This July, CNN's 'Destination India' delves into the finest adventure expeditions and eco-tourism locations ranging from trekking the foothills of the Himalayas to surfing on the South-Western coast.
A special week of coverage on adventure tourism began on July 9, with a 30-minute programme airing July 14-18.
India is a vibrant combination of landscapes, traditions and cultures that houses spectacular destinations still unexplored and uncharted. Often famous for its spirituality, India is now attracting thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Destination India is produced by CNN Vision, the global creative production powerhouse of CNN International.
Highlights of the 30-minute special include:
Free falling
What’s more adventurous than throwing caution to the wind and jumping off India’s highest (and only) fixed platform bungee jump? Located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, the jump, designed by New Zealander David Allardice, a renowned jump master, drops those who dare down 83 metres (273 feet) towards a tributary of the river Ganga. If jumping is a bit too scary, visitors can opt to swing from the seat harness and become a human pendulum. It’s a leap of faith in an area known for its spiritualty.
Trekking with Traveling Sisters
There may be no adventure greater than setting out on a trek in the Himalayas and no better guides than the traveling sisters of India, Prachi and Himadri Garg. Known as the ‘Ghoomophiro sisters’, Prachi and Himadri run trekking trips in Northern India, including female-only weekend trips from Delhi. CNN joins the sisters on an exciting trip as they head out to Mussoorie in Uttarakhand.
Riding the rails
Indian Railways is still a favourite mode of transport for locals and foreigners alike. But passengers don’t need to pack into a hot train to experience this throwback form of travel – in fact they can ride in style. Jump on board the Maharajas’ Express and experience a luxurious journey to Rajasthan’s most popular destinations.
Surfs up in India
If surfers are looking for an adventure, India is rapidly becoming a must-visit spot for pro and amateur surfers looking to “hang-ten” on some of the most remote surfing spots in the world along the over 7,000 kilometres of coastline in India. India’s surf pioneers at the Mantra Surf Club have been teaching the sport to thousands since 2007 from a small beach located in a tiny fishing village in the state of Karnataka.
Eco-tourism in India
On the edge of Nagarhole National Park and surrounded by the Kabini River in Coorg, Karnataka, sits one of India’s best wildlife and jungle lodges – Evolve Back. The lodge was once named as one of the World’s 25 Best Eco-Lodges by National Geographic Traveller for a simple reason: incredible wildlife experiences while preserving nature and culture of the land. The lodge uses reverse osmosis water filtering in every room, has a state of the art sewage treatment plant and even produces its own electricity through windmills.
Media contact:
Hina Thadani,
Hina.Thadani@bm.com