to be India’s first mosque. This stunning architecture has fascinated the travellers from all over the world with its impressive history and distinctive Kerala-style composition. The mosque was built by Malik Ibn Dinar in 629 AD on the order of Chera king. It has been a testimony of communal harmony of Hindu-Muslim coexistence with an eye-opener for modern Indians. The prime attraction of the mosque is an ancient oil lamp which is believed to be burning continuously since its origin. It has gone through a massive renovation concerning its physical appearance as it was demolished by Portuguese in 1504. The mosque exhibits a museum displaying its architecture that evolved over the years. It is located at Kodungalloor taluk in Thrissur district of Kerala.

How to Reach?

The closest railway station is Irinjalakuda and the nearest airport is in Cochin. This spot is easily reachable by cabs and local transports.

Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh

The temples of Khajuraho depict more than just erotic, but with interesting facts showcasing the life of the common man that existed during that time. Contrastingly, the world-famous erotic art of Kama Sutra is only 10 per cent of all carvings found in the complex. The epic clusters of 85 temples comprise of both Hinduism and Jainism, which was built in 950 AD to 1050 AD by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty. Among them, only 22 temples have managed to survive and stood up from the test of time. The temples are carved from hard river sandstone embellished into three complexes-the Western, the Eastern and the Southern. It is one of the wonders of India, rich with mythological stories, artistic creativity and marvel of the architecture.

How to Reach?

Khajuraho is well connected by airways, railways and easily accessible roads from different parts of India by National Highway.

Hampi, Karnataka

A historical town of Hampi is an offset landscape that has enthralled travellers for centuries. This striking ruin of the past was once capital of famous Vijayanagara dynasty, endured around 1500 AD. The excellent workmanship of the sculptors and monuments reflects the magnificent technique of the architecture. This fascinating site used to be the second-largest city in the world perched over several kilometres of terrain. The magnificent temples mounted with heaps of boulder with remains of aquatic structures, ancient market place, royal pavilion are few among the list of attraction for tourist. The best time to visit Hampi is during the three-day festival which is held around October-November every year.

How to Reach?

Hospet is the nearest railway station and Belgaum Airport is at a distance of 270 km which is well connected by the roadways.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

A masterpiece Indo-Arabic art- Qutub Minar is one of the finest monument in India, as well as in the world. The tower signifies the victory of the first Muslim ruler over Delhi. The 73-meter high tower construction was commenced by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193, it was followed by its successor Illtutmish and later in 1368 Firoz Shah Tughlaq completed its last fifth storey. The tower is embellished with the inscriptions having the projecting balconies supported by the rounded brace. The most magnificent structure in the complex is the ruin of the oldest mosque Quwwat Ui Islam which is a renowned architecture in the world. The Iron Pillar near the mosque is the most curious antique in Delhi. The World Heritage Site is established at Mehrauli of Delhi.

How to Reach?

Delhi is the capital city of India which is well connected by airport and railway. The easy access of transports makes easy to reach this spot. The nearest Delhi metro station is Qutub Minar station at a distance of around 2 km.

Do you have a tight budget? Wondering how to travel cheap in India? I have tried to provide a few important tips which may help you in planning with your holidays. I am a budgeteer who likes to travel cheap by ditching all comforts and unwanted things. My love for travelling and exploring had led me to learn a few techniques of travel-hack which can be exciting and save you some bucks. Sometimes travelling may cost heavy on our pocket which makes us reassess our holidays. But that doesn’t mean you have to drop your plan. Travelling in India is much cheaper and easier than any other countries. If you want to make a reality of exploring India more smartly then 10 basic tips for your budget travel will surely help you to achieve your dreams:

Research about the destination in depth

My first initiative before travelling to any destination is to make a well-research plan about the place. As it is said everything comes up with a cost, in this context, it is time and effort. If you are keen on saving then spend your time on research about the place which comes handier while travelling. This will equip you with the information about budget hotels, public transports and cheap places for food. If you are a solo traveller, don’t take research casually and be ready to face circumstances while travelling. Each state in India have their regional holidays, make sure you don’t end travelling when the place is closed. In a local forum or state tourism site, you may accumulate information about the regional festival and activities to make your tour memorable.

