Camel Safari in Bikaner

Adventure Travel

It would be a pity to leave Rajasthan without enjoying a ride on the ship of the desert. Camel rides are notoriously bumpy affairs, but it’s more than likely that by the end of the ride you’ll have become accustomed to that high perch and rhythmic sway. Bikaner is a good place to enjoy a camel safari amidst the vast expanse of the desert. Combine this with a sojourn at a desert camp, where you can stay in tastefully furnished tents and dine al fresco under the starry canopy.

Avoid the blister of the desert summers by going on a camel safari between the September and March.

Camel safaris are a good source of income in the desert. The height of the camel enables you to catch a good view beyond the fences and walls. Wandering about the narrow lanes, you get a sense of people’s everyday lives and domestic routines in the most delightfully intimate way.

The camel safari is all about visiting, the local rustic villages with decorated huts, spending nights below the twinkling stars, visiting magnificent palaces, deserted forts and ancient temples. Camel safaris are custom-made to suit the needs of every traveler. There are short safaris arranged for a few hours, for a weekend and longer ones from 4 to 15 days. The price varies from $ 25 to $ 30 per day.

The intricate filigree work in the havelis (palaces) of Bikaner glow like gold. The architecture of the fort, the havelis, the houses themselves are beautifully done. The entire camel safari is the most treasured souvenir that tourists carry along with them in their memories.


for more audio visual stuff do check out YouTube channel : Exotic Vacations

Trekking in Zanskar

Adventure Travel

Of all the trans-Himalayan valleys Zanskar is the most isolated valley. This kingdom which lies in the northwest Indian Himalayas is a very ancient and secluded one. Winter temperatures here can dip as low as -30 C or more, making it the one of the coldest places on earth. There are just about 10,000 occupants in the isolated villages of Zanskar. Summer trek in Zanskar would cost $ 450 and winter trek $ 700.

Trekking in the Zanskar ranges could be quiet strenuous. The deep gorge and high-rise mountains that surround Zanskar are stunning. Camping in the gorge besides a rushing stream, among aromatic shrubs and wild roses is deeply restful. The sharp zigzagging mountainous path of Zanskar will make you aware of the silence that linger around here.

There are plenty of birds and animals in the way: large hares, a skittish mouse hare, beautiful painted chakors, a few redstarts and then phias (Himalayan marmots), which are absolutely adorable. One would definitely fall in love with the wild flowers carpeting in the meadows. It is bizarre to find heady scent of wild roses here, since the landscape here is sere and rocky and hardly a blade of grass is seen, yet here there is unmistakable presence of rose garden, which are tall, wild bushes bursting with flowers.

The spectacular monasteries that we come across while trekking are surrounded by naked lunar hills. The various peaks are surrounded by dramatic landscapes. The climbs and dips past ancient fortresses, wide meadows and braided streams leave you totally exhausted. The view from the peak is spectacular: tall, snow covered peaks fall away endlessly on all sides. The Zanskar trek thus forces you to define the world silence.

for more audio visual stuff do check out YouTube channel : Exotic Vacations

Forest Trails at Periyar National Park

Adventure Travel

India’s oldest and best-known National Park, the Periyar National Park is 145 km from Madurai and can also be accessed from Munnar or from Kottayam. Though this was developed by the erstwhile Trancore Princely State in 1934, it expanded to the present size of 780 sq km and was named the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950. The entry fee to Periyar National Park is $7.

Here, wildlife can be observed from special boats which surf the waters of the lake, leaving the animals undisturbed by the human visitors. The sanctuary is a part of Project Tiger. Wild elephants, bears, sambhar, bison and spotted deer, as well as many screeching monkeys are the animals that one can see near the lake. People basically come here to the watch the Indian elephant’s abluting in the Periyar Lake.

Birds such as the kingfishers, racket-tailed Drongoes, cormorants, hornbill are found here. Visitors trekking in the Periyar National Park have frequently spotted a python and a King Cobra.

The cardamom hill which is in the vicinity of Periyar is worth exploring. October to June is the best time to visit Periyar national Park. The chances of sighting animals after the heavy rains are slim since animals come to the lakes for water only after water sources in the interior of the forest have exhausted.

