Kerala is the only Indian state of beaches, backwaters, lakes, houseboats, wildlife, waterfalls and watersports. Snake boat races are major watersports of Kerala. Boat racing is not just a sport but a traditional festivity, unique to the religious being of Kerala India. Though more or less religious in origin, the Kerala boat races used to be held as part of competition or settlement between two rival communities in the bygone eras. Boat racing being organized during temple festivals throughout the year, every month and every season is the best time to visit Kerala for tourists as well as sports enthusiasts. An interface between sports and festivity, most of the boat races are held on Kerala backwaters. Indian Eagle shares some tidbits of the most popular Kerala boat races.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

One of the boat race festivals in Kerala, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a visual extravaganza on the backwaters of Punnamada in Alappuzha district. This boat racing in Kerala is a rowing competition between several groups of oarsmen for the Nehru Trophy. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race owes its origin to a visit by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India. A snake boat race was held to welcome him. He was so enthralled by the event and the gusto of the participants that he announced the Nehru Trophy to award the winning team. Since then, this Kerala boat race has been an annual event. The trophy is a silver replica of a snake boat.    

Champakulam Moolam

The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race on the Pampa River in Alappuzha district is one of the tourist attractions of Kerala India. The venue of this Kerala boat race is the Pampa River at Champakulam in Alappuzha. The shape of boats with a raised end at the back like the hood of a cobra is unique to the way the Champakulam boat race festival is celebrated to commemorate the age-old event of bringing a new idol of Lord Krishan from Karikulam Temple in Kurichi to a temple at Ambalappuzha by boat, at the behest of King Devanarayana of Chempakasseri. June or July being the month of this festive watersport is the best time to visit Kerala.

Payippad Jalotsavam  

Payippad Jalotsavam is not just the best snake boat race in Kerala but also an attraction of Kerala tourism in South India. A grand festivity for three days, Payippad Jalotsavam is held on the Payippad Lake at a distance of 35km away from Allappuzha, in honor of the presiding deity of the Subramanya Swamy Temple. According to the folklore, the inhabitants of Haripad Village had dreamt that an idol of Swamy Subrahmanya was lying on the bed of the Kayamlulam River before the temple was constructed. The idol was surprisingly found there and brought in a boat to where the temple is located today. This Kerala boat race is annually held to commemorate the event in the month of September.

“Bull Racing in Kerala is not just another adventuresome sport! It is one of the most offbeat sports in India. Kerala’s bull race is India’s answer to Spain’s bullfighting. This furious sport is an extraordinary show of men’s physical strength in contrast with the beastly force of bulls,” said the Editor of Travel Beats, an Indian Diaspora portal by Indian Eagle, a most trusted air-ticketing partner of Keralites in America.

Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali

The oldest boat racing in Kerala, Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali is part of the cultural extravaganza during Onam Festival in August. The Kerala backwaters brim with excitement and enthusiasm of the rowers in hundreds, who oar the boats at a breakneck speed making it a gripping spectacle of energy and madness on the Pampa River. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and his devotee Arjuna, Vallamkali is characterized by embellishment of boats with ornamental umbrellas and flags. 25 folk singers also accompany the rowers during the racing festivity. The racing boats are locally called ‘Palliyodams’. Monsoon being the season of Onam Festival and Vallamkali celebration is the best time to travel to Kerala.

Onam Festival of Kerala will commence on August 30, 2022. This harvest festival of India is celebrated through different ceremonies including Vallamkali Boat Race. It is not just the best time to visit Kerala, but the time for homecoming. Indian Eagle has unbeatable deals for affordable flights to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Click the button below to get the cheapest air tickets.

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Have you had enough of romance in India monsoon? Are you looking for a break away from typical romantic monsoon destinations? Give a try to adventure in Agumbe, a monsoon getaway in Karnataka. It is the wettest place receiving the highest rainfall in South India. Veiled by dense, lush greenery, Agumbe seems to be a land of phantoms in the dark. Much of the landscape of this monsoon town is dotted with rain forests in the Western Ghats. Trekking in the dark and dense forests is the most challenging pursuit of adventure here. If you are all set for an intriguing adventure travel to India, Indian Eagle will book the cheapest flight tickets to Bangalore for you.

Romance and adventure exist side by side in Agumbe. Panoramic views of the diverse geography of Agumbe ooze dollops of romance, while the precarious trekking trails penetrating through the forests highlight adventure. You can take fancy to the romantic beauty of Agumbe or respond to the calls of adventure, according to your travel taste this monsoon. Agumbe treats both romance seekers and adventure junkies alike. If the adventurer in you overpowers your romantic self, you must go through the rest.

Travel to India for an adventure holiday in Agumbe begins with an international flight to Bangalore, which is followed by a domestic flight to Mangalore, a coastal town in the state of Karnataka. Mangalore to Agumbe is a 100-km long drive via scenic roadway. You can take a road trip from Mangalore to Agumbe, which will offer a toast of adventure to you from the very beginning of the journey. It is one of the best road trips in South India.

