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Namaste Friends, |
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An Indian recently claimed a place in sporting history by flying a hot air balloon to a new high. I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about India’s many options for adventure sports. |
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From rock climbing in Karnataka, trekking in Uttaranchal, skiing in Auli, river running in the Ganges, white water rafting in the Beas, heli-skiing in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir (where the powder snow lasts well into spring even after the skiing ends in Europe), angling in Assam, scuba diving in the Andaman Islands, ballooning in New Delhi, camel safaris in the deserts of Rajasthan, windsurfing and scuba diving in Lakshadweep, parasailing in Goa, or even the Great Himalayan jeep safari in the Zanskar valley in Ladakh, India spoils adventure seekers. Whether you like your thrills to be mild or adrenalin-pumping, we have something for you.
Go for it, then! The snow’s started and the slopes are waiting!
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The temple of Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) on the Tirumala Hill at Tirupathi is the richest in India and one of the richest shrines in the world. Legend has it that when Lord Balaji wanted to marry a local beauty, Padmavati, he was asked to pay a huge bride price. He went to Kuber, the treasurer of the Gods, and took a loan, which is he still paying off, with all the donations received from devotees.
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Night viewing of the Taj Mahal, banned from 1984 to 2004, lifted for a trial period in Nov 2004, has been extended … see the Taj at her most beautiful and rediscover romance! |
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Corbett National Park, India’s 1st ever national park, has tightened the rules for tiger viewing: Not more than 2 elephants with tourists will be allowed into the tiger viewing area. No tourist can stay longer than 10 minutes viewing the tiger and a tigress with cubs will be out of bounds for visitors. |
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A unique silver jewellery gallery at the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, showcases the jewellery used to decorate animals on festivals, official parades, VIP receptions, and Royal weddings. A silver elephant’s necklace on display weighs 25 kg.
Rare 6th century BC coins, the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s “mohars” and the Nizam of Hyderabad’s machine made coins are some of the 1669 exhibits on display at the new coins gallery at the National Museum, New Delhi. It’s Indian history in a nutshell.
India is now on the cruise liner map. Super Star Libra, owned by Star Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line, now offers a four-night Mumbai-Kadmat-Goa-Mumbai cruise. There’s even a Weekend Gateway Cruise that sails around Mumbai. 40 cruise liners (including Pacific Princess, Star Flyer, MV Sea Bourn Spirit, MV Europa) are expected to call at Kochi port this season. Queen Mary II is due in 2007. |
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| The Deccan Odyssey luxury heritage train has commenced its 2nd season of operation. The 21 coach air-conditioned train takes visitors on a week long journey to the villages, beaches and heritage sites of Maharashtra. Coming soon ... the chance to win a Deccan Odyssey holiday. |
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The 30th Kalchakra (Buddhist) initiation ceremony … to be performed by the Dalai Lama, Jan 2 to 16, 2006, Amravati, Andhra Pradesh. |
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Mumbai festival … celebrate the spirit of the megapolis, through shopping, crafts, cultural shows, cuisine, and the marathon, Jan 14 to 26, 2006, Mumbai. |
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The Jaipur Heritage International Festival … showcasing the arts, culture, and heritage of Rajasthan, Jan 14 to 23, 2006, Jaipur.
Tribal Jatra … a once-in-two-years gathering of tribals in Medaram village (regarded by tribals to be one of the holiest places in India), Andhra Pradesh, Feb 2006.
Bodh Mahotsav … celebrate the 2550th
anniversary of Lord Buddha, Feb 2006, Bodhgaya (the place where Buddha received enlightenment). |
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Amitabh Kant
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,
Transport Bhawan, Parliament Street,
New Delhi - 110 001.
T: 91 + 11 + 23715084
F: 91 + 11 + 23710518
M: amitabhk@incredibleindia.org
W: http://www.incredibleindia.org |
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While others may claim breathtaking locales, the mysticism of the east, the draw of civilization, the call of the wild.... India is that and much more.....
It is a journey of mind and soul.
It is a journey of the five senses
It is a journey of self-discovery
It is a journey of self-fulfillment. |
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