DEPARTURE LOUNGE // SPRING 2019
INDIA A CONTINENT OF ADVENTURE
Travellers rank India high on their bucket
lists when it comes to Eat, Pray, Love-type
holidays filled with yoga retreats,
mouth-watering thali, or colourful cultural
festivals. But few realise just how incredible
the subcontinent is for adventure travel,
with adrenaline activities from north to
south making it one of the most thrilling
destinations on Earth. Here’s a little taste
to whet your appetite.
equal parts tranquility and adrenaline – with snow-capped peaks
and picturesque valleys, and inclines that’ll push you to your physical
limits (it involves climbs totalling 8,000m). The journey typically begins in
Manali, on the banks of Beas River. From there, continue up through Jispa,
Sarchu, Leh and finally, the Khardungla Pass – known as the world’s “highest
motorable road” at approximately 5,359m above sea level. Enjoy the view; it
will literally leave you breathless.
•
SKI THE
SUBCONTINENT
| While a few of India’s ski
hills are up to international
standards, Gulmarg tops the
list: regular flights, good road
access, ideal snow quality
(including powder for off-piste
runs), luxury accommodation
and spas, lift infrastructure, ski
equipment and a sophisticated
avalanche warning system.
There are bunny hills for
beginners, as well as more
challenging alpine terrain,
chutes, cornices, heli-skiing and
glacier skiing for the advanced.
CYCLE THE HIMALAYAS | A Himalayan cycle tour is
•
•
RIDE THE GANGES | Grab a paddle and
hit the holy Ganga River in Rishikesh, India’s capital
of white water rafting with Grade 1 to 5 rapids and a guaranteed
white-knuckle ride. In between exhilarating rapids (navigated
with the help of professional guides) you’ll be treated to
majestic views of the Himalayas, carpeted in lush green.
•
•
TREK LIKE A CHAMP
| Fancy a view of Mount Everest?
The six-day Sandakphu Trek in West
Bengal is a hiker’s paradise, with
views of the world’s tallest peak and
Buddhist prayer flags flapping in the
distance. It’s the highest summit in
the famous Singalila National Park, so
make sure you’re prepared – and fit!
GO WILD IN
GUJARAT | What’s a visit to
India without a glimpse of its big
cats? Visit Gir National Park on
safari and see the rare Asiatic lion
up close. This forested wildlife
sanctuary in Gujarat is also home
to elusive leopards, as well as
hundreds of species of birds.
SURF THE SOUTHWEST
| In India, it’s called “banana surfing”
– a funny name for a worthy pursuit,
considering the Indian sub-continent
has more than 7,500km of coastline.
The southwest province of Kerala
boasts a number of good waves in a
tropical setting to suit all levels and
you’ll find a burgeoning surf scene
in charming villages like Kovalam and
Varkala, which are also perfect for
whiling away days by the sea.
•
•
DIVE THE
ANDAMANS | There’s a
reason India’s Andaman islands
rank among the world’s top
dive sites year after year –
with up to 45m visibility and
stunningly diverse fish, turtles,
sharks, rays and coral reefs to
explore, a trip here is definitely
bucket list material. Popular dive
spots include The Wall (Swaraj
Dweep, Havelock Island),
Cinque Island (Port Blair) and
Fish Rock (Passage Island).
Sure Travel take all
Q Let
the hassle out of your
Indian adventure. We can
customise any itinerary to
suit your needs. Contact your
nearest Sure Travel agency
or call 0861 47 48 49 / visit
www.suretravel.co.za.
MAP ILLUSTRATION BY KATSIARYNA PLESHAKOVA
20 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE