Age no bar for an adventure sports

Each one of us has a desire to do something extreme in our life. When we dream we do not think of what could be the possible barriers. The reality to a great extend does not always match with dreams. But there is one place where age is no criteria. Where you can simple pin point your choice and go for it. It is adventure sports.

Although the myth related with Adventure Sport make people think otherwise but the reality is that Adventure sports is a fun activity. It is risk free and can be done by anyone. If you are fifty years old and wish to do a mountain expedition then go for it. Tough or easy is in the mind. If you have the will and excitement half the battle is won.

Adventures can be classified in two parts. One kind is known as Soft adventures and other type is hardcore. Soft adventures are the ones which do not require any kind of skills. They are more a leisure activity but they also provide certain level of challenge that is needed for any adventure to be adventure. Hard core adventure is anything that requires you to fight the nature like Trekking, mountaineering, skiing and River Rafting.

Soft adventures are very popular amongst families. The idea of Scuba Diving in the blue waters of Andman or Lakshwadeep or hot air ballooning above the desert of Thar is a very appealing idea among all age groups. And the extreme sports like bungee jumping or skiing the highest slopes or even trekking the highest mountain passes generally chosen by experts or risked by youngsters.

The reason why most of the grown ups prefer the safe options of luxury holidays or soft adventures is because the thought patterns formed from their young age is that this is the time to play and have fun because when you have more responsibilities all this wont suit you. Other reason is that people do not take care of their health from start and then make old age an excuse for not being adventurous. The reasons can be any but the fact remains that if a person has the will then he can definitely try any adventure sports and succeed.

A few facts that will make this fact more believable are that most of the trekkers in America are middle aged men. There are even some older than that. They have climbed some of the most feared mountains and performed some of the most thrilling stunts. Most of the single travelers from abroad are females aged 40 or more. The popularity of adventure sports and the safety attached to it has grown so much that even oldies do not mind giving it a shot.

The popularity of adventure sports has caught up with everyone. When the media is going out of the way to promote people from all age group are lured by it.

Adventure Classifieds

Soft Adventures/Hard Adventures:

Angling

Fishing or angling is done in the foothills of Indian Himalayas. Good fishing is possible in the regions of north side, in Ganga, Kali River, Kameng, Teesta, Tirthan and Brahmaputra. These rivers provide excellent opportunities for angling. Besides this, you can go for Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir where there are many breeding areas. In the lower part of Himlayas, you can do angling in Satpuras and Aravalli.

Biking

Mountain Biking is a thrilling escapade and has always been a pleasure for those who love adventure sports. Biking is done in the mountains of Himalayas including Leh – Ladakh, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh amidst delightful and peaceful environ.

Camel Safari

The idea of a veritable camel safari is attractive for exciting ventures and nature lovers. It is a unique way to explore the arid deserts. You will be amidst the most traversed deserts of India. Camel Safari in India offers major hotspots including Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner in Rajasthan. These spots are the kingdoms in the huge ranges of deserts. A tour of camel safari also includes night halts at villages in camps within desert scrub. Camel safari is also performed in the barren deserts of Ladakh in many regions, which is quite surprising for many

people. Camels are the lifeline of deserts and known as ship of desert. It is a major transportation in deserts of Ladakh and Rajasthan. It is the best way to explore the culture of Rajasthan and Ladakh. It will let you experience illuminating glances of India’s harshest but prettiest regions!

Camping

One of the most ideal ways of enjoying and admiring beauties of nature is camping in the The Himalayan regions. Camping in Himachal Pradesh offers many varied escapades like hiking, fishing, nature walks etc. Himachal also can be the best option for camping in sarchu, Kalpa, Sangla, Kaza. In Uttaranchal, one can do camping in Garhwal and Kumaon which includes, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Chilla and Kaudilya.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing in Uttaranchal can be performed in Rishikesh, Ramganga, Dkapathar. These are the places where you can spend a naturalist holiday in the jungles of Uttaranchal. Jammu & Kashmir are other destinations to enjoy canoeing and Kayaking. There are many facilities of canoeing in Suru, Indus, Sindh and Zanskar.

