Firstly India is a diverse country, having a fair share of almost everything. There is hardly anything that an adventure enthusiast cannot find in India. The country is endowed with varied topography. In the form of mountains, valleys, hills, peaks, rivers, lakes, beaches, deserts, forests, etc. Similarly, there is diversity in the climatic conditions of the country. India observes four different seasons, namely summer, winter, monsoon, and autumn. All these reasons together attribute to the popularity of India. As a perfect destination for adventure tourism. Here we have the top 7 adventure activities in India.
India is a hub of adventure sports. irrespective of the region you wish to visit. This is because all the parts of India are equally blessed with the best of nature. In case you have been planning to go on an adventure trip. Don’t delay anymore and go through the following list. The best adventure activities in India. Brace up for the activity of your choice. And feel an adrenaline rush like never before. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes of India.
1. Trekking
Trekking is the most common adventure sport in India. Going on a trek to snow-laden peaks and scenic hills. These can be an amazing experience for adventure lovers. There are trekking trails of different kinds in India. Hence, they are suitable for all. Be it a beginner or a trained trekker. The treks in India are full of surprises. And provide tourists with a hair-raising experience.
Places to visit in India for trekking
Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
Triund Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Chadar Trek, Ladakh
Kudremukh Trek, Karnataka
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Sikkim
Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra
2. Camping
Ever dreamy of sleeping under a starlit sky? If yes, then camping is the best adventurous activity for you. The experience of camping becomes much more enjoyable. When luxurious services are provided in the tented camps. This is called glam-ping. Camping allows visitors to enjoy amidst the serenity of nature. Tourists can choose from a wide range of camping in India. These are island camping, riverside camping, and desert camping, etc. In all, camping lets adventure junkies come close to nature.
Places to visit in India for camping
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Auli, Uttarakhand
Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Coorg, Karnataka
Lonavala, Maharashtra
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
3. Heli-Skiing
Heli-Skiing is another adventure activity in India. That attracts adventure fanatics from all across the world. Since India features slow-laden slopes in different regions of the country. It serves as a perfect destination for skiing lovers. No matter whether you are a beginner or a pro. Heli-skiing in India is the most thrilling experience. That you can have during your vacations. This adventure is the most popular adventure in the list of “Top 7 Adventure Activities in India”.
Places to visit in India for heli-skiing
Auli, Uttarakhand
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Munsyari, Uttarakhand
Solang Nala, Himachal Pradesh
4. Bungee Jumping
If the idea of getting an aerial view of the breathtaking landscapes. It’s excites you, then you must opt for bungee jumping. In this activity, the enthusiast is tied with a rope. Then he/she falls from an elevated platform. The activity gives tourists an amazing experience of admiring the diversity of India. Hence, bungee jumping is a perfect venture to satisfy your adventure hunger.
Places to visit in India for bungee jumping
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Bangalore, Karnataka
Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh
Goa
Delhi
Lonavala, Maharashtra
5. Water Sports
If you are a water baby, then you would surely love trying hands at water sports in India. There is a wide range of water sports that adventure junkies can enjoy at different places in India. The most popular water activities available in India. Include surfing, rafting, kayaking, banana boat ride, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, etc. All the water sports provide a thrilling experience to tourists. And let them make the most of their vacations.
Kerala – canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, etc.
Karnataka – coracle ride, kayaking, rafting, scuba diving, etc.
6. Biking
Biking is a suitable activity for bike riders, who wish to enjoy the best of nature. Tourists can enjoy biking, irrespective of their experience of riding. A bike as there are different terrains for biking in different parts of the country. Ranging from rocky ones to easy ones. In all, the high passes in India give an adrenaline rush to adventure lovers. However Biking tours in India allow tourists to come across panoramic landscapes, little towns, and much more.
Places to visit in India for biking
Chennai – Munnar
Mumbai – Goa
Manali – Leh Ladakh
Khardung La
Siliguri – Yuksom
Guwahati – Tawang
Shimla – Spiti valley
7. Hot Air Ballooning
Hot air ballooning provides tourists with a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. It makes tourists feel as if they are floating among clouds. The hot air balloon ride lets visitors admire the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the country from a different perspective. Hence, it is an amusing activity for all adventure enthusiasts. However, it depends on the direction of the winds. In short Hot Air Ballooning is most popular adventure of Top 7 Adventure Activities in India.
Places to visit in India for hot air ballooning
Lonavala, Maharashtra
Rajasthan – Pushkar, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore, Neemrana, and Jodhpur
Goa
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Hampi, Karnataka
Apart from these, there are many other adventure activities to try in India. If you are feeling an urge to go on an exciting trip, don’t hold on to your desires. Anymore and plan a trip to any of the above-mentioned destinations at the earliest. Taking up an adventure tour to India will surely be an experience to remember for you and your loved ones.
