SUMMER ADVENTURE
This summer, many Indian tourists will shun the
comforts of luxurious hotels and instead opt to rough it out in adventure
destinations. This segment of tourists has been growing at 178% over the past
three years, according to media reports. And it is not just youth, but also
those in other age brackets who are opting for experiential holidays. Globally,
this is a big growth segment for the industry. A report by Allied Market
Research says globally, this segment will grow from $444.8 billion in 2016 to
$1,336 billion by 2023 — compound annual growth rate of 17.4%. For a
destination to be slotted as adventure tourism it must typically have a
physical activity, cultural immersion and natural environment. Globally,
Europeans lead the space. Asia-Pacific has emerged as the fastest growing
region for adventure tourism. In India, Adventure Tour Operators Association of
India, the Ministry of Tourism and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation have
been working to promote adventure tourism. “The biggest hurdle we have is of
inexperienced guides and unsafe practices. Globally, only certified trained
guides are allowed. India lacks such formal, certified training for guides,”
says Milind Bhide, founder, Countryside Adventure Holidays, a leading provider
of adventure tour packages. ET Magazine partnered with Countryside Adventure
Holidays to showcase some of the adventure hotspots where Indians are headed
this summer.
INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS
Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Absorb the big-sky panorama of the Gobi Desert and
the vast Mongolian steppes alongside the native nomadic people, sleeping in a
traditional ger (yurt) by the bottomless Lake Khovsgol. Visit in July to
witness the spectacle of the Naadam games, a Mongolian cultural extravaganza,
and in September-October for the intriguing Golden Eagle Festival, a
celebration of the ancient Kazakh nomadic tradition of hunting with the
majestic domesticated golden eagles.
BUDGET: From ₹1.9 lakh (all budget figures are
per head, excluding airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 12 days
Antarctica
Raw adventure permeates the air here. One of the last
true wildernesses left on the planet, Antarctica remains exactly as it was when
the great explorers first discovered it. From the comforts of your own
expedition vessel, explore some larger-than-life, almost ethereal polar
landscapes, and indulge in some adventure activities like camping on the icy
ground, kayaking, and polar plunge — taking a dip in the frigid waters. Who
knows, you might have an encounter with a penguin or a seal – a memory to be
cherished forever.
BUDGET: From ₹4.5 lakh (excluding airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 10 days
Torres Del Paine, Chile
The Torres del Paine National Park, located deep in
southern Patagonia in South America, was always considered one of the best
treks in the world. The trek takes you on a W-shaped trail through breathtaking
landscapes — mountains, glaciers, and lakes — albeit the erratic weather. Take
in the picturesque landscapes from the Paine Horns, and explore the cavernous
Milodon Cave, where the remains of the prehistoric Milodon were found.
BUDGET: From ₹1.2 lakh
(per person excluding airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 8 days
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is known as the adventure capital of the
world for good reason — the entire valley is one massive playground with
limitless options of ways to get a good thrill. There’s adventure for all here:
whether you like skiing down the slopes, hiking through mountain passes,
rafting through rapids or freefalling from the sky at high speeds with only a
parachute. BUDGET: From ₹1 lakh
(per person excluding airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 5 days
Banff, Canada
This place has a rich heritage as one of the world’s
most awe-inspiring mountain destinations. With easy access to pristine
wilderness, endless outdoor adventures, and all the amenities you need, in
Banff National Park you feel truly immersed in nature. BUDGET: From ₹2.25
lakh(excluding airfare) OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 7 days
Skydiving, bungee jumping, rafting or bridge climbing
— these activities will leave you with an unbelievably awesome feeling. Explore
the rugged countryside on off-road tours, or go caving through the network of
metamorphic caves that the country boasts. If you’re more the relaxed type of
person, you can also enjoy horseback riding, go kayaking or dolphin watching.
No matter what, New Zealand will blow you away with all its adventures.
