You've always wanted to see the world. How about starting with India? Travel should transform. Choose your destination wisely, and then the voyage, the people you meet, the cuisines you sample and the experiences you have will mean you've arrived in a whole new place-physically, spiritually, philosophically. This kind of travel isn't exactly relaxing, but is mere relaxation ever really that satisfying? Our purpose here- on these pages-is to squeeze the maximum amount of fun, fulfillment, challenge and a sense of accomplishment out of our allotted time. What better way to do that than to travel to places that don't just spell change of scene, but also stimulate a change in you? Maybe it's time to get lost, and find yourself.
Burn some rubber
For a truly fast experience, drive to Kolkata from Delhi. The 1,800-km route is an experience you'll never forget. After Agra, the road opens up, with miles of flat tarmac, zero traffic and detours through some of the most amazing country sides India has to offer. Throw in a heady stopover like Varanasi with its rustic and magical charm, and you'll have a story that will spice up any dinner-table conversation for years to come. Just carry along an interesting co-driver.
Why Apart from the thrill (and the sweet stench of burnt rubber), you'll rediscover Bihar and its fantastic people. Do it Get a fast car, a GPS system and tons of music.
Feel the heat
Rajasthan is one of the most intriguing places on the planet. Forget the intricate palaces, ignore the mouthwatering Marwari cuisine and you'll still be left with interesting people, haunting music and a landscape so devastating that it will leave a deep imprint on your psyche.
From New Delhi drive down to Jaisalmer via Pushkar and Bikaner and book a tent amidst the sandunes. Next: pretend to be Lawrence of Arabia, keffiyeh et al!
Why It is a great mix- adventure, culture and history. Plus, the desert shows that spartan is classy.
Do it Visit mirvananatureresort.com
Make pinot noir
Think you know wine? Wait till you're standing among the vines at Akluj, Maharashtra, at Fratelli vineyards with a harvesting knife in your hand.
Just a four-hour (180km) drive from Pune, the vineyard is an off -beat destination. Thanks to the wonderful sub-tropical climate, you can be sure that every harvest produces grapes of the fi nest quality and pristine purity. You'll learn the entire winemaking process, from picking to crushing to blending, and go on tastings throughout the region.
Why Anyone can talk beer.
Do it Visit fratelliwines.in. Overnight packages start from Rs 13,000 per couple.
Stalk a saltwater croc
Sundarbans! Two of the most dangerous animals on Earth reside here. This is the only place where Bengal tigers still hunt humans. Saltwater crocs also inhabit the Sundarbans and along with the Nile Crocodile are known to be the largest and most aggressive reptile on Earth.
Why Wise men say it's okay to be scared once in a while. It helps you face your fears.
Do it Visit sundarbansnationalpark. com
Climb a volcano
Ever heard of Narcondam Island? It's a small 3km by 4km uninhabited island in the Andaman Sea. The word Narcondam literally means "pit of hell" in Sanskrit. There is confusion on whether this volcano is dormant or active, though there have been reports of mud and ash from it in 2005. Most people hesitate to step on this beautiful island. So, here's your opportunity.
Why Watch out for the unique Narcondam Hornbill, a bird only found on this island.
Do it Catch a ship or flight to Port Blair.
Save the tiger, in person
You can't save them all from human greed, but you can volunteer with Tiger Watch in Ranthambore to book a date with the big cat. You can also spend time with staff ers on the water of Mansarovar and Surwal lakes and volunteer to count the now-rare Ghariyals.
Why You'll make a hands-on difference for the planet.
Do it Look up tigerwatch.net.
Tons of fun in the currents
Rising from the Bandarpunchh Mountain range at 20,720ft in Uttarakhand, the Tons river is the largest tributary of Yamuna and is believed to hold more water than the Yamuna itself. Read: more fun! Why Such is the ferocity of the rapids and the current that the upper Tons is considered nonnavigable by rafts. The middle has powerful, but manoeuvrable, rapids such as Afterglow, Pillowtalk, Deadly Dedsu, Channel Rapid and Thrice Bitten. Do it Eight to 10 days from Rs 30,000. April-June is the best time to go.