If you want to drink to the scenic beauty of nature while sitting in a comfort zone on wheels, you can journey by train to Udupi Railway Station. Udupi is a coastal town where Agumbe is an only 55-km long drive from. Once you are in Agumbe town, your journey for adventure is all set to commence. The trekking trails through streams, waterfalls and forests are rough and precarious; so professional trekking guidance will be a great help.

Rows of trees at the initial phase of the journey lead to thick vegetation which ends into the deep of rain forests in Agumbe Ghat. Monsoon clouds from the southwest strike against the peaks of Agumbe Ghat, which measure more than 2,000 feet in height, and make heavy showers over the rain forests here. That is why the trails are slippery making trekking a challenge. As a result of heavy rainfalls in the months of Indian monsoon for years, the hillsides of Agumbe have got covered in the dark green cloak of rain forests, which is washed by cascading waterfalls.

What is the best month to travel to India for an adventure trip in Agumbe? Monsoon is the best time though you can visit Agumbe in any season of the year. July is the wettest month of India monsoon here. A veil of mist hangs over the hillsides of Agumbe in July and August, which you will miss in other times of the year. But, trekking is more challenging in monsoon than in other seasons. The width of the trails varies at different points in the forests. The width is very narrow at some places.

The Barakona Falls is the biggest waterfall in Agumbe. Some trails run down to the base of this waterfall. The breathtaking views of the Barakona Falls from close quarters are worth braving the challenge of trekking down to the base. You can explore the wilderness of Agumbe which teems with moths, butterflies, deer, scorpions, frogs and snakes. King Cobra, the largest and most venomous snake in the world, is noticed in the forests of Agumbe, mostly in the drier months.

As the population is sparse in Agumbe, there is little room for accommodation except a feudal home in the village. Overnight stay is not a wise option here. Therefore, a daytime trip to Agumbe is recommended. However, Agumbe, the Cherrapunji of South India, is an ideal monsoon destination for adventure.

Indian Eagle strives to make you travel on cheap flights to India even in the last minute. Once you have traveled to India, you can create many such wonderful stories of adventure and romance to cherish in the coming years. 

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Goa Trip is the dream of every youth. What’s not in Goa! Beach beauty, adventure, water sports, seafood, casino, partying, nightlife, biking – all these collectively define what Goa is. This beach getaway is as much a favorite of couples as popular with a group of singles. Recently National Geographic listed Goa as the sixth best nightlife destination in the world. On Travel Beats, Indian Eagle brings a Goa trip story from Muzaffar Ahmad Noori Bajwa, a public speaker on the Law of Attraction, to inspire you for Goa travel.

I badly needed a holiday for some refreshment the last month. My friends – Kaushal Yadav, Rajesh Yadav and Ronnie Braganza set their minds on Goa. I agreed. This time we decided to travel in the traditional Indian way: bus and train.

I have spent most of my professional life in New Delhi. Since mid-December I have been staying in Lucknow in order to start a new business venture in the telecom industry. A hell lot of research and development for the business left us tired. Out of restless for a breath of fresh air, we left for a happening week in Goa. It was an altogether new experience for me but Kaushal visited Goa twice.

On February 8, we left for Goa from Lucknow via New Delhi and Mumbai. The ride by Volvo on the Delhi-Lucknow route was so comfortable that I fell asleep the moment the journey began and woke up in the morning. This always happens with me. Luckily, we got the Duronto Express booking from New Delhi to Mumbai Central.

We stayed in Delhi for one day. It was the February 10, the election counting day. The air of Delhi was heavy with anxiety and excitement which intensely felt in Chandni Chowk. Chandni Chowk was unusually crowded that day. Thousands of people were glued to a big LED screen till the result was announced. By the time Arvind Kejriwal won the battle, we boarded the train.

We retired to sleep around midnight and got up at 7 am. Breakfast was served at 8 am. In India, if you travel by Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Duronto Express, you get the meals, juice, dessert, snack, soup and tea / coffee. Journey by these trains is always comfortable and convenient. We de-boarded the train in Boriwali at 4 pm as we had our Volvo bus booked from Bandra to Goa. But the bus was scheduled for departure by 10 pm.

We stared at each other wondering what to do in the spare time. We had two options; either to get a hotel for 4-5 hours or spend quality time at some nearby places. I opposed the idea of staying behind the closed door of a hotel room. Then we booked a cab and started roaming around for 4-5 hours. We visited a few places in such a short interval and had lunch at a place by the sea side. We were amazed to know that the taxi driver was a freelance writer and journalist. He writes for a Bollywood entertainment and lifestyle magazine. Taxi driving is his part time work.

