Adventurous Crusades Across India

If you’re someone who is looking for a thrill, an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, you’ve definitely come to the right place. A true adventurer knows that the best way to do that is to get out of your comfort zone and open yourself to everything the world has to offer. And Thomas Cook is here to show you all the adventures awaiting you across India. From diving into deep waters, to walking over frozen rivers and testing your strength against swift rapids, our country has it all.

Scuba Diving – Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Immersing yourself into the deep waters of the ocean is no less than immersing yourself into another world, making it a wonderful adventure. And if you wish to explore the magical marine life of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands is the perfect spot for you. With different diving sites spread across the islands, you can choose any of them for your underwater adventure. Havelock, 50 km from the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has no less than nine diving sites, each offering a different diving experience. Barracuda City is considered the best for novices, thanks to its perfect blend of hard and soft coral population and a rich ecosystem where you will be surrounded by radiant fishes; etching a vivid painting into your memory, a standout amongst the other locations. For certified divers, Lighthouse is the diving destination where you can enjoy the eclectic company of lobsters, lionfish, octopus and colourful corals.

Suggested Read : Dos and Don’ts when travelling in the Andaman Islands

Chadar Trek – Ladakh

Walking on water sounds like a tale out of a fantasy world but the Chadar Trek is exactly that, a fantasy fulfilled. Every winter (Jan – Feb), the dipping temperatures strike the flowing Zanskar river, freezing it into sheets of ice that stretch for 105 kilometres. As you make your way through the 1150 ft high trail, you will encounter the Nerak waterfall. Also frozen at this time of the year, it is a sight that transcends all imagination. Beginning at the end of the Chilling Road, the trek concludes at Nerak. En route, everywhere you look, you will be stunned by gorgeous views, but the highlights would be Tilat Sumdo and Lingshed. One of the campsites Tilat Sumdo, is where a stream and the Zanskar river meet, embodying the word Sumdo, which means confluence. And Lingshed, one of the oldest villages of Ladakh, is picture-perfect thanks to its beauty, and the Lingshed gompa, which was founded in 1440, is one of its greatest attractions.

Must Read : Chadar Trek: Trekking on the Frozen Zanskar Lake

Bike Ride to Ladakh, Amongst Popular Adventure Destinations in India

Each and every biker and adventurer has dreamed of making this trip. Experiencing the thrill of being in control as your bike traverses through the spectacular cold deserts of Ladakh is impossible to find anywhere else. You will encounter true adventure through the winding paths of the ‘Land of High Passes’, and every turn you make will spotlight gorgeous views. This once in a lifetime journey has wonderful sights in store for you. The many Buddhist monasteries have given Ladakh the name ‘Little Tibet’, and visiting them on your exciting quest will be a lovely change of scene. Furthermore, the beauty of Nature you will witness on this trip deserves a special mention. The ride through the Khardungla Pass, considered to be the highest motorable pass in the world, is a truly humbling experience. And the confluence of the surging Zanskar and Indus rivers is an awe-inspiring sight for every traveller. Do not miss out on visiting Pangong Lake, a saltwater lake, hidden away amongst the high-reaching mountains. The interesting fact about these mesmerising blue waters is that one third of the lake is part of our country while the rest flows into China.

Recommended Read : Reasons Why Bike Riding through Ladakh is the Coolest Thing to Do with Your Friends

Skiing – Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Although the first images that come to mind at the mention of Kashmir are shikaras and houseboats, the Valley is also a prime spot for skiers from all over the world. The sport has gained so much popularity in the Himalayas that even leisure travellers are propelled into gliding down the snow-laden mountains of Kashmir, discovering their own sense of thrill. Gulmarg, a hill station in the Baramulla district of Kashmir, is considered the dream destination for anyone looking for extreme skiing. Considered to have some of the best slopes in the world, the winters transform it into the world’s best skiing resort every year. The vertical descent of over 2,200 metres that ends in the lap of Mt. Apharwat, is an experience that will test the skill of every skier and snowboarder, whether they’re at intermediate or expert level. The gondola ride that takes visitors to the skiing venue made Gulmarg one of the highest lift-served resorts in the world. And at the summit of Mt. Apharwat, the view of the Kashmir Valley and Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest point on earth, will take your breath away. Since the Valley has been gifted by heavy snowfall, Sonamarg and Pahalgam also turn into skiing destinations of Kashmir.

River Rafting – Tons Valley, Uttarakhand/ Rishikesh

Battling the rapids at least once in their lifetime is something every adventurer has put on their list, and Uttarakhand happens to be the spot for fulfilling that dream. Mori, a peaceful hill station at the bank of the River Tons, boasts of being a prime destination for nature lovers. It has the options of trekking, camping, birding, and its shining glory is the white-water rafting experience. Legend has it, that one of the headwaters of the River Yamuna, the river Tons, was formed by the tears of the local folk weeping over the defeat of the Kauravas in the Mahabharata. Yes, the Kauravas. In their own way, the people of Mori define going against norms. The river flows in a series of Grade IV and Grade V till its confluence with the Yamuna. The six-seven-day undertaking covers 180 km beginning from Mori and ending at the foothills of Garhwal near Kalsi, however, a few rafting camps are set up by the river near Mori in May and June, for day trips.

Paragliding in Bir Billing

Do visit the second highest paragliding spot in the world and marvel at the stunning panoramas from the sky. The best time for paragliding would be between the months of October and December with its winter air and comfortably warm mornings. Glide through the scenic hills of Billing as you soar high in the sky. Paragliding in Billing comprises both a short and long travel time; the first lasting for ten minutes and the latter for 45 minutes across multiple valleys.

Adventures in the North East

Be it treks, beautiful valleys, monasteries or opulent lakes, the north east has it all. Take the Yak Safari along the Tsomgo Lake as you explore the picturesque locations of Sikkim. If you wish to explore on foot, try the Goecha La Trek, which is considered to be one of the highest mountain passes of Sikkim. You will also spot beautiful views of Kanchenjunga as the trek takes you through the paths of rhododendron forests.

Parasailing – Kerala, One of the Best Adventure Destinations in India

Believe you can fly and touch the sky? Well, in Kerala you actually can! People often advise to never look down from a height, but the aerial view of Payyambulam Beach as you drift over it, is too hard to resist and will make you let go of all your inhibitions! The best time to enjoy water sports in Kerala would be from October to March when you can easily marvel at the azure, blue sea beneath you as the clear, blue sky holds you in a tight embrace. Head to the Kovalam and Alappuzha beaches in Kerala to engage in this exciting water sport activity!

Must Read : Top 30 Things to do in Kerala

Flyboarding – Goa

Being a tropical paradise, Goa is almost always synonymous with water sport activities. Engage in some crazy flyboarding, if you are an adrenaline junkie. Head to North Goa to enjoy this exhilarating activity, which has just recently become an adventure spot for adrenaline buffs out there. Head to the Chapora River to get the best Flyboarding experience ever as you rise up in the air like a Superhero and enjoy the view around you. The best time to give this activity a shot would be from June To October. Enjoy this activity even if you are a non-swimmer. Just keep some confidence handy with you and you are good to go!

Even though there are so many experiences to cross off the list, you have nothing to worry about. Thomas Cook will make sure you can experience the adventure you’ve always been dreaming of. Contact us with your queries and we’ll give you your next big adventure.