India, a nation of rich culture, multitudes of landscapes, and traditions lures travelers from around the world for an adventure of a lifetime. There are countless options to explore and re-write your bucket list of things to do in India. That’s exactly what we are going to be doing today. Discover these 5 activities in India for 2024 which will make you feel you are on top of the world.
Each landscape in India has its charm. And they vary from the Spiti Valley’s rugged terrains to the desert of Rajasthan. From the snow-covered peaks in Gulmarg to the pristine backwaters of Kerala. With summers lurking on the corner, the hill stations in Uttarakhand await you with a “warm” heart.
Also, for a cultural immersion experience, Varanasi, Haridwar and Rishikesh fit the bill. If patience is your virtue and you love wildlife then scrunch up wildlife safaris of Jim Corbett and Kaziranga in your itineraries. But here is our pick of top 5 experiences and adventures that you must lap up.
1. Seaplane Ride, Andaman
The quest for seeking a thrilling adventure ends with Andaman tour packages as you go for a seaplane ride. It is sightseeing with a twist as you enjoy spectacular views of the Andaman Islands varying from enchanting beaches to mini-islands.
The seaplane route comprises flights between Port Blair and Havelock Island and you get a bird’s eye view of attractions like Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and North Bay Island. The aircraft has all the new modern navigation features with a seating capacity of eight to ten people. The seaplanes cover a distance of 250 km as the flight has a duration of twenty-five to thirty minutes.
Catch a glimpse of shades of blue and green as you fly over alluring beaches and verdant forests. Keep a sharp eye as you may spot dolphins playing in the crystal-clear waters below. It is a scenic joyride as well as an easy way to hop between islands as it takes only fifteen minutes to reach Havelock whereas the ferry takes two hours.
2. Cruise the Backwaters in Kerala
Unveil the serenity of the backwaters with the Kerala tour packages in Alleppey. Drift gently across the backwaters with a traditional houseboat cruise as you glide past quaint villages, groves of swaying palm trees, and lush greenery of rice paddies.
Most of the cruise trips begin in Alleppey. And it has earned the title of “Venice of the East” because of the extensive network of canals. The mode of travel is the traditional barges known as Kettuvallams which were once used to carry rice from the rice fields.
The luxury boats are complete with bedrooms, a kitchen, living areas, and bathrooms. The houseboats have a well-trained crew onboard with a cook and two oarsmen at service throughout. Spend your day relaxing on the deck and savour the traditional flavours of Kerala ‘s cuisine prepared by the onboard chef. As the night falls, relax under the star-studded sky. And then curl up in your cosy cabins and listen to the gentle murmurs of the backwaters.
3. Bike Ride in Ladakh
Ladakh is known for being the playground for adrenaline junkies. The Royal Enfield’s Bullets vroom through the rugged terrain which includes motorable passes, cold deserts, and ancient monasteries. The other hard-to-miss attractions on the route include the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill and pristine lakes like Pangong Tso and Mori Tso.
There are many routes that one can bike to reach their destination but the two best options are the Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh routes. The average days needed to complete the trip is around eight to fifteen days which includes the rest days, and buffer days.
The trip is your chance to learn about the traditions and cultures of this region. And as you ride further away from the hustle and bustle of the cities you start to feel a sense of freedom and achievement.
This experience is not only a physical challenge that tests your level of endurance. It’s also an opportunity to cleanse your soul as you visit the most peaceful Buddhist monasteries like Shanti Stupa.
4. River Rafting in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the “Yoga Capital” of India where the Beatles’ found solace. It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas. Besides being known for its tranquil vibes it has in recent times become the adventure hub of India. Feel the adrenaline rush as you indulge in activities like bungee jumping and river rafting.
The thrill seekers prefer the Brahmapuri route, which is best suited for all types of riders. The expedition starts from Brahampuri a quaint village with grade 1 rapids and this stretch ends at the famous Ram Jhula covering a distance of 8 km. Besides being the shortest it is also the easiest rafting route.
Some famous rapids the riders encounter are Sweet Sixteen, Terminator, Double Trouble, and Hilton having Grade 2 level difficulty. The Kaudiyala to Rishikesh rafting route is thrilling and has rapids with grade IV difficulty. It is the longest route including thirteen rafting stretches.
5. Wildlife Safari, Ranthambore in Rajasthan
Visit the prime tiger reserve and a paradise for wildlife lovers at Ranthambore located in Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan. The national park covers an area of 1700 sq km and is filled with dry deciduous forests and grasslands. Making it one of the best places to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger. Other interesting inhabitants are leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and two species of antlers-spotted deer and Sambhar deer.
The national park consists of two types of safaris -jeep and canter safari. The Jeep is a six-seater Maruti Gypsy whereas the Canter is a safari bus with a capacity to seat twenty people. There are two shifts available one in the morning and the other in the evening.
There are ten different safari zones inside the park for visitors to explore. The bookings are done online in advance as visitors can choose their safari zones. Though all safari zones have the presence of tigers, zones 1 to 6 are regarded as best for tiger sightings.
Rejuvenate, rejoice, and recharge yourselves as you indulge in different activities in India. So pack your bags as all you need is a dollop of enthusiasm to explore this incredible destination full of diversity. And if you are traveling to India for the first time, here are some valuable insights on things you need to know before you start your journey.
Recommended Travel Company
Choosing the right operator is the key to a satisfied holiday if you are not planning it out on your own. Therefore you need to be cautious while assessing each one of them before you take the final decision. In the adventure tourism sector go for aggregators who have their own manpower during the activities rather than a third party with a tie-up with one through whom you are booking. I would not like to name anyone in particular through whom you should book. But go for the ones with a proven track record of at least a decade. Also read reviews of the activities from real users and do check out TripAdvisor.
If you wish to experience these thrilling adventures, PIN it for planning & forward for friends!
