Adventure India

Worlds best 10 eco tourism destinations

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:18:00 +0530

There are some amazing experiences to be had in this world. From the adventurous to the weird and everything in between, there is so much to be explored. However, in our quest to explore and know more about the ecosystems around us, we are unknowingly destroying some really beautiful experiences.

It is only in recent years that we have recognized the need to preserve ecosystems. An ecosystem does not necessarily comprise of flora and fauna in a region. It also comprises of the people, their traditions, their customs etc. Adoption of sustainable practices to protect ecosystems is what eco tourism is all about.

Eco-tours always make for an intimate experience. If you are interested in intimate travel, here are top 10 eco-tours in the world that are worth exploring.

1. Borneo- The rainforest of Borneo Island is believed to be about 130 million years old. Add to it about 330 species of flora and 221 species of wild animals and you have a treasure trove of nature on your hands. That’s what makes Borneo one of the hottest destinations in the world. There is a whole array of marine life to be explored in this fascinating island. Just keep your eyes open for the rarest sea turtles when go diving in the waters of Borneo.

2. The Blue Mountains- The Blue Mountains are situated very close to the city of Sydney. However, this region of Australia is very different from the concrete jungle of the cities. To start with, The Blue Mountains is home to about 400 different species of animals, which include the rare Koala bears, Long Nosed Potoroo and so much more. Add to it the rugged terrain and opportunities for hiking and you have a great eco-tour on your hands.

3. Alaska- About 16,000 square miles of land in Alaska is covered with glacier ice. That’s what leads to jaw dropping temperatures here at most times of the year. That’s also what makes it home to rare species of flora and fauna, and also winter sporting activities. It does not end at that. There are about 3 million stunning lakes in Alaska, opportunities for trekking etc. Just take a trip to Alaska and explore the endless opportunities that exist there.

4. Kerala- Nestled between Lakshadweep Islands and the Western Ghats is the beautiful Indian state of Kerala. It is home to about 25% of India’s floral species. Add to that about 100 species of wild animals, 500 species of birds and you have a real treasure on your hands. However, it does end at that. Kerala is one of the few destinations in the world which has preserved its years old cultural heritage beautifully. During a Kerala tour, do not miss out on the authentic Ayurveda massages, the beautiful traditional dances, and of course, the natural beauty of Kerala.

5. The Galapagos Islands- The Galapagos Islands played a vital role in formulating Darwin’s theory of evolution. That should tell you a lot about the islands. They are actually a group of volcanic islands that are inhabited by some rare species of bird, animal life, and marine life. Galapagos Islands have been recognized as one of the best spots for diving around the world. The ecosystem of the region has been under threat for long. However, in the past few years, efforts have been to preserve the rich natural beauty of the place.

6.Kenya- Kenya is known for its wildlife safaris the world over. It is also home to several high peaks of the African continent, making it ideal for trekking and mountain climbing adventures. You could spend days exploring the natural wealth of the region and still not get tired. It is amazing eco-tourism destination, with the Maasai Mara and the Nakuru National Park being the highlights of it.

7. Andaman and Nicobar- Evergreen forests, azure waters, and hardly any population- what more could you want for an exciting adventure! Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a small part of India, but an exciting eco tourism destination nevertheless. There are about 200 different species of flora found in the islands, apart from a whole array of marine life to be explored. The low population density of the region means that most of the natural treasure has been well preserved.

8. Botswana- A landlocked African nation, Botswana has beautiful deserts, deltas, grasslands, savannas…the list is endless. Almost every terrain that you can think of is there in this country. That’s what gives it diverse wildlife and an opportunity to travelers to go explore the wonders of nature. Alarms have been raised in the past about the declining ecological balance here. However, efforts have been made to protect the natural ecosystem of the place, with sustainable tourism and travel.

9.The Coral Bay, Australia- One of the best places to see white sharks and manta rays is the Coral Bay in Australia. It is also well known for its many diving and snorkeling sites, the Ningaloo Reef being the best of the lot. The rich marine life of the region just makes it an awe-inspiring travel experience. Visit the region between the months of June and October and you could spot some humpback whales too.

10.Belize- About 60% land of Belize is covered with thick forests. As a traveler, you can well imagine the possibilities that stat presents. This small Central American country packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty. The highlight of Belize is the Belize Barrier Reef, which is second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Best 10 backpacking destinations around the world

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:02:00 +0530

There is so much to explore in this world, so many destinations to explore, so many surprises to experience. You just cannot rely on a travel guide to craft a memorable travel experience for you. In fact, great journeys are experienced when you just let go and let destinations unfold themselves. That’s the thrill of backpacking.

