23 Results found for Search: hiking
1. Border Hiking, Thekkady.
Border hiking is an adventure-packed full day activity that is largely conservation oriented, and involves a hard trek starting from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening. The excursion begins from Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge & Centre adjacent to the famed tiger reserve, and you are required to arrive at least half an hour before the start time. A maximum of 10 tourists can take this program in two separate groups, with each group of trekkers accompanied by two guides and an armed forest guard. The route passes through undulating terrains and myriad vantage points in the Periyar sanctuary.
2. Border Hiking, Thekkady.
Border hiking is an adventure-packed full day activity that is largely conservation oriented, and involves a hard trek starting from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening. The excursion begins from Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge & Centre adjacent to the famed tiger reserve, and you are required to arrive at least half an hour before the start time. A maximum of 10 tourists can take this program in two separate groups, with each group of trekkers accompanied by two guides and an armed forest guard. The route passes through undulating terrains and myriad vantage points in the Periyar sanctuary.
3. Garjia Temple, Corbett.
This is an ancient temple dedicated to local deity Garjia Devi atop a tall ridge in the midst of Kosi River. About 14 kilometers (8.75 miles) from Ramnagar en route Ranikhet, Garjia temple is a pretty little shrine surrounded by copious greenery and flanked by the gurgling Kosi River. Ramnagar is the last bus terminus from where the temple site is some 14 odd kilometers, which one can cover in a private taxi or own vehicle. A fair is held in the temple premise on Kartik Poornima when devotees from Kumaon and across the country throng it to take part in the festivities and offer their prayers to the Goddess.
4. Gudiyam Caves, Chennai.
Located on the outskirts of Chennai, about 10 kilometers (6.25 miles) from Poondi Reservoir, the Gudiyam Caves are a cluster of 16 naturally-formed rock shelters that can be reached only after a 4-kilometer trek. Naturalists and adventure enthusiasts opt to visit the Gudiyam Caves for the trek alone.
5. Jungle Inn, Thekkady.
If you are two of you, and wish to share the quietness of the jungle night, here is an interesting activity. ‘Jungle Inn’, as the name goes, involves a brief trek in the afternoon into the Periyar Sanctuary to a secluded cottage in a little glade surrounded by tall trees. The facilities are very basic inside the guesthouse, as it is primarily meant for giving you an authentic jungle experience in the middle of the Periyar forest, and opens up innumerable opportunities of wildlife sighting. Here you will be at leisure to listen to bird songs, crickets, the croaking of frogs, and the calls of nocturnal animals.
6. Nature Walk, Thekkady.
Nature Walk is an interpretative program that allows you to explore the dense Periyar wilderness, enjoy the nature, sight wildlife, hear the rustle of the wind and smell the wild blossoms. All guests are required to report at the Boat Landing Point in Thekkady, at least half an hour before the start of the tour. A three-hour long trek, you can select from 0700 to 1000 hour, 1100 to 1400 hour, and 1400 to 1700 hour slots. Accompanied by a trained tribal guide, set out on a nature trail and explore diverse habitats – the trekking routes are generally four to five kilometer long.
7. Spice Plantation Tour, Thekkady.
The spice plantations of Thekkady are a huge draw for travelers from all over the world. A walk through them opens up a vista of pristine greenery shrouded by low hanging clouds, gurgling brooks and a pale shadow of the Western Ghats in the backdrop. Plantation eco-tours are organized by the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady in junction Kumily. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide you will be taken on tour of the cover, cardamom, pepper, rubber, vanilla, coffee and tea plantations. In addition to this, you will also be show around tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hilly region.
8. Bakrota (Bakhrote) Hills Walk and the Dainkund trail, Dalhousie.
This is a delightful walk of around 5 kilometers (3 miles) that encircles Lower Bakrota and can extend longer to the hill of Dainkund (Dhyankund). From the top of Dainkund, on a clear day, you can even see the three main rivers of the area the Ravi, the Beas and the Chenab as they flow in the distance. En route there are colonial houses, small attractive spots where you can stop for a breather or a snack and all the while, there are excellent views of the snow-ranges, woods and valleys. One of the spots en route is the Subash Baoli, where noted freedom fighter and creator of the Indian National Army (INA), Netaji Subash Chandra Bose walked and contemplated
9. Binsar, Almora.
If you are a pure mountain lover, do not miss this. Plan your trip in a manner that you reach this place around sundown (as most traveling by road from Delhi would). Wake up early next morning and the view of major peaks like Chaukhamba, Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Kedarnath among others will leave a lasting impression. Rarely does one get a panoramic view of snow peaks that Binsar offers. This was a favorite of Pandit Nehru, whose family once owned a property here. It has since changed hands, but if you wish to experience a piece of history head for Khali Estate.