Famous Fairs and Festivals in Madhya Pradesh
Famous Fairs and Festivals in Madhya Pradesh. Just like any other part of India, Madhya Pradesh hosts several fairs and festivals throughout the year. All the fairs and festivals are observed with great zeal and enthusiasm. While some are based on cultural values, others are celebrated owing to seasonal changes. No matter what the reason for the celebration is, fairs and festivals include a lot of dance and music along with local customs and traditions. Though there are festivals that are celebrated all across the country, there are some specific ones, which are observed in particular regions ofMadhya Pradesh. During the festive season in Madhya Pradesh (the heart of India), tourists can explore the most colorful side of the state.
Most Popular Fairs and Festivals in Madhya Pradesh
People in Madhya Pradesh celebrate every occasion with great pomp and show. If you wish to join the vibrant celebrations of the fairs and festivals, check out the following list, which enlists the most popular fairs and festivals celebrated in Madhya Pradesh:
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Ujjain Kumbh Mela
Lokrang Festival
Nagaji Fair
Bhagoria Haat Festival
Tansen Music Festival
Pachmarhi Utsav
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Khajuraho Dance Festival is a world-famous dance festival organized by Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad. Famous Fairs and Festivals in Madhya Pradesh – It is celebrated to promote the cultural heritage of India all across the world. The one-week festival is held against the picturesque backdrop of the Western group of Khajuraho temples. Observed annually, the festival features beautiful dance performances by world-renowned artists. The dance forms that one can enjoy viewing are Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, and Kathakali along with modern Indian dance forms. During the festival, Khajuraho temples serve as a marvelous background and are illuminated.
The dance performances are given in an open-air auditorium, which is established usually onward of Chitragupta Temple (dedicated to Sun God) and Vishwanath Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). As per the mythological beliefs, the festival is celebrated as a dedication to the creators of temples and deities. Besides dance performances, tourists can also shop for sculptures, artifacts, and other craft items from an open-air market. In all, Khajuraho Dance Festival allows tourists to gain insights into the culture and art forms of India.
Where: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Duration: One week
Theme: Indian dance forms
Ujjain Kumbh Mela
Famous Fairs and Festivals in Madhya Pradesh. Famous as the world’s largest religious gathering, Kumbh Mela is an ancient Hindu festival, which is observed in a cycle of 12 years at four different locations. Ujjain is one of those four locations, the other three being Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), and Nashik. The mela signifies the victory of good over evil. The event takes place on the banks of River Shipra in Ujjain. It is believed that the ones, who take a dip in a holy river, get liberated from the cycle of rebirth and are cleansed of all the sins.
Besides, there are several other activities in fair, such as devotional discussions, religious singing, and mass feeding of holy men and poor. To be precise, Kumbh Mela celebrates the belief of people in divinity. Owing to its occurrence when Jupiter is in Leo (April – May), it is referred to by different names like Simhastha or Sinhastha or Singhastha. The festival may last up to three days but the main bathing ritual, i.e., snana takes place on the full moon day in the Vaisakha month of Hindu calendar.
Where: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Duration: One month – three months
Theme: Hinduism.
Lokrang Festival
Lokrang Festival is a cultural event, which is held annually in Bhopal. During the festival, the best dancers and musicians perform, making the environment festive. Organized by Madhya Pradesh Adivasi Lok Kala Academy, the event aims at eliminating the differences among locals, based on area and lifestyle. The theme of the festival varies from time to time. While sometimes, the festival features West Indian forms, other times, it focuses on North Indian forms of art. Along with performances, local art and crafts are put on display through exhibitions. In all, the festival commemorates Indian art and culture.
Where: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Duration: Five days
Theme: Indian folk art forms
Nagaji Fair
Nagaji Fair is mainly observed in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh. The fair is hosted as a reminiscence to Nagaji Maharaj, who was a devout follower of Naga lineage and used to live in Porsa (a small town in Morena, Madhya Pradesh) during the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign. Residents from nearby villages and tribes gather on the occasion of Nagaji Fair in Porsa during the winter season (November – December). In early times, the fair was a platform for donkey trade but over time, things have changed and today, domestic animals are traded during the fair. In addition to the animal trade, various traditional and cultural activities take place during the occasion. The tribals also give dance and music performances. In a nutshell, the entire tribal region becomes lively during the Nagaji Fair.
Where: Morena, Madhya Pradesh
Duration: One month
Theme: Tribal culture
Bhagoria Haat Festival
Counted amongst the most amusing festivals celebrated in India, Bhagoria Haat Festival is a one-of-its-kind observed by the Bhils and Bhilalas. During this festival, young girls and boys are allowed to elope after choosing their partners. The haat is organized in the form of a swayamvar, where the girls are supposed to choose a man from several suitors. The boys and girls put red powder on each others’ faces to demonstrate their liking.
