Top 8 Destinations for Adventure Lover
1. Manali
Gorgeous trails through pine forests, apple orchards on the way and the incredible view of the Himalayas – Manali is an adventure-seeker’s and nature-lover’s delight. It possess a reputation as a backpacking center and honeymoon destination teamed up with adventure getaway. Try the trek up to Rohtang Pass or go paragliding in Solang Valley. A number of trekking trails are available from Manali. You can trek to Malana , a hidden village in the Himalayas known for its strict rules and regulations. You can also trek to Jogini falls, which is an hour trek from Manali.
How to reach: Manali is well connected by road with a number of HRTC buses plying from all the major cities like Srinagar, Delhi, Rishikesh. You can also fly to Manali, the nearest airport being at Bhuntar
Where to stay: If you want a budget stay, a number of budget hotels are available at Hadimba road and old Manali road. There are multiple resorts where you can enjoy a luxurious stay as well
2. Bandhavgarh
Madhya Pradesh, ‘the heart of India’, reverberates with the roar of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Of its many national parks, Bandhavgarh offers the most thrilling wildlife safari. There are high chances of spotting a tiger since here as the density of its population is the highest known in India. You can go for Elephant ride as well in the lush green park of Bandhavgarh.
How to reach: Jabalpur airport is the nearest airport to reach Bandhavgarh. You can then take a bus to Umaria which is at a distance of 45 mins from the park. You can hire a cab or simply a tourist bus from Umaria to the park
Where to stay: Bandhav Vilas and Arnayak Resorts are the two most recommended places to stay
3. Kaziranga
Perhaps you’d like to come face to face with the endangered Indian Rhinoceros. Assam’s Kaziranga National Park has more than 2,000 rhinos and you can take a jeep safari or an elephant-back ride into the grasslands to spot them.The park is also a home to a large breeding population of elephants, wild water buffalo and swamp deer.
How to reach: The nearest airport from Kaziranga is located 74 kilometers away in Jorhat, Assam
If one is coming by rail, the nearest rail head is located in Helem (30 kms), Jorhat (90 km ), Furketing ( 75 km ) and Guwahati ( 200 km)
Kaziranga National Park can be approached from either side via national highway NH 37. The nearest bus stop to reach Kaziranga is in Kohara. Buses operating from Guwahati, Tezpur, Dimapur and Upper Assam all pass through Kohara.
Where to stay: Kaziranga Resort and Resort Borgos
4. Nagarhole
Deep in the coffee country of Coorg (Kodagu), lie the lush forests of Nagarhole National Park. You’re likely to come across tigers, leopards, elephants and many other animals in this 650 square kilometre sanctuary. Teamed with an amazing view of mountains at the backdrop and a jungle safari, Nagarhole is sure to pump up the adrenaline rush in your body. This national park is a home to a thick flora and fauna cover and can turn out to be an amazing adventure trip when traveled solo or even in group.
How to reach: Flights to major Indian and International cities operate from Bengaluru. Taxis can be hired to reach Nagarhole National Park from Mysore and Bengaluru. The nearest railway station is again in Mysore at a distance of 87 km. Trains from major cities in the country are linked with Mysore
Where sto stay: Orange County,Kabini, Bheerambali Village
5. Lahaul-Spiti
If your idea of adventure trip involves heading into a largely untouched terrain, dotted here and there with tiny villages, go to the Lahaul-Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. A picturesque mountain terrain, amazing valleys, beautiful river side views and a calm and serene aura, Yes! Lahaul-Spiti is surely a place to visit if you are planning to attain a divine solace in the lap of nature. Excellent treks, riverside camps and ancient monasteries – what more could you ask for?
How to reach: From the airport tourists can reach Lahaul & Spiti by private taxi or bus. Train Route : Jogindernagar is the nearest narrow gauge railhead to Lahaul &Spiti. Apart from it Shimla & Chandigarh are two broad gauge railheads for Lahaul & Spiti.
Where to stay: Hotel Deyzor, The Nomad’s Cottage
6. Punakha
Apart from adventure trips in India, our neighbouring countries also offer some thrilling adventure holidays. Punakha in Bhutan has some lovely treks as well as quirky attractions such as the fertility temple, Chimi Lhakhang. Hot springs and caves add to the beauty of Punakha. To add up to an amazing experience, the weather here favours all. You can visit this place anytime of the year and at any hour of the day, the weather will be just right for you to take a silent walk taking in the mesmerizing beauty of this town.
How to reach: By Air. The best way to travel to Punakha is to take a flight to Paro International Airport. From the airport, buses and taxis are available to go to Punakha Valley
Where to stay: Damchen Resort, Meri Puensum resort
7. Pokhara
Pokhara in Nepal offers many adventure activities – from rafting and kayaking on its many rivers to hiking the Himalayan hills, there is something for everyone. Offbeat activities include exploring caves, zip-lining down a sheer drop of 600 metres and canyoning – jumping and sliding down multiple cascading waterfalls! Visit Bengas Tal and Rupa Tal, the two serene lakes at a distance of 10kms from Pokhara.
How to reach: The International airport at Kathmandu is the nearest airport for tourist near Pokhara. You can take a bus from there to reach Pokhara
Where to stay: Hotel Orchid, Hotel trekker’s Inn
8. Auli
Do you like your adventure holidays to include a spot of skiing? Head to Auli in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand – with its 3 kilometre long slope and a 500 metre long ski lift, Auli can give many ski resorts a run for their money. Ski equipment is provided and the tourist board (GMVN) offers 7-14 day skiing courses.
How to reach: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Auli at a distance of 286 kms. You can take the train to Rishikesh and take a bus from there. Auli is well connected by road from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar and Chamoli.
Where to stay: A number of budget hotels are available in and around Auli. You can also switch to guest houses and homestay.