10. Dharamkot and the Triund Day Hike, McLeodganj.
On the crest of a hill above McLeodganj, Dharamkot is an attractive spot that presents a wide view of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. There are a couple of small (and interesting) eateries around. Dharamkot also has the Vipassana meditation centre, Dhamma Shikara, as well as the Tushita Meditation Centre which is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition. Past Dharamkot, at a distance of 9 km from McLeodganj, much of which is a steady climb, Triund is at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges and is at a height of 2,827 m. The snow line, which is considered to be the most easily accessible in the entire Himalayan range starts from Ilaqua, 4 km from Triund.
11. Kalatop, Dalhousie.
Kalatop is a wildlife sanctuary that rises past Dalhousie and then goes down towards Khajjiar and Chamba. This covers an area of around twenty square kilometers and within its confines, are a dozen little villages. These pockets of habitation share space with animals and birds like the Serow, Goral, Yellow Throated Marten, Leopard, Black Bear, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrels, Monal, Koklas and Chukor. Altitudes within the sanctuary vary between approximately 1200 meters (3937 feet) and 2800 meters (9100 feet). Temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius in the heights in winter and can touch 35 degrees Celsius in the lower sections in summer. The sanctuary is criss-crossed by several brooks and streams that pour their wash into the river Ravi.
12. Katarmal Sun Temple, Almora.
This is a remote temple complex. For a start there’s no road route. Transport is available till Kosi river. The next 2 kilometer stretch has to be done on foot, a trek if you like. There it stands in splendid isolation amidst thick deodar trees. At 2116 meters (7053 feet) above sea level, it is offers a great experience for those looking for some quiet and adventure. It is a big hit with foreigners who visit the Almora region.
This Sun Temple was built by a Katyuri Dynasty King named Katarmalla. This dynasty preceded the rule of the Chands, and ruled over large parts of present day Uttarakhand and western Nepal. A medieval construction, it came up in the 9th century.
13. Sinhagad Fort, Pune.
Deriving its name from a lion-hearted general of Shivaji, Tanaji, Sinhagad Fort (Lion Fort), centering around which many a battle was waged—chief among them being one led by Tanaji himself in 1670 to recapture the fort (then known as Kondana)—has lost its sheen and significance over time. It is now known more as a picnic spot and a popular destination for trekkers. Within the premises are located a memorial of Tanaji and Rajaram, Shivaji’s younger son ; while on top of the fort are bungalows once inhabited by Lokmanya Tilak, and G D Madgulkarm, a renowned Marathi poet.
14. Corbett Falls, Corbett.
To a weary traveler, Corbett Falls is quite a find on the Kaladhungi-Ramnagar highway, some 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Kaladhungi. Corbett Fall cascades through the year onto fern fringed pools amid pristine greenery. Get off on the highway lined with tall dense trees, and trek along the narrow meandering road through a wilderness of teak and bamboo for about 2 kilometers. The silence of the woods grows deeper as you trail further inside. You will be able to hear the dry leaves crunch under your shoes, the rustle of wind through trees, the murmur of flowing water, and bird songs.
15. Sitavani Temple, Corbett.
Sitavani is a small area under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with a forest rest house and an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Sita from the great Indian epic, Ramayana. Legend has it that Sita spent her days in exile here, raised her kids, Luv and Kush, and was swallowed by the earth during ‘Agnipariksha’. This little temple is shrouded by a dense jungle of sal and mixed vegetation, and attracts in hoards those who are religiously inclined including ardent birding enthusiasts.
16. Hike along the railway track and Sanwara station, Kasauli.
This can be a long day-hike that starts in Kasauli and ends again in Kasauli, or can be a shorter one where you can drive a part of the way. Should you opt for the long hike, walk down from Kasauli to the railway crossing that lies between Dharampur and Koti and then turn off along the railway track up to Dharampur. From Dharampur, walk along the highway, till the turn-off that leads to the Lawrence School at Sanawar (this is well marked). You will cross the old cemetery on the side, near Sanawar, walk down to Garkhal and then climb back up to Kasauli past the old brewery. A shorter walk can be done by driving down to the railway crossing, walking along the track up to Dharampur and then taking a vehicle back to Kasauli.
