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Thailand’s geographical proximity and affordability, along with its platter of delectable food, historical sites, pristine beaches and lively atmosphere, holds a particular appeal for Indian travellers. While tourists from India were forced to limit their travels to the Island country to a 15-day stay under a visa-on-arrival scheme until recently, the Thailand government is now extending its arms wider for us. Thailand's tourism sector has been strategically easing visa regulations to attract visitors from key markets like China and Russia. And now, the country has extended its visa exemption program, allowing visitors from these countries to vacation visa-free for up to 30 days until November 11, 2024. This move aims to revitalise its tourism industry, a key driver of the nation's economy. This is no doubt great news for those wanting to spend more time in the bustling city of Bangkok or immerse themselves in the rich culture and calm of its gorgeous temples. However, there are some rather glaring problems that Thailand is facing, thanks to climate change and the El Niño event — that impacted India as well. <h4>Water shortage hits Phi Phi islands </h4> For instance, the idyllic islands of Koh Phi Phi, which attract many Indians every year, are facing a real-life challenge that's anything but relaxing — a severe water shortage after a scorching heatwave gripped Asia. The private company supplying water may have to cut off service entirely, according to Wichupan Phukaoluan Srisanya, president of the Krabi Hotel Association. Island authorities are scrambling for solutions, considering bringing in water from the mainland if the dry spell persists. However, they remain optimistic that the upcoming wet season in May will bring relief, and Wichupan insists that tourists planning trips shouldn't be deterred, claiming they can manage the situation. But whispers of trouble are already reaching potential visitors. Online forums and travel reviews are buzzing with warnings from returning tourists urging others to "check if their accommodation has fresh water" before booking. Some reports even detail tap water running dry in April. While Koh Phi Phi takes centre stage, the heatwave's impact isn't isolated. Koh Samui, another popular Thai island, has also experienced dry and scorching conditions. Although the tourism board there assures visitors haven't been affected, the island reportedly relies on water trucks, significantly increasing operational costs for hotels. <h4>Island closure due to coral bleaching </h4> A popular island in southern Thailand, Pling Island, has been hit with a temporary closure due to extensive coral bleaching. This drastic measure by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) highlights the growing threat climate change poses to our underwater wonders. Pling Island recently witnessed intense heatwaves along with many other islands across Thailand and Asia. Due to ocean warming and acidification, corals expel the algae living within them, leaving them pale and vulnerable — a process referred to as coral bleaching. Thailand’s pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs are a major draw for visitors, generating millions in revenue. However, unregulated tourism also puts a strain on these delicate ecosystems. Thailand's proactive approach in closing Pling Island demonstrates a commitment to striking a balance between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. While natural phenomena like El Niño contribute to warmer temperatures, scientists point to human-induced climate change as the bigger culprit. Warmer oceans are the new normal, with Asia experiencing a faster-than-average rise in temperatures. Pling Island's closure and Phi Phi’s water crisis serve as a stark reminder of that every system has a carrying capacity and we must honour it. It sends the powerful message that even paradise needs a break once in a while to ensure its future remains dazzling. While the tourism-reliant industry of Thailand could greatly benefit from more visitors, mindful travel would help secure the future of the countrymen. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Thailand is now welcoming Indians with open arms, but are its drought-hit islands really prepared for a tourism influx?

<ul><li>For the traveller who cares not for boat rides or tacky souvenirs, there are a few (very few) places that are both easily accessible and provide for respite from the heat and the crowds — and Pangot is one such place.</li><li>Around 334 kilometres from Delhi, Pangot in Uttarakhand is a quiet village where the sheer population of birds outnumbers humans. </li><li>While Nainital is loud and bashful, Pangot is its calm and composed sister. And, that is where the magic is. </li></ul> The heat is upon us, and like the Britishers, we too need to flee from the scorching plains and make a beeline for the hills during the unbearable summer months. Luckily, there are plenty of hills one can visit, particularly around Delhi, but alas, most of these destinations are so well-known that, at times, they can get more crowded than the very city you wanted to escape. Thankfully, for the traveller who cares not for boat rides or tacky souvenirs, there are a few (very few) places that are both easily accessible and provide for respite from the heat and the crowds — and Pangot is one such place. <div type="image" title="Sunset in Pangot" msid="81602819" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Sunset in Pangot&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Around 334 kilometres from Delhi, Pangot in Uttarakhand is a quiet village where the sheer population of birds outnumbers that of humans. Pangot is just 17 kilometres from Nainital, and that is where the comparison ends. While Nainital is loud and bashful, Pangot is its calm and composed sister. And, that is where the magic is. This is a sleepy little place where travellers have nothing to do and nowhere to go, and the quiet is only disrupted by birdsongs and a bunch of cheeky monkeys who enjoy stealing the towels you leave outside to dry. Nestled within a lush green forest, a few streams and a beautiful walking trail, Pangot makes for an idyllic getaway. This tiny hamlet is surrounded by slopes covered with green and silver oak, rhododendron, pine, and local kilmora and kafal berry trees. This birders’ paradise boasts over 350 species of birds, including shiny blue verditer flycatchers, maroon orioles, spotted forktails, pheasants, woodpeckers, partridges, thrushes, finches, warblers, brown wood owl, among many others. And should you be fortunate, you may chance upon a few barking deer and mountain goats. <div type="image" title="Rufous treepie, Pangot" msid="81602922" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rufous treepie, Pangot&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> As we have made abundantly clear, there is nothing much to do here, and that is the beauty of the place. But if birding is your jam, grab a picnic basket and your camera and head to the almost perennial stream (nala) that is an ideal place for a picnic as well as capturing a variety of birds, including but not limited to, spotted forktail and the long-billed thrush on camera. While heading from Pangot towards Kilbury, you will cross a bridge after a kilometre, from there turn right on the path going up from the bridge along the stream. Birdwatching is especially rewarding if you visit between October–November and February–March. A simple walk in the woods will reward you with bird sightings like the rufous sibia, black-headed jay, streaked laughing thrush, striated laughing thrush, blue whistling thrush, Himalayan bulbul, the green-backed tit, and more. <div type="image" title="Mist engulfs the forest cover, Pangot" msid="81602906" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Mist engulfs the forest cover, Pangot&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> You can also trek to Kilbury (around 3 kilometres), from where you can get an excellent view of the Nanda Devi mountain range from Naina Peak or Tanki Band, especially if you are there between October and March. Kilbury features reserve forests, views of the Bhabhar plains on one side and Himalayan peaks on the other. All you need is a book, a picnic basket and a mat to lay on the floor, and you have yourself a great day. Should you be itching to shop a little, you can visit the <a href="http://www.srisaradamath.org/pangot.php" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Ramakrishna Sarada Mission</a> in Pangot that has a welfare project for local women who make some excellent woollen sweaters, shawls, socks, hats and more. 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Pangot, a tiny hamlet in Uttarakhand that hosts hundreds of variety of birds and very few humans