There is a picturesque lake in the centre of the park; this provides a constant source of water to the habitats of the park. The experience of inhaling and feeling the fresh and untainted air emitting from the deciduous forest of Periyar national Park compel the tourists to revisit the park. 

for more audio visual stuff do check out YouTube channel : Exotic Vacations

White Water Rafting at Rishikesh

White Water Rafting at Rishikesh

Adventure Travel

This pilgrim’s haven is also Mecca for river-rafting enthusiasts. The river Ganga comes gushing down from the mountains, winding down through Kaudiyala and Shivpuri before it reaches Rishikesh. Here it slows down and then bursts into white water rapids as it descends into the plains. There are several adventure agencies offering packages for whitewater rafting-and all rafting operators have riverside camps with tents for the overnight stay. All equipments for white water rafting come along with the package and they charge $40 per person.

Rafting in Rishikesh is best enjoyed between November and March; this is subject to winter temperatures. Such camps are environmentally friendly - no detergent, no chewing gum, no plastic and no electricity. Only tents, gas lanterns and sandpits!

The drive to Rishikesh, via Roorkee and Haridwar whizzes past interesting scenery like sugarcane plantations and soot-choked chimneys.

White water rafting in Rishikesh begins as early as 5 am. The rafts begin their tryst in the icy, unpredictable currents. Teamwork takes an all-new meaning, while rafting, as the lives of rafters depend on it. Whenever the raft overturns, there are some comic attempts to rescue co-rafters. Conquering rapids are met with victorious shouts of joy.

Situated 30 kms from Rishikesh, Shivpuri and Kaudiyala are ideal starting points for these daylong and half-day rafting trips with class III and class IV rapids. These rapids are graded in accordance with the complexity of the run. No wonder that Rishikesh would be the perfect destination for its fair share of thrills, chills and spill overs. The idea behind organizing these activities is to experience adventure and thrill.

for more audio visual stuff do check out YouTube channel : Exotic Vacations

Mountain Biking in Ladakh

Adventure Travel

When traveling by bike, you will get to see the best of that region with the level of intimacy unmatched by most other modes of travel. Trails can be matched to everyone’s riding ability.

Mountain biking can hog you to limelight. The treacherous ride en route to Ladakh is full of surprises. This adventurous mountain biking journey takes you to the world’s greatest motor biking roads. The journey after Manali has unforgiving roads. One has to ride on roads at heights where clouds usually hang out.

The journey takes you over the highest passes in the world, including Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Lachlung La and Tanglang La and the grand Daddy of them all, the Khardung La, standing proud with its head thrust 18,380 ft in the air. This is considered to be the best motorcycling road in the world. Mountain Biking for 14 days duration would cost $2600.

One will have their share of falls when one comes across different kinds of terrain. The numerous hairpin bends test the true ability of the rider as well as the bike. The water crossings enroute can be a thoroughly bone chilling experience.

The rough road from Keylong to Sarchu is a tough battle; however the physical hardship fades away into nothings because of its surroundings. The long winding roads, snow-capped mountains, green valleys blooming with flowers can rapt you with the beauty of the land.

As you reach the destination a sense of pride will engulf you for you have bravely handled treacherous roads, have ridden over snow and ice and crossed the mighty Kardung La, the world’s highest motorable road. 

for more audio visual stuff do check out YouTube channel : Exotic Vacations

Andaman and Nicobar

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, and are a Union Territory of India.

The territory is 150 km (93 mi) north of Aceh in Indonesia and separated from Thailand and Burma by the Andaman Sea. It comprises two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, separated by the 10° N parallel, with the Andamans to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobars to the south. The Andaman Sea lies to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west.

The territory's capital is the Andamanese town of Port Blair. The total land area of the territory is approximately 6,496 km2 (2,508 sq mi). The capital of Nicobar Islands is Car Nicobar

=================================

Places Of Intrests =>

Cellular Jail

also known as Kālā Pāani (Black Water), was a colonial prison situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The prison was used by the British especially to exile political prisoners to the remote archipelago. Many notable dissidents such as Batukeshwar Dutt and Veer Savarkar, among others, were imprisoned here during the struggle for India's independence. Today, the complex serves as a national memorial monument.

Baratang

less commonly known as Baratang Island,  is an island in the Andaman Islands, India, with an area of approximately 238 square kilometres (92 sq mi). It is one of the main islands of the Great Andaman group, a closely set archipelago in the Bay of Bengal,

Baratang contains the only known examples of mud volcanoes in India. These mud volcanoes have erupted sporadically, with recent eruptions in 2005 believed to have been associated with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The previous major eruption recorded was on 18 February 2003. The locals call this mud volcano jalki.

