Para
Sailing and Ballooning
 You
are neither touching the skies nor the land, such a condition
can only be experienced while floating in the air. Is it possible?
Parasailing and ballooning lets you experience the
dream of flying above the clouds. Unlike other aerosports,
in these, once off the ground, the sportsman is on his own.
Since the skies are an element foreign to us, it would be
judicious to take all precautions before indulging in the
joy afforded by the sports. Responsibility for the safety
for the sportsman depends to a large extent on the team helping
out in this sport. Ballooning on other hand, permits
the balloonist to soar high in the sky and drift over the
picturesque terrain.
Parasailing and ballooning are annual events held in Jaipur,
Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Pushkar and attract a large
number of tourists and adventure seekers.
The RTDC has set up an Adventure Cell in Jaipur. The
contact telephone numbers are as follows: 0141-202586,
203531, 375466 from where you can obtain assistance and
information about different places of the adventure in Rajasthan.
Trekking
Rajasthan's is also known as a trekker's paradise since the
topography of Rajasthan varies from sand-dunes of the desert
to the lofty hill ranges of the Aravallis. There are many
beautiful meadows, dense forests, crystal lakes, waterfalls
and rivulets meandering through the countryside. One of the
oldest mountain ranges of the world, the Aravallis,
extending from north-east to south-west have some beautiful
forest areas. Mount Abu, about 1300 mts. Above sea
level is an ideal place for trekking.
Kumbhalgarh is another area in the Aravllis which provides
a good trekking experience. Kumbhalgarh is just 90 kms from
Udaipur off the Udiapur-Pali-Jodhpur road. One can
experience an adventurous trek upto the historic Kumbhalgarh
fort. There is also a wildlife sanctuary. The famous Jain
temples of Ranakpur are close by. Trekking routes in
Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh and Rawali Tatgarh are not restricted
to any particular area. The entire mountain system offers
exciting tracks which though begin at starting points spread
over the entire length and breadth of the Aravallis. One can
trek from Abu road to Guru Shikhar (the highest peak
of Aravalli), Thandi Beri to Kumbhalgarh fort or Ranakpur
to Rawali Tatgarh.
The best season for trekking in Rajasthan is from November
to February. But mid-September to end of October and March-April
is also pleasant. There is ample space for camping under starlit
rights or in the Dak Bungalow and Forest Rest House depending
on the tourists preference.
Water
Sports
 Rajasthani
lakes are famous for water sports. Boating is a regular activity
in Rajasthan. All kinds of water sports take place throughout
the year. All the facilities required for water sports are
made available here by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.
Rowing competitions during 1982 Asian games were held at Ramgarh
lake near Jaipur. Ramgarh lake is a man-made reservoir
around 4 kms. In length and 2 kms in width.
About 10 kms from Alwar theres another enchanting Siliserh
Lake situated on the backdrop of undulating hills flaming
with Bougainvillea and Gulmohar welcomes you to this dreamland.
A beautiful Palace Hotel which is run by RTDC provides
all the comforts and facilities.
But Udaipur is rightly known as the lake city of India. It
is also good for water sports with boating being a regular
feature. The ideal place for water sports is Jaisamand
Lake situated 50 kms south of Udiapur. This lake is
the second largest artificial lake in Asia (the water spread
area is 90 sq kms. ).
The Chambal river offers the exhilaration of water
rafting in the Kota region. From Jawahar Sagar to Dholpur,
the complex but beautiful network of the Chambal river,
flowing through rocks and forests, provides ideal places for
the perfect water adventure. While traversing the river by
boat, one can see the crocodiles relaxing in the sun on river
banks. Plans are underway to introduce a ferry service on
the Chambal river from Kota barrage upstream to Bhensordgarh
- a fine opportunity to ride on the gushing waters. Rajasthan
also offers angling sites. Bandh Baretha in
Bharatpur, Siliserh and Jaisamand in
Alwar, Mansarover near Sariska, Kukas,
Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur are an angler’s
paradise. However, the enthusiasts are advised to carry their
own equipment and obtain permission from the Fisheries Department.
Travellers can enjoy this adventurous angling experience at
their own risk.
Bird
Watching
 Bird
watching is a part of adventure tourism in Rajasthan. Lakes,
ponds, marshlands and grasslands are a haven for bird lovers.
One can find around 550 species of birds and most of these
are residents. The best colony of birds in the world is Kealodeo
National Park situated in Bharatpur. It has more
than 400 species of birds and more than 130 of them breed
inside the park. Being a unique bird place, the UNSECO has
recognized it as a world heritage site. It is truly a paradise
of feathered life which provides unlimited opportunities to
bird watchers.