At 9:30 pm, he dropped us at the place where the bus was about to leave for Goa from. It was a Volvo sleeper bus. The bus reached the destination by 11 am the next day. I saw many driving scooties there. One having a driver’s license can easily get a bike or car on rent. A valid document as identity proof is to be deposited with the vehicle owner. The rent for a scooty is about Rs. 300-350 for a day, Rs. 800 for an Enfield bike and Rs. 1200-1400 for a car. We checked in a cottage hotel. Goa has several beaches. Colangute and Bagha beaches in north Goa are favorites of most travelers. Stay in a cottage hotel on the beach gives a real feel of Goa.

We organized a barbeque night on the cottage hotel to make our tour a bit more amazing and enjoyable. I am a good cook, as my friends say. I just wanted to entertain others with my culinary art. I cooked Chicken Qorma, Fish Barbeque and Chicken Barbeque in a North Indian style. Then we spent some time dancing at Baga Beach. I don’t drink but music makes me go wild and dance like an alcoholic. Every night in Goa was a lively event for us.

One day I tweeted “Being single here is an offence”. Finding a good partner in Goa is a good idea too. There are many night clubs and discs in Goa. Club Cabana, Mambo’s, Tito’s, and Curlies are some of the most famous. In Mambo’s we got guest entries twice but we were treated as stags in Curlies on Anjuna beach. Curlies was mostly crowded by Russians. We found a good dance floor in Curlies. I really liked the way Russians dance. What I found the most amazing about them is that when they dance, they just dance. A couple of girls approached me to dance with them. We left the place saying goodbye to the girls in the wee hours.

The very next day was Goa carnival. It was my first experience of the carnival. The crowd was so dense during the procession that we were not able to stand properly even for 2-3 minutes. We returned to Baga beach at the day end and spent the night there. It was the Valentine’s Day too. We found many couples in the swing of celebration.

Adventure in Goa is an integral part of the tour. Apart from natural beauty of the beaches, water sports define the frenzy of Goa. We enjoyed parasailing, water skating and kayaking. The Goa holiday was so fabulous that we stayed longer than one week. There is nothing to be bored of.

[pullquote]Check our guide on Goa Cuisine” – Indian Eagle[/pullquote]  The cuisine of Goa was our next venture. Almost every restaurant serves the best food of Goa. The Goan food has its own distinction which the cuisines of other Indian states cannot match. Goa is one of the best seafood destinations in India. The Goan cuisine comprises Italian, Russian, Portuguese, English, French and Thai dishes. Being a foodie I visited a few restaurants in Goa including O’pescador Restaurant at Baga Beach, and Waterfront Terrace & Bar managed by Marriot in Panaji. Both are fine dining restaurants with different specialties.

Fortunately the Bikers’ Week was celebrated when we were there. Bikers from across India gathered for the event in Goa. I have never seen such a huge rally of Harley Davidson, Triumph, Ducati and many other bikes. The brimming enthusiasm of the bikers made me play with the idea of buying a Harley Davidson, though biking is not my cup of tea. I love cars.

We found the Central Jail of Goa, a home of prisoners, while roaming around. One of the offbeat places in Goa, it is located in a very peaceful corner. We spent one night in Panaji too. Casino is the main attraction of Panaji, and that too on a cruise. I think Goa is the only place in India where casinos are legalized. The casinos in Panaji remain open day in and out. We visited Candolim Beach where I caught up with a couple of Manchester girls who liked Indian Rum – Old Monk.

My overall Goa trip is a fabulous experience. Being a frequent traveler I would like to visit Goa the second time this year. Goa sleeps in the wee hours and springs into activity at in the evening. Goa is a must visit, at least once in lifetime. I am sure, you’ll never forget.

October to May is the best time to visit Goa. As the season of Goa tourism is about to fall, Indian Eagle is booking international flights to Goa from the USA at the lowest airfare. Many American cities have air connectivity with Goa via the Middle East airports.

About the Author 

Muzaffar Ahmad Noori Bajwa is a young, dynamic management pass-out from one of the premier institutes in India. He has nearly 8 years of corporate experience in the domains of HR, IT, Telecom, EXIM and Aviation. He is a traveler, public speaker, party lover and a preacher of Law of Attraction. He is recognized as one of the 10 Best Dressed Male Entrepreneurs in India after Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Malya and Sabeer Bhatia. He is an influencer on Twitter. Follow him @MANooriBajwa.

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Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is an escape from civilization to the pure bliss of nature in the solitude of mountains. A snow desert with geographical diversity and beauty in the Himalayas, the valley lies between India and Tibet. With rough terrains, motorable roads, waterfalls, rivers, monasteries, hamlets and a non-polar glacier, the Spiti Valley is an offbeat destination for adventure, photography and meditation. Known as “Little Tibet” and “The Snow Desert”, this Himalayan valley is a soulful and sensuous artwork by the Supreme Architect. We at Travel Beats weave a visual story of the Spiti Valley.