<ul><li>Pench alone has over 53 tigers living in the reserve and an additional 80 tigers (approximately) utilising the reserve.</li><li>The reserve was the muse behind Rudyard Kipling’s iconic character ‘Mowgli’ from The Jungle Book.</li><li>Somewhat of a legend, T15, also called Collarwali Baghin, is a 14-year-old tigress who has happily provided Pench eight litters - in total, she has had 29 cubs, out of which 25 have survived.</li></ul>A mere glimpse of the majestic big cat is the surreal experience most wildlife enthusiasts yearn for, and Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is undoubtedly an excellent place to start the pursuit. Boasting a healthy population of tigers, this 758 square kilometre park in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh was given the status of a national park in 1975 and was established as a tiger reserve in 1992. Named after the Pench River that cuts through the park, this national park consists of two parts -- the Priyadarshini National Park and Mowgli Pench Sanctuary, which covers an area of 299 square kilometres and a buffer area of 464 square kilometres. Around 257 square kilometres of this park lies in Maharashtra, which is also accessible from Madhya Pradesh. The reserve was the muse behind Rudyard Kipling’s iconic character ‘Mowgli’ from The Jungle Book. Supriya Sehgal, a Mumbai-based travel and children's book author and the co-founder of a digital marketing and production house, tells Business Insider, “I had the opportunity to spend a short but memorable time in Pench through the eyes of Pugdundee Safaris, while on a long Madhya Pradesh national parks loop. It is believed that Pench and the surrounding areas were the inspiration behind 'The Jungle Book' by Rudyard Kipling. While this piece of information alone was amply intriguing for me, naturally, spotting a tiger sprawled close to a watering hole trumped it. It was a female, eyes heavy with sleep under a leafy patch that curtailed the harsh hand of the sun, in touching distance of a natural pool — it was the perfect way to unwind — one, I would have wanted for myself, but there was more of the vast jungle to explore.” <div type="image" title="Pench-Jungle-Camp-Mottled-Wood-Owl" msid="81374528" hostid="261"></div>Madhya Pradesh is one of the few Indian states blessed with a substantial number of national parks including -- Kanha Tiger Reserve, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Panna Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, Madhav National Park, Vanvihar National Park, Fossil National Park and Dinosaur Fossil National Park. At Pench, apart from a robust population of big cats, wildlife enthusiasts have much more to spot, including mammals like leopards, wolves, jackals, fox, striped hyenas, sloth bears, the Indian gaur, chital, sambar deer, nilgai, dholes (Indian wild dog), macaques, chinkara, barking deer, wild boars, and swamp deer. The reserve also hosts snakes like cobras, pythons and the Indian krait and a diverse population of avian beauties like the Indian pitta, pintail duck, red wattled lapwings, owls, vultures and blue kingfishers. <div type="image" title="Pench Tiger Reserve" msid="81374325" hostid="261"></div>Deepika Sinha, a marketing and communications professional from Mumbai, has visited the Pench National Park four times now, and each time she says she falls more in love with the place. She tells Business Insider, “I have been extremely lucky to have some of my best sightings at Pench from the regal tigress to wild dogs, boars, jackals and the ever-so-shy sloth bear, which I'm told is a very unique sighting in Pench.” <div type="image" title="Pench Tiger Reserve" msid="81374334" hostid="261"></div>A 2018 government tiger status <a href="http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Tiger-Status-Report-2018_For-Web_compressed_compressed.pdf">report</a> estimated that India has around 3000 tigers, and Pench alone has over 53 tigers living in the reserve and an additional 80 tigers (approximately) utilising the reserve. As far as wildlife destinations in India go, Pench is among travel blogger Revati Victor’s hot favourites. She says, “It's one of the easiest to access (a 2-hour drive from Nagpur airport) and is where I have seen the most tigers... This is truly Jungle Book land, where regardless of whether you're here as a tourist to capture the famous tigress Collarwali for your Instagram or as a traveller to enjoy a quiet picnic under the watchful gaze of a pair of brown wood owls far from the crowds -- Pench has something to offer you and you will come away utterly fascinated.” <div type="image" title="The legendary Collarwalli" msid="81374415" hostid="261"></div> Somewhat of a legend, T15, also called Collarwali Baghin, is a 14-year-old tigress who saunters around the park wearing a tracking collar. She has happily provided Pench eight litters -- one litter of four cubs as recently as 2019. In <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/madhya-pradesh-pench-tiger-reserve-population-5875907/">total</a>, she has had 29 cubs, out of which 25 have survived. Two famous male arch-enemies who constantly battle over territory go by the name BMW (because of the B, M and W marking on his thigh) and Sula (referencing the wine brand because of the distinctive wine-glass-shaped marking on his body). The stories the guides and jeep drivers share during these safaris can be quite intriguing, so it's best to keep your eyes and ears peeled. Best time to visit: November to February is considered the best time to visit Pench since the temperature hovers around 10° to 28° celsius, making the safari quite pleasant. With temperatures between 28° to 45° celsius, March to June is often too hot to enjoy the tour, but some still brave the weather and make the trip. July to mid-October, the Pench National Park remains closed primarily because the monsoons are usually the breeding season. <div type="image" title="Pench-Tree-Lodge-Safari" msid="81374444" hostid="261"></div>Safari zones and timings: Pench National Park has seven zones – Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara, Rukhad, Wolf Sanctuary, Sillari, and Khursapar. The main entry points are Jamtara, Turia and Karmajhiri. Turia is the most popular because there are several water bodies in the area, thus increasing the chances of spotting wild animals out for a drink. The park timings vary depending on the season. The morning jeep safari starts from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and the evening safari starts from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. In the summer months (March to June), the safari timing changes to 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. There is also a government-approved night safari in the Wolf Sanctuary from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM; this is great for those who want to catch a glimpse of wolves as well as jackals, spotted deer, sambar deer, nilgai and various nocturnal birds. Places to stay: There are a number of good properties in the region. Sinha highly recommends <a href="https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/baghvan-pench-national-park/">Baghvan, A Taj Safari - Pench National Park</a>, for a perfect mix of the fancy and the rustic. The property has 12 cottages and each cottage consists of a room, indoor and outdoor bathroom and a machaan where, if you are brave enough, you can spend the night in. Another great option is the <a href="https://www.penchtreelodge.com/">Pench Tree Lodge</a>, a Pugdundee Safaris’ property that consists of six treehouses and six luxury cottages set amidst forty acres of wilderness. Kiplings Court is a slightly more affordable option in the region. This well-kept government-run establishment has two 6-bed dorms as well as private cottages. Plus, it has the added advantage of being only a kilometre away from the park's Turia gate. Victor suggests <a href="https://www.penchjunglecamp.com/">Pench Jungle Camp</a> where she stayed in a room modelled after a tent. She says, “It is the perfect distance from both the Khursapar gate and action-packed Turia gate.” SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/ignore-low-cibil-score-for-street-vendor-loans-work-on-holidays-and-other-diktats-from-indian-government-to-banks-rushing-to-meet-march-target/articleshow/81223572.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Bankers may be working all 31 days of March with the government looking to double the loans doled out under the PM SVANidhi scheme</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/check-out-all-the-hiring-opportunities-in-2021-in-india/slidelist/81343839.cms">A whole host of jobs, from government to private to foreign companies in India, are opening up ⁠— here’s a look at some of those</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/these-are-the-worlds-top-food-delivery-companies-indias-zomato-and-swiggy-have-a-long-way-to-go-as-compared-to-their-global-counterparts-like-doordash-or-meituan/slidelist/81344728.cms">These are the world’s top food delivery companies – India’s Zomato and Swiggy have a long way to go as compared to their global counterparts like DoorDash or Meituan</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Apart from the big cat, the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh flaunts a variety of fabulous residents

