Cliff jumping is a milder version of this adventure sport. Get ready for some adrenaline pumping action as you climb up a cliff and ready yourself to jump off. Generally, the sport involves jumping from a 30-40 ft high cliff. The sport will let you know your bodily strength. 

Depending upon the physical abilities, you can also grow your cliff jumping abilities. For some, it is just an adventure sport. For others, it's a hobby. So, it is both fun and adventure.

How it works

When you jump from a cliff, you go into free fall and gravity is the only force acting on your body. You encounter no resistance from friction with the ground as you would when running or skiing, and you suffer negligible air resistance. But gravity is a powerful force. 

As you fall, it pulls you toward the earth, or in the case of cliff diving, toward the water, at a speed of 32 feet per second per second (9.8 meters per second per second). Because time is a factor in this formula, the longer you fall through space, the faster you go. Free fall acceleration dictates that every second of your descent has an increased velocity over the second before it.

India Destinations

Rishikesh is very famous for “cliff jumping”. The exciting adventure sport took birth on the Hawaiian Island of Lana in 1770. From then on, the sport has traveled far and wide. In actual terms, cliff jumping is a milder version of base jumping.

Instructions

With the increase in height of the jumping platform, the entering speed also increases. For example, if you take the plunge from a height of 70 feet above the surface of water, you are going to fall with a speed of 46 metre/ hour. Women need to consult the cliff jumping instructors and select the jump

 

ing platform carefully. Gear up appropriately with a life jacket and a helmet before you take jump off the cliff. Rishikesh offers some of the most scenic locations to indulge in the sport. If you are planning to try radical moves, you must evaluate your skills.

Importance

Winter in India fascinates and it is good news for the adventure sports lovers. When there is winter, there is a snow fall in the Himalayan regions of Kashmir, Himachal and Ladakh and this makes these spots the hubs of skiing adventure.

Popular Destinations

Jammu and Kashmir : Gulmarg, cable car present ,Pahalgam

Himachal Pradesh : Manali, heli-skiing offered in Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass, Kufri, Narkanda, Solang Valley (Ropeway present), Chamba, Shoja, Triund

Uttarakhand : Auli, ropeway from Joshimath, Munsiyari, Dayara Bugyal, near Uttarkashi

Mundali, in Garhwal district

Sikkim : Lachung, Yumthang

Arunachal Pradesh : Tawang

Safety

Female travellers, especially if alone, may receive unwanted attention from men. The harassment can be very intimidating, and it is advised that women should avoid walking alone in deserted areas where possible. On the houseboats in Kashmir there have been some incidents of single women being harassed by houseboat employees.

Health Tips

Try to avoid dogs and monkeys around the village and at Monkey Hill at Gulmarg, and definitely try not to get bitten. Occasionally snow leopards have been known to attack humans, so to escape, you might want to be able to ski or board really fast. Of course there’s also the very occasional “cougar” attack!Clothing Tips

The temperatures in Gulmarg are not super cold, so you probably won’t need to pack face protection. Not having to travel on cold chairlifts is also a bonus.

Suits

Helmet, Skis , Boots, Boot Fairings, Poles, Gloves, Wax, Ski Tuning Equipment, Back Protection

Skiing Guidelines

Calculate and decide upon the number of days to be spent in accordance with your budget and the climate.

- Consider the length of the run with your physical fitness

- Schedule the runs as are comfortable to you.

- Be appropriately dressed to accommodate the extreme weather conditions, you must take along with you enough warm clothing, dark glasses and heavy boots.

- Get the medical fitness test done before hand

- Meticulously plan the holiday with ample time for altitude acclimatization.

- With each stage of altitude increase prepare yourself gradually and never hurriedly.

- Carry the necessary medicines

- Learn how to handle the skiing equipment

- Learn how to deal with High-altitude sickness or high-altitude madness

- Protect yourself from snow blindness, frostbiting, and sun burning during the expedition.

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Introduction

Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India

Location

Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km. Together with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole National Park in the North, it creates the India's biggest biosphere reserve popularly known as the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve'. The Bandipur National Park occupies a special place in India's efforts towards Eco-conservation.

Common reserved Species

Bandipur also has a sizable number of Tigers. Other natural inhabitants of this lovely forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.

Tiger Reserve

Bandipur wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1973 and it was one of the 15 tiger reserves in the country. The park is an extension of the Venugopal Wildlife Park, which was established by the Maharajas of Mysore in 1931.

Nearby Attractions

There are numerous connected tourist destinations around Bandipur National Park that one can visit. Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is just 19 kilometres from the park. One can also visit Mysore, which is 80 kilometres away. The tourist places to tour include Gopalaswamy Hills, which is about 20 kilometers from Bandipur and Ooty, which is most most favoured hill station in Southern Of India is just about 79 kilometers away.