The Spiti Valley is one of the best Himalayan destinations for spiritual seekers. Spirituality is an intense unearthly feeling of the soul in absolute solitude of peace and tranquility that the Spiti Valley is blessed with. It can rightly be called a Buddhist destination for being home to 1000-year old Buddhist monasteries which are locally known as Gompas. Dhankar Li is the most popular monastery and one of the tourist attractions here. The valley basks in the glory of its spiritual culture that has been cultivated in isolation from civilization.

The geographical diversity of the Spiti Valley is an attraction itself. This Himachal valley is a micro world of different geographical formations including canyons, mountains, glaciers, rivers and waterfalls. Several perennial rivers including the Spiti, the Pin, and the Chandra flow with gurgling sound through the desert terrains here. With beautiful lakes adding to the panoramic richness of the landscape, there is no limit to what to see in the Spiti Valley. The valley can be referred to as nature’s darling because of Bara Shigri, one of the largest non-polar glaciers in the world.

The Spiti Valley boasts of the Himalayan beauty in different forms which make it a photographers’ paradise. It offers huge space for a photography spree to nature photographers. The valley houses small villages in the geographically vast and varied landscape. One of the remotest regions in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, the Spiti Valley nurtures simple rural life, a wonderful subject for travel documentaries and photography.

Wildlife abounds in the cold desert terrains of the Spiti Valley. A certain percentage of the bleak landscape is dotted with wildlife in proximity to the villages. Fossils can be seen at a few places across the valley. That is why Spiti is titled the Fossil Park of the world. Langza is one of the places where maritime fossils are found. Those on an exploration drive can spot out snow leopards, red fox, yaks and other animals in the Spiti Valley.

Trekking and safari are the pursuits of adventure in the Spiti Valley. Yaks are abundantly found in the valley as rearing yaks is a means of sustenance for the villagers. Many tourists find kicks in yak safari across the rough terrains of such a beautiful landscape as the Spiti Valley. Those who are not fond of yak safari can ride horses.

The day-to-day life of the natives in the Spiti Valley is a lesson on how to live with a smile on the face, a glint of joy in the eyes and rosy gleams on the cheeks despite difficulties in harsh atmospheric conditions. The valley owes its soulfulness to the simplicity of the people who drink to the beauty and breathe in the freedom of nature. Their innocence is the secret to their bliss.

The Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a must visit for spiritual culture, rural life, natural beauty, adventure and photography. If it makes you feel like flying to India in search of such offbeat destinations, book your flight on IndianEagle.com and get the cheapest airfare.

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Let’s turn away from monuments and hill stations to the direction leading to the secluded islands and serene beaches. When the mind craves for seclusion and serenity, it can think of only the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Andaman Islands and beaches are among the most wonderful holiday destinations with idyllic setting, rich wildlife, white sands, crystal-blue water and eco-friendly atmosphere. An escape to the Andaman for shareable travel experience and inexplicable tryst with nature is worth a flight to India. Let’s see whose travel tastes are best catered to by the Andaman.

A trip to the Andaman is must for those in quest of serenity, beauty, romance and bliss far from the buzz of city life. If you are among them, you must fly to the Andaman beaches which are away from civilization but close to nature. You will feel overwhelmed in the solitude of Radhanagar Beach, Cove Beach, Vijayanagar Beach, and Elephant Beach where waves are in love with sands, the sun hangs out on the horizon twice a day, the mind feels meditative, the heart listens to itself, peace is eloquent, sea speaks to the sky, and where sunbath is a pleasure. The Andaman beaches which are accessible to visitors are known for their tranquilizing effect on the outer being and inner self of visitors.

A flight to the Andaman Islands is the right spending by those in love with nature and wildlife photography. Every nook and corner of this part of earth is blessed with wildlife. Barren Island, one of the uninhabited Andaman Islands, is home to rich flora and fauna. Rare species of animals and plants are found here. Barren Island also houses an active volcano which is the only one in South Asia. 135 km away from Port Blair, the volcano is an ideal landscape for nature photography. Baratang Island is another island whose wilderness woos photographers. Dense tropical forests and white sandy beaches are the attractions of the island. You must photograph the limestone caves on Baratang Island to bask in the pleasure of photography.

A tour of the Andaman Islands is highly recommended to those in quest of adrenalin rush. The Andaman beaches are as adventuresome as they are peaceful. Some of the islands have sporty beaches where you can’t help springing into adventure. The Havelock Island is a hub of adventure sports including kayaking, trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing. If swimming makes you feel alive and kicking, Vijaynagar Beach with calm, crystal clear water is the call for you. If strolling on the sand thrills you, it is not less exciting than adventure itself. Island camping is another sort of adventure that you must try out during the Andaman travel.