Trekking

Trekking in India

will let you explore many remote places of Leh - Ladakh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh. The Sahyadris in Maharashtra is the best option to trek in India the hills around Shillong, Kalimpong, and Gangtok; the Valley of Flowers.

Elephant Safari

The safest way to explore isolated regions is Elephant safari which takes you to some Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, forests and villages. On back of elephant, one can enjoy elephant safari in some regions of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala. Periyar Wildlife National Park of Kerala and Corbett National Park of Uttaranchal, Kaziranga in Assam are world famous.

Horse Safari

Horse riding is a new activity which covers all major tourist destinations in India. This activity is an exquisite example of eco tourism which takes you to all unexplored places of India. You will find exciting and spectacular sights of Ladakh on a horse’s back. Majestic beauty of North India can be enjoyed along the unbeaten paths. Horse riding will take you to through dese

rted forests, tribal lands, rolling hills, rural villages and forested foothills.

Bird Watching

India itself is rich in its diversities of avian world. National Parks of India are home to many birds like, peafowl, parrots, kingfishers, swans, ducks, cuckoos, wood-peckers, humming birds, etc.

Jeep Safari

Jeep Safari is one of the best options to explore main regions of India like, Lad

akh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. Jeep safari will take you to the cold deserts and valley areas. You will be going to the most out of reach terrains in the world - the Himalayas. Jeep safari in the Himalayan range is famous among the adventure lovers and nature lovers.

Backwaters

Backwaters of Kerala are the most captivating attraction for the tourists in India. Kerala exists along these backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala extend to almost 1,900 km. The lush green meadows, dense forests, rivers and lakes add charm to the beauty of Kerala. Kerala has 41 westward flowing rivers.

White Water Rafting

The most popular water sport is white water River Rafting. Rivers of India will make you experience a real rafting in the waters of Alaknanda, Indus, Zanskar, Teesta and many more with challenging rapids.

Yoga

India is the country where saints and sages who meditated and practiced yoga. Rishikesh houses International Yoga centers in the lap of Himalayas. India has many authentic forms of Yoga techniques Yoga tour of India offers many tourists to visit the yoga training centers in Kerala, Bihar, Rishikesh, and Chennai. Body runs through purification of bowel, enemas, cleansing of the nasal passage and eyes.

Acclimatization - Adjusting to change in environment

Importance of acclimatization:

Acclimatization is essential for high altitude activity. An inevitable and normal process is acclimatization. It takes different timing on every individual. Generally people get relaxed and get adjusted before they hike lofty peaks. It is process which is performed while Adventure Traveling to high elevation lands. This process slowly adapts your body to the lower atmospherically pressure. At lower elevations, many people don’t want to go for acclimatization. But on higher altitudes, they have to take it easy with the climate.

How to Acclimatize?

Below are some precautions that will help you out:

• Better to stay at a lower elevation during daytime.

• Get your body adjusted with the climate and the higher altitudes.

• Be normal when you are taken to high altitude treks. Be comfortable and take it easy the first couple of days.

• Avoid any kind of drinks or alcohol.

• Water should be drunk every hour. It will help your kidneys flush out the bicarbonates.

• Stay hydrated at higher altitudes.

• Try to have light food, have too much of carbohydrates and eat less protein and fats.

• Do not take any remedy which disturbs your normal sleeping habits such as sleeping pills.

Medicines to overcome acclimatization:

No such remedies are available for acclimatization but can help you slowly to overcome. Many a times, fit youngsters suffer more problems when they are on high altitude treks.

