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2013

Gill shows why he’s the Rally King

Jagmeet Gill and Chandan Das, triumphant in the 2013 Raid De Himalaya (time-speed-distance [TSD] category), proved themselves worthy winners of the inaugural Uttarakhand Adventure Car Rally.

The three-day rally – through which the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board hopes to raise further resources to assist those affected by the floods that ravaged the Himalayan state in 2013 – saw a close contest among the country’s TSD champions. Gill, leader on day one, slipped to fifth (overall) on day two but, showing his class and experience, made up the deficit significantly on the final day. Clearly, there are few better TSD rallyists than Gill, who was driving for Team Maruti alongside co-driver Das.

Finishing runner-up was the husband-wife duo of Satish Gopalkrishnan and Savera D’Souza, Bangalore’s champion rallyists. Meanwhile, the pair of Ajgar Ali, from Haldia (West Bengal), and M. Mustafa, from Tamil Nadu, finished overall third in the rally, moving up from fourth a day earlier.

Rallying!

B. Purushottam, the Dehradun Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate, was one of several government officials taking part in the rally. He expressed hope that the UACR would have a positive impact on tourism in the state. “The rally will send out a strong message that infrastructure in the state is normal, and Uttarakhand is back on (track) as a premier tourism destination,” said Purushottam.

The route taken by the rally touched some of Uttarakhand’s favourite adventure and nature destinations, among them Shivpuri (whitewater rafting), Auli (skiing) and Garjiya (on the periphery of the Jim Corbett National Park).

Destination Guide – Netrani Island!

Click Here for a great Scuba diving holiday at Netrani.

Located in the Arabian Sea, Netrani (locally known as Netragudo) is a small coral island in India, off the coast of Karnataka. It is approximately 19 km from the temple town of Murudeshwara. It is also known as the Pigeon Island and besides pigeons; the other dwellers are the wild goats. The bird’s eye view gives it the appearance of a heart!

Netrani Island Image Credits: commons.wikimedia.org — Netrani Island
Image Credits: commons.wikimedia.org

Being a coral island Netrani is ideal for snorkeling and other diving activities. With visibility between 15 – 30 meters and depths ranging from 6 – 40 meters, it offers some great sites for scuba diving suitable for all levels of experience. It is easily approachable from Mumbai, Pune, Goa and Bangalore.

Other than the fish life common to Goa and the Arabian Sea, Netrani is also popular for regular sightings of Butterfly fish, Whale Sharks, Turtles, Napoleon Wrasse, Great Barracuda, Stingrays, White and Black Tip Sharks and Stonefish.

The enchanting underwater life!

Usually visitors are asked not to climb on the island because of the sharp rocks and steep cliffs and diving/snorkeling is done from a boat anchored close to the island.

With sequestered beaches, old cultures and exotic cuisines mixed with sapphire waters of the mysterious underworld, Netrani has all the elements of a perfect holiday.

The best time to visit is December and January.

Things to keep in mind while on a Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari is mostly a relaxed and fun activity and it can prove to be one of the best holidays you have ever had. It is not just thrilling and adventurous but also educational. To make sure that you get the best out of this experience there are a few things you should keep in mind while going on a Wildlife Safari:

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Kruger National Park – Africa Alive!

Kruger National Park Cheetah chasing Warthog

This national park’s website describes Kruger as the “real Africa”. While those who are associated with Africa’s other wildlife sanctuaries might disagree, there’s no doubt that Kruger – one of eight game sanctuaries in the country – embodies perfectly the South African wildlife experience. But here, it’s more than just about the wildlife; a visit to Kruger is a visit back to a time when man first roamed the bush.

A Lion cub at the Kruger National Park

As iconic a game reserve as any in this magnificent continent, Kruger National Park is also one of Africa’s largest. With a total area of nearly two million hectares, Kruger extends 360km (224m) from north to south, while from east to west it averages a distance of 65km (40m) – at its widest, it measures 90km (56m). These facts testify to the size of the national park, but also more than hint at the variety of wildlife that one can expect to encounter here. Overall, Kruger makes for a magical and unforgettable experience.