Travel to the Andaman Islands is a must for those in search of the trail to the stories of British oppression during the National Freedom Movement. The Cellular Jail is a living evidence of the confinement of the Indian freedom fighters in the dark and the atrocity meted out to them. Some of the patriots directly or indirectly associated with the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 were exiled to suffer solitary confinement in the Cellular Jail which is notorious as Kaala Pani. Among the political prisoners who were sentenced to the Cellular Jail were such eminent freedom fighters as Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, Shiv Verma, Mahavir Singh, Ambika Chakraborty, Genesh Ghosh, and Fakir Sen who were associated with the Chittagong Revolt, the Assembly Bomb Case, the Lahore Conspiracy Case, the Alipore Conspiracy Case and the Wahabi Movement. The Government of India declared the Cellular Jail as a national memorial in 1969. A light and sound show is organized on the premises to introduce the visitors to the sufferings of the prisoners.

Port Blair is the gateway to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which is a short flight from Chennai International Airport. IndianEagle.com offers international flight tickets to Chennai, India, at the best prices.

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A lot has been said and written about the beauty & bliss of Kashmir. It is such an inexplicably beautiful part of the vast Himalayan region that it deserves to be shining like a gem in the crown of Mother India. In this context, we would like to quote the Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s exclaiming words, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” Inarguably, Kashmir is the paradise for poets, painters, photographers, bird watchers, peace lovers, romantics and adventurers. With tourists stopping by Indian Eagle to book cheap flights to India in the thick of summer, we are rolling out the list of things to do in Jammu and Kashmir for the adventurers among them.

Shikara ride

What is the very first thing to do in Kashmir? It is shikara ride on Dal Lake. Though a most common fact, it tops the list of activities for every tourist. The shikara ride on Dal Lake brings in both romance and adventure in rare mélange. The beauty of the landscape, the views of colorful houseboats, the slow movement of shikaras and the hues of life on the lake create a joyous sensation that can only be felt, not shared or explained.

Trekking

If lying back in the swing of romance is not your cup of tea, you can take a plunge into the pool of adventure that Kashmir is. Trekking is one of the most adventuresome activities in this part of India. Being a mountainous region, Kashmir offers trekking as a challenge that only professional or experience trekkers can dare to take up. The snowy trekking routes of Ladakh are popular with seasoned trekkers.

Mountain biking

Kashmir is a valley of valleys with rolling meadows and snow-covered mountain slopes which make biking a pursuit of adrenalin rush. Whether it is the lakeside zigzags or rough mountainous terrains, mountain biking in Jammu and Kashmir is an exciting holidaymaking activity. Ladakh has several mountain biking treks which will fulfill your craving for some doses of adventure.

Mountaineering

Kashmir is the topmost Himalayan region of India. Landscaped by mountains of varying heights on all sides, Jammu & Kashmir offers a lot of opportunities for mountaineering of all levels, low and high, easy and difficult. Some of the most popular and mountaineering-friendly Himalayan peaks such as Harmukh, Sunset, Kolahoi, Gulpa Kangri, Kun of Zanskar, Kang Yatsey and Bobab are in Kashmir.

Bird watching

If bird watching is your favorite sightseeing activity, Jammu and Kashmir travel is worth a flight to India. Sightseeing ranges from lakes to wetlands across the state. Kashmir has about 24 wetlands which are home to as many as 500 species of birds making it a paradise for bird watchers. Migratory birds can be seen only at specific times of the year though bird watching is an all-season activity in Kashmir.

Paragliding

Adventure tourism in Jammu and Kashmir thrives on the popularity of paragliding. Gliding in the air is the best way to catch a 360 degree panorama of the majestic valleys. Catching an eyeful of the lush green meadows below from high on is an experience to be cherished for lifetime. Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Sanasar and Harwan are the best places to indulge in this sporty adventure.

Skiing

Adventure knows no limit in Jammu and Kashmir when it comes to skiing. Having snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the backdrop, the state is blessed with popular skiing destinations. Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam offer ample room for skiing with lots of thrill. The tourism ministry of Jammu and Kashmir provides accommodation to skiers in Gulmarg.

Rafting

You can drink to thrills from your visit to Kashmir in different forms of adventure. Rafting is one of them. The landscape around the mountains is crisscrossed by such roaring rivers as the Indus, the Lidder and the Zanskar which make rafting a challenging indulgence for those in quest of high adrenalin rush.

Camping

Camping is one of the must things to in Kashmir for those seeking natural bliss in India. Kashmir offers several campsites where natural beauty of the mountains and soothing greenery of the valleys can best be enjoyed. Aru Valley, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are some of the best summer camping destinations in Kashmir. Click Best Himalayan Campsites to know more about camping in India.

The opportunity to buy cheap air tickets to India is as exciting as adventure itself! IndianEagle.com offers this opportunity in all seasons of the year.   