Diamox (Acetazolamide)

It will allow you to breathe faster so that you produce more oxygen. This will be useful at night. Better if you take Diamox before 24 hours of your hiking period. Take ii twice a day, one at night and one in morning. Continue this medicine for at least five days. It is sulfonamide drug, not for the people who are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Dexamethasone

It is a steroid that drop-offs brain and other swelling reversing the effects of AMS. This medicine will prevent you from altitude illness. Take advice from your doctor, because extreme use of this medicine can cause serious problem. It may be compared with Diamox. No other medicines have been tested important for precluding AMS.

A trek in Khangchendzonga

A land of lofty summits and monumental peaks, Sikkim is truly a paradise for trekkers. Mountains of Sikkim make a part of the huge array of Himalayas. Khangchendzonga is the third highest peak in the world, towering umpteen mounts in the vicinity. The ambience is cool and calm and can be viewed from all parts of Sikkim. The peaks are ringed by small deities.

Cross highland hayfields, and past yak grazing lands, lakes and glaciers, this trek ascent up to Dabla Khang, the summit from where the Sikkimese swayers adored Mt. Khangchendzonga, the protective goddess of the state and the third highest peak in the world. This is the most close-knit you’ll get to experience.

A trek in Khangchendzonga allows you to have a deep insight of Sikkim, the place; the people and all that go with them. The non strenuous and short treks are set mid altitude up to 2,800m. You have an enough time to experience the rural area.

This glorious trek is an extraordinary amalgamation of culture, Trekking with awe-inspiring surprising sights of the remote places around. The day temperature normally rises to max of 15 degrees Celsius. During the hike it can be plunged to few degrees below zero.

During, you can explore the majestic Khangchendzonga Park, where you will find some rare Himalayan faunas species such as Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard, Bharal, Himalayan Black Bear Musk Deer, and wild ass etc. The birdlife include sun birds, Imperial Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Lammer geyer etc. These birds are the most important species discovered in this area.

One of the most popular treks of Himalayas, Khangchendzonga begins from Yuksom to Goecha la Pass. Forests rhododendron and alpine pastures will come on your way to Goechla. Here you will find yak grazing to the high vales. The beautiful valleys are bounded by pleasant glaciers and snowy peaks.

This route further traverse through rice wood hills nestled in rich flora and fauna. Hundreds of variety of unusual birds and orchids can be found. Trek towards Bakhim, where there is a forest bungalow. You get a chance to spend night in this bungalow.

To reach Dzongri, you need to hike for 8 km. A trek to Dzongri will lead you to the world of famed massive of Kanchenjunga. The magical and splendid beauty of environ is worth appreciated. The spectacle dawn and dusk is cherished on the camping sites.

An unforgettable excursion towards Dzongri and Rathong Valley is worth experiencing. A small pass moves to west of Kabur peak. You will be stopped by the gorgeous glacier of Rathong which is set very near to Rathong Valley. This route further meets a steep ascent to Dzongri.

Take a trail from Dzongri to Thangsing. Around 4 hour trek passes through meadows and pretty vales, at the foot of Jupono peak. Arrive into the camping grounds, set in a huge valley. Cross a wooden bridge to reach majestic Pandim.

Another short hike will take you to Chemathang, set the foot of Pandim. Chemthang is around 8 km from Thangsing. A hike is still steeper and higher, about 5 km. This trek is the loftiest point of 4940m.

On the way back, you get a chance to view high altitude birds and blue sheep. You may find them wandering amongst thick and low bushes. Cherish the wilderness of high cliffs and snows. Four or five hour hike will lead you through forests Rhododendron.

Enroute and reach Chowrithang at an elevation 4380m. Stop by an attractive and pleasant falls Chowrithang at the Rohtang glacier. Striking and exciting sights of the peaks Kabru, Ratong, Frey are captured easily in your camera. Trek from Chowrithang where the glacier will bring you to the Houe-Chu Lake. The milky water of this lake is the special feature.

