Why India is an Adventure Lover's Paradise
If you are a resident of India, planning for an adventure-filled trip is simply looking into which locations are offering the adventure that you want to set out on and planning for it. However, for people visiting from abroad, a Tourist Visa for India is a must.
Attracting millions of tourists each year, India is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Though most feel that India is a spiritual tourist destination, it is also a dream to visit if you are an adventure enthusiast.
From river rafting in Rishikesh to Paragliding in the Himachal, if you are one who lives for the thrill of an adventure in a new location, a trip to India should be on your bucket list.
Applying for a Tourist Visa for India
The Tourist Visa for India allows people to travel to India for tourism and similar purposes. With the online eVisa system, filing a Tourist Visa for India is as simple as gathering the needed documents and going online.
Types of Tourist Visas for India
Depending on how long you stay and how frequently you want to visit, these can be listed as:
- A 30-day Visa: Double entry, nonconvertible tourist visa that has a 30-day stay and validity from the date of arrival.
- A 1 year Visa: Multiple entries with a 90-day stay
- 5-year Visa: Allowable stay of 90 days with multiple entries
Process of Applying for a Tourist Visa for India
When applying for the Indian Tourist Visa, the steps are fairly simple:
- Visit the portal for Visa applications
- Pick the category (Tourist Visa for India in this case)
- Fill in with your necessary details
- Upload all requested documents
- Review the application and pay the fees
- Retain a copy of the application
Once you receive approval against your application for a Tourist Visa for India, produce a copy of the eVisa at the immigration checkpoint.
Key Documentation for a Tourist Visa for India
The Tourist Visa for India requires you to furnish the following:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months from date of arrival)
- A recent passport-size photo
- Proof of finances
- Your travel itinerary
- A valid payment method (debit/credit card)
Tips for a Smooth Visa Application Process
For a smoother visa application process and on-time approval, you can try the following:
- Select the right visa category
- Fill in your visa form in full and accurately
- Upload the right documents
- Meet the passport requirements (minimum validity)
The eVisas for India are approved in 3 - 5 working days. We would advise you to apply in advance to rectify potential issues. Once your approved tourist visa for India is in hand, you are ready to get started on your Indian adventure.
Top Adventure Activities in India
While India is known for its spiritual destinations, a number of adventure activities are also offered. From trekking to scuba diving, some of the most popular activities are:
Trekking in the Himalayas
A trek across the Himalayas can refresh your soul with panoramic views and peaceful, natural vistas. Some of the top trekking trails are:
- Valley of Flowers
- Hampta Pass
- Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi
- Pin Parvati Pass
- Sandakphu Trek
While you can trek across the Himalayas in any season depending on the region, spring is considered the best and safest time of the year for a trek.
River Rafting in Rishikesh
If your age is between 14 and 50 and you are physically fit, River rafting can be one of the most thrilling activities that you can take up in Rishikesh. To take up river rafting as a part of your adventure, the best time to visit is from March to mid-June and again from September to mid-November.
Desert Safari in Rajasthan
Depending on your travel plans, you can opt for a half-day safari, an overnight safari, camel rides, or a jeep. From Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, the desert safari across the sands of Rajasthan offers a unique experience to travelers. Though the nights can get cold, the best time to visit Rajasthan for safari is in winter (November to February).
Scuba Diving in the Andaman Islands
Whether you are a swimmer or not, you can participate in Scuba Diving in Andaman when you have a professional instructor with you. With calm water and relatively shallow depths, the safest spots for a dive include:
- Nemo Reef and Tribe Gate on Havelock Island
- Jetty Channel Marker in Neil Island
- North Bay in Port Blair
Wildlife Safaris in National Parks
From Ranthambore in the West, Jim Corbett in the North, Periyar in Southern India, and Kaziranga in the East, India has 106 national parks, the largest of which offer a jungle safari experience. If you want to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat, a jungle safari through India’s National Parks can be a good experience.
Exploring Adventure Destinations Beyond the Usual
While the above are the more popular adventure activities that have attracted tourists over the decades, some of the below have been developed over the years to offer a more unique experience.
Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh
Multiple locations in Himachal offer Paragliding for people who want to try a thrilling, unique activity. Offering a serene, bird’s eye view of the hill stations, some of these places are:
- Solang Valley
- Kullu
- Bir Billing
- Dalhousie
- Manali
The best time to have a paragliding adventure is from summer to autumn, that is, April to November, depending on the location.
Caving in Meghalaya
The limestone and sandstone caves of Jaintia, Khasi, and Garo Hills offer a unique experience with their otherworldly formations. This includes underground streams and gorges, and an ecosystem consisting of unique insects and blind fish.
If you want to have a caving adventure in Meghalaya, you need to visit during the dry season. This includes the months from October to May, just after the monsoon ends.
Biking Adventures in Ladakh
To explore the dry yet snow-capped peaks, you can take up high-altitude biking in Ladakh which takes a course through the twisting terrain and remote passes. The best biking destinations to Ladakh include:
- Pangong Lake
- Khardungla Pass
- Leh Palace and Market
- Diskit Monastery
However, to explore Ladakh, you will need some of the below permits:
- Protected Area Permit
- Restricted Area Permit
- Inner Line Permit
Why India is Perfect for Adventure Travelers
With landscapes that vary hugely with geographic locations, India is one of the top destinations for thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts. The growth of adventure tourism in India can be attributed to:
Diversity in Landscapes
From coasts to forests and the mountains in the north, India has a significant amount of diversity in geography. This allows people to explore a number of ecosystems from mountains to caves.
Affordable Adventure Options
From paragliding to rafting, the activities offered in India are diverse and priced competitively in comparison to other countries. This offers foreign visitors traveling with a tourist visa for India, the option to take up a number of activities.
Rich Cultural Experiences Along the Way
Other than taking up adventure activities, the tourist locations also have a number of markets that offer people an insight into the local culture.
Important Travel Tips for Adventure Enthusiasts
Other than picking the right season as per the location, to have a safe and well-planned trip, you can try the two below tips:
Safety Guidelines for Adventure Sports
For a safe adventure, you need to keep the below in mind:
- Choose a well-trained and reputable provider
- Always listen to your instructors
- Use the right gear
- Know the rules for the specific activity
- Do not participate while intoxicated
Packing Essentials for Different Activities
Pack for the weather of the location you are visiting. Also, when traveling, you need to carry the below:
- Your passport
- The approved Tourist Visa for India
- Essential Toiletries
- Cash in local currency (INR)
- Basic Medicines
- Charger and Power Bank.
If you are going to take up trekking, you will need to carry the right shoes and gear with you. However, for activities like paragliding, you will be given safety gear by your instructors.
Setting out for an Adventure
If your next destination for an adventure is India, you need to first and foremost apply for the Tourist Visa for India. Pick the activities that you want to participate in, plan your itinerary, and get started on a trip to India.