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Himachal Pradesh, a north Indian state, is the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation and rejuvenation in the Himalayas. It is a gateway to the world of adventure too. The valleys and hill stations of Himachal Pradesh are not just summer retreats but also adventure hotspots. They become camping grounds with ample room for adventure activities from March to September. Those who feel drawn to the enigmatic beauty of the Himalayas fly to India for camping in Himachal. It drives Indian Eagle to list the most popular Himalayan sites for camping.

Chail

Chail is more adventurous than Shimla for camping in the Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters above the sea level, Chail is only 45 kms away from Shimla. The landscape of this Himalayan camping site is dotted with soaring deodars. Chail is not only known as a hill station with a thick cover of greenery but also famous for the cricket ground that is the highest in the world. This Himalayan destination for camping is a must visit for nature lovers too.

Shimla

Shimla is one of the few Himalayan hill stations where romance and adventure go hand in hand. Shimla, the summer capital of the British Raj and the present capital of Himachal Pradesh, is ideal for camping in North India. The idyllic landscape, rugged terrains and pleasant weather of Shimla fetch hundreds of youngsters for camping and trekking every summer. Shogi, Mashobra, Summwe Hill and Fagu are some of the hot spots for camping in Shimla.

Nahan

Nahan in Solan at an altitude of 932 meters above from the sea level is one of the best summer camping destinations in the Himalayas. Nahan is a picturesque town with clean streets and glimpses of natural beauty hanging all around. Karan Prakash, the King of Solan had laid out the foundation brick of Nahan in 1621. The town boasts a pleasing climate throughout the year. There is a beautiful artificial lake on the camping site in Nahan.

Manali

Manali is a wonderful summer retreat and an adventuresome camping spot. One of the most popular summer tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, North India, Manali is a must stop on the National Highway to Leh in Ladakh District. It is one of the few places to find beauty in adventure. Manali is a must-visit summer camping resort town with snowcapped peaks, the meandering Beas River, fruit orchards, lush green landscape, and rolling fields.

Kullu

Kullu is a 40-km long drive from Manali on the way to Leh. A resort holiday destination with snow-covered peaks, Kullu is a favorite of trekkers and campers. It is equally popular for sightseeing and adventure. The season of camping in Kullu spans from April to June and from mid-September to mid-October. Kullu has several trails in the Himalayan range.

Sangla Valley

Sangla Valley is one of the lesser-known camping destinations in the Himalayan region. Situated at an altitude of 2600 meters from the sea level, the valley is towered by the huge Kinner Kailash peak. The zigzag slopes of Sangla Valley are flooded by the beauty of cedar, pine, walnut, apple and apricot trees. The picturesque hamlets with wooden walls make Sangla Valley a remarkable spot for nature photography too.

Dalhousie

Named after its founder, the British Viceroy Lord Dalhousie, Dalhousie is a most popular Himalayan hill station with adventuresome camping spots. Nestled on the western end of Dhauladhar, Dalhousie fetches not only domestic travelers but also foreign tourists. Raw natural beauty of the lush green landscape dotted with pine, cedar and deodar trees is the best bait of Dalhousie to adventurers, photographers and nature lovers. Dalhousie is the only place in Himachal to offer soulful views of the horizon where the sky and earth embrace each other.

Dharamsala

Camping in Dharamsala is an adventure in the lap of nature. Dharamsala, a Himalayan hill station in Himachal Pradesh, offers multiple opportunities for active camping. March to mid-September is the best time camping in Dharamsala.

IndianEagle.com is the only online travel booking portal to offer guaranteed lowest airfare for trips to India. There is special discount on booking of flights for trekkers, nature lovers, photographers and adventurers this summer.

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Kodaikanal is the summer capital of Tamil Nadu just as Darjeeling is the paradise of Bengal, Munnar is the beauty of Kerala, and Shimla is the pride of Himachal Pradesh. One of the most popular hill stations in South India, Kodaikanal is full of surprises for trekkers, photographers, nature lovers, honeymooners, and tourists in general. A trip to Kodaikanal is relaxing, soothing and warming! Indian Eagle handpicks must-visit tourist attractions of Kodaikanal from the Kodaikanal tourist guide.

Kodaikanal Lake

The Kodaikanal Lake is one of the best tourist attractions of this summer and monsoon destination in Tamil Nadu. The lake, developed out of a marshy swamp, is surrounded by a beautiful landscape. It is a hub of outdoor activities including boating, which is a must in the evenings. Fishing is another popular activity that tourists love spending time in. The road around the Kodaikanal Lake is suitable for smooth horse riding and cycling.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a small world of nature in the solitude of nature where the air is full of fresh breaths. Flooded by the waves of greenery, the park is home to more than 325 species of cactuses, shrubs and trees. Carpeted with hundreds of flower plants, Bryant Park boasts a soothing ambience with a miasma of colors. A section of the park is dedicated to a myriad variety of rose plants. It is one of the nicest places for photography in Kodaikanal.