You traverse through one of the most striking forested areas of Sikkim while moving via Janlingthang. This whole route becomes more beautiful and scenic in the spring when the giant magnolias. In spring ten kinds of Rhododendron bloom. Travel through the garden of colorful flowers.

While passing from Yuksom to Darjeeling, explore Peshok Tea Gardens. In Darjeeling, you drive to Tiger Hill for sunrise. Pay a visit to the Yiga Choling (Ghoom) Monastery, War Memorial on the way back. There are other places to explore such as Zoological Park and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

This trek is one of the treacherous treks and the most remarkable one. Camping along with Green lake is the most breathtaking experience and popularly known as a take off point. This pristine lake is adjacent with many peaks of Himalaya.

Best Places for adventure in India

Ladakh

Ladakh is the land of passes is a famous tourist destination. It is on every trekker’s must-visit list. It is bounded by Himalayan range on one side and Karakoram Range on the other. The normal temperatures here are extremely low and in winters they go as low as -20 degree centigrade. Leh which is the capital of Ladakh has many tourist attractions. Ladakh has a strong

main adventure activities here are trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing and white water River Rafting. To reach Ladakh you can take flight from Delhi to Leh or drive down here. Tibetan influence. Hence there

are several Buddhist monasteries which are also open to public visits. The

Uttaranchal

Uttaranchal is famous as the land of g

ods is what you can dream of to have on a perfect holiday. Fresh air, pure water, green surroundings, mountains in the background and snow on top of them.. all this and more is what Uttaranchal has on offer. It has brilliant little tourist spots like Nainital, Mussourie, Kausani and many more places. Uttaranchal is famous for Trekking, skiing, water rafting, hang gliding, Paragliding, boating, canoeing and angling.

Sikkim

Sikkim is in the North East India is a paradise for tourists. It is the most scantily populated place in India. The landscapes here are incomparable, the weather is uplifting and the mountain ranges here are not to be found anywhere. Coffee plantatio

ns here add to the lush voluminous greenery of this place. Rafting and mountaineering here are famous amongst tourists as adventure tourists. Sikkim can be reached at by Darjeeling, Siliguri or Kalimpong.

Himachal

Himachal is a state located right in the centre of Hmalaya mountain ranges with Jammu to its north, UP is South East and Haryana in South. It has trekkable mountain peaks and raftable rivers, green forests and good roads for safaris. Himachal is famous for adventure activities such as skiing, heli-skiing and ice skating. You can also try safaris by jeeps, cars or motorcycles. Aero sports like paragliding is also available here. Trekking, Camping and river rafting are also famous here. You can reach here by bus, car, train or flight.

Rajasthan

This North West state of India is surrounded by Thar Desert. It shares a long border with our neighbouring country. Rajasthan also is the place where the oldest mountain ranges of Aravalli

stand. Rajasthan has a lot of forts, fortresses and palaces. In fact this place is land of the roy

al families whose battles are legendary in India. Rajasthan has always been welcoming tourist

from all over the globe. It offers adventure sports such as camel safaris, trekking, aero sports, fishing, water sports, Wildlife extravaganza. It is accessible by flights, trains and buses.

Karnataka

Karnataka is a place with lot of places that are of tourist interest. There is a whole range of sculptures temples, hills, forests and sea shores that Karnataka has on offer. No wonder it is voted as the 4^th most popular destination in India. It also stands 2^nd in having the highest number of national monuments. Karnataka has an array of adventure sports that suit various temperaments. You have endless trekking options in the Karnataka hills and lots of white water rafting opportunities in the Kali river. Wildlife here is rich too and tourists are crazy about the Bheemeshwari, Bandipur, Nagarhole sanctuaries. It has several weekend getaway options as well. Karnataka is reachable by flight, train and bus.