Barren Island

is located in the Andaman Sea, one of the most easterly of the Andaman Islands. It is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia. Along with the rest of the Andamans, it is a part of the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and lies about 135 km (84 mi) northeast of the territory's capital, Port Blair. The first recorded eruption of the volcano dates back to 1787. Since then, the volcano has erupted more than ten times, with the most recent one which started in September 2010 and continued through January 2011

Havelock Island

with an area of 113.93 km, is the largest of the islands which comprise Ritchie's Archipelago a chain of islands to the east of Great Andaman in the Andaman Islands. Havelock is situated 57 km North East of Capital City Port Blair.

Neil Island 

It is an amazing beautiful island with lush green forests and sandy beaches. This island is located at a distance of around 36 kms from the Port Blair. This is a perfect outing and holiday destination for the Eco-tourists.

=================================

Cuisines =>

Seafood is the order of the day. From upscale restaurants in Port Blair to local dhabas on Havelock, fish abounds. Be prepared to pay a little more for good fish and seafood dishes than for standard indian food, but it's well worth it. Basic Indian food is also available, and as cheap as on the mainland in most of the small dhabas. Resort restaurants on Havelock can also whip up a limited set of more or less Western dishes, but the resort restaurants are pretty expensive for Indian standards.

=========================

How to Reach=>

By plane

For now the only way to reach the Andamans by air is from the Indian mainland to Port Blair.Flights can fill up in peak season and immigration doesn't look kindly on people arriving without confirmed flights back, so it is always advisable to book a return ticket and change the flight date if you decide to hang around longer.

Port Blair's Vir Savarkar Airport is probably one of the most quaint and idyllic airports in India. There is a scenic view point where the whole airport can be seen. There are no night flights as the airport is handed over to the Indian Air Force after 3pm. 

By sea

It is possible to take a ship from Kolkata (~60 hrs), Chennai or Visakhapatnamwhich takes almost 4 days to arrive in Port Blair. It is less expensive, however, at only 1961 RS (as of Nov. 2011). Facilities are basic, though and many prefer to sleep on the deck rather than in the cramped bunks. The ferries can take up to five days to arrive depending on weather and various other variables... this can be quite frustrating for many. 

..... Have a Windy Vacation on Shroes ....  :-))

for more audio visual stuff do check out YouTube channel : Exotic Vacations

=================================

  

Mount Abu

Abu Parvat or Mount Abu is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state in western India. It is located in Sirohi district. Mount Abu is 58 km from Palanpur (Gujarat). The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1,722 metres (5,650 ft) above sea level. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. The ancient name of Mount Abu is "Arbudaanchal"

The town of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is located at an elevation of 1,220 m (4,003 ft). It has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighbouring Gujarat for centuries. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1960 and covers 290 km² of the mountain.

================================

Places Of Intrests =>

Nakki Lake 

A beautiful lake surrounded by hills on all sides. It is said that various gods dig the earth with their nails (nakh in Hindi) and that's how it derive its name. One can enjoy boating in the lake. Charges are normal - Rs. 75 for half an hour for 2 seater paddle boat and Rs. 150 for half an hour for 4 seater paddle boat

Guru Shikhar 

At 1722 meters above sea level, this is the highest peak of the Aravali range 

Toadrock

Natural Formation of Rock like a toad. Nice to have a look  

Dilwara Temples 

Beautiful Jain temples, carved of white marble, built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD.

Trevors Tank 

Trevor’s Tank is a picturesque location just 5 kilometers from the main town of Mount Abu, and one of the Mount Abu region’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a nature lover’s paradise that is named after the British engineer who built it.

Achalgarh 

A short distance away, a fort built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar. Also houses Jain temples, Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412AD) and the Kantinath Temple (1513AD. If you are an adventure lover then this place will provide you a good spot for hiking. instead of taking usual routes hike for the temple

Honeymoon Point

Nice place for honeymooners 

  

===============================

Cuisines =>

Mount Abu is Very Good place for both Veg And Non Vegetarians. There are many ice cream shops near Nakki Lake, they provide a wide variety of delicious ice creams. If you are in Mount Abu then these ice creams are must try.

=================================

How To Reach =>

Mount Abu is a part of Sirohi district of Rajasthan. The nearest railhead is Abu Road, about 25 kms away, in the lowlands. Abu Road is on the railway line from Ahmedabad to Marwar Junction (onwards to JaipurDelhi or Jodhpur). and

There are daily bus services available to Mount Abu from cities like Baroda and Ahmedabad.

At Abu Road, car-taxis and cabs are available as well as state transport and private buses to take you to Mt Abu. 

Njoy at the top of of the mount have a fantastic vacation ...... !!!

for more audio visual stuff do check out YouTube channel : Exotic Vacations

=================================