Travel during the offseason

It is not a smart move to travel during peak season when the prices are high due to increase in demand. Most of the people like to travel during the festive season which makes difficult for the budgeteers due to high tariffs. To travel in cheap the most suited time is to visit the place during the offseason to restrain the constraint of under budget. Another good thing while travelling offseason is less crowd when you can enjoy the destination in peace. During peak season the rush of hotels, modes of travel and other facilities are difficult to accommodate in cheap. If you are planning to travel during peak season I will recommend for advance booking or reach the destination in advance to enjoy the discounts.

Explore the offbeat places

It is an ideal gateway for the Millennials to explore the real hidden gem that provides a picturesque landscape and untouched nature making it a paradise for the budgeteers. This is the fittest time where you can have all the opportunity to fill your bucket list. Offbeat places are mostly untouched from the commercialization which concedes cheap accommodation and food. The challenges you might face before you head to these places is to figure out the homestays and attractions. Once you have a solution the place bequeaths with its most pleasing calm, quiet and far away from hullabaloo.

For long-distance travel by train

It is always an ideal mode of transport for long-distance travelling in terms of the cost factor. Indian railway is cheaper compared to flight. I prefer travelling by train which helps me to maintain my budget. The different classes of railway have varied cost, the cheapest is a General class and the cost escalates from Sleeper to Ist AC. India during summer is relatively very hot when the temperature rises to 40-45 degree Celcius which makes it difficult to travel in General or Sleeper class. During this time you can prefer AC coaches which are still comparatively affordable than flying. The most exquisite trait I like about Indian railway is- you can make new friends if you are liberal that will help you with his competency.

Save on hotel tariffs

A smart tourist always compares the price with online booking agents to get an idea for best deals and hospitality.  I have always believed in on spot booking instead of online booking, this saves my money from online hidden charges. Many of the online booking sites offer a huge discount but in reality, the spot booking is always cheaper.
Once you reach the place you may find that there are plenty of options to stay which are not displayed in online sites. If you can spare the luxury and accommodate with economical rooms and homestays that will help you to save extra money. You can also look for dorms which are cheaper compare to personal rooms. It also eases the journey by allowing you to mix with new personages (other travellers).

Seek for local food

Indian food is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world with a considerable price for the traveller. If you are ready to explore street foods, it gives you a variety in the menu and can be pocket friendly. Meals at local Dhabas or homestay that gives you the feel of local delicacies of a region without being tempered in the recipes are a potential escape from the decent restaurants. This experience can surprise you with different taste and help to explore the diversity of a place. Local street foods are actual authentic food for travellers to explore your taste buds with awe. India’s local cuisines offer a wide range for both vegetarians and non-vegetarian.

Manage to travel by public transports

On a tight budget, public transport makes life easier for travellers. The local transports are always a better option to save your penny than reserving a cab for the tour. I always prefer local state buses, shared taxis to cut down my travel expense conveniently. The easy availability of public transport has a fixed rate than hiring a cab which may overcharge you for travelling. If you have a short time in your hand and you need to hire a cab then I will recommend communicating with hotel staffs, the best way to avoid getting utterly deceived by local drivers. You may also request them to arrange the cab.

Make new friends with the same plan

For solo travellers, making new friends on the way with the same plan is always an ideal way to deal with the expense. While travelling meeting new people and forming a group is always a better way to explore the place. If you are liberal and can easily mix with new personalities is a perk for you, as you can split the bill of expenses on rides, food and accommodation. Most travelling destination remains as a dream because of the expense and unavailability of the fund. The universal rule of sharing can impact effectively on saving and let you explore the expensive destinations. It is also fun to travel with a bunch of nomads heading for the same destinations.

Skip popular markets for shopping

Popular markets always lure tourists with exciting products which are hard to resist. Avoiding such markets at tourist hotspots shows your real resistance as these shops charges with a high- price for local items. Most of the shops trick you and fold with the maximum cost. The best deal to get your souvenir is to dodge these markets and flee to local markets where you can bargain for the items. You can start negotiating from half the price with a smile which always helps as good negotiator. You might think about the authenticity of the product, you can compare from the surrounding shops to let you know which shop is selling at the lowest cost for the product or souvenir you desire.