If you are an avid backpacker looking to explore undiscovered treasures of the world, here are top 10 backpacking destinations around the world to get you started:

1. Ladakh, India- Head to the “lost Himalayan kingdom” and experience natural beauty at its best. You don’t need much to travel to Ladakh, except some good fitness levels and a daring attitude. There are numerous opportunities for adventure in Ladakh, trekking in Ladakh being the most well known of all. In fact, Ladakh often makes it to the list of best trekking destinations around the world. Try climbing up Stok Kangri or give Chadar Trek a shot- a journey which takes you over a frozen river of Zanskar Valley.As many visitors from foreign will travel India as the tourist and many destinations like Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, Sikkim and many more.

2. Bolivia- The Amazon basin is full of lush green forests which are home to some exotic species of plant and animal. One of the best destinations to travel to in Amazon basin is Bolivia. If you want adventure on a budget, you will love the opportunities that Bolivia throws up. The destination stands true to the spirit of Amazon, with wildlife safaris, hiking trails and much more.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland- Backpacking isn’t necessarily about travelling to natural wonders or living life on a budget. It is about discovering new experiences. Reykjavik in Iceland definitely lets you explore the hottest new party scene around the world. Ibiza may be the party capital of the world, but given the soaring popularity of Reykjavik, Iceland, it looks to catch up soon. The relatively budget friendly clubs of Reykjavik make the deal so much better.

4. Barcelona, Spain- Cobbled streets, old buildings, cheap shopping, that’s the usually the picture most of us when we talking of backpacking. For a quintessential backpacking experience, head to Barcelona in Spain. The destination has everything to make for a great backpacking destination. It has a beautiful crowd, old architecture, revered art scene, and much celebrated cultural heritage of Spain.

5. Italy- While Spain has always been about experimental art, Italy has been home to some of the greatest artists the world has ever produced. Everywhere you look in Italy, there is a beautiful church to explore or a wonderful work of art to feast your eyes on. And for times when you get overwhelmed with all the intricate artwork, there are small towns like Sicily to explore here, which first became famous with Mario Puzo’s Godfather.

6. Aegina, Greece- There is nothing like a laidback holiday spent under the sun with not many people around. That’s Aegina for you, a small town of Greece which is budget friendly too. During the lean season, you cannot expect too many people here. That makes Aegina perfect for those who are looking for some lone time. Of course, it is Greece. So you can always expect to stumble on a beautiful ruin or something which dates back to hundreds of years ago.

7. Brazil- Warm sun, hot beaches, and even hotter women- that’s Brazil for you. It is a paradise for all the beach lovers out there. Compared to other popular beach destinations around the world such as Australia, a trip to Brazil can be enjoyed at almost one third the cost. That is what makes it a great backpacking destination. Just be aware of the pickpockets while you are lounging by the beach. Brazil has made quite a reputation for it.

8. Luxor, Egypt- You would probably have fantasized about mummies and pyramids when you were young. Or you might have not. Either way, a trip to Luxor in Egypt is always a mystical affair. The golden sands, the folklore and the whole atmosphere of Luxor is magical. It transports you to a whole new world. Of course, there is always the economical factor when it comes to backpacking. Luxor is more than value for money.

9. Lamu- Backpacking isn’t really complete until you have travelled to a really remote location. Mother of all remote locations is Lamu, an archipelago located close to Kenya. This African destination is as remote as remote can be, so much so that people travel on donkeys here. If you can explore, you can probably get your hands on some really ancient relics and ruins, probably even dating back to the start of civilization itself.

10. Berlin, Germany- Slightly more expensive than the rest of the destinations on the list, Berlin nevertheless makes for a great backpacking destination. There are some old streets, the whole Nazi history and much more to explore here. It may not be a quintessential backpacking destination, but it nevertheless clicks.

Top 6 historical places in India

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:09:00 +0530

India is one of the oldest cultures in the world. It does not come as a surprise then that the country has rich cultural and historical heritage. There are historical destinations in India which excite you and enthrall you. Each destination comes with its own story and its own charm.

If you are interested in experiencing the rich cultural and historical heritage of India, here are top 6 historical places in India you must visit.

