If you are reading this and are anything like me, then you know that there is nothing better than waking up in a new place, with the prospect of an exciting new adventure or experience. I have found that the more I travel, the more places I tend to add to my bucket list. As a community, mankind may not have travelled much during the past year and a half, but that didn’t stop us from adding to the never ending list. An interesting fact uncovered by CNBC in their study on global travel said, most people have an average bucket list of just 11 places, with the hope of visiting seven of those locations during their lifetime.
These exciting, insightful and adventure driven experiences across the country are what I have found to be the best of the best, and I hope these ideas inspire you to travel around India and add a destination or two to your travel bucket list.
Chadar Trek, Ladakh
The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge trek is a winter trail over the frozen Zanskar River, which lies in Ladakh. It is a 6 day trek in inhospitable conditions over a frozen river in Ladakh. Average mean temperature during the day is minus 10. In the night, temperatures fall to minus 20 and 25. With multiple layers and sensible trekking, the Chadar trek is not a very difficult trek. But what sets it apart is its unique experiences – the scenery, temperature, atmosphere, the frozen river, sledges, unusual camp sites, caves and the ever changing Chadar.
Jim Corbett Safari, Uttarakhand
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is India's first national park which lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The magical landscape of Corbett is fabled for its tigers. Spanning over an extent of 520 square kilometers, its whole area comprises of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts, grasslands and large lake. Here you can enjoy overnight stays in the lap of the National Park. Nature watch and wildlife viewing in the park is done in an open four wheeler Jeep/ or on and elephants back. The territory also shelters a healthy population of rare species like Otters and the endemic fish eating crocodile.
Caving And The Living Root Bridge, Meghalaya
Some tapered, some tall, and some mysteriously deep, the caves of Meghalaya form as water meets limestone and sandstone, creating extraordinary eco-systems. Tourists can experience and marvel at the wonderful underground world by visiting several caves in the region. Krem Dam and Krem Riblai offer a thrilling sight but are not meant for the faint hearted. While Arwah and Mawsmai are caves more accessible in nature. Meghalaya is also known for its Living Root Bridges. These magnificent structures are methodically grown over decades by trained Khasi and Jaintia tribes creating tangled thick roots that act as bridges good enough to hold 50 or more people in one go.
Sandakphu Phalut Trek, West Bengal
Sandakphu is the highest peak of the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district on the West Bengal-Nepal border. A trek to Sandakphu Phalut is one of the few treks on earth from where peaks covering 8,000 meters. Standing at an altitude of 11,950 feet on Sandakphu, on the left you can see the Everest cluster along with Lhotse and Makalu, the fourth and the fifth highest peaks in the world. On the right, is Kanchenjunga - the world’s third highest peak, standing with its family of peaks famously called The Sleeping Buddha. To reach Sandakphu, one has to nearly trek for 12 hrs from Maneybhanjan, which is the gateway to Sandakphu.
Rann Utsav At Kutch, Gujarat
From elaborate tents at Dhordo village that make you think of the Quidditch world cup, camel rides, sunrise and sunsets at the Great Rann, hot air ballooning over the white desert and visits to the nearby villages rich in craft and traditions, old temples and historical landmarks, the Rann Utsav promises a treat for everyone. A three-month long festival organised annually by Gujarat Tourism during winters is a must visit.
Scuba Diving In Havelock, Andaman Islands
Your trip to Andaman is doesn’t count if you don’t go scuba diving in Havelock. The underwater coastal belts is home to one of the flourishing ecosystems of coral reefs and formations. The unscathed, vibrant corals house some of the world’s most unique and colourful fishes and sea-dwellers which makes for a beautiful scene. Nemo Reef in Havelock is the best and perfect diving experience one can have, for both new and experienced divers. Scuba Diving can be enjoyed at any age, or fitness level. For individuals who cannot swim, snorkeling is the best way to explore the marine life.
Exploring Auroville, Pondicherry
Auroville is an experimental township in India. Auroville was founded as an interesting and complex experiment that takes place on more than 20 sq kms of speckled settlements in the midst of forested, and beach areas. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and designed by architect Roger Anger. While visiting the Auroville township requires prior permission, the town around it too is now home to a number of great attractions. Located right off the East Coast Road leading to Pondicherry, Auroville Beach is one of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches in the region. For someone who loves shopping local and trying local cheeses, chocolate and bread this is the place to be.
Boat Races, Kerala
Boat races are among the oldest, but remain the grandest traditions in Kerala. Boat races have been a vital part of temple celebrations in the state. The races are conducted during monsoon in the lakes and back waters. People in large numbers participate in the festivities to watch the 100-feet long snake boats or 'chundanvallam' go head to head in rhythm to the traditional boat songs.
Dune Bashing, Jaisalmer
Contrary to popular knowledge, you don’t need to visit the Emirates to experience Dune Bashing. Dune Bashing is one of the most exciting activities that you can enjoy in Jaisalmer. Feel the adrenaline rush when you are rafting through the pits and falls of the golden sand.
Skiing In Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Kufri draws ski enthusiasts from all over the country during winters. The winter sport capital of Shimla, is nestled at an altitude that reaches 2622 meters. Kufri offers various skiing opportunities for both beginners as well as professional skiers – various slopes have been categorised for various levels. The best time to visit Kufri for skiing is from December to February.