Be cordial to local people

I try to follow this point as the most important commandment for my tight budget trips. Local people are always best to take advice, their unbiased information will always help you to cut down your expenses. However, beware of blindly following to cab-drivers or guides around the shop, you might become a victim to scams. It’s always better to talk to your co-passengers while travelling by local public transport. They have a better idea of the place with average price and quality food and accommodation. Always keep yourself open to others and make friends with strangers as you don’t know who will be counted during your difficult time.

India’s wide range of geographical diversity excites tourists from all over the world as the best adventure destination though India is developing new adventure sports. Be it on the east to west or north to south, our country offers ample opportunities for adrenaline-seekers. A proper adventure sport gives a chance to drive out monotonous regular life for a deserving break to help you feel alive again.

Adventure Sports Activities to Have Fun in India

The mind-boggling destinations- beaches, mountains, forests, desert in India have fascinated me with a fun-packed adventure sports activity. In this article, I am listing my Top 10 Adventure Sports Activities in India for a perfect trip.

Trekking:

The diverse topography of India makes a paradise for trekkers with hillocks, plateaus, jungles, mountains and caves. The unique trekking paths from the mountains of Himalayas to the dense forest of central India will bond to the nature and culture of the place. The trekking in India gives you options according to your preference of categories. I have tried to mention a few popular trekking routes. The Himalayas in counterpart with Nepal border offers the fantastic trekking route- the Frozen Zanskar River Trek (Ladakh), Chandrakhani Pass Trek (Himachal Pradesh), Dzongri Trek (Sikkim), Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand), Dzukou Valley trek (Nagaland) and with plenty more options. Apart from trekking in these Himalayas routes, the famous untouched trails of Jungle Book in Chhattisgarh offers a scenic view of a few remaining ruins of ancient temples. 

Paragliding:

India is a land of infinite surprises, one of them is to fly like a bird in the open sky. If you are an adrenaline junk then paragliding gives a basic overview to experience pure joy and ecstasy of life. A flying sport which provides a panoramic view of mountains, valleys, small tributaries and rivers are jaw-dropping. If you feel like its unsafe or suicidal maniac, the fact is the rides are pretty safe and it is conducted under professional paragliders. The pilot sits on a harness to control the direction and you have to run off the cliff as the ultimate bird-like feel. The exciting adventure activity can be experienced- Manali (Himachal Pradesh), Nainital ( Uttarakhand), Panchgani (Maharashtra), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Shillong (Meghalaya) are a few famous places in India. So, take a chill-pill if you follow the rules and regulation, there is no chance of failing with an amazing view.

Bungee Jumping:

If your inner-kid is ready for a thrilling adventure then the bungee jumping is at least one sports which will take you away from the simple world. This adventure sports activity will sweat you to the guts in fear and might help you to overcome the acrophobia. The anxiety begins when you jump of height attached to an elastic cord. For bungee jumping in India always look for a professional company or person to avoid any mistakes and to be on the safer side. If you finally made up of your mind to crush your fear of free-falling from the height it will surely dive you to the success story. If you prefer bungee jumping as your next adventure sports then- Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), Kolad (Maharashtra), Lonavala (Maharashtra), Goa and Bangalore (Karnataka) will ensure to get some of the best experience for a lifetime.

Sky Diving

The skydiving is a lifetime achievement which will make you feel the magic of gravity with heart-pumping adventure. If you are a dare-devil with a heroic attitude then diving in the sky is a perfect unbeatable experience. It is an organised adventure sport around the world, which is slowly growing its interests in India. The adrenaline starts pumping when you reach at a height of 10,000 feet in the sky then you dive with a professional diver with only a parachute strapped on. If you finally make up your mind for the experience then a few places in India- Aamby Valley (Maharashtra), Deesa (Gujarat), Dhana (Madhya Pradesh), Puducherry, Mysore (Karnataka) are famous destinations for sky diving. Get the perfect view of Indian paradise as a bird flying in the sky at this adventure sports. 