<ul><li>Around 115 kilometres from the city of Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley is ideal for those itching to get away from it all.</li><li>This rustic hill station is perched at about 1,200 metres above sea level in the Eastern Ghats.</li><li>The Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu, is considered one of India's largest and deepest caves in India.</li></ul>Around 115 kilometres from the city of Visakhapatnam, the truly tranquil hill station of Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is ideal for those itching to get away from it all. Frequented by people in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) who are, perhaps, sick of staring at the sea and need to get away from the sweltering heat, the picturesque hill station has also become increasingly popular because of its coffee plantations. In fact, the Britishers realised the potential of the region's microclimate in the 1900s and set up coffee plantations here. <div type="image" title="Araku Valley" msid="81363695" hostid="261"></div> This rustic hill station is perched at about 1,200 metres above sea level in the Eastern Ghats. So lovely is the terrain, that it features in a bunch of popular Telugu movies. Like most hill stations, Araku has a plethora of 'touristy' hotspots like the Borra caves, Chaparai cascade waterfalls, Tribal Museum, Katika waterfalls, Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Waterfalls, Tyda Nature Camp, and Tatipudi Reservoir. However, brand consultant, Shilpa Colluru, who stayed at Sunkarametta Village, recommends this place because "it is quiet, peaceful and lovely if you want to spend a few days doing nothing except stare at some gorgeous views, take long walks and generally unwind.” <div type="image" title="Araku Valley" msid="81363726" hostid="261"></div> The Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu, is considered one of India's largest and deepest caves in India. It features a variety of cave formations - stalactites and stalagmites ranging in size and shape. Tribals of the area share a legend that a cow apparently fell through the roof of one of the caves and miraculously survived, and the cowherd who found his cow noticed a ‘Shiva Lingam’ shaped stone in the cave and surmised it was Lord Shiva who saved the cow and thus to this date there is a tiny temple outside the cave that is frequented by locals and tourists alike. While the area is teeming with waterfalls, it is also, unfortunately, overflowing with tourists, and discerning travellers may want to skip the experience. But if large crowds are not a deterrent, you can scope out: Chaparai cascade waterfalls, which are not traditional waterfalls, but water flowing over massive boulders that make for a unique experience. Three kilometres from Ananthagiri village, Ananthagiri waterfalls, also known as Tadimada waterfalls, is a bit of a trek to get to, and therefore you may find it less crowded. Araku waterfalls, also called Ranajilleda waterfalls, is a 60-feet high waterfall requiring a small amount of hard work (15-minute trek) to get there. Around seven kilometres from the Borra Caves, the 100-feet-high Katika waterfalls is yet another tourist hotspot accessible by jeep, and people have permission to cook there. Tyda, a small village 70 kilometres from Vizag, is popular because of an ecotourism resort run by AP Tourism and the forest department called Jungle Bells Camp or Tyda Nature Camp. The camp is strategically located amidst rich flora and fauna and offers several adventure activities, including trekking, hiking, and bird watching, making it a great place to visit with family. <div type="image" title="Araku Valley" msid="81363774" hostid="261"></div> Getting there: Araku Valley is about a 3-hour drive from Visakhapatnam, which is where the nearest airport is located. Alternatively, one can also opt for the 'glass train' fitted with massive windows for travellers to soak in the gorgeous views. Upon arrival, travellers can hire a rickshaw to take you to your place of stay. Places to stay: While the options are pretty limited, very basic and mostly government-run establishments, they are all clean and decently maintained, and the food is usually good — a wholesome South Indian spread. Colluru recommends trying out the special delicacies made by the tribals living in the area like the Bamboo Chicken. 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Araku Valley, an idyllic weekend getaway spot in the north-eastern corner of Andhra Pradesh