1. Taj Mahal, Agra

Shah Jahan had this architectural masterpiece built in the memory of his loving wife. The monument took more than 2 decades in the making. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Tourists from across the globe visit Taj Mahal for its magnificence and grandeur. If you haven’t already, take a trip to Taj Mahal and you will be awe struck by the beauty of it.

2. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

The caves, located some distance away from the main city of Aurangabad, are almost as old as civilization itself. The caves are more than 2,000 years old. These are not natural caves. Rather, they have been hand carved out of huge monoliths by Buddhist monks 2000 years ago. Beautiful murals and sculptures decorate the walls of these caves, making it an absolute masterpiece. You have to see the saves for yourself to believe it.

3. Hampi, Hyderabad

Hampi was an important part of the Vijaynagar Empire, one of the greatest empires in the history of India. The grandeur of the old times has been replaced by relics and ruins that date back to the 14th century. It is a sleepy little town with opportunities for exploring some captivating ruins. It is not an adventure destination per se, but the experience of exploring the ruins and the relics make it an adventurous experience nonetheless. There are some beautiful waterfalls and some verdant greenery to explore as well.

4. Fort Cochin, Kerala

Most of Kerala is about backwaters and natural beauty. While Fort Kochi is too has loads of natural beauty, it has much more to it. This historical destination has an unmistakable colonial character about it. There are cobbled streets and quaint cafes to explore here, not to mention the Chinese Fishing nets. The best way to explore Fort Kochi is to have an unplanned trip and just go on a wild exploration of the land. If you are looking for an exotic Kerala tour, a trip to Fort Kochi is a must.

5. Khajuraho Temples

Given the conservative attitude of most Indians, there are not many places where eroticism is a celebrated form of art. That itself makes the temples of Khajuraho a delight. The beautiful sculptures on the walls of the temples here celebrate the basic human nature. The temples here date back to a few hundred years ago when India was not such a conservative destination. A trip to Khajuraho gives you an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the land.

6. Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is the birthplace of Buddhism. Situated in Bihar, it was here that Lord Buddha gained enlightenment more than 20 centuries ago. It is home to several Buddhist temples which date back to centuries ago. While it is a sleepy little town, an exploration journey can be an exciting endeavor. Don’t miss a chance to interact with the locals here. They always have a story or two to tell.

Top Ten Interesting Facts about the Himalayas

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:04:00 +0530

The Himalayas in all their incredible and phenomenal stature have also this strange mystery. Buried under the snow, nestled under the large scales of vegetation and housing a large number of rivers and melting glaciers, the Himalayas are mammoth yet, beautiful. Listed below are some really noteworthy facts about the Himalayas.

1.    As one of the youngest mountain systems, the Himalayas stretch across six different countries - Bhutan, Tibet, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

2.    So, the Himalayas are still “geologically alive” which means that according to credible tests conducted by a number of different geologists, these mover about twenty millimeters each year.

3.    Known yet remarkable, there are a record number of landslides, earthquakes and tremors felt in the mountains every year.

4.    Geographical history suggests that almost 70 million years ago, there was a massive collision between India and Asia which led to changes in the geography of the world. The Great Himalayas was one such change, caused by the tensed and unpredictable crash between the two land masses.

5.    This huge mountain range, served as a natural barrier for thousands of years preventing early interactions between the nationals of India, China and Mongolia.

6.    Himalayas translate into “abode of the snow.” Fits perfectly, doesn’t it?

7.    Himalayas stretches over 75% of Nepal. Nine of the fifteen highest mountain peaks of the world are located in the Nepal Himalayas.

8.    The Nepalese call Mt. Everest as “Samgarmatha” which translates into ‘Goddess of the Universe’ or ‘Forehead of the Sky’.

9.    Tensing, the first person to conquer to the summit along with Edmund, is believed to have buried his daughter’s red and blue pencils on the top of Everest. Brilliant idea to leave that quintessential mark of accomplishment behind.India has the both the chilling destinations like Himalayas and hot of Royal Rajasthan.

10.    The Himalayas are not easy to conquer. Facts suggest that almost 150 people have died in their ascend up the Everest. Even though the climb is every mountaineer’s delight, it is probably the gravest trial of stamina and endurance. Everest has a death rate for climbers in the region of 9%.

There is not an iota of dearth of opportunity when it comes to trekking in the Himalayas. Visit us at www.thrillmyteam.com and www.corporate-team-outings-bangalore.com to plan getaways like Kerala tour with your strategizing squads at work.

