The Ministry of Tourism’s DekhoApnaDesh Webinar series titled “12 Months of Adventure Travel” on 28thNovember 2020 focused on Adventure Tourism which has the potential to make India an year round destination. Adventure Travel provides a sea of opportunities for India, which has unparalleled natural resources for exploration and experience.
The webinar highlights the immense strength, potential and the hidden secrets of India covering Mountains, Forests, Rivers, Deserts, Mangroves, Islands, Canals, Wildlife and over 31 adventure activities that will delight an Indian and also an overseas traveller.
Tejbir Singh, Managing Director, Holiday Moods Adventures, started the presentation with the definition of adventure tourism. Adventure tourism can be termed as soft experiences to challenging expeditions. Essential elements are very important, and they are nature, activity which will be pursued, culture of that place and finally the traveller’s experience. Experience can be novel and unique and that depend on degree of challenges.
He stated that India is one of the very few countries in the world that boasts natural and cultural attractions so diverse and complex, which promises ample opportunities to explore every kind of landscape imaginable. From the eternal snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas to meandering rivers and gushing waterfalls, dense forests rich in wildlife, beautiful valleys, long coastlines and magical moonscapes, vast deserts of the west, to the ancient traditions and festivities of its colorful culture, offering unique adventures to all travelers.
During the presentation, Anand enumerated the scope of adventure tourism activities for the 12 months:
Winter (November- February)
· North East – Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura
· Activities – Trekking, Cruising, biking etc.
· Rajasthan – Jaisalmer, Thar Desert, Jodhpur, Pokhran
· Activities- Parasailing, camping, hot air balloon
· Harayana- Dhauj known for Rock climbing Mecca
· J&K – Gulmarg known for skiing
· Ladakh – Ice climbing, Ice hockey, Cycling in Leh and Kargil
· Himachal Pradesh- Manali, Dharamshala, Kullu, Sirmour, Shimla
· Activities- Skiing, cycling, snow treks, paragliding
· Uttarakhand – Lower ranges of Kumaon&Garhwal
· Activities – Rafting, cycling, zipline, Bungy
Spring (March- April)
· Adventure activities are possible in J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim
Summer (May- June)
High altitude treaks are possible in Himachal valleys and Uttarakhand. Multiple adventure activities happens in J&K and Ladakh -Nubra and Zanskar.
Monsoon (July- August)
Himachal Valleys- Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul, Ladakh, J&K and number of adventure activities also happens in the Aravallis (Udaipur, Ranakpur and Kumbalgarh)
Autumn (September- October)
Numbers of adventure activities can be enjoyed in North East
Highlighting the ethos of sustainable tourism, he pointed out that too many visitors on the same routes should be avoided. If our natural heritage is at risk, it will lead to poor experience for the traveler, dirty surrounding etc., he said and added that there is a need to respect the carrying capacity of the place and take necessary initiatives to protect the environment.
Summing up the webinar Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, spoke about India’s tourism potential and adventure activities available for the tourists throughout 365 days. Though today we are travelling virtually but the day is not far when we will pack our bags and engage in travelling. She encouraged the virtual participants to follow all the guidelines of COVID 19 like wearing mask, maintaining social distance etc and if possible, to take short travels.
India is ranked 34th on the world travel and tourism index driven by rich natural and cultural resources. The World Economic Forum ranked India as the 5th best destination on the Natural Heritage Index in the world.
