14 of the best experiences from the subcontinent
14 of the best experiences from the subcontinent
India is such a vast, crazy country that it’s easily big enough to warrant its own Special Section.
Colours, culture and cooking are all big players in a trip to India. This is a different side; a side that still showcases the incredible food, the frenzy and the history, but also an adventurous side you don’t hear of.
A side that includes skiing, staying in ancient forts, crazy street food and perhaps the world’s most epic winter trek. It is a side of India that is, in our humble opinion, proper hectic.
Here’s 14 of the best experiences from that side of India.
CHADAR, LADAKH
The World’s Greatest Winter Trek
In Ladakh’s winter months of November to February, the temperature plummets to between -10 and -25 degrees Celsius.
The Zanskar river, which flows freely in summer in the absurdly majestic Zanskar Valley, freezes over in these winter months, making it possible to trek.
And good thing too, as during this time all other roads become untenable, and the trek becomes only way out for the villagers in the valley.
It takes a local Zanskari as little as four days to venture down the distance down the frozen river, which sits at the base of vertical cliffs around 600 metres high and goes through narrow gorges as little as five metres wide. It takes rest of us mere mortals ten days to complete.
This is no walk in the park; experienced trekkers or maniacs only.
RAJASTHAN
Stay in an ancient Royal Fort
Neemrana Fort was built in 1464, and has variously gone through glory eras and periods of decay over the last 500 and a bit years. It's in its greatest glory era right now.
It’s a proper fort with an incredible stone facade built high into the hills near Delhi, with a majestic swimming pool, various beautiful gardens, opulent rooms and a heart-skipping attractiveness when it’s lit up at night.
It was, for some reason, abandoned completely in 1947, which is weird because we think there’s a chance we might never abandon our post there when we stay.
VARKALA, KERALA
Get some waves down south
Jaws, Bells, Pipeline and ... Kerala?
O.K, India isn’t the first place you think of when it comes to surf. But with over 7,000km of coastline, including plenty facing towards the Indian Ocean, there were bound to be a few decent waves around.
In the south of India you’ll find Soul and Surf—a surf and yoga retreat on the edge of a cliff in Varkala, Kerala, boasting cruisy beach breaks with rides of up to 100 metres long.
While India is a packed frenzy on land, it’s relatively chill in the water. In India, you need to get in the water to take a break from the frenzy.
BANGALORE, KARNATAKE
NASHIK, MAHARASHTRA
Wining by bike, or biking by wine
Vino-adventures on wheels are something you can do elsewhere but like everything else, India does it a little differently.
Don’t expect picture-perfect vineyards with vines running elegantly down the bricks of the 18th century cellar door (although there is evidence of wine making in India dating back over a thousand years).
Karnataka is a diverse state, to say the least. Along with temples, waterfalls, tigers and heaving urban metropolises, there’s also wineries.
get lost recommends getting on a bike just outside of Bangalore, riding and then swerving dangerously from vineyard to vineyard. There’s also wine tours further north in Nashik, where everything from Buddhist caves to foot massages are possible.
TAMIL NADU
Sending it up Asia’s steepest railway
Sure, you could fly the 503km from Chennai to Mettupalayam, but then you’d miss seeing the real India unfurl itself in front of you out of the window, or in the carriage in front of you.
In between chugging through 16 narrow tunnels and across 250 bridges you’ll sniff the spices on the Nilagiri Hills, take in lush highlands and tropical jungles and take on the 46km between Ooty and Mettupalayam, the steepest railway in Asia, which takes five hours to complete.
Don’t expect a luxury operation like the Oriental Express; do expect one hell of an adventure.
DEHLI
Crushing Delhi’s craziest street food
Approaching the Chandi Chowk is a pretty intimidating task for someone who just wants a bite to eat.
The Chowk is a sprawling labyrinth of smells, visual feasts and actual feasts, dating back to the 17th century.
There are hundreds of stalls to choose from; we’ve got two recommendations (if you can find them). Sikander Omelettes is an omelette store that has been around for 65 years. They’ve allegedly got the world’s spiciest omelette, not to mention an omelette inspired by Parle-G, India’s favourite biscuit.
Then there’s Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner—which specialises in Dahi Bhalla—the Delhi favourite chaat dunked in creamy yoghurt and filled with a variety of spices and chutneys. Wipe the drool from my mouth.
LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS, INDIA
Diving ‘The Indian Maldives’
Looking at pictures of Lakshadweep islands, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were the Maldives.
To be fair, they’re only around 800km apart, with Maldives being closer to the equator.
Lakshadweep islands are made up of 36 islands, although only 10 of these are inhabitable. Around them there are over 600 species of marine life and 78 species of coral, making it an incredible place to snorkel or dive. With tours starting from just AU$13, you can discover what’s under the surface for a bargain.
GARO HILLS, MEGHALAYA
Exploring Meghalaya’s caves
For millions of years inside the imposing cliffs and mountains of Meghalaya in the country’s Northeast, Mother Nature has been crafting caves and tunnels, many of which remain uncharted.
Breach this intricate subterranean network cave systems and explore, dipping down canyons and marvel at underwater waterfalls, through dark sections until you see the light at the other side. Passing limestone formations and dodging beads of water and bats, and navigating bodies of water, occasionally in a boat, India’s underground secrets reveal themselves inside these epic tunnels.
Krem Chympe near Khaddum village in the East Janita Hills is an extraordinary aesthetically pleasing cave, while further east Arwah Cave has heaps of explorable sections.
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK, RAJASTHAN
Tiger Safari-ing
Going on safari to catch a glimpse of a tiger or 10 is pretty common throughout India.
Some tours can be long and pretty extravagant, a decent commitment if you’ve never done one before. That’s why Ranthambhore National Park is one of the best places to head to see these majestic creatures.
Once you’ve worked out how many days you’ve got, you have to decide: are you clenching your butt cheeks in an open top Suzuki or from the top of a Canter truck? In the Suzuki you can snag yourself a seat for around AU$70 and be just one of six. The Canter is AU$50 and you’ll be one of 20. Not only an adrenaline-pumping experience, but a beautiful one, with a series of UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ranthambore Fort to take a look at as well.
VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH
Floating with the dead
In Varanasi, they really lean into the idea of death.
The belief is that if a departed’s ashes are laid in the holy Ganges at Varanasi, their soul will escape the cycle of rebirth, and be transported to heaven. No coming back as a cockroach or fly.
At sunrise, follow a local into a boat and float down the river, as they run you through one of the most spiritual places on Earth.
As a rough guide, about 100,000 bodies—either fully or partially cremated—are tossed into the river each year. Try not to fall in.
DALIP TANDI
Sleeping in a treehouse
Surely everyone dreams of staying in a treehouse at some point, right? We found you can make those dreams a reality in Dalip Tandi.
Built in 2021, the treehouses overlook epic Jalori Pass and Shoja Heights. Way better than my childhood treehouse (no offence Dad).
The layout and design of each treehouse was well thought out, offering spacious accommodation with a king-size bed and bunk in the attic, private bathroom and a private balcony, giving you the chance to take in the spectacular views from the valley and mountains. There’s also a fireplace to light up at night.
GULMARG, JAMMU & KASHMIR
Shredding in the Himalayas
Sure, skiing in Switzerland is great but what about skiing somewhere that is said to have the same snow quality AND it’s in the Himalayas?
This is what Gulmarg offers from December to March each year. Gulmarg is the world’s second-highest ski resort and is home to the world’s highest ski gondola—which peaks at 3,980 metres.
With no crowd and more than 3 acres of skiable terrain, Gulmarg is a dream-destination for ski and snowboarding aficionados. You won’t just fall in love with the views of the Himalayas as you make your way down the slopes, but also with the people and culture as well.
PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE, KERALA
Bamboo rafting
Sometimes its better to keep things simple.
Bamboo rafts are pretty damn simple. The thing about bamboo rafts is that you’ve got a pretty good field of vision—no pesky sail or sides of the boat to obstruct your view.
That’s a good thing if your bamboo raft is floating down Periyar Lake in Periyar National Park, teeming as it is with wildlife that come to the lake for a drink. See wild tigers, wild elephants, wild gaur (Indian bison) wild Nilgiri langur and heaps of other wildlife.
There’s one place where you want to be on Periyar Lake, which is on a bamboo raft, floating down the middle.
get in the know India is the only country to have an indigenous population of both lions and tigers.
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