Water Sports around Bangalore

Wed, 30 May 2012 13:36:25 +0530

Many of the major Water Sport locales around Bangalore are well equipped and supported with excellent quality surf boards, play zones, Kayaks, canoes and other equipments and facilities. There are many popular getaways from Bangalore for Water Sport enthusiasts, where one can enjoy many Water Sport activities like scuba diving, windsurfing, rafting etc. Let us now see which the specific and famous water sports adventures in Bangalore are:

Scuba Diving

Snorkelling

Rafting

Windsurfing

Kayaking

There is a lot more water sports around Bangalore. Also there is corporate-team-outings-bangalore.com you can explore for some ideas on team building games and how to keep your team motivated through some thrilling breaks in and around the city. However, if you are looking for information on resorts around Bangalore, thrillingbreaks.com is something you might like to visit.

Coorg – Adventure Team Outing

Mon, 28 May 2012 16:03:52 +0530

You could be looking for adventure, culture and mesmerizing natural spectacles and be assured to find them all in Coorg adventure.

Location

Coorg is located towards South-Western Kerala wildlife and is located approximately 200 kilometers from Bangalore.

Attractions

If you are looking for a corporate team outing around Bangalore, Coorg can offer you plenty in terms of challenging and interesting activities for corporate events.

Trekking

Angling

Coorg Rafting

Best Time to Visit

As is true for all getaways around Bangalore, the best time to visit Coorg is from September to about beginning of February.

Coorg has some fantastic resorts for those looking for resorts around Bangalore for their corporate rejuvenation plan.

Kayaking Destinations around Bangalore

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:21:18 +0530

Bangalore is one of the very first cities in India to have a large group of white water paddlers, who are raring to go and explore the unexplored rivers of Karnataka. There are many small and long rivers in and around Bangalore where one can indulge in kayaking with groups of friends.

Bheemeshwari:

Coorg:

Dandeli:

Karwar:

Kemphole:

Sitanadi:

Honnemaradu:

While kayaking around Bangalore is great fun, there are other adventure experiences to be had too. There is trekking in Bangalore, wildlife in Kerala and a whole lot more. If you would like to organize a activities for corporate events in some of the best getaways around Bangalore, thrillmyteam.com is what you might want to check out.

Trekking around Bangalore

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:16:47 +0530

Trekking is not only fun but an unconventional tool for learning and team building activity. A short trekking around Bangalore in morning is the best thing to start a weekend team outing program. Bangalore has some exquisite places that are best explored trekking. So pack your bags and let nature take you into her loving embrace. The best time for trekking in Bangalore is from June to Feburary.

Coorg:

Coorg is one of the favorite spots for trekking around Bangalore. The trekking trail and team outing with coorg resorts is beautiful and filled with natural scenes around.

Chikmagalur:

Chikmagalur district in Karnataka has many peaks appropriate for trekking. The Western Ghats extend to form the Baba BudanGiri range. Mullayanagiri at 1930 m above sea level is the highest peak in this range.

Kodachadri:

Kodachadri peak is situated in Shimoga district. The peak presents a not to be missed lifetime opportunity in the evening as the sun sets in the west.

Kudremukh:

Kudremukha is the most beautiful and the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and in Karnataka. Standing proudly amidst thick forests, Kudremukha is a trekker’s paradise.

Wayanad:

Wayanad trekking is presents stretches with different densities of wildlife. The major attractions while trekking in rainforests areas are the streams and waterfalls.

Bangalore Weekend Getaways - plan your next move

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:52:42 +0530

There are a lot of places around Bangalore that are dipped in the sweet essence of nature that gives a respite to the people from the hustle and bustle of the city. One can go out looking for adventure, or just plain serenity, and chances are great that you may find it. Let us now make a trip to the major places that qualify as the best Bangalore weekend getaways hot spot:

Bheemeshwari

It’s around 100kms away from Bangalore. Teeming with the flowing waters of River Cauvery, fishing seems to be the most popular activity around Bheemeshwari.

Coorg

Coorg adventure is a paradise for adventure lovers. Being a true blue adventurer, you couldn’t resist rappelling at the waterfalls of Coorg and kayaking in the rivers around.

Nagarhole

A small town located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, Nagarhole is most famous for the Nagarhole wildlife sanctuary. Thus all the nature enthusiasts, it’s a great opportunity to see herds of elephants on the river.