Kukkal Caves

Wait! Kodaikanal has a few more surprises for you. If historic attractions like caves pique your curiosity, you must visit Kukkal Caves. What makes this cave listed among the offbeat tourist attractions of Kodaikanal is the amazing formation out of overhanging rock slabs. Situated at a height of 1500 meters, the caves provide a vintage point to view the panorama of the valley from. The visually stunning backdrop of the Kukkal Caves is sure to inspire you for a photography spree.

Bear Shola Falls

If you are fond of waterfalls, Kodaikanal will not disappoint you. Bear Shola Falls is the most popular tourist point here. The way of the waterfall in the Reserve Forest is filled with a little adventure. It is smooth somewhere and rugged somewhere. The beauty of the landscape surrounding the Bear Shola Falls makes it an ideal picnic spot too.

Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake, another beautiful point in the Kodaikanal travel guide, is a bit long drive from the main tourist center. But, the journey is worth the time for the picturesque setting. What best describes Berijam Lake is the idyllic setting with serene ambience. Though boating is prohibited, the place is a must visit for natural sightseeing. You need to seek permission from the forest department if you feel an itch to wander around the forest.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

If you are sort of a pilgrim, Kodaikanal will serve your interest. Nature and divinity exist side by side in Kodaikanal. Kurinji Andavar Temple is the most popular place of worship here. The temple is a must visit for not just pilgrimage but also sightseeing because of its naturally beautiful, forest-covered surroundings. Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the gold of hills, the temple premise offers scenic views of the Palani Valley below.

Perumal Peak

Kodaikanal never lets anyone miss the taste of adventure. This South Indian hill station boasts Perumal Peak as a trekker’s delight. Perumal Peak is one of the highest peaks in the Perumalmalai Hills in the Western Ghats. Trekking from the base to the summit is full of thrills, which is sure to make your Kodaikanal travel a memorable one. Neither permission nor experience is essential as trekking is easy here. Perumal Peak is an artistic manifestation of nature.

Book Your Travel to India

Kodaikanal is a short drive from Chennai International Airport in Tamil Nadu. IndianEagle.com is the only travel portal to book cheap flights to Chennai from the United States and Canada.

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Have you ever heard of any never-never land? It means an imaginary place where everything is perfect. If there is any never-never land in India, it is Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea on the west coast of Kerala. Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 coral islands which are, in fact, the flat peaks of the undersea mountains. Among them, 10 islands are inhabitable for leisurely stay and adventure tourism in the lap of nature. Agatti Island with a regional airport is the gateway to Lakshadweep. Sun-kissed pristine beaches, crystal clear greenish-blue waters, swarms of colorful fish under the sea, coconut trees dotting the beaches and rolling green landscape – all these make the tourist destination under government of India a never-never land.

Apart from the virgin beauty of islands that inspires creativity for poetry and painting, Lakshadweep is famous for adventure sports in the solitude of nature. Here adventure is a breath of fresh air unlike sporty activities on the coastal beaches of India. The island beaches with corals and reefs are ideal places for diving and snorkeling which offer the best adventure toasts to the riders on an adrenalin drive. Resorts on some of the islands organize various adventure activities for their guests. Overnight stay on a floating boat is not just a thrilling adventure but also a romantic experience for the honeymooning couples.

If you are fond of kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, canoeing, cruising or jet skiing, there is no reason for you to feel disappointed. Some sports are relaxing, while some are spine chilling. Besides exploring the world under water and catching glimpses of the coral reefs, what you can do on the beaches of Lakshadweep islands is peaceful strolling. Moreover, Lakshadweep is an emerging ecotourism spot in India. It is being promoted as a natural ecotourism destination in alignment with the guidelines, framed by the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, to preserve the wildlife and mitigate the environmental concerns.

Biking is the most feasible option to explore the interiors and experience the local lifestyle on some of the islands. Bikes are available on rent per hour or per day. Biking or cycling is a pleasurable activity on Kadmat Island where there are resorts, schools, coconut factories, and a hospital.

The best season of Lakshadweep tourism is from October to April. From May to September, it is windy, rainy and rough there. Agatti and Bangaram islands remain open during monsoons too. If you are looking to reach these islands by water, it is difficult to ride the sea in the rains. However if you can brave the odds, you can bask in the glory of fresh greenery all around.

Agatti Island is well connected to the coast of Kerala by air and water. Daily flights to Agatti Island are operated from Kochi Airport. Air travel to Lakshadweep takes about one hour and a half. Ships leave for Lakshadweep from Calicut or Kochi. The voyage by ship takes some 22 hours.

Smoking, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the islands. Swimming or sun bathing naked is a big ‘NO’. The tourists on visit are required to comply with the rules and regulations, for the ecological and environmental wellbeing of the islands.

IndianEagle.com books the cheapest flight to Kochi International Airport, Kerala. Grab the opportunity of flying at the lowest airfare before the season of Lakshadweep tourism is over by the mid of May.

