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Elephant Safari

Location : Uttar Pradesh, Kerala.
Best Time : Any Time of the year.

Elephant Safari in India
Elephant is associated with man since time immemorial. In the past, Elephant played a crucial role in the making and breaking of the history. Elephants were used by the Kings as a means of transportation and also to fight battles. Elephants are a common sight on our roads and temples and as a source of power still find use in forestry operations. Forests of India are well known for their elephant populations, where elephants roam freely with other animals like tiger, leopard , gaur, lion, monkeys and deer. They are an ideal option to explore some inaccessible places in the jungles. Elephant safari helps the visitor to travel through such difficult terrains where even jeeps can’t venture.

Elephant safari is the best and safest way to explore the remotest and densest areas of the forests. If you are more keen in combing denser areas of the forests and search for some fierce creatures, then Elephant Ride is the best option. Riding an elephant takes you back to the royal era, when only the Kings use to ride on these majestic creatures. Elephhant Safaris are equipped with a howdah, a large seat on which they and the visitors sit, and with an umbrella over the riders head. The elephant moves slowly and steadily, that’s why this type of safari is ideal in and around the wild regions, where riding the elephant can give you an easy access for viewing the unknown wildlife. More of all an elephant safari tour in the tropical wildlife sanctuaries of India gets you up, close and personal with these majestic animals.

During your ride, you can watch the wild elephants taking bath in the water bodies. If you are interested in photography, then you can easily take pictures of the wilds while riding and as a souvenir of the fantastic journey into the wilds.

Elephant Safari Destinations In India
Some place where Elephant Safaris are common are the forest areas of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala. Elephant Safari is also popular in the jungles of Assam in the northeast India.

Elephant Safaris in the Himalayan Regions
In the North and the North East India elephant safari is the best option to search the wilds in the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, particularly the ones that are located in the Himalayan region. Elephant is immensely versatile in negotiating the difficult Himalayan terrain that even a jeep can not traverse. Some of places in the Himalayan forest regions where you can go for an Elephant Ride are the national parks such as Corbett in Uttaranchal and Kaziranga in Assam.

Elephant Safari In Periyar Widlife Sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the best elephant hub, any animal lover would love to find out. Elephant safari is a memorable experience in the Periyar. Periyar is, clearly, the safest elephant sanctuary in India, possibly in the world. Elephant, Wild Pig, Sambar and Guar are the four most popular animals with Periyar’s visitors. The smaller ones, however, are as interesting.

Some Other places where you can go for Elephant Safari in India are
Hardwar-Kotdwar-Kalagarh-Ramnagar-Kaladhungi-Haldwani, Uttaranchal.
Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Essentials & Things to Carry
There are certain essentials you should carry along with yourself for elephant safari trip. The weather conditions can vary a lot, especially in a desert or tropical climate you require a good backup of plenty of portable water to avoid dehydration as well as sun screen, goggles, and a first aid kit.

The clothes that you are going to wear should also provide your skin breathing space, because of the hot climate you are tend to sweat. Some kind of head protection is essential too.

Alappuzha Backwaters

Alappuzha (Alleppey) ‘Venice of the East’ is one of the exotic backwater location, which lies in south Indian state of Kerala in India. Alappuzha offers a kaleidoscopic overview of the natural beauty, with the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it. More than 400 houseboats ply the backwaters of Alappuzha.

Best time to Visit :
The temperature of Alleppey is generally hot and humid during the summer season, while during the months it is more pleasant. The average temperature ranges from 22°C to 35°C in summer and 20°C to 32°C during winters. The best time to plan out the holiday trip to the Alappuzha backwaters lies between the month of August -September and February to March.

Tourists activities :

Village Visit :
Tourists can make a visit to the local villages to witness a completely different lifestyle of the people that you have never experienced before. You may find men holding meetings in the village, women busy with their home managements, fishermen anxiously searching for the fishes, and the tourists enjoying the backwater cruises.

Yoga and Meditation : On the tour to the Alappuzha Backwaters rejuvenate yourself with the various herbal massages. You can also attend the early morning session of the Yoga and Meditation organized by the team of experts.

Fishing and angling :
Tourists can avail the service of fishing and angling at the Alappuzha backwaters and experience the exotic life of the Kerala’s Backwaters, and indulge in nature walk. You can also visit the home of the local keralite family for tea or for the private cooking class. People in Kerala are really warm hearted people.