At 147 species, Kruger has the maximum number of large animals than anywhere else on the continent. So if you’re looking to immerse yourself completely in a wildlife experience, there are few better game reserves than Kruger National Park in which to do so. There’s a mind-boggling diversity of animals (and birds) here – this place is paradise for the lover of wildlife. And the presence of knowledgeable guides will make your safari an even more memorable one. One can also spot wildlife by availing of guided walks, an altogether more exhilarating experience. (After a game drive or walking safari, treat yourself to some grilled meats at a bush braai, a barbecue that’s uniquely South African!)

Kruger National Park Landscape

Summers here are usually very hot, with temperatures touching 40C, and humid. The rainy season extends from spring to autumn (September to May), with rainfall particularly heavy during summers. The best time to visit Kruger is during the southern hemisphere winter, from late May to mid-September, when temperatures are comparably cooler (nights can be cold). During these months, there is less chance of contracting malaria – and the drier conditions lead to a decrease in green cover, which means big game can be seen near watering holes every morning and evening. For birding, however, the ideal time to be in Kruger is during the rainy season, when you’ll find masses of migratory birds making the most of the verdant surrounds.

Find out more about Kruger National Park.

The Chadar Frozen River Trek

Chadar Trek

Located in the Zanskar Valley, the Chadar Frozen River trek offers a unique trekking experience and makes the wish list of every trekking enthusiast. This trek is definitely not for a novice, and even for seasoned trekkers, who have experience of many Himalayan treks; this trek is nothing like they have seen before. The hardly habitable environment of the ‘Chadar’ has all the makings of an extremely challenging trek – one which dares a trekker to test his/her attitude and tolerance while providing some of the best visuals imaginable. On Chadar trek, the only constant is the freezing cold, with temperatures dropping to 30 degrees below zero at times. Dressing sensibly is of vital importance. It is difficult to accurately predict the environments at the Zanskar frozen river trek; but here is a general outline of what to expect on this winter trek:

Chadar Frozen River Trek

1. Best time to go –
Chadar literally means sheet and in this case a sheet of Frozen River. January to February is the time when the upper layer of the river gets hard and trekkers can walk gently on it.

Motorsport helps Uttarakhand recovery

It’s been a year of tragedy for Uttarakhand, ravaged as the northern state was by torrential early-monsoon rains. But this beautiful mountain region is now on the road to recovery, and contributing to the healing process is adventure sport. After almost a quarter of a century, motorsport will be back on Uttarakhand’s tourism calendar as the authorities look to welcome tourists again.

Africa’s Big Five

The term “Big Five” has become synonymous with African wildlife. It refers to the African Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. Out of these the Lion and the Elephant are classified as Endangered. The Leopard and the white Rhinoceros are categorized as Near Threatened. The black Rhinoceros is Critically Endangered; hence it cannot be hunted at all. The conservation status of the Cape Buffalo is Least Concern, thus making it the most popular to hunt.

Africa's Big Five (Clockwise from left - African Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino) — Africa’s Big Five (Clockwise from left – African Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino)

A lot of people could wonder as to why only these 5, why not the Cheetah or the Hippopotamus? The bitter truth is that this term was originally coined by big game hunters (while hunting on foot) and referred to the level of difficultly in bagging these large animals, primarily owing to their ferocity and defense mechanisms when cornered and also the amount of danger involved in direct contacts with these animals.

Afterwards the term was acquired by Safari tour operators for marketing purposes. The Rand banknotes released in South Africa in 1990 and later feature big-five animals on each denomination.

Big-Five Rand Banknotes Image Credits: bdlive.co.za/markets — Big Five Rand Banknotes
Image Credits: bdlive.co.za/markets

Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya and Democratic Republic of the Congo are the countries where all the members of the big five can be found.

To read more about Africa’s Wildlife check out these destinations:
Kruger National Park – South Africa, Maasai Mara National Park – Kenya, Okavango Delta – Botswana, Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

For trips log on to www.adventurenation.com

Winter Trekking Tips

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Even though Trekking is considered a soft adventure sport, going for a trek in winters can prove to be a little taxing on the body if one is not well prepared.

Here are the tips one must keep in mind before setting off for a winter trek –

Tip 1

Tip 2

Tip 3

Paragliding in India

Paragliding

Click Here for a great paragliding trip in India.