Further, they run away ritualistically and no one can deny their relationship. Later on, they get married as per the norms of society. On the contrary, if a girl refuses the proposal, the boy chases her and tries to convince her for marriage. Bhagoria Haat Festival coincides with the end of the harvesting season, i.e. in March before Holi. That is why some people celebrate the occasion to mark the completion of the harvest. Though the concept of the festival is quite different, it is celebrated with the same fervor and enthusiasm by the local people.
Where: Jabhua and West Nimar districts, Madhya Pradesh
Theme: Tribal culture
Tansen Music Festival
In case you happen to be a music lover, the Tansen Music Festival is a perfect event for you. Also known as Tansen Sangeet Sammelan or Tansen Utsav, it is a musical festival, hosted in the memory of famous music legend, Tansen, who was one of the nine gems in Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court. He used to be famous for creating rhythmic ragas. During the festival, musicians from all across the country gather to perform their pieces. The festival is observed in Behat near the Tomb of Tansen. The music festival is observed annually in the winter season (November – December).
Where: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Duration: Five days
Theme: Indian classical music
Pachmarhi Utsav
It is a craft fair, organized annually in December. The fair aims at displaying the handicraft items created by local artisans and craftsmen. Moreover, cultural evenings are organized during the festival. Performers of national as well as international fame gather to make the event an enjoyable one. Most of the programs showcase the diverse folk art of the country. Furthermore, a variety of stalls are put up selling different products like papad, spices, pickles, bamboo crafts, sarees, dress material, woolens, carpets, etc. Visitors can also feast their taste buds with local savories. In all, Pachmarhi Utsav aims at preserving the rich cultural heritage of India.
Where: Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Duration: Six days
Theme: Indian folk art and culture
As you have read about so many interesting fairs and festivals hosted in Madhya Pradesh, you must be excited to have the first-hand experience. If yes, don’t delay anymore and plan a trip to the central state of India at the earliest. The fairs and festivals in Madhya Pradesh will surely enlighten you with the vibrant culture of India.
Forts in Madhya Pradesh
Forts in Madhya Pradesh. Often referred to as the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is one of the best tourist destinations in the country. It is brimful of tourist attractions and manages to delight tourists of all types, be it nature lover or a history buff or adventure enthusiast or food junkie or anything else. But the major highlight of the state is its mighty forts. It is a well-known fact that several rulers reined the region for years. Hence, the state is full of forts, which not only offer insights into the kingdoms of the bygone era but also are the finest specimens of Indian architecture. A tour to Madhya Pradesh cannot be deemed a complete one without exploring some of the most popular forts.
Top 10 Forts in Madhya Pradesh
Since the state has numerous forts, it is important to highlight the best ones. Some major ones are discussed below:
Gwalior Fort
Orchha Fort Complex
Chanderi Fort
Bandhavgarh Fort
Madan Mahal Fort
Maheshwar Fort
Datia Fort
Asirgarh Fort
Dhar Fort
Raisen Fort
Gwalior Fort
Located on the top of a 3 km long plateau, Gwalior Fort is one of the major tourist attractions in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Since the fort has served as a ground for many battles, its design has changed many times. The fort was instructed by Man Singh Tomar, who reigned from 1486 to 1516 CE. The fort comprises of several majestic structures, i.e., palaces, temples, gurudwara, school, museum, etc. The major attractions of the palace are Gujari Mahal (which has been converted into a museum) and Man Mandir Palace. In all, the fort is a sight to behold and is one of the best forts in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Timings: 6 am to 5:30 pm.
Best time to visit: October – March.
Orchha Fort Complex
Forts in Madhya Pradesh. Having a large number of ancient monuments, Orchha Fort Complex is nestled on the banks of River Betwa and River Jamni in Orchha town of Madhya Pradesh. Rudra Pratap Singh, a Bundela Rajput king laid foundations for the fort complex. Later, it was completed by his successor rulers. The fort features palaces, gardens, pavilions, temples, etc. Furthermore, the fort has latticed windows, flat areas, hidden passages, mural paintings, etc. to delight tourists. Jahangir Mahal and Raja Mahal are the two most spectacular sculptures in the complex, portraying majestic architectural styles.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm.
Best time to visit: October – March.
Chanderi Fort
Situated on the edges of Malwa and Bundelkhand, Chanderi Fort is a huge Mughal Fort in the town of Chanderi, which is located in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh. The fort is so old that it even finds a mention in the famous Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Located 71 m above the town, the fort is surrounded by lush green forests and easygoing lakes. It is believed that the palaces (Hawa Mahal and Nau Khanda Mahal) within the fort were constructed by Bundela chiefs while the fortification walls were laid down by the Mughal rulers. The fort is accessible through three gates, out of which the most popular one is the main gate, known by the name of “Khooni Darwaza”.