Travel Tips

During summer, light cotton clothing and during winter light woollen garments are essential. If you are touring park in the rainy season, raincoats are a must.

Best Time

Bandipur has moderate climate all through the year but the best season is from October to May.

How to reachThe nearest airport to the park is Mysore, 80 kilometres away. The nearest railhead is Nanjangud, which is 55 kilometres away. By road you can take Mysore-Ooty Highway, as most buses plying between Mysore and Ooty stop at Bandipur.

Location

Perched at an altitude of 45 metres above sea level, the city is located in the eastern coastal plains of Odisha and to the south-west of River Mahanadi.

Specialty

Bhubaneswar means Lord of the Universe and is known for its architecture and temples.

Attractions

Ekamra Utsav - the temple city festival is celebrated to showcase the blend of tradition and modernity of the city. Ekamra utsav is a 10 day long festival in the month of January, which features Mukteshwar Dance Festival, Food Festival, Rajarani Music Festival, National Handloom and Handi Crafts Mela, Kalinga Mahotsav, an annual event of Martial arts held on Dhauli hills on the bank of River Daya and a Mini Marathon that adds spice to the utsav.

Orissa State Museum : Exhibiting a rich and invaluable collection of archaeological objects, art and craft objects, natural history objects, Bronze Age tools and stone sculptures, Orissa State Museum offers a memorable visit for nay of its visitors.

Tribal Museum: Tribal Museum in Bhubaneswar is a much sought place by enthusiast tourists with interest in tribal life styles and cultures. Tribal Museum, located in the back side of the Jagannath Temple at Koraput in Orissa, showcases a good collection of stone sculptures, metal objects and images, wooden objects

Bindu Sarovara : Bindu Sagar, also known as the Bindu Sarovara and Ocean Drop (Bindu means drop) Tank, is considered as a very sacred located near the famous temples in Bhubaneswar.

Nandankanan Zoo : Nandankanan Zoo, located in the midst of greenish environment of Chandaka Forest, has credited with some rare species of animals. Nandankanan is composed of a botanical Garden, a sanctuary and a zoo and is in the shore of picturesque Kanjia Lake.Best Time to Visit

Bhubaneswar offers tropical savanna climate with much temperature variation between the seasons. The best time to visit the city is from October and March.

How to reach

Bhubaneswar railway station is about 6 km away from the city center. This railhead is well-connected to the metro cities and also to the cities Delhi (Bbs Duronto Exp), Kolkata (Falaknuma Exp), Hyderabad (Konark Express), Chennai (Coromandal Exp), Mumbai (Puri Ltt Sf Exp) and Bangalore (Bbs Ypr Sup Exp).

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar are a group of 572 picturesque islands in the south eastern part of the Bay of Bengal. The islands may be described as a veritable Garden of Eden and a naturalist heaven.

 

Attractions

The uniqueness of the islands lies in its beautiful silvery beaches, marine life flourishing with rare species of plants, animals and corals, serpentine mangrove-lines creeks and the tropical evergreen rain forests. Nature lovers can enjoy adventure trekking, water sports, island camping, scuba diving and nature trail amidst the varied landscape of the region. Viper Island, Mount Harriet, Smith Islands, Neil Islands, Corbyn's Cove are among the favourite tourist locations.

2. Munroe Islands

Munroe consists of a cluster of eight small islands located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kollam district of Kerala.

Attractions

While staying at Munroe you can watch coir retting process, coir weaving, fishing and prawns feeding. One can also go for a migratory bird watch, and enjoy narrow canals and waterways, lagoons, coconut farms on the lake shore, Kandal plants and the beautiful tiny islands of Pathupara.

3. Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands covering an area of 32 Sq. Kilometers and surrounded by 4200 sq. Kilometers of lagoon in the Arabian Sea

AttractionsThe island is endowed with the beauty of sandy beaches and coral reef which are a delightful treat to the eyes of a naturalist.There are many varieties of living corals, sea urchins, sea weeds, sea birds, eels, swordfish, octopus and numerous types of trigger fish which will be a source of delight for any tourist. The Marine Museum is also a major attraction here.

4. Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram Island is located between peninsular India and Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar. It is basically a pilgrimage centre and a corridor of faith.Attractions

Among the highlights of Rameshwaram are Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Jada Theertham and Viloondi Theertham.

5. Cochin Island

Cochin has always been one of the striking destinations of India. The tourists are not supposed to be missing the islands, the backwaters, monuments and rich heritage of this truly delightful destination.