<ul><li>Despite having zero Covid-19 cases, people here continue to take precautions like wearing masks.</li><li>Havelock Island not only offers some stunning beaches, but it also has some of the top diving destinations in the country.</li><li>If you are hankering for some serious digital detox there is no better place than Havelock - there is limited to zero connectivity on the island.</li></ul> Earlier this month, Dr. Niveditha Vasireddy, a psychiatrist from Visakhapatnam, travelled to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The archipelago, of around 300 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a Union Territory of India, which if you look at the map seems closer to Thailand and Myanmar than to India. She tells Business Insider, not able to control her excitement, how she has never imagined experiencing such clean and untouched white sandy beaches in India. "I mean, you can expect such an experience in countries like the Philippines, but in India... my mind was blown,” she says. <div type="image" title="Elephant beach, Havelock" msid="81127084" hostid="261"></div> The picturesque white sandy beaches of the Andaman Islands are not considered by most as an option for a beach vacation. And perhaps it is for the best, because as is the case with most popular tourist destinations, the more touristy they become, the more we expose the location to environmental risks. But if responsible tourism is your jam, and you do not mind paying a little more money for a truly magical experience, then the Andaman Islands is the place to visit. Dr. Vasireddy, along with a few friends, decided to ditch the idea of vacationing in Goa and chose a place where they can get away from it all — plus, there was the added advantage of the location being COVID-free. In fact, it was the first place in India with zero<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-indias-first-to-be-covid-free/articleshow/80657352.cms"> active cases</a> as of 03 February 2021. Regardless of the fact, she was pleasantly surprised that people on the Island continue to take safety very seriously and said all the locals were wearing face masks. In case you forget to wear yours, they will politely inform you that if you don't, you will get 'challand’ (a challan). Please note that it is mandatory to present an RTPCR Covid negative test at Port Blair. The authorities validate the test against the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) website. Only once the validity is confirmed do the officials stamp the document, and without this stamped paper, you will not be allowed to take the ferry to any of the Islands. Flights from all major cities of the country, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi, land at the capital Port Blair. <div type="image" title="Havelock Island" msid="81128095" hostid="261"></div> HAVELOCK ISLAND The island not only offers some stunning beaches, but it also has some of the top diving destinations in the country. It is an excellent place to learn deep-sea diving so that you can explore the underwater marvels. Havelock Island is one of the few places where inexperienced divers can try out a single dive instead of signing up for a full course. The water is teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays and much more. It also has a healthy population of colourful live corals. The best part is that you don't need to be a swimmer to try scuba diving. The crystal blue waters are so clear that you can always opt for snorkelling if you want to skip scuba diving. There is also an excellent night kayaking expedition that takes you through the mangroves. The unreal experience of watching the water bioluminescence below and the sky filled stars above cannot be paralleled. <div type="image" title="scuba diving, Havelock" msid="81126940" hostid="261"></div> There is so much to see in Havelock that it is best to hire a bike or cycle. But we must warn you that while happily cruising on well-made tar roads you may land up literally nowhere. "Some (roads) took us to beaches and others just abruptly ended by fields or the forest," Dr. Vasireddy tells us. <div type="image" title="Roads leading to nowhere, Havelock" msid="81127015" hostid="261"></div> Beaches Radhanagar Beach (Beach No.7), Elephant Beach, and Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No.5) are some of the most well-known beaches in Havelock. Radhanagar beach is flanked by the ocean on one side and lush rainforest on the other. This west-facing beach is ideal for catching the sunset. You can also walk down to Neil's Cove, a secluded spot perfect for sunbathing and a spot for swimming in shallow water. <div type="image" title="Sunset at Havelock" msid="81127095" hostid="261"></div> Elephant beach may not be easy to get to, but the beauty of the place more than makes up for the effort. The beach features some bleached driftwood and logs that provide an excellent backdrop for a photo-op. This is also an ideal place to go snorkelling. Vijaynagar beach is where the buzz is. This is where most of the restaurants, hotels and snorkelling centres are situated. The beach faces east and is, therefore, a great place to catch the sunrise. However, because the water is shallow and strewn with rocks, swimming here is not the easiest. <div type="image" title="Red snapper grilled in lemon pepper sauce with rice and roasted potatoes" msid="81127169" hostid="261"></div> Food The local food, if idyllic surroundings are not enough, is usually a combination of Indian and continental cuisine that is absolutely delicious. Dr. Vasireddy recommends - Fat Martin's Cafe in Vijaynagar that serves south Indian food including a delicious Nutella dosa; Anju Coco that strangely enough serves the "best biriyani”; Something Different serves excellent continental seafood pizza and amazing desserts; Moonlight Cafe is great for seafood. The restaurants here are a seafood lovers paradise, serving up a fantastic variety of fresh red snappers, calamari, prawns, and so much more. That being said, there are plenty of vegetarian options too. Accommodation There are plenty of hotels to choose from high-end Taj Hotels to more affordable options like Wild Orchid, SilverSand Beach Resort, Munjoh Ocean Resort and Symphony Palms Beach Resort. The hotels are clean, and most are environmentally conscious. Most hotels and restaurants on the Island provide only RO water and not plastic bottles, as is sadly the norm elsewhere. And if you choose to buy water, the local stores have nothing smaller than 2-litre bottles to reduce the amount of plastic used. <div type="image" title="Bambooka, the government ferry" msid="81127801" hostid="261"></div> How to get there From Port Blair, the best way to get to Havelock is by ferry. The government ferry from Port Blair to Havelock takes around 2.5 hours but please note that the outside deck area has no seating, so you will have to bring something to place on the floor to sit on. The booking process is slightly cumbersome, but you can get a travel agent to take care of everything, which will still be cheaper than private options. MV Makruzz and Coastal Cruise are the private companies that ferry people across to the Island. They take around 1.5 hours to get to Havelock. Connectivity If you are hankering for some serious digital detox there is no better place than Havelock. There is limited to no connectivity on the island. BSNL is the only cellular service that works but the network is patchy. Hotels usually provide wi-fi access, but most are limited to the lobby area. <div type="image" title="Port Blair" msid="81127917" hostid="261"></div> PORT BLAIR While Andaman and Nicobar Islands' capital may not seem all that appealing as a tourism destination, there are plenty of places you can visit while here. There is a high probability of you spending the night there since the ferries to the islands do not operate at night. So depending on your flight timing, chances are, one way or the other you will have to stay in Port Blair. If you opt to stay in Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island) is an excellent place to explore. The area offers some fabulous diving spots, including Mundapahad, ideal for beginners and the old shipwreck, a site for advanced divers and home to clownfish, schooling snapper, resting ray and lots of colourful corals. If you want to give the water a break, the place is an excellent spot for birdwatching. The mangroves and rainforests here play host to a bunch of migratory birds and flowers. You can also hike to Mundapahad lighthouse. ReefWatch Marine Conservation, in collaboration with Lacadives, offers an informative mangrove walk (when the tide is out) and informs you about the surrounding ecosystem. <div type="image" title="The view from Mt. Harriet" msid="81127981" hostid="261"></div> Dr. Vasireddy decided to stay at the relatively new Big Tree Resort featuring only eight cabins, an in-house restaurant and a supremely friendly dog called Momo. Momo insists all guests should play with him and will bring you a coconut husk that you need to pry out of his mouth and throw so that he can fetch it, thus providing an excellent way to drive away the blues. <div type="image" title="Cellular Jail" msid="81128022" hostid="261"></div> Another site that may be worth a visit, especially if you are a history buff, is the colonial prison called Cellular Jail (Kālā Pānī) that is where most freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were shipped off to before independence. There is an informative light show in the evening and the tour of the jail itself is quite fascinating. <div type="image" title="Limestone Caves" msid="81128047" hostid="261"></div> BARATANG MANGROVE FOREST AND LIMESTONE CAVES To experience the fascinating limestone caves and mangrove forests in Baratang Island, you will have to head to the Jirkatang check post (a little over an hour-long-drive from Port Plair), which marks the beginning of the area where the Jarawa tribes of Andaman Islands live. After the clearance is done, you can drive through Jarawa reserve forest, but note that taking photos is strictly not prohibited. Once you reach the other end, you have to take a ferry to cross the water and arrive at Baratang. Here you can take a permit and board a speedboat to ride through the mangroves and arrive at a trekking spot from where you have to walk for 1.2 km through villages to reach the spectacular limestone caves. The journey may sound daunting, but this is one of the unforgettable experiences you wouldn't want to miss. However, respecting the people's privacy and regulations, particularly of the tribals, is of paramount importance. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Exploring the unreal beauty of the Andaman Islands

