Special Interest Tourism

If you want to have a particularly special visit to India, go for at least one of the specific interest tourism options, such as trekking in the Himalayan region, trout fishing in the still lakes of Himalayan valleys, houseboat holidays and so on. Here is a brief description of the possibilities.

Trekking/Mountain-biking/Rafting

The Himalayan region including the Garhwal, Himalayas, Kumaon Hills, Kullu Valley, Kangra Valley, Lahaul & Spiti, Zanskar and Ladakh, or the Eastern Himalayas, are ideal for trekking. You could combine trekking with other activities such as mountain-biking, river rafting and angling or just do any of these activities separately.

Treks can be light through alpine meadows, or tough over high passes and difficult conditions. Various operators have set up permanent camps with Swiss tents in these areas and the itineraries are operated extremely professionally. The best time for such activities is May to October.

Skiing & Heli-Skiing

Mid-December to March, skiing is possible on the snow-slopes of Garhwal, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Auli in Garhwal. These have all became an important skiing centres. Gulmarg in Kashmir has opened up again. Mandi, Solang and Nankana in Himachal offer several natural slope s as well. Heli-skiing is operational in Solang valley and equipment of international standards is available here.

Wildlife Safaris

There are 10 wildlife sanctuaries in India spread across the country and each offers its own special kind of flora and fauna. Corbett in the north was made famous by the British hunter Jim Corbett. Then, there is Dudhwa National Park, bordering Nepal, known for its rhinos and elephants. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a birdwatcher's paradise, several migratory birds converge here; Ranthambore in Rajasthan is the destination for tiger lovers. Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks in central India are also famous for the tiger.

Gir Lion sanctuary in Gujarat is where the Asiatic Lion is found; Bandipur, Nagarhole and Mudumalai in the south are known for their elephants; Periyar is a tiger and bird preserve; Kaziranga in Assam is where you find the one horned rhino. Take your pick!

Angling

You can fish the trout and the mahseer in the ice-fed clear mountain streams and high altitude lakes of the Himalayan regions. You get both brown and rainbow trout. Mahseer, found only in India, is known as the toughest fresh water fighting fish in the world. Fly fishing is also popular. Nilgiri in south-India is the place for Trout fishing. Best season is from February to June and September to November. Deep sea fishing is possible off the Malabar coast and in the Lakshwadeep islands.

Mountaineering

This is the ultimate in adventure. The Himalayas offer varying degrees of difficulties, altitudes ranging from 17,000 ft to 25,000 ft. There are operators who specialize in mountaineering expeditions as it requires meticulous plan technical expertise, specialized equipment etc.

Scuba diving & Snorkeling

The Andamans and Lakshadweep islands offer excellent opportunity for snorkeling and scuba diving. Local reefs and a thousand kind of brilliantly coloured fish can be seen underwater. Equipment and diving instructors are easily available.

Aero Sports

Ballooning has caught on off late, Para-jumping and free-fall parachuting is an added attraction for the adventurous souls amongst us. The lower reaches of Himalayas are also highly rated for hand-gliding and para-sailing because of good thermal, soaring effect. Kangra holds an annual hand-gliding championship, inviting the best in the world. Equipment can easily be hired.

There are various regions in India whose beauty compels one into a jeep-safari. Trans-Himalayan jeep safaris, particularly the Manali- Leh stretch (July-mid October) have been particularly popular.

Rajasthan is another favoured destination, with forts and palaces as the popular theme (October-April). Such adventure-filled safaris take you right into the heart of the beautiful countryside, providing you with a truly exhilarating experience.

This is the way to experience the battle-fraught history of the Rajasthan region. If you are a keen rider, you'd love the trails where the Rajput armies moved, dotted with cenotaphs, rural villages, lakes, wild-life sanctuaries, impressive castles.

Stay is usually in palaces that have been converted to hotels or pitched tents. Horse safaris are also operated on certain trails in Himachal(October-March).

These safaris are usually operated in the desert region of Rajasthan around Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. You seem to relive the fantasy of a 16th century caravan. Treks can move on trading routes.

A lonely desert, colourful people and welcoming villages are the highlights of such a sojourn through the sand dune-dotted terrain of Rajasthan, where camels act as the 'ships of the desert'.

Note: We'll be happy to arrange a special adventure tour for you at any place across India.

For details, please contact sandhyapande@nettoursindia.com