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trekking as a sporting activity does not require prior training or practice, except that
the trekker should be in good physical condition, there are certain dos and don'ts which
should be adhered to. Routes should be carefully chosen, as some treks may be more
difficult, or may involve high altitude trekking. It is generally advisable to be
accompanied by a local guide. Ensure that the pace of the trek is not too rapid, since
this could result in exhaustion, and would in any case not be enjoyable. Camel Safaris
Deserts have since long exerted an
irresistible charm on the psyche of the humans, the landscape inspiring different emotions
in different people. And what better way to explore this magical realm than on a camel
back, for a camel safari is one of the most adventurous of experiences, and indeed a novel
way to 'discover' the desert. Camel safaris trace their origins to the time of trade
between India and China, when camel caravans would journey along established trade routes
laden with spices and herbs and jewels. They provide an opportunity to get a glimpse of
traditional Indian life in the desert, with all the hardships, the beauty and the
desolation. The accommodation on the way consists of primitive thatched mud huts, and the
way of life though hospitable entirely ethnic.
Camel safaris generally cover the area
around Jaisalmer, Bikaner or Jodhpur. The duration can vary between one day and two weeks. Big
towns are not usually on the route though there is no definite route that you have to
adopt. Route navigation in the desert is an acquired art, and caravans must be manned by
riders who not only know how to study the stars, but also recognize the shifting sands of
the terrain.
A camel safari is exciting, but is not
exactly a relaxing vacation. Unless you are accustomed to horse-riding, a day-long camel
ride will be tiring. Even if you are accustomed to horse-riding, since the gait of the
camel is quite different, it may take some time to get used to it. Keeping in your seat as
the camel raises or lowers itself to the ground, can appear at first to be a losing
battle. However, whether tiring or relaxing, a camel safari is bound to be a unique
experience.
Polo
One of the legacies left behind by the
British - much like cricket and hockey - is Polo. Much like these two games, Polo owes its
origin to the British, even though it was first played in India. An erstwhile passion of
the royal families - some, like the former ruler of Udaipur, still patronize it - the game
is now largely a preserve of the men in uniform, played in metros and cantonment lawns.
Matches are usually organized in the winter season, details of which can be obtained from
local dailies or race courses.
Rock Climbing
Delhi itself is the center for a lot of
rock climbing activity, especially around Tughlaqabad, about one kilometer from the Qutab
Minar. In this arid vastness, there are very good practice rocks of about 25 feet that are
ideal for learners. For those who can afford the time, short trips beyond the capital can
afford even better options. The Aravalli hills around Delhi have naked rockfaces testing
the capabilities of even experienced climbers. Dumdama, 52 km from Delhi, is scenically
pleasant, having a lake and a large number of waterbirds. Some of the other major centers
are beyond Pune, on the Western Ghats on the Mumbai-Nasik highway. Manali in Himachal
Pradesh offers some of the best rocks, while in South India, Chamundi Hills in Karnataka and rock formations along the Bangalore-Mysore highway
offer the good rock climbing options. Though it can be practiced all the year round,
summer time restricts it to early morning while the monsoon ( i.e. the rainy season)
season makes it impossible and as with most adventure sports, it does require an
experienced trainer or guide.
White-water Rafting
For people looking for some adventure in
water, white-water rafting is the perfect way to spend a holiday. River runningor white
water rafting as it is otherwise knownis a new sport in India, but the rivers in the upper
reaches of the Himalayas make it a really thrilling experience. According to experts,
India has immense potential for leading the world in river running. The Ganga, Bhagirathi
and Alaknanda in the Garhwal regions of Uttar Pradesh
offer plentiful opportunities for enjoying this sport. Camping by the riverside at night
and shooting along the fast, foaming waters during the day can be an exhilarating
experience, but white water rafting can also be dangerous, especially for beginners. A
team should always include some experienced and skilled persons, especially the navigator.
Some basic precautions should always be taken, including wearing life-jackets and crash
helmets, and provisions for emergency medical attention with rescue facilities should also
be readily available.
There is a choice of quieter waters, but
professionals can run the better known and more popular routes on rapids listed as grade
IV to VI on the international scale. The most popular waters for river running are the
Zanskar (grade III), Indus (grade II-III), Chenab (grade IV-V) and Lidder (grade III-IV)
and Sutlej (grade IV-V) in Himachal Pradesh, the Ganga (grade III-IV), Bhagirathi (grade
IV), Alaknanda (grade III-IV), Tons (grade IV-V) and Sarda (grade III-IV) in Uttar
Pradesh, the Teest (grade IV) and Rangi (grade III-IV) in Sikkim.