Masingudi

It is one of the most exotic locales that is situated a few kilometres before Ooty. The place is resplendent with lush green landscape and has a lot of scope for a peaceful getaway.

Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the exquisite hill stations of Kerala wildlife. the place is a major tourist destination for people all over the country and especially Bangalore.

Yelagiri

It is located at a height of about 920 meters above sea level. It is a laid back Bangalore trekkingexperience, especially for those who want to have adventure but at a slower pace.

It gives you a lot of ideas and information on organizing corporate team outing for you and your staff. There is www.thrillingbreaks.com too if you want to get information on various resort around Bangalore.

Adventure Activities at Bheemeshwari Wilderness

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:36:30 +0530

The Bheemeshwari Wilderness is in Karnataka along the Cauvery River, which flows in all her majesty and sanctity. If you love nature trails, trekking around Bangalore or simply basking in the arms of what nature has to provide, raw and rough, the Bheemeshwari adventure wilderness is a must for you.

Checking out some of the pictures of team games and adventure activities at Bheemeshwari with Thrillophilia

Adventure Activities

Trekking

Trekking in Bheemeshwari with river cauvery flowing beside you is amazing experience. The trek is 4 kms long with plenty of wildlife.

Rafting

River Cauvery flowing in Bheemeshwari is perfect for river rafting adventure, especially for starters.

Rappelling

Kayaking

You can guide your own kayak on the ripples of the magnificent River Cauvery. It‘s perfect destination for beginners.

Jummaring

If you would like to experience wildlife trekking in Bangalore, team outings at best resorts around Bangalore, I would suggest getting in touch with thrillophilia. And if you want to organize team outing in Bangalore, corporate team outings Bangalore is what might interest you. It has great bits of information, advice as well as help for organizing team outing in and around the city.

Top 5 wildlife Parks of Karnataka

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:34:54 +0530

Karnataka is blessed with majestic Western Ghats and many beautiful wildlife parks untouched from any industrial growth nestled in the Ghats. I started my expedition as any nature and animal lover and soon got engulfed in wilderness.

Anshi National Park is located in Uttara Kannada district bordering Goa and while here, I also checked out the Dandeli National Park as both parks are pretty much together. I spotted a black panther in the Anshi National Park and was amazed at the sight of such a graceful animal. The surprises in the park were more than one and I was again pleasantly surprised to find that the parks offer some serious trekking in Karnataka through dense forest and there was even camping facilities available. So, the adrenaline junkie in me forced to grab the offer and I saw some most beautiful streams and rivers on the way.

I visited the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, known to be one of the best in the country. It is located at the footsteps of Western Ghats with a picturesque backdrop of Nilgiri Hills. The interiors of the park are filled with numerous enchanting rivers and streams; and the heart pumping treks around Bangalore through rugged hills and valleys is a must do. I was astounded with the bright fauna of the park adding to its beauty and there were many wild animals including Leapords, Tigers, Elephants, Langoor, and Bison etc.

I visited the Bannerghatta National Park with my entire family and it was a treat for both adults and kids equally. It was a hugepark and it took us all day to explore it and yet the time was not sufficient. The lion safari was fabulous, lions were lazing around a few feet from our bus and the driver stopped for us to look closely. I captured photos of some exquisite plants and trees and of course of the wild animals looking majestic in their natural abode.

I drove from Bangalore to Chikmagalur to my next hot spot Kudremukha National Park located in the midst of high mountain ranges of Western Ghats. The weather was a little cold and there was a thin coating of mist all around me. The landscape of this park is out of the world and the fact that it is very less explored by tourists gave it a mysterious feel. I could sense the hidden secrets in the jungles of park waiting to be revealed. As I explored the park, I saw many wild animals like wild dog, giant squirrels, tiger and leopard. The aroma of coffee was filling my nostrils along with cool air and I strolled through vast lands of coffee plantations. I came across a waterfall that was almost hidden and I could have easily missed it, it is surrounded on all sides by heavy plantation and looks like a lost heaven on earth.

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is a stone throw away from Mysore and I drove till there to be greeted by numerous playful streams flowing and falling in the rivers and gushing waterfalls. I saw many wild animals in the park like wild elephants with huge tusks and many different kinds of dears. I spotted a king cobra snaking its way across the road and monkeys chattering on the tree tops. There was a nice fragrance of trees in the park; I could easily recognize the smell of sandalwood and rosewood trees. It was a perfect getaway from concrete jungle into lap of nature.