Track a tusker
Green is the keyword for any of the sites you visit in and around Nagarhole in Karnataka. The diff erent species of birds in the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the natural habitat of some rare species of flora and fauna, along with the Asiatic Elephant in the Bandipur National Park, make them a nature lover's dream destinations.
Why A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime primal experience that connects you with an era that predates civilisation.
Do it From Rs 20,000 per couple for two days.
Hook a monster
Folklore has it that the murky Ramganga river in Uttarakhand has some of the fiercest fish in the world, including the Golden Mahseer, the king of freshwater game fish. Throw in 100kg goonch and the malli catfish and the fight turns into a war. The rapids are high and the currents fast. Beware of the rare and endemic ghariyals and the mugger though!
Why Mahseer is the dream catch of all anglers and you do want to be a spectator to abundant wildlife on both side of the banks.
Do it Rs 6,000 a day for food, lodging and guide service as well.
Survive ride through the Himalayas
If there's one thing you must do before bidding goodbye to God's green earth, then it has to be a ride to Leh-Ladakh. We're talking about sub-zero temperatures, the world's highest and longest motorable passes and some of the most remote regions on the planet.
Why Riding to the top of the world on a Royal Enfi eld, which is the oldest motorcycle in the world still in production, tests your mettle and your lungs, and instills a sense of awe for geological phenomena.
Do it Visit royalenfield.com or hire a bike from Manali.
Conquer Mount Kailash
Staring at spirituality can be unnerving. That's the feeling you get when you stand in front of this maginifi cent mountain. Deemed holy by people across the world, it is also called the 'navel of the universe'.
Thousands of devotees, young and old, including business tycoon Anil Ambani, flock to this landmark in Tibet, braving severe odds to hike the 52km trail around it. The words 'Stairway to heaven' don't get more real than this!
Why The terrain around the mountain is tough as nails. You might also catch a glimpse of Lord Shiva because the scriptures say this is where he lives.
Do it Click aetravel.com
My Life-Changing Trip
Atul Kasbekar is an avid traveller and the one of India's top celebrity photographers.
Get a lesson in teamwork
Sometime back, I was kayaking through the gorges in Zanskar. Known as Asia's Grand Canyon, the gorge has the Tsarap and Zanskar rivers flowing 300km through the Zanskar range. They start at an elevation of 4,000m before finally meeting the mighty Indus. Over seven days, I encountered everything between class II shingle bed rapids, class III boulder gardens and big water class IV. I spent time in local villages and visited the impressive Phuktal monastery built into a cave half way up the canyon wall, which can only be accessed by the river or by hiking over the mountains. This expedition teaches you team building skills since you depend on your mates for survival. Also, the hard life made me lose fat in a healthy manner. I nearly came back with a 6-pack.
Deep Kalra is the founder and CEO of MakeMyTrip, India's largest online travel company
Build leadership skills
White water rafting is one of my favourite pastimes. Once while rafting on the Ganges in grade 4 rapids in Rishikesh, I was violently thrown into the water. I was carried by the swirling and fast current for nearly 2km before I was picked up. And all through my drifting, I maintained a 'missionary' position (head up) to avoid losing control and crashing into the boulders. I learnt an important lesson that day-the water taught me that panic is an enemy for progress. During a storm, the person who emerges unscathed is the one who keeps his calm. I follow the same principle even today, in the boardroom, during my business meetings and through the ups and downs of the sensex.
Ajay Jain is an ardent traveller, photographer, author and owner of Kunzum Travel Cafe
A lesson in humility and friendship
Ladakh greets you with the sheer beauty and majesty of its natural formations, mostly untouched and unpolluted. The planet was designed to be this way-why can't we all work to keep it this way? When I met Ladakhis, they taught me the simple way of living. There are no poor and rich here. Buddhists and Muslims live in harmony. A group of children near Kargil made me feel very humble. I thought they wanted sweets from me, but had actually come up to a stranger to present fresh peas from their farm. A meeting with His Holiness, the XIIth Gyalwang Drukpa, showed me how to live to love. Drukpas, belonging to the predominant Buddhist sect in Ladakh, work to save the environment, impart education, provide healthcare and teach one to be at peace.