Motor Rallying
To experience that rush of blood and the
pump of the adrenalin, get behind a wheel. For those interested, India is a major venue on
the international rally circuit, with quite a few rallies now established as annual
events, attracting not only national level participation but also from the international
level. The terrain that India provides - from the deserts to the beaches, to the mountains
- tests not only the skills of the realists but also their mettle. One of the more well
known rallies, till about a few years back, was the Himalayan car rally, which has since
been discontinued. Of recent origin are the vintage car rallies in which some very rare,
collector cars are not only displayed but also run in the rally. If you're lucky, you
might just spot a 1935 Jaguar convertible or even an 1898 Humbrette.
Hang-Gliding
Hang gliding, at its most primitive level,
fulfils humankind's desire to emulate the birds. Though a relatively recent entrant within
the ambit of adventure sports, hang gliding has really caught on with clubs coming up in
cities such as Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Mumbai, Devlali, Bangalore and Kalaheti.
According to experts, while India has good thermal soaring effects during the summer
months, and offers hill soaring almost round the year, the soaring in the winter months
although too staticis also good for hang-gliding. Several sites in India have been
identified by expert hang gliders with those in the lower reaches of the Himalayas rated
as among the best in the world.
Heli-skiing
A thrill-a-minute adventure sport where
split-second decisions can literally make or mar, heli-skiing is probably the most
exciting sport to be introduced in the sub-continent. The first Asian country to offer
facilities for this sport, heli-skiing made its debut in Kashmir
in January 1988. Set up in collaboration with the famous Swiss-born ski-mountaineer,
Sylvan Saudan, this exciting sport requires prior skiing experience as well as a thorough
knowledge of the physical features, cornices, crevasses, wind direction and potential
avalanche hazard areas. Though expensive and exclusive, this ultimate adventure sport is
fast gaining popularity.
Other Adventures
Treks, camel safaris and river rafting are
only some of the options that India has to offer. Other options include skiing, with Auli,
Kufri and Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh and places in Uttar Pradesh offering an exciting time to the ski
enthusiast. Auli is a well-developed ski resort, which also offers training for beginners.
Gulmarg has the highest ski runs in India, in addition to
ski-lifts, chair-lifts, and well-equipped ski shops. In Himachal Pradesh, Solan, Narkanda,
Kufri and Manali are the major ski resorts.
Travel Tips
Adventure tourism would be robbed of its
adventure if every luxury and facility were available and nothing was to be left to
chance. All the same, to ensure that your adventure is enjoyable and carefree, various
points need to be kept in mind while making arrangments:
Be prepared for ethnic and even primitive
accommodation in huts, and camps.
Be careful about the source of drinking
water. If in doubt, boil it, purify it with chemical tablets, or carry bottled water.
Check on arrangements for food. If you are
going to be camping you may have to carry your own. If accommodation is provided, usually
food is, too.
For trekking or white-water rafting check
whether a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to gain access to the site.
Always carry reliable and accurate maps.
Engage a guide whenever it is advisable. In
wildlife sanctuaries, it is often mandatory.
Carry a basic first aid kit.
Carry sufficient supplies of photographic
film as - in wildlife sanctuaries and on treks etc - these may be unavailable.
Open fires add romance to a campsite, but
ensure that they are permissible (if you are in a wildlife sanctuary, they may not be),
and safe. Also ensure afterwards that they are entirely extinguished.
If there are no toilet facilities, check
that you are not in danger of contaminating any fresh water sources with your wastes.
Check whether equipment for camping,
skiing, mountaineering etc. is available at the site or whether you need to carry it with
you. Binoculars, for example, may not be available for hire at wildlife sanctuaries.
Check that your equipment is reliable, and
is in good, usable condition. This is especially important for river rafting, skiing,
mountaineering etc.
Check that shoes fit well and are
comfortable.
Climate and temperature vary widely not
only throughout that year, but also between day and night (in the desert), dark and light
(at high places like Leh, when the sun goes behind a cloud), and, of course with altitude.
So ensure that your clothing is suitable for all the appropriate weather conditions.
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