Scuba diving

Enough with land adventures! Forsake the land and let’s move under a ton of water. India shares most of its border with the coastline that extends nearly 5000 miles. This boosts as an amazing diving destination which brings variety in the sports adventure activity. A few famous coral reefs around India makes the place Valhalla for scuba divers. It is an opportunity to get close to marine life with wonders of aquatic appearances. Scuba diving in India brings abundance and fun of exciting sites- Andaman Island, Goa, Puducherry, Tarkarli (Maharashtra), Kovalam (Kerala) are a few favourite destinations. For the non-swimmer, it is not to get upset as this sport is open for all. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has glamourized the activity and the way it should be as it transports you to a different world.

Caving: 

Caving is the most freaky adventure activity than others. The dark and misty world with large rocks and small streams flowing inside. Even though India is blessed with many rich regions of the cave, technically it is at an infant stage still many lying unexplored. However, India is rated among the top ten countries for caving destination in the world. The North-eastern states of India are home for some of the longest limestone caves in the world. Some of the caves reflect the culture and tradition of India. They are attached as a specimen of history and spirituality. Some of the best caves in India- Elephanta Island Caves (Maharashtra), Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Maharashtra), Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves (Odisha), Borra Caves, Arwah Cave (Meghalaya) are listed among popular caving.

Surfing

Surfing is slowly growing its popularity in India. Our country has the longest coastline of which greater portion is unexplored in terms of surfing. There are some outstanding spots apart from popular beaches along the coast where surfers can catch the giant waves. Before start surfing in India a quick interesting fact: the word Surf is derived from Indian origin. The best season for surfers is during pre-monsoon and monsoon when ride on giant waves provides an amazing show. Some of the popular destinations for surfers are- Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Kovalam Village (Kerala), Varkala (Kerala), Mulki (Karnataka), Little Andaman (Andaman Islands) where you can catch giant waves. A few of the locations are not well marked so it’s difficult to find a way for the spots. Surfing festivals are organised in India where surfers from all over the world participate which have catapulted India in the surfing destination. 

Zipline

If you are a fan of James Bond movies where he could zoom forward through a stainless cable, you should give a shot for ziplining. It is the most popular adventure sports activity in India. For most of the people who want to satisfy their thirst of flying high can be accomplished by this sport. A cable is fixed at both sides, starting from ending side to which the person is suspended through a pulley. It is a thrilling experience where you can fly between ridges, forests or fort. The best thing about ziplining is its easy accessibility and can have fun anytime throughout the year. A few places in Northern India have become a familiar destination for ziplining as- Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Mawkdok (Meghalaya), Dhanaulti (Uttarakhand) and Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh). Enjoy the splendid ride while hovering over the amazing places of India. 

River Rafting:

River rafting is a new trending adventure sports activity that most of the youngsters are catching up. If you have a fancy to ride roaring rivers with splashes and gushing water around you then river rafting will delight your wish. A few mighty rivers have become the hotspot for the adventure seekers and travellers for the popular sports activity of river rafting. It is classified in grades from I to IV where you can opt according to the challenges you would like to face. This sport will surely leave you with a promising memorable experience. There is no surprise that a lot of spots can be found for river rafting in India. Let’s take a look at the most exciting sites- Rishikesh, Indus River (Ladakh), Barapole River (Coorg), Beas River (Kullu & Manali), and Teesta River (Sikkim) are few best spots. The pumping and thumbing of your heart while riding the wild river might make you addicted to the sport. 

Rock Climbing:

The typical terrain of India also provides a great location for rock climbers. Rock climbing was once only enjoyed by the daring and professionals. Today scenario has changed with the proper equipment and technical supports. The objective is to climb the rock-wall defying gravity at all odds with the strength of your hands and legs. This requires great physical strength and endurance to exhilarate for completing the route. Now, this sports activity can be endured on both natural as well as artificial rocks. If you are looking for the best places to enjoy natural rock climbing in India then Parvati Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Shey Rock (Jammu & Kashmir), Miyar Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Malshej Ghat(Maharashtra), Joychandi Pahar (West Bengal) are a few best destinations. One can enjoy the solitude on the rocks as Indian climbing routes are rarely overcrowded than the rest of the world.