Various other lakes and ponds, spread over the state offer
the enthusiast an opportunity to watch the activities of the
birds. The major wetlands other than Bharatpur are Kukas,
Kalah, Bund, Buchora Chandi, Chhaparwara and
Ramgarh in Jaipur, Silislerh Jaisamand and Mansarover
in Alwar, Ana Sagar and Faterhsagar in Ajmer, Jaisamand,Pichhola
and Badi ka Talab in Udaipur, Balsamand and Sardar
Samand in Jodhpur, Bassi Dam in Chittaurgarh and Meja
Dam in Bhilwara.
The best season for bird watching starts with the onset of
winter marshlands and lakes are inhabited by migratory birds
as well as resident birds. In salt-water lakes, flamingos
are also found, like in Pachpadra near Barmer and Sambhar
near Jaipur. So when you visit Rajasthan, don't forget to
enjoy the experience of bird watching.
Horse Safari
The land of Rajputs, Rajasthan is a very good example
of our glorious history. Its forts, palaces, and temples are
the bystanders of the past. Kingdoms were carved and established
by the Rajputs on horseback, while swords were stained
with enemy blood. Horses were highly priced and a Rajput warrior
would give anything to own a good horse. The result of many
years of dedication and hardwork helped create breeds like
the Marwari, Kathiawadi and the Sindhi, each
having its own distinct characteristics and bred solely for
the purpose of war. These horses were noted for their stamina
and fierce loyalty to their masters. With these gallant steeds,
the Rajputs became famous worldwide.
Even today horses are the pride of Rajasthan. If not
in a real war situation the tourist can today have the pleasure
of riding through trails, which take them through villages,
passing by the huge and ancient forts, palaces and temples.
Nights can be spent in ancient palaces now owned by the descendants
of those glorious Rajput rulers. These palaces not
only provide modern amenities but cultural programmes and
entertainment is also available. Evenings are spent at campsites
which are splashed with colour in the form of local folk dance
and music.
In Jaipur, Horse Safari is organised by some private
tour operators. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation
organises a Safari on request which starts from Jaipur and
the duration of the safari is four days.
 Camel
Safari
Along with the horse safaris Rajasthan invites you to experience
the adventure of a Camel Safari takes you through the
golden sands of the vast Thar Desert. Like horse safaris,
camel safaris are also popular in Rajasthan. The camel, popularly
known as the ship of the desert, is not only common in the
Thar desert, but also the only means of transportation in
remote areas.
The safari is organised to take one through the golden sands
of the vast Thar desert and untamed countryside, enabling
one to experience the days gone by when time drifted at a
leisurely pace. The rolling landscape of the sand an shrub
covered area is breathtakingly beautiful and the range of
flora and fauna surprisingly large for desert
area.
The camel breeders of Raika are the best guides. They
know every pasture, waterhole and village of the region. One
can ride or walk along leisurely with the safari and the enjoy
the desertscape. The camel-carts are fully equipped
and tourists need not bother about comfort in the desert.
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation arranges the camel
safari on request from Delhi and Jaipur during Nagaur
Fair and desert festival.
 Other
Safaris
Long with the Camel and Horse safaris, other safaris
like jeep, motorcycle safari are famous Rajasthan.
The jeep safari takes you a long ride through the beautiful
places of Rajasthan. The journey is not only refreshing
and revitalising but it takes you close to the nature. The
forts, palaces, historical landmarks and villages, long sandy
routes...it is a romantic experience. The average daily move
is about 150 kms. Consisting of approximately five to six
hours of jeep driving.
Safaris organised at the Bishnoi village near Jodhpur
has become a special tourist attraction but Jeep safaris
are also organised in every part of Rajasthan. Motorcycle
and Bicycle safaris are a part of Rajasthani adventure tourism.
For those who want to turn cycling into a keenly contested
game, there is Cycle Polo too. This year cycle polo
was organised at Nawalgarh, Shekhawati.
Elephant Safaris are exciting for those in search
of an experience of a lifetime. Some tour operators organise
elephant safaris between Jaipur and Pushkar. An exciting
sport is Elephant Polo which provides a spectacle for the
audience and enjoyment to the participants. The bulky animals
move around with surprising speed and poise.
The Jaipur Vintage Car Rally is held annually in the
month of January has become a big draw for Carl lovers, sports
lovers, vintage beauty lovers and tourists alike. A keenly
contested event, this rally is an inimitable display of well-maintained
cars of yesteryears. Among the vintage models which had come
in from different cities of India to take part in the 1997
Vintage Car Rally, one could spot the 1903 Humber,
1919 Fiat 501, 1923 rover, 1936 Mercedes Benz 170 V,1938
Morris 8, 1923 Austin and the 1926 Erskine. Some of
these are available on hire for pleasure rides and marriages.
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