Cycling and Biking

This much loved 1000-odd-km cycling tour of Nilgiris - covering parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu over eight days - is gaining fans especially in the corporate world. Now in its 10th year, this tour spans the wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, Wayanad in Kerala and Mudumalai national park in Tamil Nadu. Each day involves pedalling more than 100 km while traversing the high points of the Nilgiri Hills, testing the riders’ endurance, temperament, physical and mental limits.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR: December

STAY: The tour organisers take care of the accommodation

GETTING THERE: The starting point of the tour is Bengaluru. The easiest and quickest way to reach there is by air.

Bhalukpong

When it comes to Indian biking routes, the north-east is a goldmine to be explored. Arunachal Pradesh, the land of dawn-lit mountains, has a meagre road network and that is what makes motorcycling in this region ‘a crazy ride’. The slush, rain, dirt tracks, rocky river beds and camping will test your riding skills to the max.

There are many operators that carry out this 10-day expedition covering approximately 1200 km.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March

STAY: Usually, motorcycling touring operators arrange for accommodation

GETTING THERE: Tezpur airport in Assam is the nearest airport (260 km)

This route is a must-do if you wish to visit the northeast and are a bikey at heart. You start at Guwahati, the gateway to the north-east, and make your way to hilly Shillong, the picturesque capital of Meghalaya, on to one of the rainiest places on earth, Cherrapunji, and then to the East Khasi Hills. Along the route, you will pass through the cleanest village in India, Mawlynnong.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March

STAY: There are many tour operators who arrange food and accommodation along the route

GETTING THERE: The easiest way to reach Guwahati is by air

‘Meghalaya’ means ‘The land of the clouds’. But, for thrill seekers travelling to this state in north-eastern India, the real fun is not in the sky, but underground.

With more than 1,200 caves, Meghalaya has the largest network of caves on the Indian sub-continent, stretching over 300km.

Negotiating slippery inclines, wading through waist-deep water and marvelling at gigantic limestone formations are some activities that you will do while caving. Many operators offer caving tours, complete with gear and a professional guide.

BEST TIME TO VISIT November to March

STAY Many medium-range and budget accommodations in state capital Shillong

GETTING THERE The closest airport from Shillong is Guwahati, 128 km away. From here, buses and taxis ply regularly

Beaches are for relaxation, but if you want adventure, you must take the plunge. Literally.

India has some of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, with the Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands offering pristine waters that have corals, stingrays, dugongs and even whale sharks.

In the Andamans, the most popular spots are Lighthouse, Mac Point, Neil Island and Cinque Island, while Lakshadweep’s top picks are Kavaratti, Bangaram and Minicoy.

The other places in India where you can go scuba diving are Puducherry, Goa, Netrani Island (Karnataka), Tarkarli (Maharashtra) and Dwarka (Gujarat).

BEST TIME TO VISIT October to June

STAY Private hotels and resorts as well as governmentrun hotels

GETTING THERE Both sets of islands are connected to the Indian mainland by air. Port Blair is the gateway to Andaman and Nicobar, and Agatti for Lakshdweep.

FROZEN RIVER TREK >

Walking on water is possible for mere mortals, too, if you can brave subzero temperatures.

The Chadar trek in Ladakh is challenging but has been attracting trekkers for some time now. The trek gets its name from the sheet, or chadar, of ice that the Zanskar river turns into during winter. For eight to ten days, trekkers must walk on the frozen river and stay in caves or tents.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Mid-January to February-end