Uttarakhand – The Heart of Adventure in India

[Keira Rose]

The home of high-altitude snowy peaks, Uttarakhand is known for its pristine natural beauty and scenic hill stations. The state is also a dream destination for adventure tour packages in India. The landscape has snow-laden slopes, deep gorges, mighty rivers, lush green valleys and dense forests. There is plenty of potential for adventure tourism here. Be it river rafting or paragliding or bungee jumping, Uttarakhand has a different adventure sport for all adrenaline junkies.

Trekking

Uttarakhand is the land of snow-clad Himalayan peaks and beautiful mountain trails. Some of the best adventure tour packages in India offer exciting treks in the Garhwal region. The mountain trails found in Uttarakhand are a pleasing sight for all nature lovers. The narrow paths take you through gushing rivers, picturesque valleys, national parks, lush forests and frozen lakes. From easy to moderate to difficult, trekking in Uttarakhand can be undertaken by both beginners and the experienced. Some of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand include Roopkund, Kedarkantha, Chopta – Chandrashila, Valley of Flowers, Nag Tibba, and many more.

Paragliding

For the most spectacular views of snow-covered peaks and lush valleys, paragliding is the ideal pick for an adventure! Flying like a free bird in the sky fills your body with an undeniable adrenaline high. While Himachal Pradesh is more popular for paragliding, Uttarakhand also has some great scenic destinations to experience this exciting sport. Some of the best places to try paragliding in Uttarakhand are Mukteshwar, Ranikhet and Mussoorie.

River Rafting

River rafting expeditions in Uttarakhand are high on the popularity list for adventure tour packages in India. The wild and untamed waters of the Ganga and Tons rivers are quite popular for white river rafting. Ranging between Grade 1 to Grade 5 rapids, both the rivers make their way through stunningly scenic landscapes. Rafting in these waters is a fast-paced thrilling ride for adrenaline junkies. The rafting stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh on the Ganga River is the most popular rafting route in Uttarakhand. Other well-known rafting routes are found in Tons, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping is the ultimate adventure sport. As you jump from a high point and pummel towards the ground in full force, you can hear your heart pounding loudly and feel the blood rushing to your face. At a height of 83 meters, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand has the highest bungee jumping platform in India. As you fall, you can feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

Skiing

The charming and picturesque hill station of Auli in Uttarakhand is considered to be among the best skiing destinations in India. Adventure lovers will get the urge to ski and glide through slopes of ice as soon as they see the vast expanses of snow here. There are skiing lessons conducted in Auli that span over 7-14 days.

Zip Lining

Also known as Flying Fox, zip lining is fast gaining popularity among the tourists. A harness is tied on your back and you’re pushed down a metal wire in free falling speed of 140-160 kilometres per hour. As you are suspended in the air, you catch a sight of the beautiful hills, tumbling rivers and dense forests. There are many adventure tour packages in India offering zip lining activities in Rishikesh and Mussoorie.

Wildlife Safari

The Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is one of the oldest national parks in India. The park is home to a high density of Royal Bengal Tigers and other varieties of flora and fauna. If you enjoy nature and wildlife, a jungle safari to the depths of this forest will surely be fun. If luck favours, you may even get a glimpse of the ferocious Royal Bengal Tiger!

Cable Car Rides

Cable car rides in Uttarakhand promise to be exciting as well as breathtakingly beautiful. While not a heart-pumping activity like jumping off a mountain top, cable car rides are no less thrilling thanks to the high altitudes. Ropeway rides offer the most the stunning views for tourists. The cable car ride from Auli to Joshimath is one of the longest ropeway rides in India. Ropeway service is also available in Mussoorie and Nainital. As you cross over these picturesque landscapes with snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the scenery.