Wildlife Adventure :
Apart from all this, wildlife lovers can make a trip to the Alleppey Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best place to see the wilds in their natural habitats. You can also visit the Pathiramanal Island, which is the famous birding site among the tourists. It is home to the hundred of domestic and migratory birds.

Popular Tourists Attractions :

Alappuzha Boat Races :
Alappuzha Backwaters is the picturesque setting for the colourful Nehru Trophy Boat Race conducted at the Punnamad Lake in the month of August every Year. It is the most popular boat races in the Kerala attracting thousand of visitors around the globe. Boats of all the size compete in this prestigious events. It was first started in the year 1952 when the first Prime Minister of India Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, visited this place. It trophy is names as the Nehru Trophy as it was donated by the Pandit Nehru to the winners of the first boat race. The boats are beautifully decorated with the umbrellas. Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal, Jawahar Thayangari, Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam, Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are the main competitors of this race. The resembles the unity among the people of Kerala on this occasion.

Kuttanad in Alappuzha :
Popularly known as the ‘ Rice bowl of Kerala’, Kuttanad, is one such few places in the world where the farming is done below the sea level. Kuttanad, provides you the deep insight of the Kerala life style. It is one such place where you may glimpse vast lands of lush paddy fields and where you can find the rich crops of Bananas, Yams, and Casava. Kuttanad is one of the most beautiful backwater regions, sandwiched between the sea and the hills. It presents the marvelous example of the indigenous agriculture engineering.

Alleppey Beach :
One of the most popular attractions in the Alappuzha is the Alleppey beach, built by the Captain Hugh Crawford in the year 1862. This pristine beach is also the most popular tourists spots in Alleppey. Tourists can avail the boating facilities in its water or can explore the near by destinations. An old light house is the prime attractions of this place.

Krishnapuram Palace : Than the tourists can make a visit to the Krishnapuram palace, which was built by the Travancore Kings in the 18th century. The palace houses on of the greatest mural panels of Kerala – the Gajendra Moksham and boosts of antique sculptures, paintings and artifacts in bronze.

Alappuzha Temple :
Another major attractions of the place is the Alappuzha temple famous for its architectural work. The temple is dedicated to the lord Krishna. Than you can move out to the Champakulam Church, which is one of the oldest church in Kerala.

Horse Safari

Location: Rajasthan, Ladakh, Delhi, Deccan.
Best Time: October to April is the best for horseback riding in India as weather remains pleasant.

Horse Riding in India

Where are your horses, where the reins? How came ye? how had ye the power?
Rein was on nose and seat on back.
The whip is laid upon the flank. The heroes stretch their thighs apart, like women when the babe is born. 

Above lies clearly define the significance of horses in Indian history. The vehicle of the great rulers on the maiden tracks travelled miles for the archaic heros to conquer places. Horse riding is not a new concept in India, in fact it is as old as the kings who lived centuries ago. Then, it was a necessity but now it is an adventure activity. And for those who are on eco travel, it is eco-friendly mode of commutation. Moreover, unlike jeeps and cars, these four legged animal can take you to some of the inaccessible points as well.

But horse riding is not as simple as it sounds. Peace and patience are much needed traits of a horse rider. Reasonably good experience and good control over horse is required to move across the varied terrains. These riding expeditions are undertaken for 4-6hrs at a stretch, with small breaks in between for rest and food. Only a well mannered ride and good riding fitness can ensure a perfect eco adventure so hire a horse for yourself and follow all the tips that we have mentioned while we wish you happy riding.

Horse Riding and Eco-Tourism

Horse riding is a fine example of eco-tourism for it will take you to some of the virgin and inaccessible spots without harming nature. Unlike Jeep safaris, it is pollution free and does not defaces the natural tracks. While on a eco-tour, it will not be appropriate to harm nature to enjoy a few fun full days. Keeping this thing in mind, if you make an eco-tour, it can be incredibly relaxing and joyous way of talking to the maiden winds and unfolding some of the mysterious places that nature has harbored in its heart for centuries. Following the off beaten tracks along the foothills of world’s largest mountain range, you can enjoy a perfect eco-adventure on a horses back.