<ul><li>The UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve hosts over 50 mammal species, 254 bird species, 30 reptile species and 50 butterfly species, among a plethora of others.</li><li>The Satpura Biosphere Reserve composes three wildlife regions - the Bori range, Satpura and the Pachmarhi range.</li><li>The Son and Denwa rivers weave through this 1427 sq kilometre expanse frequented by a large variety of exotic birds.</li></ul> When Shyamla Nayyar, an executive search professional, was told she would be travelling to Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh for a family vacation, she was less than thrilled. However, after visiting the place she says, “it turned out to be one of the best trips we had in our lives.” Often referred to as the queen of the Satpura Range in central India, the hill station of Pachmarhi lodged at the height of 1100 m is a part of Satpura Biosphere Reserve. The Satpura Biosphere Reserve composes three wildlife regions - the Bori range, Satpura and the Pachmarhi range. <div type="image" title="Satpura Biosphere Reserve" msid="80598818" hostid="261"></div> The <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/asia-and-the-pacific/india/pachmarhi">UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve</a> hosts over 150 species of flora that is used for medicinal purposes and over 50 mammal species, 254 bird species, 30 reptile species and 50 butterfly species, among a plethora of other species found here. The verdant teak and sal forest is also home to rare and endangered animals like the gaur, bears, tigers, leopards, giant squirrels and crested serpent eagle. Linking two biodiversity hotspots — Eastern Himalaya and the Western Ghats — the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is frequently recognised as a ‘Genetic Express Highway’. The Reserve is also home to two major tribes - the Gond tribes and Korkus tribe whereas the most primitive tribe, <a href="http://www.epco.in/epco_biosphere_pachmarhi.php">Bhariya</a>, reside in the Patalkot region, which is a completely isolated valley in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the five Pandava brothers from Mahabharata built five caves that are located here - thus the place was named Panch (five) Marhi (caves). These caves were first discovered by Captain J. Forsyth in 1862 and feature rock paintings up to 2,500 years old. <div type="image" title="Satpura Biosphere Reserve" msid="80598840" hostid="261"></div> In and around Satpura National Park: Without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of visiting Pachmarhi is exploring the treasures in this UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve. The Son and Denwa rivers weave through this 1427 sq kilometre expanse frequented by a large variety of exotic birds including the Crested Serpent Eagle, Spotted Owlet and the Common Kingfisher. "I fondly remember our drives around the hill station which boasts of great wildlife and a vast forest cover. The mixed terrain of Panchmarhi is what makes this region truly unique." - Shubh Mukherji, a final year student at the School of Communication, Manipal University, tells us. <div type="image" title="Satpura Biosphere Reserve" msid="80599027" hostid="261"></div> You can explore the jungle either by jeep safari, elephant safari, boat, walking (Satpura is one of the few Indian jungles that visitors can experience on foot) and canoe ride. Locals suggest a visit to the Denwa backwaters, a 2-hour road journey from Pachmarhi, for wildlife and bird sightings. There is also an excellent boat safari into the jungle. <div type="image" title="Satpura Biosphere Reserve" msid="80598914" hostid="261"></div> Local guides often recommend 'special' places they have come across while living there and one such find was the vulture point. A short trek from the WelcomHeritage Golf View hotel is a spot from where vultures, that are sadly at the verge of extinction, can be viewed with a binocular. "It turned out to be one of the best experiences of the trip, at least for me," Shyamla tells us. The region is also home to some spectacular waterfalls and the famous Irene Pool that was discovered by Irene Bose, wife of Justice Vivian Bose. The best part is that the place is relatively quiet and not teeming with tourists. Shubh gleefully tells us that "While December is usually peak season for most destinations, we were surprised to see a relatively small number of tourists at the time." Getting there: “We took a train from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi to Itarsi, which was an overnight journey. We reached Itarsi early morning and a pickup was arranged by our hotel. It was a one-and-a-half-hour journey and the roads were pretty decent," says Shyamla. If, however, you don't fancy a train journey, you can always fly down to Bhopal, which is where the closest airport is, and drive down from there. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

The many marvels of Satpura Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh

<ul><li>This week, in our series of those destinations that have thankfully escaped the travel radar of most, we explore a quaint little gem at the heart of Rajasthan - Bundi. </li><li>The town has some surprisingly decent cafes, a rustic old palace and a fort that provides brilliant views of the town. </li><li>So enamoured was Rudyard Kipling with the Bundi Palace that he mentioned the same in his Letters of Marque.</li></ul>Around 480 kilometres from New Delhi, the charming little town of Bundi presents all the experiences tourists throng to Rajasthan for, sans the crowds. Flanked by the Aravalli hills on one side, Bundi possesses all the charms sought by travellers who want to escape from the urban space. Narrow village lanes, old houses painted in blue to keep them cool during the summer months, a few cows ambling away with not a care in the world, some surprisingly decent cafes, a rustic old palace and a fort that provides brilliant views of the town. Advertising professional, Kanishka Vashisht, has visited Bundi, not once, but twice. Here’s what he had to say: “Bundi was a laid back dream. No pushers trying to sell you anything or do some 'pooja'. Our peaceful heritage haveli 'Dev Nivas' was awesome with yum food and calming views. Bundi is how Pushkar should be. Less crowded with tourists, friendly locals and even a government-approved bhang shop to make your 'trip' magical.” Abhimanyu Mukherji, an SAP service delivery manager, echoes this sentiment: “Bundi is not your fancy plan-it-with-family-vacation destination, yet it has all the quintessentially Rajasthan feels to it. It has a fort, lake, and little pretty boutique heritage hotels all packed in sleepy little town ignored by urban civilisation. In between the narrow lanes, and the cows grazing its pathways, don’t be surprised if you get charmed by it all in the most unexpected ways.” Here are a few of the places you must visit: <div type="image" title="Jait Sagar Lake, Bundi" msid="80301302" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Jait Sagar Lake, Bundi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Jait Sagar Lake and Kshar Bagh (Saar Bagh): Around 1.5 in length, the Jait Sagar lake is often dotted with lotus flowers, especially in winters and monsoons. Close to the lake's eastern end is a slightly dilapidated Kshar Bagh that features some gorgeous cenotaphs with intricate carvings of elephants and horses. While it is not open to the public, you may be able to ask the caretaker to let you in for a quick glimpse. There is, however, a picnic spot nearby that is frequented by tourists. <div type="image" title="Bundi" msid="80301396" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;View from Taragarh Fort&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Bundi Palace (Garh Palace): So enamoured was Rudyard Kipling with the Palace that he mentioned the same in his Letters of Marque: “Jaipur Palace may be called the Versailles of India … Jodhpur’s House of strife, gray towers on red rock, is the work of giants, but the Palace of Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in uneasy dreams – the work of goblins rather than of men.” Need we say more? Some portions of the Palace may be in need of some upkeep, but the charm remains. While some areas are closed to the public, the parts that are open host some gorgeous murals and engravings. The Palace complex is massive and contains within it a bunch of smaller palaces, each steeped in history. <div type="image" title="Taragarh Fort" msid="80301325" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Taragarh Fort, Bundi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Taragarh Fort: This fourteenth-century fort is a short trek up from the Palace. The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork, engravings and mirrors. The fort also promises a spectacular view of the city and the lake below. The outdoor garden area is well kept and is a great place to relax, soak in the beauty, and is great for photo-ops. <div type="image" title="Bundi" msid="80301339" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Nutella crepes at Blue Bundi Cafe &amp;amp; Restaurant&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Cafe’s and Restaurant: You will be surprised that this unassuming little town has a host of brilliant cafes and restaurants serving a great variety of continental as well as Indian cuisine. Should you be heading there, do visit the Blue Bundi Cafe &amp; Restaurant. A precarious set of stairs may look dubious at first but what lies above is a perfect location for some sumptuous pizzas, pancakes, and more. Professional chef, Tarannum Sehgal, has travelled to Bundi thrice, she says, “Bundi is a secret I never wanted to share. That’s how quaint and untouched this place is and I hope it stays like that. For me, it’s all the Rajasthan feels packed in one small town. Right from the stay in old forts to streets freckled with French and Israeli cafes that serve right from the local Laal Maas to the best Nutella Crepes and thin hand-rolled pizzas with the backdrop of the Bundi castle.” SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/article/travel-buffs-tell-you-where-to-veer-off-the-highway-in-chhattisgarh-to-find-some-lesser-known-gems/articleshow/80192152.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Travel buffs tell you where to veer off the highway in Chhattisgarh to find some lesser-known gems</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

The forgotten little town of Bundi in Rajasthan is a treasure waiting to be unearthed

Chhattisgarh may not be high on most lists of must-go-to travel destinations, but that also means it’s a state waiting to be explored by intrepid travellers. In just three days, you will be able to cover everything from tribal villages to waterfalls to some fascinating ancient architectural marvels. It is believed that at least ten of the fourteen years Lord Ram spent in exile was in Chhattisgarh and in a bid to attract tourists, the government <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/follow-lord-rams-footprints-in-dandakaranya-8-sites-to-be-developed-under-chhattisgarhs-ram-vangaman-path-plan/1772200/">plans</a> to develop eight sites as a part of Lord Shri Ram Vangaman Path. Business Insider reached out to author, travel writer, food critic, and columnist, Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu who co-authored several Lonely Planet guides on Chhattisgarh to share her experience. Here’s what she had to say: "My most abiding memory of Chhattisgarh is that of a verdurous land populated with friendly, easygoing folk. A revisit, when it happens, will be spurred on foremost for these reasons alone. Which is not to say it offers little else; au contraire! Its expansive countryside is dotted with natural, spiritual and architectural assets. Were the history buff in me to pick just one, Sirpur, on the banks of Mahanadi, would easily count as an attractive package of all three.” Sirpur Once an inconspicuous little town, Sirpur is now an internationally recognised tourist spot. Buddha himself is thought to have meditated here, and that’s why the Dalai Lama visits Sirpur annually. “Excavation digs have revealed ancient settlements, and a large (now) restructured Buddhist footprint,” Puneetinder said. <div type="image" title="Dalai Lama &amp;amp; Sirpur (1) (1)" msid="80192362" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Dalai Lama in Sirpur&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Must-do in Sirpur: “To my mind, the sculpted-brick Laxman Temple there, the backdrop to the National Dance &amp; Music Festival (2019), is the most striking monument of its time," according to Puneetinder. <div type="image" title="Laxman Temple Sirpur_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192367" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Laxman Temple, Sirpur&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Chitrakote Falls: Around 260 kilometres from the capital Raipur is home to Chhattisgarh's crowning glory, the magnificent Chitrakote Falls. Spanning 300 metres in width, it is the broadest waterfall in India. This horseshoe-shaped fall is at its roaring best just after the rains, but beautiful all year round. <div type="image" title="Chitrakot Waterfall (1)_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192370" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Chitrakot Waterfall &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Stay: You can stay at the Chitrakote Log Hut. A peaceful place to stay, it features some fancy tents and modern cabins (some with fantastic views of the falls). Tribal life in Bastar: While the Bastar region is primarily known for its tumultuous Naxal (far-left communist) activities, the current state government <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/naxal-activities-confined-to-few-pockets-in-chhattisgarh-minister/articleshow/79741172.cms">claims</a> that this has been confined to very few pockets and assures that the problems will soon be done away with altogether. “I got the chance to visit Chhattisgarh around 5-6 times, to cover the annual Bastar Dussehra for around 40 of the 70 days, researching the role of Gurmayis (women priests) for a fellowship and studying the tattoo culture of different tribals in the state,” says Supriya Sehgal, a Mumbai-based travel and children's book author and the co-founder of a digital marketing and production house, The Content Lab. <div type="image" title="Bastar Dussehra.36_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192392" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bastar Dussehra&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Sehgal was fascinated to be privy to centuries-old traditions at such close quarters. “It was more sublime than superlative - meeting the only surviving women priests, interviewing the oldest fully tattooed lady from the <a href="https://www.sahapedia.org/ramnami-community-chhattisgarh">Ramnami community</a>.” Considered untouchables, this community found a rather ingenious way to combat the caste system. Since they were not allowed to enter temples, they tattooed their entire bodies with the name of ‘Nirgun Ram’. <div type="image" title="A Ramnami lady with her &amp;#39;ram-ram&amp;#39; shawl and tattoos" msid="80192418" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A Ramnami lady with her &amp;#39;Ram-Ram&amp;#39; shawl and tattoos&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “Another unforgettable experience was seeing the Bastar Dusherra's animal sacrifices and other traditional practices. I also found a strange palate for ant chutney and mahua at the many haats during my visits.” - Supriya Sehgal. Places to visit within Bastar Danteshwari Temple: Situated in Dantewada town in Bastar District is the ancient Danteshwari Temple. The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where, it is believed, Goddess Sati’s tooth fell. What is a Shakti Peetha? You can read it <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/festivals/story/navratri-durga-puja-51-shakti-peeths-shiva-sati-amarnath-kamakhya-kolkata-kalighat-lifetr-1050105-2017-09-23">here</a>. <div type="image" title="Danteshwari Devi (1)_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192474" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Danteshwari Devi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The presiding deity of Danteshwari is the Kuldevi (family goddess) of Bastar state. This is also where the famous Bastar Dussehra takes place where, every year, thousands of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather to pay homage to the goddess. Her idol is taken out of the Danteshwari temple and then taken around the city in an elaborate procession. <div type="image" title="Bastar Dussehra.24_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192533" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bastar Dussehra&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Rajiv Lochan Mandir: Forty-five-kilometers from Raipur, is a town called Rajim that harbours some fantastic ancient temples, notably the 8th-century Rajiv Lochan Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated on the right bank of Mahanadi, the expansive campus hosts temples to various deities, but the main attraction is the temple dedicated to ‘Rajiv Lochan’ (the one with beautiful eyes) that is Lord Vishnu. It is <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/religion-astro/rajim-shrine-is-like-prayag-of-chhattisgarh-visit-rajiv-lochan-mamdir-here-in-malamas/754362">believed</a> that Lord Ram prayed to Ishta Devata Mahadev and Suryadev here while he was in exile. It is also said that when the world was being created the lotus that came out Lord Vishnu’s navel landed here. The annual Rajim Kumbh also takes place here. Devotees from far and wide come to wash away their sins at the holy confluence of the Mahanadi, Pairi and Sondur Rivers (also called the Triveni Sangam of Chhattisgarh). <div type="image" title="Rajim Kumbh (4) (1)" msid="80192513" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rajim Kumbh &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Getting around: Connectivity within the State is more-or-less limited to roads, but you can easily take an air-conditioned Volvo bus from Raipur to your choice of destination, or better still, hire a cab. The roads are in excellent condition and incredibly scenic.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Travel buffs tell you where to veer off the highway in Chhattisgarh to find some lesser-known gems