Karnataka is definitely a place not to miss in south India and I loved the experience of meeting locals and relished the authentic cuisine.

Amidst the Serene Chikmagalur

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:01:00 +0530

Travelling has always been a passion for me and my colleagues, especially trekking in Karnataka and thus we always travel far and wide and explore the beautiful nooks and crannies of India at every given chance. It was one such expedition that took me to the amazing town of Chikmagalur. One of the quaintest places hidden in the breadth of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is an ideal destination for tourists like me.

One thing I noticed as soon as we landed was that, wow the place is popular man! There are major tourist crowd here. We saw many nice spots namely, the Ratnagiri bore, (alternatively known as the Mahatma Gandhi Park), the M.G road (for shopping), etc. But what really stays with you is the scenic beauty of Chikmagalur. The city is not that modernized even though there is a plethora of renowned institutions, etc. There is a quiet simplicity to the place, which is quite famous for growing coffee. It is said that coffee was first cultivated in India in the district of Chikmagalur.

Chikmagalur district is also famous for its mystic stories that is a regular for most towns and cities. The place is also lovingly known as the “town of the young daughter”. Why? Well visit and get the localities to tell you in person!

The refreshing town of peace

The town celebrates some form of jatra or festival all through the year. As per some statistics, it was one of the fifty festivities that got celebrated during the year at Sri Jagad Guru Shankaracharya Dhakshinamnaya Mahasamsthanam Sri Sharada Peetha at Sringeri or Sri Renuka Jayanthi or Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Mahotsava at Rambha Puri Matha at Balehonnur. Wow, isn’t it? Amidst the serenity of the beautiful place, one cannot put aside the amazing Dassera Mahotsava of Mailaralingeswami of Birur where, if lucky, one can see the Dollu Kunitha and Veeragase. These are the thrilling and most heroic folk dance of the area!

The annual festivals of the local temples are just spell binding, as are the Suggi habba or the harvest festival. For once, the quiet mountains and the silent valleys rejoice with the excitement and bustle of the great rejoicing that takes place in the rural parts.

One fine recommendation for all the travelers is to visit the famous dargah of Dada Mir Hayat Qalandar. He was a Sufi saint and the dargah is atop the hills of budhan baba. The mountains of Chikmagalur were the best part for us campers, who thrive for peace and tranquility. These mountains are a part of the Western Ghats, and one can find rivers like Tunga and Bhadra flowing by rapidly.

Yes, we did trek to Mullayanagiri, which is the highest peak in Karnataka, and trust me, the climb was totally worth it! The view from the top is indescribable and one just needs to experience the whole scene spread out before you… an amazing experience that changes you life for good. Come away on a trip that makes beautiful memories for years to come! Looking ahead to do more Adventure in India.

Thrillophilia Releases its 101 Best Adventure Activities to do in India

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:30:46 +0530

Thrillophilia releases its “Best 101 adventure activities to do in India” for travel lovers and adventure seekers. There are plenty of adventure activities that can match your taste. Destinations in India have potential for various adventure sports and best among those are grouped and listed.

Get a vicarious pleassure by checking out some of the pictures of these activities

Water Scooter ride in Goa:

Paragliding in Ladakh:

Heli Skiing in Hanuman Tibba:

Road trip to Khardung La:

Rappelling experiences in Karnataka:

sea kayaking in Gokarna:

Rafting in Rishikesh:

Scuba diving in Lakshadweep:

Snake Boat Race of Kerala:

Elephant polo in Rajasthan:

Hot air ballooning in Rajasthan:

Caving in Meghalaya:

Camel Safari in Rajasthan:

Horse Polo at Ladakh:

Chadar trek:

Zanskar river rafting:

Snorkeling with elephants:

Ultralight Flying in Coorg:

Must do 10 Adventure Activities in Kerala –Karnataka, you should experience

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:05:00 +0530

Ahoy!! It’s that time of the year once again when the sun shines hard and you are bored of life. Get on with living life to the fullest, live life on the edge is what I would suggest if you ask me. And by that I mean, go out there and experience some of the best spots around Kerala and Karnataka for an adventurous, fun-filled and an exciting time.

Having said that, the adventures down south can be of a varied taste, the choice is left to you my friend. Right from trekking in Bangalore, Karnataka to rafting in the backwaters of Kerala, from scuba diving at the borders of Karnataka and Kerala to snorkeling and waterfall rappelling in Coorg or maybe rock climbing in Karnataka to a wildlife safari soiree around Bheemeshwari and Nagarhole, the choices are plenty and unlimited to choose from.