Burn some rubber
For a truly fast experience, drive to Kolkata from Delhi. The 1,800-km route is an experience you'll never forget. After Agra, the road opens up, with miles of flat tarmac, zero traffic and detours through some of the most amazing country sides India has to offer. Throw in a heady stopover like Varanasi with its rustic and magical charm, and you'll have a story that will spice up any dinner-table conversation for years to come. Just carry along an interesting co-driver.
Why Apart from the thrill (and the sweet stench of burnt rubber), you'll rediscover Bihar and its fantastic people. Do it Get a fast car, a GPS system and tons of music.
Feel the heat
Rajasthan is one of the most intriguing places on the planet. Forget the intricate palaces, ignore the mouthwatering Marwari cuisine and you'll still be left with interesting people, haunting music and a landscape so devastating that it will leave a deep imprint on your psyche.
From New Delhi drive down to Jaisalmer via Pushkar and Bikaner and book a tent amidst the sandunes. Next: pretend to be Lawrence of Arabia, keffiyeh et al!
Why It is a great mix- adventure, culture and history. Plus, the desert shows that spartan is classy.
Do it Visit mirvananatureresort.com
Make pinot noir
Think you know wine? Wait till you're standing among the vines at Akluj, Maharashtra, at Fratelli vineyards with a harvesting knife in your hand.
Just a four-hour (180km) drive from Pune, the vineyard is an off -beat destination. Thanks to the wonderful sub-tropical climate, you can be sure that every harvest produces grapes of the fi nest quality and pristine purity. You'll learn the entire winemaking process, from picking to crushing to blending, and go on tastings throughout the region.
Why Anyone can talk beer.
Do it Visit fratelliwines.in. Overnight packages start from Rs 13,000 per couple.
Stalk a saltwater croc
Sundarbans! Two of the most dangerous animals on Earth reside here. This is the only place where Bengal tigers still hunt humans. Saltwater crocs also inhabit the Sundarbans and along with the Nile Crocodile are known to be the largest and most aggressive reptile on Earth.
Why Wise men say it's okay to be scared once in a while. It helps you face your fears.
Do it Visit sundarbansnationalpark. com
Climb a volcano
Ever heard of Narcondam Island? It's a small 3km by 4km uninhabited island in the Andaman Sea. The word Narcondam literally means "pit of hell" in Sanskrit. There is confusion on whether this volcano is dormant or active, though there have been reports of mud and ash from it in 2005. Most people hesitate to step on this beautiful island. So, here's your opportunity.
Why Watch out for the unique Narcondam Hornbill, a bird only found on this island.
Do it Catch a ship or flight to Port Blair.
Save the tiger, in person
You can't save them all from human greed, but you can volunteer with Tiger Watch in Ranthambore to book a date with the big cat. You can also spend time with staff ers on the water of Mansarovar and Surwal lakes and volunteer to count the now-rare Ghariyals.
Why You'll make a hands-on difference for the planet.
Do it Look up tigerwatch.net.
Tons of fun in the currents
Rising from the Bandarpunchh Mountain range at 20,720ft in Uttarakhand, the Tons river is the largest tributary of Yamuna and is believed to hold more water than the Yamuna itself. Read: more fun! Why Such is the ferocity of the rapids and the current that the upper Tons is considered nonnavigable by rafts. The middle has powerful, but manoeuvrable, rapids such as Afterglow, Pillowtalk, Deadly Dedsu, Channel Rapid and Thrice Bitten. Do it Eight to 10 days from Rs 30,000. April-June is the best time to go.
Track a tusker
Green is the keyword for any of the sites you visit in and around Nagarhole in Karnataka. The diff erent species of birds in the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the natural habitat of some rare species of flora and fauna, along with the Asiatic Elephant in the Bandipur National Park, make them a nature lover's dream destinations.