“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” — Leonardo da Vinci

The dream of flying in the sky just like a bird is as old as human kind. You can make your dream come true with paragliding. This sport is considered to be risky, but the reality is that the safety of practitioners is quite high, especially compared to other adventure disciplines. Of course, you cannot paraglide unless you have undergone extensive training. There are numerous paragliding schools that you can select from. It is only natural for you to look for courses in your local area, but there are a number of other essential factors that you have to consider carefully as well.

Paragliding!

December Junkets

PADI Advanced Diving Course at Andaman

“Adventures don’t come calling like unexpected cousins. You have to go looking for them.” — Unknown

You need not look too far as we at Adventure Nation not only offer adventure travel activities and opportunities but also strive to guide you in choosing the best locations every month. Here is our list of the best that the month of December has to offer:

Kamshet – Paragliding

Kamshet (original name “Karmakshetra”, which means “the land of your karma”) is a small township located off the old Mumbai-Pune highway (NH-4).

Paragliding in Kamshet Image Credits: Image Credits: — Paragliding in Kamshet
Image Credits: thelongwayback.canalblog.com

India’s Ski Towns

Alps Skiing

Skiing in India takes place mostly in the Himalayas. Owing to their great height, Himalayas make for a great Skiing destination as they offer long descents. There are 3 popular destinations for Skiing in India – Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, Auli in Uttrakhand and Solang in Himachal Pradesh. Here is some information about these places and the infrastructure they offer for a great Skiing experience –

Book you Skiing package here

Gulmarg

Situated on a high plateau, pastoral Gulmarg, which literally means ‘Meadow of Flowers’, is home to a hill station that has few parallels in India. It boasts a picture-perfect Alpine landscape, with gardens, lakes, snow-covered mountains and (when not snowed in) lush-green vistas as far as the eye can see. Gulmarg also has one of the highest cable cars in Asia – a ride here can take your breath away, literally!

Gulmarg Image Credits: kashmirskiing.com — Skiing in beautiful Gulmarg
Image Credits: kashmirskiing.com

Gulmarg is India’s top skiing destination (8955 ft), and consistently ranked as among the world’s best. It also hosts the country’s annual Winter Games. It is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers and snow capped mountains of the Himalayas. Today Gulmarg is acknowledged not only for its scenic surroundings, but also as the world’s highest golf course and a premier ski resort in the country.

International Destination – The Archipelago of the Azores

Azores View from above Povoacao to the Atlantic ocean Sao Miguel

Located out in the Atlantic, the isolated Azores is 1564 km directly west of Lisbon, Portugal, and 3900 km off the North American coast. This chain of nine islands, all volcanic in origin, was colonized by the Portuguese in the mid-15th century. The islands’ location, almost bang in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, has proved of great strategic value. Today, they are a key mid-ocean refueling and pit stop for commercial airlines, international shipping, cruise ships and private yachts.

Extremely popular for deep-sea fishing, wine production, many varieties of tropical fruit and local cheeses, the Azores is increasingly becoming a favorite tourist destination. Even the nonchalant traveler will be smitten by the emerald-green and sapphire-blue lakes, volcanic craters and cones, verdant grasslands, 15^th-century churches and majestic manor houses.

Azores Lagoa Sete Cidades

Skiing Tips

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Skiing is one activity that requires a lot of lower body strength and preparation. So before you set out to Ski, there are a few important things you should keep in mind that will help you enjoy your time on the slopes.

Here are some tips, straight from our Gurus, for a great Skiing experience:

Tip 1

Tip 2

Tip 3

National Parks of India

Jim Corbett National Park

The first National Park to be established in mainland Asia (1936), CorbettNational Park has captured the imagination of many with the diverse wildlife and the natural uniqueness of the area. It is situated in the town of Ramanagar in the Nainital district of Uttrakhand. Covering an area of 521 sq km, it offers a remarkable variety of landscapes formed by the streams, rivers and many ridges crisscrossing the terrain.

CorbettNational Park is home to a varied species of plants, birds and land animals. Among the birds Crested Serpent Eagle, Red Jungle Fowl, Blossom-headed Parakeet are commonly seen. Kalagarh dam located in the south west of the wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the best place for birding.

Tiger spotting at Jim Corbett — Jeep Safari at Jim Corbett National Park
Image Credits: tempotravellerindelhi.in

Mountain Climbing Tips

Mountaineering or Mountain Climbing is one of the most popular adventure sports/activities in India and many other countries. While a lot of people wish to climb high peeks, they tend to ignore the basics.