17. Trekking and pony-trekking, Sonmarg.
Sonamarg and the area around may well be described as a paradise for walkers and trekkers as well as for ‘pony-trekkers’. The trails are numerous and varied. Most are well defined and have been in use for decades if not centuries. There are others that require a greater sense of adventure and fitness – but all told, the range is from mild to strenuous. In terms of time, there are some that can be covered in a few hours, others that can last a few days and a couple where the trail can be extended for over a week.
18. Walks, treks and pony-hikes , Pahalgam.
The area around Pahalgam has some of the finest nature walks, day-hikes, treks and pony-treks that may be done in Kashmir. There are narrow trails through thick cedar forests, by fast flowing streams, over open grasslands, past small lakes - and all this is under the gaze of majestic snow-clad mountains. Some of the popular hikes and treks from Pahalgam are to the meadow of Baisaran and then on to the Tuliyan lake that remains frozen for most of the year; there is the trek to the Tarsar and Marsar lakes; to the Kolahai glacier which is the source of the river Lidder; and to the Harghagwan lake. These treks are either day ones or take two to three days. Longer treks that take four to six days can be done from Pahalgam to Sonamarg or to Panikher in the Zanskar valley (which is via the lake of Sheshnag).
19. Adventure and outdoor activities, Patnitop.
Para-gliding is available with trained tandem-riders around Patnitop. There are different take-off points and the ride can vary between fifteen minutes to an hour. Patnitop has several walk trails through woods and grasslands. A popular trail which has side trails, is the ‘Jungle Gali’. Paths also go to Kudh and Batote. Natha Top and Madha Top, both of which are close to Patnitop, have short, gentle ski slopes.
20. Chamundi Hill, Mysore.
Chamundi Hills is best place to get a panoramic view of Mysore. The uphill drive is picturesque and misty, very often. At an average elevation of 1000 meters, Chamundi Hill holds a large statue of Mashishasur, the mythological king of Mysore who was slayed by goddess Chamundi because of his evil deeds. In case you want to make the trip more religious or are looking for a bit of adventure, there are 1511 steps that lead one up to the hilltop; the first 400 being the more challenging because of the sharp incline. On the way you will pass the huge status of Lord Shiva’s Nandi Bull. The climb is quite challenging and recommended for the physically fit.
21. Doddabetta Peak, Ooty.
The scenic uphill drive en route to Kotagiri can take you to the highest point of the district - Dodabetta Peak. In Kannada language, Dodda means Big and Betta means Hill. Standing 2,623 meters above sea level, this big hill offers an unbelievably refreshing view of the surrounding geography.
On a bright, clear day you can get a view of distant Coimbatore, Mysore and Chamundi Hills. The reserve forest around the peak is also an important attraction.
22. Rabdentse Ruins, Pelling.
Rabdentse was the seat of the second capital of the then princely state of Sikkim. It became the second capital of Sikkim after the second Chogyal (monarch) shifted his royal base from Yuksom in 1670 to this very place. Bounded by a valley thickly overgrown with virgin forests, Rabdentse Ruins is really a remarkable sight. Even the leisurely walk to the ruins will take you through a scenic route that will seem like a poetic illustration out of a fairy tale, with goldfish-filled placid lakes and exotic species of orchids giving you company all the way. The parapet of the former capital affords some of the most spectacular views of the misty mountains beyond. The best time to visit this ruins would be the spring season when the whole valley comes alive, enhancing the splendor of the destination by greater levels.
23. Sangachoeling Monastery, Pelling.
Sangachoeling Monastery, the second oldest monastery in Sikkim rests peacefully on what looks like a mesa, about 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) southwest of Upper Pelling. Literally meaning the “land of the sacred spell,” Sangachoeling Monastery was initially built in 1697, although the original structure crumbled under the impact of a serious earthquake. The surreal ambience of the monastery is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy some quality soliloquy and meditate amongst the resplendent nature around. The followers of the Nyingma-pa sect hold the Sangachoeling Monastery in great reverence, even as the historical complex is considered a great centre for Tibetan Buddhism studies in India.