Timings: 6:30 am to 6 pm.
Best time to visit: October – March.
Bandhavgarh Fort
Nestled in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Fort is situated on Bandhavgarh Hill, at a height of 811 m above the sea level. The fort is in the centre of Bandhavgarh National Park, which is a popular tourist attraction in Madhya Pradesh. Though there are no records related to the history of the fort, it is suggested by the regional folklore that the rulers of the Gond Empire constructed the fort. The fort has also been mentioned in several ancient books. One can catch the beautiful view of the wildlife reserve from the fort. The fort features various idols, depicting its relation with the famous Hindu epic Ramayana. Moreover, tourists can spot vultures from the Suicide Point inside the fort.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset.
Best time to visit: October – April.
Madan Mahal Fort
Perched on a hill in the town of Jabalpur, Madan Mahal Fort is a small fort of the Rajgond rulers. Dating back to the 11th century AD, the fort is well associated with the Gond queen and her son. Commissioned by the Gond ruler Raja Madan Shah, the fort offers enchanting views of the surrounding region. The fort was built as a pleasure palace for the ruler. The fort also includes many stables, rooms, secret passages, corridors, tunnels, and much more. Though the fort is not as marvelous as other forts in the state, it is worth a visit during the Madhya Pradesh tour.
Timings: 7 am to 6:30 pm.
Best time to visit: October – March.
Maheshwar Fort
Nestled along the banks of Narmada River, Maheshwar Fort is a splendid edifice. The fort used to the residence of queen Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar of Maratha dynasty but now it has been converted into a 4-star luxury hotel. It is said that there are more than 100 temples around the fort. These temples seem to boast of the centuries-old history of the town. The heritage hotel offers a one-of-its-kind experience to guests as they get to spend their vacations in the royal style. The fort also has a terrace, from where tourists can catch a glimpse of blooming river and its surroundings. Due to its connection with the queen of Holkar dynasty, the fort is also addressed as Ahilya Fort.
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm.
Best time to visit: October – March.
Datia Fort
Located on an isolated rock on the western side of Datia city, Datia Palace is about 75 km away from Gwalior. The palace was commissioned by Raja Bir Singh Deo. The edifice is a conglomerate of Mughal and Rajput architecture. It is so huge that it can be spotted from a faraway place. The palace features 7 floors, all of which are truly marvelous. The most surprising thing about the palace is no royal ever lived there. The fort is a wonderful and strong structure. Moreover, it is the biggest and the most famous palace out of 52 palaces built by the founder of Datia all over the country.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm.
Best time to visit: October – March.
Asirgarh Fort
Built in the 15th century, Asirgarh Fort is situated is perched on a hill, 20 km north from Burhanpur in Satpura Ranges. The fort was built by Asa Ahir of the Ahir dynasty. The architecture of the fort is a combination of Islamic, Mughal, Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles. The fort features a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a mosque called Asir Masjid, a gurudwara, several ponds, etc. It is said that different portions of the fort belong to different eras. Though the fort is in a ruined condition, it is one among the top tourist places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm.
Best time to visit: October – March.
Dhar Fort
Located on a small rectangular hill, Dhar Fort was built in 1344. It is believed that Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, then the Sultan of Delhi built this fort. The buildings inside the fort showcase a mix of Afghan, Mughal, and Hindu architectural styles. Constructed of red sandstone, the fort contains structures like Sheesh Mahal, Kharbuja Mahal, a palace museum, etc. The fort served as an important centre for freedom fighters during the Great Revolt of 1857. The fort continues to amaze tourists with its splendid architecture and strategic location.
Timings: 24 hours.
Best time to visit: October – March.
Raisen Fort
Spread across a lofty hill, Raisen Fort is situated 43 km west of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. The fort is so huge that it has 9 gates and 3 watchtowers. There are various structures enclosed within the fort, including palaces, a mosque, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a big reservoir, etc. Surrounded by dense woods on all the sides, the fort traces its origin back to 1200 A.D. Furthermore, the interiors of the fort are decorated with ancient rock shelters and beautiful paintings. The fort demonstrates a mixture of different architectural styles. Or it can be said that every ruler that reined the surrounding region has left his imprints in the fort.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm.
Best time to visit: October – November.
Conclusion:
Apart from these best ones, there are numerous forts and palaces in Madhya Pradesh, boasting of the rich cultural heritage and magnificent architectural styles. So, delay no more and plan a trip to Madhya Pradesh at the earliest and acknowledge the legacy of the town.
