briefly highlight adventure tourism in India
Answers
In India tourism is the largest service industry bringing in 6.23% of the national GDP. It brings in 8.78% of the total employment of the country. Each year there is increase in number of tourists visiting India by 5 million mark. Besides foreigners, locals alone count up to 527 million. In US figures Indian tourism industry is a 100 billion dollar affair which is predicted to increase to 275.5 billion by next decade. All the credit can be given The Ministry of Tourism which is the main working institute behind promotion in India. To create interest in tourism, the ministry introduced an ‘Incredible India’ campaign. The punch line of this campaign is ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ which means guest is our God.
Everything is not as rosy as it looks. India falls behind certain countries it faces serious issues in the face of inadequate number of hotel rooms. Until a year back India only had 25000 tourist hotel rooms. Other reason why tourism lags behind is that getting visa to the country is a complicated process. The Indian airports are crammed and foreigners do not take that fact too well. But despite all of it tourism is only expected to grow in the coming years.
This year saw a considerable decline in International tourism everywhere across the globe. But surprisingly the hospitality business in India was busy and flourishing. This happened as a result of service tax exemption and ending of fringe benefit tax.
This has resulted into luxurious expansive tourist destinations like the Kerala Backwaters or the Golden Triangle Tours to be affordable to foreign tourists. British have gone ahead and voted India as one of the top 10 overseas travel destinations.
Tourists that come to India are mesmerized by what they see here. The rich contrast of culture and varied topography topped with a huge diversification in weather is more than what a stranger in this land can handle. When he lands in a modern airport and when he steps out in the streets to honking horns and crammed streets with beggars on the roads and even cows sharing that space, the contrast mesmerizes. And this contrast is exactly what they come looking for. The colorful culture and vibrant helpful people, the lands, mountains and rivers, the religious places and thousand year old Yog tradition, India goes on attracting.
Major Adventure activities that you can avail here are:
Camel Safari
Thar Desert safari is one of Asia’s most popular adventure holidays. This safari also takes you through camel treks. These include camel treks which pass through the sand dunes of Jaisalmer.
Mountaineering
The Himalayan mountain ranges are the major reason why mountaineering and other related activities are so popular here. The mountains are perfect for rock climbing and rappelling. The gorges and valleys are challenging. People who go mountaineering also try jeep safaris, bike trips as well as biking trips to these high altitudes.
Elephant Safari
The large number of national parks and tiger reserves in India makes elephant safari the most done activity in India. Be it in Jaipur in the Amber fort or seeing the tiger from behind the elephants back, th experience of sitting on this giant animal is one you can never forget.
Scuba Diving
The long coast line of India makes scuba diving a much sought after sport. The marines’ life in the Andaman and Nicobar Island, Lakshadeep and Goa are so rich that one can have a helluva time simple snorkeling.
Skiing
Abundant snow and mountain in the winters make skiing a sport for all age group. Skiing in Alchi or any other cold place is a very obvious activity among tourists.
White Water Rafting in India
The rivers like Ganges, Brahmaputra, Kali and Yamuna are turbulent and offer great opportunities to the tourists to try white water rafting.
Answer:
1. Goa :
Yes, Goa is about lazing all day on the beaches and partying all night long. But it isn’t only about that. If you are a water baby looking for some thrills, Goa will not fail to impress you. Water sports are one of the main tourist attractions in Goa. From the common jet-skiing and parasailing, to the exotic ones such as kayaking and white water rafting, Goa has them all. Spend a day with rich and colorful marine life at Grande island while snorkeling and scuba diving or spot some dolphins at Monkey beach.
Experience the exhilarating white water rafting in the rapids of The Mhadei River or take an entertaining ride on a tube pulled by a speedboat (ringo ride) at Pindul Cave. Those looking for a wild adventure, can head to the Cortalim jetty and take a boat ride to Cumbharjua canals for watching massive crocodiles. You could also go kayaking in Sal Backwaters or wind surfing at Dona Paula Bay.
2. Rishikesh :
If you are an extreme-sport lover, you will fall in love with Rishikesh instantly. This picturesque Himalayan city in Uttarakhand is famous not just for its abundant natural beauty but also its ample adventure sport options, with river rafting down the River Ganga topping the list. Try planning your trip between September and June as the rapids are perfect that time. When in Rishikesh, try camping a night in a tent by a crystal-clear river with a canopy of stars above you at night. Water lovers can also try kayaking, cliff jumping and waterfall trekking.
If you are a biker, you will be happy to know that the hilly terrain of Rishikesh is perfect for mountain biking. For dare-devils, there is bungee jumping which can be done at Mohan Chatti (height: 83 metres). Those seeking more height-based adventures can try the flying fox and the giant swing. Other sports worth trying are zorbing, valley crossing and hot air balloon riding.
3. Andaman Islands :
Apart from pristine white sand beaches, Andaman is home to numerous Adrenalin-pumping water sports. You can, of course, snorkel and scuba dive in the turquoise waters for a short tête-à-tête with the hypnotizing marine life. Apart from these, you can try jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and speed boating. For those looking for unique adventure sports, there is underwater sea walking at Elephant beach (from January to April), a ride on the sea plane (from Port Blair and Have-lock Island), scuba diving with an elephant (yes, you read that right!) and glass bottom boating.
If you are visiting Andaman during February or March, you can also try angling or sport fishing at the end of which you can cook and savor your cherished catch! Surfing, dolphin watching and kayaking are some other adventure sports you can try out at Andaman Islands. Wondering when is the best time to visit Andaman? We have chalked out all the details here.
4. Rajasthan :
Rajasthan might look all artistic and imperial on the face of it, but if you lift that royal veil, you will find its adventurous side that not many know of. Would you fancy soaking in mesmerizing views of fortresses and lakes while zip-lining over the sundry landscapes of Jaipur? Nature-lovers can trade their hotel stay with a personalized tent between October and March at Udaipur or Jaisalmer. If you are visiting the lively state during the famous Pushkar Mela, make sure you book yourself a hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of Jaipur’s marvelous architecture.
Those who love air-based adventure sports will be happy to know paragliding is now flourishing in Rajasthan. Soar over the golden sands of Jaisalmer, Pushkar and Jhalawar while you are there. Peek into the state’s rich culture while taking a thrilling camel safari or spot a majestic tiger during a jeep safari in The Ranthambore National Park (best time to visit: early October to late June).