To put it simply, adventure tourism is the apotheosis of the beach holiday – it’s getting out there and doing something that you enjoy, something that can be as challenging as you want but that gives you a sense of achievement and not just a sun tan.
India has an amazingly diverse climate and topography – there are mountains, fast flowing rivers, all types of forest (alpine, tropical and mangrove), alluvial plains, grasslands, deserts, oceans and beaches. This gives endless opportunities for adventure tourism amongst the beauty, colour and uniqueness that is India. India is a famous tourist destination, but there is so much more than the Taj Mahal and the Golden Triangle. The awe-inspiring Himalayas and the surrounding foothills provide a fantastic environment for trekking, skiing and rock climbing while the fast flowing rivers cascading through them are perfect for white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing or even fishing. There are also opportunities for paragliding and hot air ballooning and other sky borne adventures. As well as being famous for vistas of white sandy beaches, the coastal areas also offer a huge range of water sports including diving and snorkelling.
The forests, grasslands and desert areas support a fantastic array of wildlife providing a different arena for adventure holidays. There are more than 500 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India providing the excitement of wildlife safaris by jeep, elephant back or boat when there is the chance of seeing many rare and endangered species, including the tiger. The whole country is also a paradise for birdwatchers with many famous bird reserves, namely Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur – a fantastic wetland sanctuary. Visiting these Reserves actively helps with the conservation of India’s endangered wildlife.
Part of the adventure is in how you travel – bikers, just imagine touring the high altitude snow deserts of Ladakh on the enigmatic Enfield Bullet! Alternatively, take a jeep safari across the Himalayas or, if you prefer to be on foot, there are an incredible variety of hiking opportunities from short walks in low altitude alpine meadows to mighty treks over some of the highest passes in the world. If cycling is your thing, push yourself to the limit and tour Rajasthan by bike. Or why not see India from horseback or perhaps from the back of a camel on a romantic safari through the desert.
Specialist tour operators offering adventure holidays to India are well aware of the needs of responsible tourism and eco-travel so in this progressively environment conscious world a trip to India can provide the adventurous traveller with a huge range of activities whilst promoting the conservation of this amazing country.
Today the logistics of arranging an eco-friendly adventure holiday to India area easy – look on the internet and you will find professional tour operators who can help you choose the right trip for you and make all the necessary travel arrangements – wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do and whatever type of transport and accommodation you need for your trip, you can be confident that they will organise everything efficiently and smoothly.