Tea Time in Darjeeling
Go off the beaten track and filmi photo ops for some quaint tea garden time in this Himalayan town. Go off the beaten path and enjoy Darjeeling for what it really is – its tea gardens and estates, the vintage tea manors and bungalows, and aromatic tea factories that offer just the right spots for enjoying leisure. Though tea garden estate stays are yet to take off, some of them offer homestays.
Tumsong: Located in Ghoom, this sprawling estate of over 100 metres, is famous for its premium teas. A small temple for goddess Tamsa Devi located in its midst adds to its charm. The highlight of this tea estate’s picturesqueness is fantastic views of Kanchenjunga. The estate offers colonial style suites for stay, though it’s best to book in advance.
At the feet of the Dalai Lama
Nestled in the lofty Himalayan mountains Dharamshala is rich in Tibetan and Buddhist culture. Generally the temperature remains in the low 20s, which makes it a good option for summer. You can visit the historic village of Garli-Pragpur, try paragliding in Bir and Billing.
Fly like a bird: Paragliding in Ranikhet
The Ranikhet para-gliding camp is located on the road to the Goluchina area, which is 12 km ahead of the Ranikhet Township.
Accompanied with a breathtaking panoramic view of the earth and the sky, this camp is situated at the edge of a beautiful oak forest, and it does also provide lodging facilities to all the tourists those who visit Ranikhet for enjoying the best of adventure tourism in India.
Ranikhet, which is one of the most popular week-end gateway destinations of north India, which can be easily accessed from New Delhi by car in about 8 to 10 hours.
The Ranikhet paragliding camp is located around 350 km away from the New Delhi city and can be also accessed by train whereby one has to alight at Kathgodam Railway Station
Spotting Rhinos in Kaziranga
Kaziranga is one of the last remaining bastions of the Indian rhino – a species that has been poached and preyed upon by humans for its horn. In fact, the wildlife sanctuary is home to nearly two thirds of the Indian rhino population. Most wildlife reserves shutdown during the monsoon as animals are harder to spot so take advantage of the remainder of the summer and head to Kaziranga in Assam. Kaziranga National Park is one of the biggest attractions that draws tourists to the North East state of Assam. Home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros,it has successfully managed to conserve the population of this endangered species. Visit it for the unmatched thrill of spotting big game in their element. Spend time near the watering holes as the animals come here to drink water. Try to stay at one of wildlife reserves near the national park.
Camelriding in Nubra Valley
The contrast of rocks, river, greenery and desert in Nubra valley somehow blend together to mesmerise. There are sand dunes where you could go for a ride on a two-humped Bactrian camel or get dressed up in the traditional Ladakhi costumes and learn to dance a few steps, while the local gracious women agree to sing a few lines for you in Bhoti. The valley is ideal for landscape photography or you could just lay back relax and enjoy a cup of tea with a good book.
Mountain Biking in Himachal Pradesh
Mountain Biking can be a thrilling experience! Riding the bicycles on the narrow winding roads in the hills might sound a bit dangerous but what is life without a risk? At Jalori Pass situated about 72kms from Kullu town, one can find a wonderful trail to enjoy mountain biking. One can ride from Jalori Pass to Aut via Shoja and Seraj Valley and may have to face challenging terrain. It is advisable to go in groups, just incase one might need some support.
Another great option for mountain biking would be the hills of Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The ideal trail near Delhi is the Mussoorie-Dhanaulti-New TehriUkhimath-Chopta-Chamoli. Contemplate the serene nature and get some enthralling views of the landscape whether you ride up the hill or downwards. This mountain bike riding requires immense stamina, so make sure you have enough.