We have compiled a list of top 7 tips from our Gurus, that will help you understand mountaineering better and what goes into a successful climb. Here goes –

Tip 1 – Research

Tip 2 – Get fit

Tip 3 – Acquire the gear

The many colors of India!

Kerala Elephant

Mountains, beaches, deserts and the colorful festivals, India has it all. Offering activities like Mountaineering, Kayaking, Cruising, Birding, Wildlife and Desert Safaris, Outdoor Photography and more – India is a popular travel destination.

Here are some glimpses of this diverse landscape –

Mountaineering in India

Kayaking in the Ganges

Rock Climbing near Gurgaon

Safdarjang, New Delhi — Safdarjang, New Delhi
Image Credits: facebook.com/PhotographyByManoo/

Look where you are landing!

Hong Kong International Airport

For a traveller, an airport is a very important space. A lot of waiting time is spent there, both coming and going. So it is such a blessing if that time is made convenient and entertaining by the services and facilities that the airport has to offer.

Skytrax, a UK-based consultancy, runs an airline and airport review and ranking site. It conducts research for commercial airlines and carries out international traveller surveys to find the best cabin staff, airport, airline, airline lounge, in-flight entertainment and on-board catering (alongside several other categories).

Here is this year’s list of the top-five airports – and the adventure activities the cities they are situated in offer:

Singapore Changi Airport – Built in the 1970s and 80s, Singapore’s Changi Airport was designed for both current and future needs as the city-state’s primary airport. Changi has three terminals with a total annual handling capacity of 66 million passengers, and boasts over 753,500sq ft of space spread between the terminals for shopping and eating outlets. It has won close to 450 awards since 1981.

Singapore Changi Airport Image Credits: djfunworld.com/ — Singapore Changi Airport
Image Credits: djfunworld.com/

Destination Guide – Solang Valley

Image Credits: holidayinn-manali.com/

Located 14 kms from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, SolangValley (8500 ft) lies on the western bank of the River Beas. It has a number of hotels and other accommodation options available nearby – and also the choice to pitch your own tent!

The start of international skiing competitions like the Alpine Premier League has made the valley very popular among foreign tourists.

Solang Valley, locally known as Solang Nullah, derives its name from a combination of the words Solang (nearby village) and Nullah (water stream). It offers great views of the surrounding glaciers as well as of the splendid valley lying between Solang and Beas Kund. The valley is also home to a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on top of a hill. Hidimba Temple and Raha Waterfalls are other attractions nearby that one can visit.

Adventurenation x DressHead Chiffon Fit and Flare Mini Dress

Adventurenation x DressHead Chiffon Fit and Flare Mini Dress – Floral Print / Mesh Inserts

Finding just the right evening chiffon dress for a spring or summer night event can be difficult, but this colorful chiffon dress inspired by adventurenation x http://www.dresshead.com is designed to flatter your figure in the vivid colors of seasons. With a pleated design, the skirt of the dress gives a sophisticated multi-layer look to your attire while simultaneously demonstrating a sense of fun as the colors peek out from beneath the white of the dress. The focus of the dress’ design is fitting comfortably, which is achieved through the zip back closure, regular fit, and machine washable nature of the dress. The halter-style square neckline of the chiffon dress provides an additional classic detail.

River Cruising in India

River Cruising is a leisure activity that’s organized along inland waterways, with stops at various ports en route. Since many cities and towns developed around rivers, river cruise ships often dock in the center of cities and towns.

River cruising is a unique way of traveling. It is like experiencing life in the slow lane, where the pace is gentle with no rush, nature all around, and abundant opportunities to explore riverside towns and cities along the way. It is a very tranquilizing experience in natural surroundings, away from the pressures of life, with good food and enjoyable company.

In recent years, river cruising has become an increasingly popular form of leisure travel. With smaller ships, and itineraries that take voyagers to big cities, small villages and through breathtaking landscapes, river cruise lines offer a very unique type of experience. Popular river cruises include trips along the Nile, Amazon, Mississippi, Yangtze, Mekong, Danube, Loboc (Philippines), and Rhine, Seine, Volga, Douro (Spain/Portugal) and the Po (Italy) rivers.

Cruising on Volga River in Russia