BUDGET: From ₹1.5 lakh (per person excluding
airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 14 days
DOMESTIC DESTINATIONS
Ladakh
With a multitude of both moderate and tough-level
trekking trails in and around the capital city of Leh, and a diverse variety of
breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in the region, Ladakh is a perfect
destination for first-time adventurers or offbeat travellers. There are various
adventure activities that can be enjoyed; from daytime walks spent visiting the
picturesque monasteries and lakes, to arduous longduration treks and mountain
climbing. One can enjoy a rafting joyride on the Zanskar or go for a five-six
days rafting expedition. Ladakh also offers great rides for cyclists and bikers
in the grand high-altitude landscapes of the region. BUDGET: From ₹40,000 (excluding
airfare) OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 8
days
Maharashtra
An upcoming destination for adventure travel,
Maharashtra has nearly 350 historical hill forts, many of which were used by
Chhatrapati Shivaji to safeguard his kingdom. There are trekking trails on the
old trade route connecting the ports with markets on the Deccan plateau. The
Sahyadris, also referred to as the Western Ghats, are perfect for day hikes in
the monsoons. Water sports like scuba diving are also being developed in the
Sindhudurg area near the coast of Ratnagiri in the south. Cycling routes from
Mumbai to Goa have also been in vogue. Head to Kolad to raft through the
whitewater rapids, and visit Lonavala to experience hot-air ballooning. Kamshet
offers a chance to see the beauty of the Western Ghats from a birds-eye
perspective, being known as the paragliding capital of India.
BUDGET:
From ₹10,000
(excluding airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION:
1-3 days
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
A desert mountain valley in the north of Himachal,
bordering Tibet, Spiti is great for road trips through winding high-altitude
mountain passes. The Chandrataal Lake is a big crowd-puller in this region and
boasts some of the best landscapes in the Himalayas. Driving from Spiti, one
can cross over the Kunzum pass and visit Chandrataal Lake before reaching
Manali. Spiti is also gaining in popularity, especially among wildlife
enthusiasts, as snow leopards are often spotted in the winters.
BUDGET: From Rs 50,000 (excluding airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 10 days
Uttarakhand
Take your pick of adventure in the Devbhumi: explore
the various options in Rishikesh from white-water rafting, camping, bungee
jumping or, if you are a skiing enthusiast, visit the ski resort at Auli. The
Gharwal and Kumaon regions are filled with innumerable trekking routes, ranging
across difficulty levels. There are opportunities for mountaineering as well,
and a hard-core enthusiast can trek to the National Institute of Mountaineering
Base to pursue a course. The mountain state has adventure possibilities for
all.
BUDGET:
From ₹15,000
(excluding airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION:
4 days
Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Near the popular tourist town of Manali in Kullu
district, the Solang valley offers paragliding, skiing (in winters), and
several treks from easy to moderate difficulty levels that will take you
through the beautiful snow passes and peaks. A rafting experience can be
enjoyed on the Beas as well. Those aspiring for tougher challenges can do a
cycling trip from Manali to Leh in 10 days or climb Mt Friendship (at 17,500
ft), experience snow and try their hand at ice climbing. It is an ideal
destination for all, including families with children above 10.
BUDGET: From ₹34,000 (excluding airfare)
OPTIMAL TRAVEL DURATION: 8 days
Sangla
Valley, Himachal Pradesh
This idyllic region is fast gaining popularity as a
less crowded alternative to the traditional spots of Shimla, Kullu and Manali.
There are some amazing mountain views and short walks around the charming
villages along the Baspa. Visit Chitkul, the last Indian town before Tibet, to
experience what many travellers have termed ‘heaven on earth’, and enjoy some
fun time in the snow. Or, if you find Chitkul too crowded, spend some time in
Rakcham, a small hamlet on the way to Chitkul. Sangla Valley is an ideal
destination for adventurers looking for comforts.
BUDGET: From ₹34,000 upwards
OPTIMAL
TRAVEL DURATION: 7 days
ETM6MAY18
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