Travelling is not just about staying somewhere. Travelling is not just seeing a spot. It is all about immersing oneself in that locale. Many do this by going on walks around the area, visiting museums, exploring sites of historical importance, sampling local cuisine etc. These are people (like most of us) who go somewhere to experience that place. But then there are those who travel to experience an experience, to look for adventures. We often call them adrenaline junkies. But adventure tourism is not just for youngsters seeking an adrenaline rush. They can be beautiful, transformative experiences for people of all ages and all walks of life. In this blog post, we’ll talk about some adventure activities that have gained popularity in India in the past few years and some that are still not mainstream but are fast getting there.
One of the most popular outdoor activities for adventure seekers is trekking. Most cities have trek operators that cover popular routes in the vicinity of the city. However, while picking a trekking route, always make sure that you research the trek operators beforehand. Their experience with the route contributes vastly to your overall trek experience. In the case of high altitude treks, a seasoned outfitter with an experienced team and good equipment is non-negotiable.
Rock climbing developed as an offshoot of mountaineering. As part of their training, mountaineers practised ‘aid climbing’ which was climbing rocks with the help of special equipment and ropes. These days you often see rappelling or abseiling being advertised by adventure travel companies. Both terms mean climbing and descending with the use of specialised equipment. If you want to climb in a more controlled environment then in most cities you can find places with artificial walls that have plastic holds.
River rafting, also known as white water rafting, is one of the most talked-about adventure activities these days. Whenever you hear either of these terms, I’m sure I know the picture that’s in your head: that of a small group of people in an inflatable raft getting pummeled by the waves in a fast-flowing, thrashing river. But you would be surprised to know that many river rafting expeditions are nothing like that. Sure there would be some parts where you would encounter rapids but apart from that river rafting can also be a slow and relaxing way to spend your holiday. River rafting can be a wonderful way of experiencing wilderness that is otherwise inaccessible. In India, the Ganga easily takes the crown of the river rafting “capital” of the country. The rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda converge at Devprayag to form the mighty Ganges. Both Bhagirathi and Alaknanda are swift-flowing rivers that are favourites for river rafting enthusiasts.
International rafting standards classify rapids into grades I-VI. One can experience grades I-V rapids on the Ganga. They also have rather interesting names. Grade I rapids are easy, include small waves and are ideal for first-timers. Grade II are moderate, require slight manoeuvring and might have some rocks or boulders. Some Grade II rapids are Jail No Bail, Double Trouble and Hilton on the Ganga. Grade III rapids, like the Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Club House and Three Blind Mice, are difficult with irregular waves and require precise manoeuvring. Grade IV rapids, like the Hillary Falls and Holy Hole, are advanced with powerful waves that require very precise manoeuvring to avoid capsizing. Grade V are expert level rapids and should only be undertaken with the right gear and a rescue team in place. They are violent rapids with unavoidable waves. The Brahmaputra river is famous for the Broken Oar, Pulsating Pulse, Hairy Hari and Moying Madness, all Grade V rapids. Grade VI rapids are unpassable, often termed suicidal, like the Tooth Fairy on the Brahmaputra.
While extremely popular in the west, kayaking in India is still a niche sport that is only popular in the adventure community. Unlike river rafting, kayaking cannot be undertaken without some prior training. Kayaking or paddling involves travelling in a narrow boat called a kayak using a double-bladed paddle. Kayaking can be done solo or tandem. There are two kinds of kayaking: white water kayaking and recreational kayaking. Recreational kayaking is done on flat water streams or lakes. Think of paddling through the serene backwaters of Kerala. It requires only some basic training and can be attempted by beginners. White water kayaking though is a whole different ball game and should not be attempted by anyone without advanced training. In India, the rivers in the Himalayan region were made for kayaking. The Ganga, Alaknanda, Mandakini and Yamuna all are excellent rivers to test your skills in. To the East, the mighty Brahmaputra is one of the more challenging rivers, with waves so humongous that in a kayak you can’t see what’s in the front or behind. Did you know the Zanskar and Indus rivers are the world’s highest whitewater kayaking sites? Combined with the extreme cold, they are amongst the most difficult of kayaking trips yet arguably the most adventurous of the lot.
Whether you decide to trek Himalayan mountain passes or paddle through icy cold wild rivers, do make sure that you do your research beforehand. While I have trekked and have been abseiling, white water rafting is something I am yet to experience. Just this morning, as I was dressing my 16-month-old daughter, I was telling her about white water rafting in the Bhagirathi. I told her “we should go sometime” and she solemnly looks up at me and says “go”. My husband insists it was just a sound she made but I believe it was her giving me the go-ahead to plan a mother-daughter white water rafting trip in about a decade’s time, give or take. Jokes aside, if I were planning such a trip I would look at a travel consultant like DMC Leisure to ensure that I and my loved ones have a safe and comfortable experience. Aquaterra Adventures is one of the leading adventure tour operators in the country and specialises in adventure travel throughout the Indian Himalayas. With Aquaterra’s experience on the ground and DMC Leisure’s penchant for making dream trips come true, your adventure experience will definitely be unforgettable!