Why A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime primal experience that connects you with an era that predates civilisation.
Do it From Rs 20,000 per couple for two days.
Hook a monster
Folklore has it that the murky Ramganga river in Uttarakhand has some of the fiercest fish in the world, including the Golden Mahseer, the king of freshwater game fish. Throw in 100kg goonch and the malli catfish and the fight turns into a war. The rapids are high and the currents fast. Beware of the rare and endemic ghariyals and the mugger though!
Why Mahseer is the dream catch of all anglers and you do want to be a spectator to abundant wildlife on both side of the banks.
Do it Rs 6,000 a day for food, lodging and guide service as well.
Survive ride through the Himalayas
If there's one thing you must do before bidding goodbye to God's green earth, then it has to be a ride to Leh-Ladakh. We're talking about sub-zero temperatures, the world's highest and longest motorable passes and some of the most remote regions on the planet.
Why Riding to the top of the world on a Royal Enfi eld, which is the oldest motorcycle in the world still in production, tests your mettle and your lungs, and instills a sense of awe for geological phenomena.
Do it Visit royalenfield.com or hire a bike from Manali.
Conquer Mount Kailash
Staring at spirituality can be unnerving. That's the feeling you get when you stand in front of this maginifi cent mountain. Deemed holy by people across the world, it is also called the 'navel of the universe'.
Thousands of devotees, young and old, including business tycoon Anil Ambani, flock to this landmark in Tibet, braving severe odds to hike the 52km trail around it. The words 'Stairway to heaven' don't get more real than this!
Why The terrain around the mountain is tough as nails. You might also catch a glimpse of Lord Shiva because the scriptures say this is where he lives.
Do it Click aetravel.com
My Life-Changing Trip
Atul Kasbekar is an avid traveller and the one of India's top celebrity photographers.
Get a lesson in teamwork
Sometime back, I was kayaking through the gorges in Zanskar. Known as Asia's Grand Canyon, the gorge has the Tsarap and Zanskar rivers flowing 300km through the Zanskar range. They start at an elevation of 4,000m before finally meeting the mighty Indus. Over seven days, I encountered everything between class II shingle bed rapids, class III boulder gardens and big water class IV. I spent time in local villages and visited the impressive Phuktal monastery built into a cave half way up the canyon wall, which can only be accessed by the river or by hiking over the mountains. This expedition teaches you team building skills since you depend on your mates for survival. Also, the hard life made me lose fat in a healthy manner. I nearly came back with a 6-pack.
Deep Kalra is the founder and CEO of MakeMyTrip, India's largest online travel company
Build leadership skills
White water rafting is one of my favourite pastimes. Once while rafting on the Ganges in grade 4 rapids in Rishikesh, I was violently thrown into the water. I was carried by the swirling and fast current for nearly 2km before I was picked up. And all through my drifting, I maintained a 'missionary' position (head up) to avoid losing control and crashing into the boulders. I learnt an important lesson that day-the water taught me that panic is an enemy for progress. During a storm, the person who emerges unscathed is the one who keeps his calm. I follow the same principle even today, in the boardroom, during my business meetings and through the ups and downs of the sensex.
Ajay Jain is an ardent traveller, photographer, author and owner of Kunzum Travel Cafe
A lesson in humility and friendship
Ladakh greets you with the sheer beauty and majesty of its natural formations, mostly untouched and unpolluted. The planet was designed to be this way-why can't we all work to keep it this way? When I met Ladakhis, they taught me the simple way of living. There are no poor and rich here. Buddhists and Muslims live in harmony. A group of children near Kargil made me feel very humble. I thought they wanted sweets from me, but had actually come up to a stranger to present fresh peas from their farm. A meeting with His Holiness, the XIIth Gyalwang Drukpa, showed me how to live to love. Drukpas, belonging to the predominant Buddhist sect in Ladakh, work to save the environment, impart education, provide healthcare and teach one to be at peace.
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