It is that time of the year when everyone’s planning their holidays if they aren’t already on one. Booking.com curated a list of all the festivals where people can enjoy unique experiences be it classical folk dance, art camp to hot air balloon rides or a crash course on ancient tribal lives. Here’s a list of all the festivals Feast of Francis Xavier, Goa <div type="image" title="St. Francis Xavier&amp;#39;s Church" msid="72490439" hostid="261"></div>

 Goa hosts one of the biggest Christian festivals called the Feast of St Francis Xavier in the first week of December every year. It honours the memory of the saint on the date he died. For nine days, Goans from all over the state participate in the festivities and events. The Church services begin at 4 am and thousands of people come together at the Basilica of Bom Jesus to participate in the mass and enjoy the local delicacies and music afterwards. Galdan Namchot, Ladakh <div type="image" title="Galdam Namchot" msid="72490420" hostid="261"></div>

 The Galdan Namchot festival in Ladakh commemorates the day of Buddhahood of a Tibetan saint-scholar, Tsongkhapa. It is celebrated on the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. In 2019, the festival will begin on 21 December. During the festival, Ladakh glitters as monasteries, public and residential buildings are lit up beautifully. Ladakhis begin to celebrate the New Year with this festival which continues till the Dosmoche festival in February. So pack your winter clothes and get ready to relish traditional dishes such as vegetable and chicken noodle soup or thupkas. Hornbill Festival Kohima, Nagaland <div type="image" title="550da9e3159856bba8735155b022d2cd" msid="72490473" hostid="261"></div>

 Hornbill Festival is celebrated from December 1st - 10th every year in Kohima, Nagaland to promote the richness of Naga culture. People can explore tribals life by living in tribal huts. The dated lifestyle is dated includes using drums and gongs and wearing costumes and wooden carvings. Hot air balloon festival in Hampi, Mysore and Bidar <div type="image" title="photo-1549740425-5e9ed4d8cd34" msid="72490492" hostid="261"></div>

 Karnataka hosts one of the most exciting Hot air balloon festival in December. People can attend the festival at three places in Karnataka simultaneously – Bidar and Mysore, as well as the historically significant village of Hampi. Usually, adventurers paraglide in Bidar or bungee jump in Mysore or zipline in the rich ruins of Hampi, and other palaces of Mysore. To add to the fun, every participant of the balloon rides, is given free insurance. Sunburn Festival, Goa <div type="image" title="Sunburn festival stage" msid="72490459" hostid="261"></div>

 If you want to dance through the New Year, then Asia’s biggest electronic dance music festival, the Sunburn Music Festival might be the place for you. Held at Vagator beach in Goa, the Sunburn Festival is a three-day experience of amazing music and unmissable lineup with DJ Snake, Chainsmokers and Martin Garrix this year. It will take place from 27th - 29th of December. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

From Sunburn Music Festival to Hot Air Balloon Festival -- here are all the places where you can live it up in December

<ul><li>One in every 10 Indian travellers say that they seek an adrenaline rush. </li><li> As adventure sports are turning popular, Booking.com reveals the top 5 places where people can go paragliding, skydiving, and others. </li><li>Here are the top 5 places around the world for adrenaline junkies</li></ul>One in every 10 Indian travellers say that they seek an adrenaline rush. As adventure sports are turning popular, Booking.com reveals the top 5 places where people can go paragliding, skydiving, and others. Here are the top 5 destinations: Kalimpong, India 
	
 


 
	
 
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 Kalimpong, a Himalayan hill town set in West Bengal, is ranked as one of the top paragliding top destinations by Booking.com travelers. It has many hotspots for paragliding and hang gliding including Deolo Park with its green landscapes and a view of the town and hills. It is also known for Dhok Palri Phodang, a Tibetan Buddhist temple located at the top of Durpin Hill. Boituva, Brazil 
	
 


 
	
 
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 Boituva with dramatic green landscape in São Paulo - is a popular destination for skydiving. And it has a lot more to offer than adventure sports — like watching the birds in flight at the Parque Ecologico Eugenio Walter. It is home to a vast array of birds such as peacocks, swans and Macaws. Mulwala, Australia 
	
 
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Mulwala is located in New South Wales, Australia. The area is best known for water skiing, wakeboarding and canoeing along the Murray River. The town also has a Water Ski Club that provides travelers with a vast array of aquatic fun. Birgi Vecchi, Italy 
	
 
	