Goa

Goa is called the Rome of East. The Portugese influence here is very strong here. The place is a destination popular amongst youngsters, hippies, party-crazy people. Besides the hippie culture that Goa has it also has a great history behind it. It has century old temples, churches and ancient houses which stand for the old Goan culture. Goa too is a place for water sport lovers. The Arabian Sea touching the Konkan coast is an exciting place to experiment with water. The Water Sports you can try here are scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, parasailing, surfing, water-skiing, windsurfing, and deep sea fishing. Goa is easily reachable by air, sea and land.

Andaman & Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar is a cluster of 572 small and big islands. This place has great opportunities for water sports. Andaman has a water sports complex where you can indulges in a variety of water sports. You can experience scuba diving, sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and trekking in the ocean. You can also enjoy sail boats, speed boats and paddle boats. Glass bottom rides are a hit here. The extensive marine life here is striking and a wonderful experience. Andaman also has an amusement park and central jail which are great tourist spots. You can reach here by flight which flies from Kerala, Kochi to Port Blair or by ship which leaves from the Kochi port.

Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a beautiful island 240 km away from Malabar Coat. The island is rich in marine wealth and that is what people come to see here from across the globe. Water sports in Lakshwadeep are quiet popular as there is availability of equipments of very high standards. Water sports here include snorkeling, scuba divng, glass-bottom rides, para sailing, surfing and water skiing. The islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmath and Minicoy offer activities like kayaking, sailing, paddling and inflatable motor boats. Staying facilities here are good but expensive as it is still not so tourism inflicted. Lakshwadeep can be reached by a flight from Kerala or Cochin. You can also come here by ship that commences its journey from Kochi.

Kerala

Kerala is a place where all the elements of nature exist in their purest form. The seas tranquilize, the skies mesmerize and the lands are ablaze with the fire of light that blows from the human settlements. Kerala is voted as the third best tourist destination in Asia. It is connected with all the major cities of India and is accessible by air, train and bus. The Kerala tourism is the most developed and it has facilities that suit people of all classes.

There is plenty for everyone to do here. People come here for adventure trips, trekking expeditions and water sports. Some also come here for soft adventures like Wildlife Safaris, the infamous boat race-Allepy, Kollam and backwater vacations. Kerala also offers a huge range of wellness holidays like spa getaways or Yog and meditation tours. Whatever way you wish to come here as a backpacker of an elite guest, Kerala will never fail to impress you.

Rafting Grades

Worldwide rafting grades are classified according to International Grading System & standards. Basically all the white water rapids are classified into 6 categories. Class I is considered to be the easiest and Class VI the toughest. These grades showcase the challenge and strength each of them commands. The Grade –VI is sometimes lowered to Grade –V or V+ if it has been run a several times before. Tougher grades are often portaged meaning the boat has to be carried around the hazard.

A rapids grade depends on the depth of water and the speed. Some rapids are easy to cross at high speed whereas some are remain totally washed out due to heights. During floods when the river is turbulent even the simplest rapid can be lethal. At these times the rapids can be hazardous.

Below is the classification of the grades

• Grade I: The rough patches are short and no special skills are required. No previous rafting experience is required.

• Class 2: The maneuvering comes in here as there is a little amount of roughness in the water here. You should know basic paddling.

• Class 3: The level of water gets better here. You can expect 3-5 feet drops but the real thing is yet to come. You do need to be a little more than just comfortable with paddling.

• Class 4: Here you can get the drift of actual rafting. Lots of white water, big waves, rocky terrains and a drop which is attention grabbing. Previous white water experience is helpful here.

• Class 5: This has everything from large rocky waves to hazardous rapids. Expect a massive drop and precise control. Previous white water experience is a must here.

• Class 6: This one has everything but also has some unseen dangers which give it the last classification. There are chances of you hurting yourself. This grade is dangerous you have to be an expert to do it.

Qualifications/requirements for each grade

If you are afraid of water you’d never be able to raft. But if you are a person with good health and are fearless to be in water then you can definitely give rafting a shot. Rafting is a sport which can be learnt in a few hours. There are several Adventure Tourism companies which offer rafting tours and even train you.