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Kavitha Reddy is among the few women who live their dreams at any cost. A corporate woman turned entrepreneur, Kavitha lives and dreams adventure. She promotes adventure as a learning tool to create environmental awareness and highlight the importance of conserving nature among the people from all walks of life. After 14 years of corporate career, she founded Basecamp Adventurers, an all-women agency in adventure training and consulting. An avid traveller, she is the first mountaineer to have climbed Mt Bhagirathi and Mt Satopanth in the year 2012. She is an Associate Member of Indian Mountaineering Foundation too. IndianEagle catches up with Kavitha Reddy to share her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for adventure with you. The excerpts from the interview are as follows:

What made you pursue your passion for adventure after a stint in the corporate sector for 14 years?

I always wanted to do something different and unconventional, working with 2 very successful start-ups gave me the confidence and the edge to venture out on my own. The day I took up my corporate job I was very clear that I would be running my own company someday. I have always been an outdoor person and felt that there is a business potential in Adventure, given my corporate background I though adding Outbound Training or Experiential Learning will be a way to start off. Hence when we were ideating we decided we will be an Adventure Travel and Outbound Training company, and we firmed up on our Vision ‘Evolve adventure as the most effective learning tool, to revive the spirit of adventure among people from all walks of life, and be environment cognizant’

How did you take up the challenge of developing your passion for adventure into a profession?

Actually that was the easy part, I was a qualified mountaineer and had already done many Adventure courses and has adequate experience even as a hobby, it was some want familiar ground, but I did spend about 7-8 months on doing research about the business potential, opportunities, constrains, impact, safety etc. It’s not enough to have a Passion for Adventure unless there is a Potential and Profitability, so the study/research helps me to bridge the Passion to Potential to Profitability.

Your favourite adventure destination or destinations in India…

India is a great place for adventure Beaches. Rocks, Forest, Rivers, Snow-capped peaks – there is every opportunity to do adventure activities all 365 days in a year. It is indeed very difficult to pick a place as every place has a charm of its own. I love the South-of-India for the amazing green cover, forests, and wild life, North-East for its wilderness and Flora & Fauna, Uttarakhand for some of the best mountain ranges in the world.

How does adventure travel help with teambuilding skill development and leadership quality enhancement?

Adventure is perceived as risky, dangerous but equally exciting experience. The word Adventure largely refers to activities with some potential physical danger, such as Skydiving, Skiing, Mountaineering, Scuba Diving, Bungee Jumping and other Extreme sports. However, if viewed from a wider prospective it can refer to any venture /organization /enterprise /individual as they also take a market risk, a financially risk, a psychological risk, a consumer risk etc. to be successful in their chosen area.

In our outdoor and adventure activities there are many unexpected learning’s which are not visible in classroom training. Activities are conducted in unknown and unfamiliar territory, that itself takes away the comfort zone the executives are used to. Outdoor/Adventure activities help in recognition of leadership types/styles because every person has his/her style and instead of trying to follow a style, it encourages them to strengthen their own styles. They are also exposed to aspects of conflict management, co-ordination, risk-taking, multi-tasking, resource management through our outdoor/adventure activities in a very practical and visible way.

What do you think about empowerment of women through travel? How can the current scenario be improved or changed for the safety as well as comfort of women travellers in India?

One of the key indicators of women empowerment is travel and empowered women will always travel more. So there is an urgent need to provide safe environment for women who travel on work or leisure. Mobility indeed determines participation of women in the economic, political and social structure.

Financial independence, Connectivity, Accessibility and Technology has opened up the world to women and crimes against women will curtail their travel there by impacting participation in the Social, Political and Economy progress of the country.

Indian Central & State governments have to do a lot more to create a safe environment for everyone irrespective of gender. Our society should take more responsibility in not just condemning the crimes against women but also grooming the boys in their homes to respects women and treat them as equals, and more importantly as humans. So the changes are need not just in Laws, Policing, But most importantly in the Society.

What are your responsibilities as Associate Member of Indian Mountaineering Foundation?

It is only a Membership of a recognised member, but I am also the Founder Secretary of Adventure Tour Operator Association of Karnataka (ATOAK), some of the key objectives of ATOAK is to promote Safe & Responsible Adventure Travel/Tourism/Sports.

Entrepreneur or traveller – what defines you better?

I am an ‘Adventurer’ and I will always want to be so. I have always taken the un-trodden or unconventional path in my career, I have been a risk taker who is looking for newer challenges and pushing the limits.

Your Women’s Day special message for the aspiring women entrepreneurs and travellers…

Do not outsource our Dreams or Destiny, Go Girl…survive the wilderness, touch the skies, sail across oceans, live on the edge and travel the world.

IndianEagle.com is a leading online travel booking company. We at Indian Eagle are committed to promoting Indian travel & tourism to the NRIs. We connect them with India and offer them the lowest airfare too.

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