For adventure enthusiasts, here’s a list of activities to get a new holiday experience.

Bestowed with gigantic mountains, fascinating rivers, challenging terrains and other natural splendors, India is a great country that offers a variety of adventure sports and experiences. Be it in any direction or region, India has ample of options for a dose of adrenaline to adventure junkies. Expedia lists down the new experiences that Indians have begun exploring while vacationing.

DOWN TO EARTH:
Jungle/ Wildlife Safari: Have you ever dreamt of an opportunity to photograph a Tiger in ambush almost about to make a kill, a Malabar pied hornbill feeding its young ones, a Rhino hidden in tall grass not liking your presence while you are enjoying your Safari. Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan and Periyar Jungle Safari offers it all.

Car/ Biking Tours: If you want to have a tryst with the mountains, rugged & challenging terrains, extreme passes or even hanging bridges, a road expedition is your thing. Characterized by extremely challenging roads, narrow passes, windy terrains and the joy of creating your own roads, such a trip offers a high dose of adrenaline to riders and drivers. Kick start your engine and gear up for an amazing ride to the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, and have a rendezvous with the nothingness of this salt desert or fuel up your transport and head to Ladakh and bask in the glory of the Himalayan range.

Rock/ Mountain Trek: Trekking is a popular adventure activity among the tourists. Trips to the mountains in India signify not only the natural beauty, but a source of spiritual guidance as well. The height and beauty of Indian mountains provide enthralling opportunities for trekking. The Kudremukh Peak, one of the main attractions of Chikmagalur entices the trekkers with its easy to difficult trails. The Singalila Kanchenjunga Trek is a huge vista of peaks stretching for 700 kilometers. This is also considered one of the excellent treks owing to the surrounding natural beauty.

Skiing: One of the striking sports that have emerged to be a winner in the league of adventure is skiing. The Indian Himalayas being a wonderful host, offer a distinct skiing experience with favorable slopes. A thick snow cover and surrounding scenic views makes it for a memorable skiing experience. Auli, Kufri and Solang Nala are perfect venues for skiing.

WAVE AND WATER TREAT:
Rafting: There are only a few things that appeal to adventure enthusiasts more than the thrill of riding on the wild waters of untamed rivers, or white water rafting as it is called. The mighty rivers flowing down from the heights of the Himalayas make India one of the world’s best places for rafting. Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is a popular location for white water rafting enthusiasts, while Barapole River in Coorg offers Grade-II to IV rafting.

Snorkeling: India’s stretched coast line is blessed with amazingly beautiful groups of islands and beaches that allow you to get a peek of the stunning marine life in the crystal clear waters. Snorkeling is a sport in which you equip yourself with a diving mask, snorkel (a tube) and swim fins while swimming. Try the mesmerizing islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar or Tarkali beach in Mumbai for snorkelling.

Scuba Diving: Hidden away from our familiar human world is a spectacular natural underwater world full of vibrant colors and textures, naturally crafted structures, exotic creatures, sea anemones and a whole lot more that is waiting to be discovered. It’s the best way to explore the beautiful azure underwater world in India. The vast coastline stretching thousands of kilometers in India dotted with island groups, finest beaches and fascinating marine life offers great scuba diving opportunities. Dive into the deep green and blue waters of Arabian Sea in Goa and be a part of unmatched rich, vivid and amazing marine life and beautiful coral beds. Tarkali beach in Mumbai also offers scuba diving experience.

Surfing: There are loads of exquisite hideouts in India where you can indulge in the rejuvenating sport of surfing. Pristine beaches, crystal clear waterways and natural beautiful rivers are in plenty here. Kovalam, is probably India’s most well-known surfing destination. Gokarna is also a spot for surf wanderers in India. Surfing in Goa is all about fun, adventure and romancing the waves of the Arabian Sea.

UP IN THE AIR:
Paragliding: If you have ever dreamt of soaring through the air like a bird, with expanses of nature spread out below you, then go gliding. The lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched paragliders allow you to enjoy flying free in the air and enjoy a bird’s eye view of beautiful green fields, water bodies and lots more. Give wings to your dream of flying, witness the magical beauty of the tepid beaches and azure waters like a bird! Paragliding in the pictorial vicinity of Vagamon, Munnar is a must for the adrenaline mongers. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh is also another venue for flying high.

Sky diving: Skydiving, as an extreme sport is still at a very nascent stage in India but its popularity and presence is spreading slowly. It is for those who have discipline, focus and the nerve to conquer fear. It is the closest you can get to nirvana, as in the realm of clueless consciousness. With winds gushing on to your face, your mind working in sync with your heart, you are focused. You can feel the adrenaline rush in your veins and get the most exhilarating experience you can ever have. Mysore and Aamby Valley, Maharashtra hosts several skydiving camps.

Para Sailing: Billowing up in the blue unknown has been a fascinating figment for long. It is a great experience for you to wallow over hills and valleys, rising slowly like the birds and para sailing makes it possible. Para sailing is carried with much vivacity and gusto in India at Matheran in Maharashtra, most beaches in Goa and Payyambalam Beach in Kerala.

Bungee Jumping: For an adventure enthusiast nothing can beat the thrill of freefalling from a crane or a bridge while being attached to an elastic cord. Bungee Jumping in India has become popular over last few years and there are many organizers who take good care of all safety measures while offering this sport. Mysore, Rishikesh and Anjuna village in Goa are a few destinations in India that offer the experience.

Hot Air Balloon ride: Hot air ballooning is a relatively new adventure activity in India, but one that's fast growing in popularity. It's a thrilling way to experience India and get a different perspective of the country. Imagine having a calm and peaceful view of India's breathtaking scenery from a quiet place high above the crowds. Lonavala, Jaipur, Hampi and Goa in India are the few places which offer a Hot Air Balloon Safari.

The article has been authored by Marketing Head, Mr. Manmeet Ahluwalia, Expedia India.
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