Trotting Trails in India

India is a famous as a heritage destination but very few people have idea that it has come out as an adventure destination in which horse riding is a priemier activity. Covering all major tourist destinations in India are Horse Safari tours. You can travel along the folding hills and cross all major rivers and valleys on a horse’s back. These horse riding paths are not only enthralling but also an eco-friendly way of maundering around. There are few horse riding packages that we have mentioned here. You can also choose one which seems germane.

Riding Along the Golden Sands
Rajasthan is a land of deserts but interestingly is never deserted. When it comes to horsing,it beats away all other horsing destinations of India. The famous horse that is used for horse riding trails in the dry-hot areas of Rajasthan is Marwari which is a desert horse. The horses are charged by the breed you ride. Marwari and Kathairai are the two breeds found here while there are a few cross breeds. The horses here are slim and athletic. Specially, for the foreign visitors, English. style sandals are used.

Within Rajasthan, there are a number of horse trailing destinations. Different guided tours are available within Rajasthan to help visitors trot around. Pushkar is one such place. The annual fare organized here is like a Christmas carnival in India. So, if you are also attending to this carnival, there is another option to take a trot around Aravalli Hills. Covering most of Rajasthan, this ride will take you to some of the deepest core of the golden city.

Starting from Dundlod, the safari offers an interesting sight seeing halt at some of the oldest forts, Havelis or mansions of Rajasthan. Since this safari travels through the villages, you can sooth your eyes with the sceneries of village life and meet some of the local craftsmen. After visiting all the heritage sights of Rajasthan, this safari ends at Jaipur. The Marwari horse found here is best to trot around the golden sands of Rajasthan.

Riding along the Mystique Mountains
If you are penchant about the hills, then there are a few horse riding expeditions that can be undertaken at high altitudes of Himalayas. Romancing with the snow, the Himalayan Mountains offer bewitching views. The best part of horse riding tours here is the adventure you experience as the horse rides along the narrow pathways at some of the highest peaks. Moreover, you can make a stop at some of the magnificent surroundings. The spectacular landscapes of Ladakh look breathtaking on a horse’s back. There are few maiden tracks, unblemished spots and variegated valleys that enslave travellers with their majestic beauty.

There are other areas in the north which offer great horse riding opportunities for the travellers. Although most of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that are found in Northern Region of India offer horse riding expeditions, you can find very good horsing tracks along the unbeaten paths across central India.

Deccan Riding Trails
Travelling in Deccan on horseback is the best possible way to see the countryside. Such a tour can take you through deserted forests, tribal lands, rolling hills, rural villages and forested foothills. Eco-tourism here is not restricted to mischievous mountains playing with the winds and deep valleys, its about all that is a part of our circumambient. The multifarious life that is found in India us worth exploring. Smallvillages with no electricity, unexpectedly you see a waterfall by your side and amazingly witching birds that company you for some time during your journey; can one ask for another reason for a trot! So, you can also trot around the green mountains and enchanting landscapes to have a perfect horse riding expedition in India.

Some Trotting Tips

There are a few horseback riding tips that we would recommend before you begin with your tour. You must always read your map thoroughly and make any necessary repairs, as regards the equipment, before you head out.

If you are new to riding, you must avoid riding alone.  Otherwise as well, if you have even a minor accident and you’re alone, what started out as a nice ride could end up being a serious or life threatening predicament. Ensure that you wear hard-soled boots with a small heal.

Avoid boots with deep arches or large treads, they can cause your feet to get caught in the stirrups. Head gear is a must. A cool pair of shades can provide protection against ultraviolet rays, dust and dirt. A long-sleeved shirt and long pants will give you a bit of protection from scrapes and sunburn and it helps to keep the bugs from biting you.

Things to Bring

Horse riding is undoubtedly an adventure tour but this adventure can turn into misery if you ignore some of the safety precautions. There are a few things that you must never forget to carry with you whole on a horse riding expedition. A safety helmet, good pair of boots, riding trousers, long sleeved shirts, waterproof warm jumper and water bottle are little things that you must carry.

Basic Facts
A good horse rider is one who knows his horses well. Different kinds of horse riding trails use different kinds of horses. The multifarious terrain of India houses a variety of this mammalian species. Different kinds of terrains need different kinds of horses. Choosing upon an appropriate horse in a particular horse riding destination is a much asset. Talk to local guide and he’ll help you choose a better horse for yourself.