My favorite places where I indulged in adventure activities

Trekking in Karnataka and Kerala brings out the new in you. You get to understand you own levels of stamina and skills, and yet enjoy the sport as well. The famous places to enjoy the breath taking trekking trails around Karnataka I would suggest are;

Savandurga hills
Anthargange
Bheemeshwari
Chikmangalur
Coorg
Dandeli wildlife sanctuary
Mullayanagiri
Makalidurga and
Bandipur National Park
Famous spots for trekking in Kerala
Chimmony or the Rainforest Trekking
Parambikulam
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Chinnar Trekking
Munnar to Kodaikanal
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Idukki National Park and
Wayanad Wildlife Reserve

Kayaking and Rafting in Karnataka and Kerala

Are you ready to challenge the rapids or have fun in the still backwaters? If you are looking for an adventurous time this summer, Karnataka and Kerala have famous hotspots for you to quench your adventurous soul, such as;

Bheemeshwari
Kondaji
Honnemardu
Agumbe and the famous,
Dandeli National Park
Kemphole
Netravati
Gokarna
Marawanthe beach
Karwar
Devbagh and
Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka

For Kerala, the backwaters famous to raft and kayak in stillness would be

The Alleppey Backwaters
The Kollam Backwaters, and
The Kottayam Backwaters

Here are some famous spots for rappelling in Karnataka and Kerala

A must thing to do this summer, don’t miss out challenging yourself descending from slopes, steep and raw, rugged and wild. Challenge yourself to amazing heights, spanning the length and breadth of rugged rocky terrains and steep slopes around Karnataka and Kerala. Here is a list of spots for your adventure trails;

Coorg
Dandeli
Makalidurga
Machinbele, and finally
Ramnagaram

Rappelling in Kerala would be at;

Munnar
Kollam
Wayand
Gokarna (on the borders)

Scuba diving and snorkeling in Kerala and Karnataka

We know not much of the activities under the waters of the great Arabian Sea, and we certainly do not know much about the colorful life down there. Scuba diving on the beaches of Karnataka and Kerala brings to you a colorful world down below. Amateurs and seasoned divers can have a lot of fun going down deep into the waters of the beaches and get in close contact with the marine life, such as schools of fish and coral. Exploring the underwater kingdom has always been a rage, and if you get a chance to go snorkeling on the beaches of Goa, Kerala and Karnataka, why miss the opportunity.

Here are some hotspots for scuba diving and snorkeling in Kerala

Karala
Thiruvankulam quarry
Varkala

In scuba diving and snorkeling in Karnataka

Dev Bagh (close to the Karwar Beach), Karnataka
Pigeon Island ( Netrani Island )
Barracuda and
Murudeshwar (Karnataka)

Wildlife safaris, cave explorations and parasailing in Kerala and Karnataka

If you are bored of the waters, you can go into the thickets of Kerala and Karnataka for an adventurous time. South India is blessed with many serene locales housing dense jungles with amazing flora and fauna to woo you away. Jeep safaris and trekking tours are the best ways to discover the wilderness down south. For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Kerala and Karnataka offer some of the best spots to quench the excitement of being around and amidst wildlife. It is a different experience being out there in the wild, amongst large animals, birds and bees. One could even go parasailing at these spots to discover the beauty from an eagle’s point of view. Flying through the rugged terrains, over dense green thickets and steep slopes around is another thrill altogether.

Some of the famous spots in Kerala and Karnataka are

Bandipur
Nagarhole
Bheemeshwari
Makalidurga
Coorg
Wayand
Masinagudi
Chikmangalur
Bandipur
Nagarhole
Yercaud and
Yelagiri to name a few

These wildlife hot spots have plenty of option for caving and parasailing as well. If you need more information on any of the adventure spots and adventure tours around Bangalore, Karnataka or Kerala, I have discussed with you, I would suggest getting in touch with thrillophilia would be the best option!!

Bheemeshwari River rafting

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:55:11 +0530

When it comes to river rafting in the waters of India, Bheemeshwari river rafting has garnered a lot of attention, and rightly so too. The locale is considered as one of the finest destinations for adventure activities and team outings near Bangalore. As far as water sports are concerned, river rafting enthusiasts in Karnataka head for Bheemeshwari to have a taste of the excitement and thrill. Another reason for the popularity of Bheemeshwari is due to the fact that it is located just 100 kms from Bangalore. Thus the travel and to and fro is very easy and thus Bheemeshwari teems up as a convenient destination for a day outings near Bangalore trip.