 
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Located in the province of Trapani, Birgi Vecchi is popular for kitesurfing. The winds in the move from three directions, North, Northwest and South, creating the perfect conditions to kitesurf. Birgi Vecchi has a variety of kitesurfing schools which aid those who are novices. It also has Lo Stagnone, the ‘Kitesurfing Gym’, a place where travelers can safely practice whilst exploring the waters. San Pedro, Belize 
	
 


 
	
 
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 San Pedro, a town in the southern part of Ambergris Caye, has a vast array of water sports-- scuba diving, snorkeling and dive sites. Its home to exotic sea life and the Great Blue Hole, a marine sinkhole which is (400 feet deep. Its bustling marine life includes various species of sharks-- like Nurse Sharks, Bull Sharks and Hammerhead. Travelers can go for a whale diving trip. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

The top 5 destinations you can visit for paragliding, skydiving, kitesurfing and other adventure sports

Travel means different things to different people. A short flight followed by a taxi transfer to a stylish resort with an inviting pool satisfies many people’s needs. But for those with time to spare and incurable wanderlust, there are plenty of exotic, hard-to-reach destinations that involve a lot more plan­ning than does a long weekend in Phuket. Mobile phone signals aren’t guaranteed in the following places but travel bragging rights definitely are. These destinations even come with their own superlatives. Even in a list of desolate destinations, Pitcairn Island wins by some distance. Best known as the 18th century hiding place of mutineers from the British ship HMS Bounty, no inhabited island is further from a mainland. The British Overseas Territory is barely more accessible today than it was in 1790. Anyone planning to visit from Hong Kong would need to fly to Tokyo for a connection to Papeete, in Tahiti, from where there are two four-hour flights a week to Mangareva, in the Gambier Islands. It’s then a 32-hour trip to Pitcairn aboard a supply boat that departs only every three months. A few years ago, officials launched a campaign to encourage people to join the isolated community. Only one person applied. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1EQzQc_Xn7outonbToSHEMhBrGBXSFi2x" height="480" width="100%"></iframe> The world’s coldest permanently settled area, Oymyakon shivers in the Siberian permafrost a two-day drive across the Russian tundra from the nearest airport. Winter in the gold mining town is so frigid that drivers leave their car engines running all day to keep them from seizing up. Students are expected to attend classes unless the mercury falls below minus 52 degrees Celsius (-61.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and newly arrived visitors are reminded that saliva freezes in open mouths, glasses stick to faces and batteries last only a few minutes. Few crops survive in temperatures that can plummet to a bone-chilling minus 70 degrees and locals make do with reindeer meat, raw flesh shaved from frozen fish and ice cubes of horse blood with macaroni. Based on a year-round average temperature of 34.5 degrees Celsius (94.1 degrees Fahrenheit), the Danakil Depression is the hottest place on Earth. The inhospitable desert in northern Ethiopia is also one of the lowest points on the planet, at 125 metres below sea level. Visitors need to tread carefully – the surreal landscape is littered with sulphur springs, geysers, acidic pools, huge salt pans, volcanoes and multicoloured mineral lakes. Amazingly, there is human activity at the “gateway to hell”. More than 700 officially registered salt miners toil in the furnace-like conditions for about US$7 per day. Located in the Bay of Bengal, more than 1,300km (807 miles) off the east coast of India, the Andaman Islands are the peaks of a submerged mountain range. The tropical archipelago boasts pristine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of wildlife. Of the 572 islands, only about 30 are inhabited, one of which is regarded as the most difficult place to set foot on as it’s home to the world’s most isolated tribe. North Sentinel Island gained notoriety last year when an American tourist was killed by bow and arrow-wielding Sentinelese warriors, having ignored warnings from fisherman not to go ashore. An out-of-the-way settlement in a hard-to-reach country, Ittoqqortoormiit is the remotest inhabited community in the western hemisphere. Weekly flights to this distant corner of Greenland require an onward helicopter transfer to the village, although for a month or two in summer, cruise ships are able to negotiate the ice­berg-infested waters. The 450 inhabitants rely on fishing and hunting (including an annual quota of 35 polar bears) for survival and let off steam by dog sledding and snowmobile camping trips along the banks of Scoresby Sund. The world’s longest fjord serves as a gateway to Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest. The luxury resorts of the Maldives are easy enough to reach, usually with a sea­plane or speedboat transfer after a long-haul flight. For something more quirky, book a flight to Gan. From 1941 to 1976, the southernmost island in the archi­pelago served as a British Navy and Royal Air Force base. Much of the military infra­structure remains, including the air­field, parade ground, a mildewing art deco cinema and rows of low-rise garrison build­ings. The British also built a causeway linking Gan to three neighbouring islands – the resulting 18km (11-mile) road is the longest in the Maldives. The beguiling beauty of Wadi Rum feels older than time. For centuries only nomadic Bedouins were able to survive in the inhospitable desert, situated in the far south of Jordan, the safest country in the Middle East. Then along came charismatic British officer T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia), who led an Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire from Wadi Rum during the first world war. His description of the other­worldly desert formations and empty landscape as “vast, echoing and God-like” is as accurate today as it was a century ago. <img src="https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/methode/2019/10/16/e7f94fbe-ebf2-11e9-9e8e-4022fb9638c4_972x_223027.JPG" class="wrapper__img preview-img-item img--landscape" /> Gan, in the Maldives. Photo: Tim Pile The most remote inhabited archipelago in the world, volcanic Tristan da Cunha lies 2,432km (1,511 miles) west of Cape Town. Another British Overseas Territory, the main island is home to 246 residents with nine different surnames. About 400km (249 miles) south and unin­habit­ed except for six weather station personnel, Gough Island is possib­ly the world’s least accessible world heritage site. Appropriately enough, it shares the Unesco designation with Inaccessible Island, 30km (19 miles) southwest of Tristan. The only way of reaching this far-flung South Atlantic bolt-hole is by ship from Cape Town – a seven-day sailing that operates nine times a year. More than six million tourists visited Grand Canyon National Park in 2018 but hidden away in the craggy sandstone formations lies the only village inside the canyon. Supai is the capital of the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the “people of the blue-green water” inhabit what has been described as the most remote community in the lower 48 states. Despite being just 13km (8 miles) from the nearest road, the only way to reach the settlement and stunning turquoise waterfalls is by helicopter, mule or on foot. Located 480km (298 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, Utqiagvik, Alaska, is the northern­most town in the United States. When the sun sets in mid-November, it doesn’t rise again for 65 days. There are no roads in or out, so the Iñupiaq Eskimo settlement is accessible only by plane from Anchorage, or barge during the brief summer months. Locals still hunt and fish, but that’s partly because supermarket prices are among the highest in the world. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

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