TRAVEL SPECIAL...ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES INDIA

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES INDIA SPECIAL 

The MAGIC of INDIA 

Don’t just tour, but experience India and come back having truly lived each destination

    Varied weather, cultures and attractions in different destinations across India have made it possible for travellers to find something new to explore here each time. In fact, the cultural diaspora is now tempting travellers to go beyond just viewing the beauty of each place and indulging in experiences unique to each region. The long winding roads in the midst of natural settings in the Konkan belt of Maharashtra are ideal for cycle expeditions while almost all of Kerala can be covered on a bike. Imagine staying in a hotel that is bang in the middle of a desert — Rajasthan has several options. Visit the interiors of Punjab and Gujarat and live like a village belle for a day or two or join in a local folk dance that speaks volumes of the culture in Dharamsala. The experiences will make you see India in a different light and make you want to go back for more...
    CONQUER THE ROCKS: HAMPI
HIGHLIGHTS: If you love rocks, head straight to Hampi, Karnataka, nicknamed as the ‘Bouldering capital of India’. There are a range of options here, for beginners and experienced rock climbers, considering that the area is filled with granite crags and boulders. The rocks here that have many historic tales to tell. Try bolting while here.
    CAMPING: SRINAGAR & HIMACHAL PRADESH
HIGHLIGHTS: From snow laden mountains to lush green hills, you can pick a camping site with a view in India. Set up a camp near Chandertal Lake, 4,300 m above sea level in Himachal Pradesh for a ‘top of this world’ feeling. Gulmarg is called the Switzerland of India because of striking similarities between the two destinations. You can enjoy pony rides along forested slopes, take a stroll in the meadows and camp right in the midst of nature.
    TREK THE HIMALAYAS: LADAKH & UTTARAKHAND
HIGHLIGHTS: Those who like to explore cultural aspects of a destination can trek up to Little Tibet comprising Ladakh and Zanskar to see a thriving Buddhist culture. In Ladakh, the Stok Circuit is a relatively easy trek while Phugtal Gompa and Shingo La are some of the demanding treks. The Khatling Glacier in Uttarakhand is an easy-moderate difficulty trek. Trek your way to nirvana as you explore these places.
    BIKE RIDES: KERALA
HIGHLIGHTS: The South is especially recommended for bike expeditions for its pleasant climate and scenic views. One of the most popular itineraries here is the Kochi-Munnar-Kodaikanal-Vandanmedu journey. Start at Cochin and head into the cool of the hills. Next, Munnar will greet you with the sight of a blanket of tea plantations while on the ride from Munnar to Kodaikanal, you can explore Palani Hills and the temple town of Palani too. The highlight of this ride is that Kodaikanal is at a height of 2100 m, so the higher you go, the greater the sense of accomplishment. The route to Vandanmedu by bike is filled with lush cardamom plantations and forests.
    CYCLE TOURS: KONKAN BELT
HIGHLIGHTS: Ditch the four wheelers and opt for a bicycle to get to know a destination up close and personal. The Konkan belt is a cyclists heaven, as one can see nature at its best. Start from Diveagar and peddle through twisting roads to reach Srivardhan. You will also come across scenic towns such as Guhagar, Shekhadi and Dhabol. Take intermittent breaks to converse with locals and relish spicy Malvani cuisine in joints along the way.
    CAMEL RACES, RAJASTHAN
HIGHLIGHTS: Horse races are a common sight at the derby in metropolitan cities but how about watching camels running to reach the finish line first. Camel races are a popular phenomenon in Thar desert and Sam sand dunes, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. You can even be a part of the race and ride a camel to its glory. The ride, of course, will be a bumpy one and watching these otherwise graceful long legged creatures trying to race each other is quite a sight!
    RURAL TOURISM: MAHARASHTRA & PUNJAB
HIGHLIGHTS: Though India has progressed to great lengths, there remains a stark difference between urban and rural India. Interestingly, the rich culture that each region is widely known for, can be best witnessed in the rural areas. Purushwadi Village in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Hodka in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch are now increasingly becoming popular with rural tourists thanks to their stunning natural settings. Visitors can volunteer on the farms in the Shivalik range of Punjab and even witness a bullock cart race in Kila Rajpur here.
    FEEL THE DIVINITY: VARANASI
HIGHLIGHTS: There are religious destinations and then there is Varanasi. A holy city on the banks of Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is brimming with spirituality. There are as many as 100 ghats that lead to the Ganges, which are filled with people trying to get about their daily chores and those wanting a holy dip. Barring a few privately owned ghats, most are open to the pubic. Your guide will tell you about legends and mythology associated with prominent ghats. The destination is surrounded by a sense of mysticism as the priests perform the aarti at the ghats to a full congregation. Don’t miss out.
    LUXURY SPA: HIMALAYAS & KERALA
HIGHLIGHTS: India is home to two extreme kinds of coveted spa settings. You can have a relaxing massage in renowned spas set amidst the backdrop of the Himalayas or a traditional ayurvedic treatment in centres that are in the middle of lush greenery in Kerala. Seeing these two destinations attract a sea of people from all over the world surely makes one feel lucky to have it all in our own nation!
    CLIMB UP, GIRNAR HILLS, GUJARAT
HIGHLIGHTS: Girnar Hills in Junagadh district of Gujarat is a religious spot with a difference. The hills have a cluster of temples and there are around 8,000-10,000 stairs from the trailhead till the last temple. You will have earned yourself a pat on the back if you manage to visit all the temples via these steps.
WITNESS, OR BETTER STILL, JOIN IN A TRADITIONAL DANCE
HIGHLIGHTS: The best time to indulge in cultural revelry of destinations across the nation is during festivals and celebrations in the region. You can see the Kalbelia dance, Ghoomar dance and the Fire dance during the Desert Festival, Kite Festival and Camel Festival in Rajasthan. Gujarat has garba and dandiya to see during Navratri, Rathyatra and Kutch Mahotsav while Punjab has Bhangra and Gidda during Hola Mohalla. Dharamsala comes particularly alive during Losar (Tibetan New Year) and the Dalai Lama’s birthday as Tibetan refugees put up dances with Tibetan and Nepali influences. Manipuri dance in Manipur, Bihu dance in Assam and Lavani dance in Maharashtra are a few other popular folk dances. Festivals are the best time to join in the fervour by actually being one with the crowd and participating in the celebrations. Compiled by Sujata Reddy

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