If you are a beginner you should start of with Grade II or III trip. If paddleboat scares you, you can choose to take a boat with oars. For the

confident, healthy and adventurous people, a class IV river is great even if they have no prior rafting experience. You will get training in safety and paddling techniques. For al grades above VI you need prior experience.

Destinations for every grade

Grade I – The Indus

Grade II – The Indus, Uptshi Khalsi Run, Beas River

Grade III – Uptshi Khalsi Run, Spiktuk-Saspol Run, Zanskar River, Phey-Nimu route

Grade IV – Teesta River

, Zanskar river, Phey-Nimu route

Grade V – Zanskar River

Grade VI – Brahmaputra River, Kali River

All these River Rafting grades and the destinations tell you that you will be spoilt for choice. As the level of rafting goes notches up and you start enjoying it more. Rafting is exciting and rafting is addictive. And you realize it once you take up more challenging rapids. The skill required to maneuver through gorges and the highs you get when you drop from a few feet is a feeling that cannot be forgotten. But as you proceed to higher grades the risks also double. You are more prone to damaging you limbs. But that is what rafting is all about. To push yourself and be safe even while you are surrounded by white water and big rapids.

Depleting tigers-A disappointment for tiger lovers

Shocking Statistics

In the last decade Indian jungles have lost 110 tigers among which 17 were tigresses. The reason is poaching and natural deaths, says government database. RTI Act shows up 14 cases of mortality of tigers this year which includes 4 tigresses and 2 cubs. 6 were victim to poaching out of which 3 were killed few months back. According to reliable data one was outside Kanha Tiger Reserve and one outside Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

In the year 2007, 30 of these predators died out of which 14 died in non-protected areas. In Corbett Park

alone 5 tigers died while Bandipur Tiger Reserve was reported to have lost 2. That’s not all. In the same year, 14 cases of dead tigers was registered out of which 5 were poached and 3 were poisoned. Another one was shot dead by the forest department of Chadrapur MP as it was a man-eater.

Effect on tourism

Despite of loss of these wildcats in huge numbers we do get opportunities to spot them in India and Nepal. Tourists from all over the world come to see these creatures. Wildlife Tourism brings money to the state and it can be used in favor of conserving the natural habitat of tigers. The locals who benefit as a result of wildlife tourism can also be coaxed into being more careful when

it comes to protecting the tigers.

But the wildlife officials in India think otherwise. According to some reports of the Indian Press, tourism makes tigers more used to presence of humans around them which makes them an easy target for poaching. This definitely affects tourism but there are fierce tiger supporters around such as Brian Weirum, leader of fund-raising tours to tiger reserves and chairman of The Fund for the Tiger, a California non-profit agency that has put more than $370,000 into the field in India and Nepal in the past 14 years and Paul Kvinta’s who did a story “Cat Fight: The War on India’s Tigers” in National Geographic Adventure raising questions on Indian Wildlife Official’s competence.

Anyone who has seen a tiger on a loose will support the fund raiser. The natural habitat of theirs is not disturbed by human intervention but the poor protection in the parks makes them more prone to poaching. The tiger reserves of Sariska and Panna are devoid of tigers and tourism has suffered greatly there. On the other hand Bandhavgarh is flourishing with tigers and hence tourism has been opened up in many more parts of the park. To encourage tourism the industry provides financial help to the locals living their. That is one of the main ways to stop them for indulging into illicit means of getting money.

Steps taken to encourage tourism

The figures revealed here are subject to speculation and it is predicted that the number will only rise. These number signal grave danger to the tiger population the world over. Hence serious steps are taken in the direction of protecting them.

Trees are grown because humans have infringed tiger habited areas and taken away their shelter. Growing more trees is a way to ensure them their natural habitat.

All sub species of tigers are also classified as endangered are taken extra care of.

All the tiger related products are banned in China since 1993.

Illegal poaching of tigers is also declared as a punishable offence.