Many of the features that one can look forward to is floating and rushing on the water, bumping and swirling, and for once letting the water and the waves decide the flow and pace of where to take you. River rafting sets one free and makes one put complete trust and faith on the force of water. River Cauvery which spreads out, runs and jumps over the nooks and corner of Bheemshwari, also passes through thick forests which are filled with wildlife and ample flora and fauna. This indeed forms a very ideal destination and thus Bheemeshwari river rafting is very popular.

River rafting is usually sorted out into various different grades, depending on their level of difficulty. However, with the Bheemeshwari River rafting, one can notice that the level of grades is pretty much lower. Thus even beginners can ensure a seat in the raft and get a start on the river rafting experience. The overall Bheemeshwari river rafting is undertaken over a short stretch of almost 6 to 8 kms. Thus fun and safety of the beginners is ensured. There are a lot of professional rafters who help you learn the knacks of swerving and maintaining balance and thus river rafting is Bheemeshwari can also turn out to be a learning experience.

Other interesting facts revolving around Bheemeshwari river rafting is that it is done in the forest area that is popularly designated as the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Thus the visitors and rafters can also go for other fun filled activities like treks, animated bird watching and other live activities. The river rafting expenditure is nil on the overall because all the equipments and the rafts are pre provided and thus the rafters can enjoy a free fall in the waters at almost no cost at all.

The best time to go for river rafting in Bheemeshwari is from mid June to mid September, when the river is lush with the monsoon rainfalls. There are also lots of groups who come to Bheemeshwari during these times and thus the place is full of water enthusiasts. The waters are lush and the nearby areas ooze with greenery and abundance of Mother Nature. A perfect time and place for enjoying the best of the river waters and have loads of thrill and excitement in the process!

(Bheemeshwari is known not only as a trekking paradise but also offers a vast playground for world class river rafting. Come and enjoy the adreline rush of river rafting in Bheemeshwari this season with us!)

River Rafting in Coorg

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:32:36 +0530

River rafting is an exciting adventure activity that is slowly and steadily catching the fancy of lots of people in recent times. If one is located in Karnataka, then there is a chance one could soon get to enjoy the sport without much effort! There are many water reservoirs in Karnataka, thankfully due to the strategic placement of the rivers, and thus there are indeed many locales where one can go for supervised white river rafting and that too without burning a hole in ones pockets. Coorg is one of the hottest favourites when it comes to river rafting.

For all those who have visited Coorg at some point or the other, agree on one thing: one must not leave the place without hitting the waters of Coorg. It’s an all new high to feel the rapid force of the water beneath ones feet. Coorg is one of the most beautiful locales in the heart of Karnataka. The place is known for its misty mountains and lovely picturesque terrain. But most of the locals even recommend going for the heart pumping experience of river rafting.

If speed is your forte then there is no better speed in this world than the force and speed of gleaming white water. White water rafting in the beautiful Cauvery River will ensure that one has a defining experience that stays with you for a long time to come. The famous Barapole River is one of the very popular and favoured locations for this water sport. The ideal time to visit this location would be mid of June to mid of September.

Coorg has slowly and steadily evolved from being a super haven for summer respite and trek centric locale, into one of the very much famous and favored river rafting destinations in the whole of South India, the whole year round. Even for unplanned Adventure in Coorg,water rafting trip could turn out to be rewarding and very much relaxing for the adventure thirsty soul!

The complete peace and calm of the best caffeine treats and the awe inspiring hills and meadows are just the beginning of the trail where the waters flow. The adrenaline rush that one goes through cannot be explained enough and one has to indeed experience the rush to feel its thrill! The fast flowing Barapole River has a magnetic charm of its own. It covers a comparatively short distance all the way to the ocean but has a steep gradient. This is attributed to the fact that the river drops through the Brahmagiri range.

The Brahmagiri range is a part of the Western Ghats and thus the river manages to drain itself off the massive rain fall water that it gets during the year. In the process, the river rafters get the thrill of their life what with the sweet upheavals of the river and the joyous twists and turns! Indeed it’s a once in a lifetime experience and one must ensure that one enjoys it to the core!

(Come away and enjoy the best River Rafting in Coorg and other Adventure Team Outings around Bangalore this season! Get fun and excitement unlimited with a team of professionals and trained guidance.)