20, 30 0R 70 YOUR NEVER TOO OLD, YOU JUST GOTTA BE YOUNG AT HEART
Experience and adrenaline pumping high in Rishikesh, travel to the arid deserts of Rajasthan or visit the colorful and merry carnival in Goa, old or young it doesn't matter you just gotta have a zeal for fun. Your own country has a number of fun activities to offer! Try out these addicting activities and add another drop of memory to your already huge ocean; Explore, go a little crazy and lose yourselves on these beautiful streets, imagine India in a different way- A FUNLOVING COUNTRY.
Roller coasters and thrill rides are now history, experience a thrill that will pump through your veins and give you a rush like never before in the city known as the "The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas"- Rishikesh. Although known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World' this city is the new best friend for adventure seekers both from India and abroad. Already popular for whitewater rafting, hiking, and backpacking, the sport of Bungee Jumping has been introduced to Rishikesh in the previous years. Fall into oblivion from a height of 83 meters just above a natural river and have the time of your life. Try this exhilarating sport at Jumpin Heights in Rishikesh where they already have a Bungee ready for you to experience the fall of your life. For those who have a lion heart jump into nothingness and feel as light and free as a bird. Shout, scream or tear your vocal chords, but this is an experience you definitely gotta brag to your friends back home.
Experience an unforgettable ride on the back of the desert king in the "Golden City" of Rajasthan- Jaisalmer. As traveling on the camelback was once a norm in Rajasthan, with changing times multi-day camel safaris are now becoming a common trend for tourists. You can ride on the humpy back as the camel trots its way in the desert and gaze at the stunning desert scenery. You can also gorge on the simple but mouthwatering Dal and Chapati cooked over an open fire or gaze into the beautiful desert sky and float into a completely different world.
Photo Credit: Flicka
The carnival of Goa is the most awaited festival which started in the year 1961, reflecting the Portuguese lifestyle. People from different castes and creed celebrate this festival with a lot of hoopla and fanfare. An interesting fact about this festival is that one has to stay away from meat as this Goan festival has derived its meaning from the Latin word 'Carnival', which means 'to throw away meat'. This joyous festival is celebrated before the starting of Lent that is believed to be the time when Lord Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness. Singing, dancing, drinking, and feasting are all are part of this merry festival. Apart from the non-stop festivity, the streets are decorated with vibrant colors and floats. Visit the Goa Carnival and loose yourselves in this merry festival.
The Sky is the Limit in the Meadow of Flowers
Experience a feeling of sailing through the fluffy white clouds in the Meadow of Flowers-Gulmarg. This hill station popularly known as the ‘Heartland of winter Sports’ is a famous skiing destination and boasts of Asia’s highest and longest cable car project, The Gulmarg Gondola. Get a view of the dazzling ice-kissed snow from the top of the gondola or feel as though you are floating in the magnificent sky at a height of 3995 meters. The two-stage ropeway, ferries around 600 people per hour to and from the Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of the nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200) meters. The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a height of 3,747 m (12,293 ft) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 meters). If you visit Gulmarg and do not try your hand and skiing you are missing out on a very thrilling adventure sport. There are two areas for skiing: the high mountain/off-piste areas served by the gondola; and a beginner's area near the hotels sited on the hills of the Gulmarg golf course. Be it the gondola ride or skiing this snow haven is sure to bewitch you with its enchanting spell.
Photo Credit: Hidden Macy
Houseboat cruise in the- “VENICE OF THE EAST”
A unique holiday must surely have a unique experience, encounter this unique experience in the “Venice of the East”- Alleppey or Alappuzha in the state of Kerala. Give your holiday a new meaning by making these beautiful houseboats of Kerala your holiday haven. These floating cottages have a sleeping area, western-style toilets and also a dining area. You can also sit out on the deck and admire the sunset with a cup of hot steaming coffee or simply laze around in the open. If you’re worried about mosquitoes or other insects, you need not worry as the boat crew provides you with burning coils to drive away mosquitoes. If you request the boat crew they will provide you with lanterns and switch off the electricity and you can experience a rural ambiance. A visit to these houseboats with your family or friends is sure to give you the uniqueness that you were always craving for.
Put your adventure boots on and get ready to fly like a bird in the Bir village located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. A very popular and famous valley for paragliding pilots the Bir-Billing area is a popular hotspot for both Indians and visitors around the world. The most convenient season for flying is from September to November, one can also try paragliding in the month of October. If you are a professional you can also participate in the international paragliding competitions and events held by the villagers. Fly like a bird in the air from the launch site that is located in the meadow at the Billing (14km north of Bir at an elevation of approximately 2540 meters) and land in the beautiful Chowgan village on the southern edge of Bir.
Paragliding in Billing Valley
Unveil the Underwater Beauty
Discover the underwater world at the Barren Island in Andaman. Waters surrounding the Barren Island are reputed to be the world’s top scuba diving destination. Travel into another world underwater as you sight the mysterious Mantra Rays, exotic stone formations, underwater lava topography and the rapid growing coral gardens. The major attraction of this island is the crystal clear blue water which will leave you totally awe-struck and you will keep going back for more.
Scuba Diving in Andaman
ROW, ROW ROW YOUR BOAT!
Where reaching the finishing line is the main goal of the people who participate in the fantastic Vallam Kali, which is a traditional boat race in Kerala. This fun-filled race is a form of canoe racing and uses paddled war canoes. It is conducted during the season of the splendid harvest festival Onam in autumn. Popularly known as the Snake Boat Race the Vallam Kali is a major tourist attraction. You can also enjoy the Nehru Trophy Boat race which is a popular Vallam Kali event held in the magnificent Punnamada Lake near Alleppey in the state of Kerala.
Snake Boat Race in Kerala
A Mysterious Trek to a Haunted Lake
All those horror movies you saw will suddenly become true as you trek to the Roopkund Lake also known as the “Mystery Lake” in the state of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow-clad mountains you can trek your way to this mysterious lake. As you trek to this lake prepare yourself for a haunted surprise as you will sight eerie human skeletons at the edge of the lake. Experience a spine-chilling adventure as this lake is sure to freak you out of your senses.
Roopkund Lake Photo Credit: Aritra Sil
A Trek to Fairyland
Visit the most beautiful creation of God, an enchanting valley which bursts into its youthful beauty every year. This valley is splashed with color as it blooms with a hundred kinds of beautiful and exotic flowers that will leave you awestruck. Yes, you guessed right it is none other than the mesmerizing Valley of Flowers situated in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,600 meters above the sea-level in the state of Uttaranchal. This beautiful valley has it very own natural trekking trail and is a home to exotic flowers like Cobra Lily, Blue Poppy, and Brahmakamal. Trek on horseback or simply walk your way through this paradise of flowers from Govindghat to Ghangharia (14kms). Watch this valley unveil its beauty as you trek your way in this land of fairies.
Valley of Flowers