Attractions

A little away from the Kochi Marine Drive is the Bolgatty Island Resort. It is adjacent to the Bolgatty Palace and is considered as honeymooners' paradise.The nine-hole golf course around the resort provides an avenue for a game.Cherai is another wonderful place to visit and is located on Vipin Island which forms a part of the Cochin city

6. Islands of the Cauvery River

The Cauvery River leaves the Kodagu hills and flows onto the Deccan plateau, forming three islands, Srirangapatnam, Shivanasamudram and Nisargadhama.Attractions

Srirangapatnam is located in Mandya District of Karnataka near Mysore. Shivasamudram, an island town is also located in Mandya district. There are many benches provided at the watch tower at the spot and you can take delight on the scenic beauty of the falls. Nisargadhama is a beautiful island formed by the Cauvery River in the plains and is about two kilometers from Kushalnagar in Coorg district. The island has a sprawling 64-acre nature resort with a deer park, orchidarium and elephant and boat rides. The sandy beds of the river are also a good picnic spot.

7. Chorao

Chorao is a beautiful island on Mandovi River. The island is around five kilometers from Panaji and is one of the largest islands in Goa. There is a thick mangrove hedge covering a part of the island giving it a mystical look.

Attractions

The Church of St Bartholemew and the Church of Our Lady of Grace are the two churches that grab maximum tourist attention here. The place is also famous for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctury which houses a wide variety of birds.

8. Elephanta Island

Elephanta Island is one among the islands in Mumbai harbour. It is an important tourist destination for a single day trip and is well known for its cave temples that have been carved from rocks.

Attractions

The trip to the island is a journey back to the times when mysticism and art reigned supreme and the task of carving out statues and caves from monoliths was a blessing, and is a testimony to the skills of our ancestors.

9. Diu Island

Diu is one of the calmest islands of India. It forms a part of the union territory of Daman and Diu in the Western coast of India beside Gujarat.

Attractions

Diu is famous for its sunny beaches and breathtaking sunsets.The seashell museum, bird watch tower, Diu fort and the caves of Nayda are the main attractions of Diu. Among other places of interest in Diu are the Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, St.Paul's Church, INS Khukri Memorial and Fortim-do-mar.

10. Majuli IslandMajuli is an island located on Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. It is the largest mid river deltaic island in the world.

Attractions

Extinct species of various migratory birds are found in Majuli which creates an environment of bird sanctuary.Garamur Satra, Auniati Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Bengenaati Satra, and Samaguri Satra are major tourist attractions of this place.

This is a new venture from Gavi Forest Department for travellers to visit and see the

picteresque beauty of Gavi in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala. This offer started from

May 31st.

Location

Gavi is a village in Pathanamthitta district,Kerala, India. It is located 28 km southwest of Vandiperiyar, a town in Idukki on N.H 220, the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai.

Relevance

Gavi Eco-Tourism a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation has caught the attention of tourists, mostly from European countries. The project is exclusive in many respects and the majority who visited was nature lovers and adventure tourists. Over a short period of time visitors to Gavi gradually increased, especially after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India.

Other nearby Attractions

En route to Gavi are places of interest like Mundakayyam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar from where the road deviates to Gavi.Some of the breathtaking viewpoints at Gavi like the Valley View offer spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest below. From Kochu Pampa, a point near Green Mansion eco-lodge one can track the grazing Nilgiri Tahrs.

The famous pilgrim destination, Sabarimala is a short trek from Gavi. For those interested in observing the nocturnal wildlife, night safaris to Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Flora and Fauna

The place is rich in flora and fauna. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers.

Things To do

• Trekking.
• Wildlife watching.
• Bird Watching.
• Stay at top tree huts.
• Outdoor camping in forest around.
• Safaris through jungle roads.

• Visit to paradise cove at Ninnumulli.
• Boating in the Gavi& kochupampa lakes.
• Leisurely walks through spice gardens.

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• Visit to cardamom factory.
• Climb to Sabarimala Temple View.

Unique Feature

Another unique feature of Gavi is camping in the forests. One can pitch a tent in the camping site, which is a rarity in many Indian forests. As the dusk stretches into the silence of the night, one can feel the presence of wildlife in the middle of nowhere, an experience that cannot be explained in words. There are also tree top houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the fullest.

Getting there

Gavi is located about 28 km from Vandiperiyar, which is 18 km from Thekkady.

Contact Address

Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Eco-Tourism Project Periyar.

For more details please contact

Tourist Information Office
Department of Tourism, Thekkady
Phone: +91 4869 222620

Introduction

India desert safari package is one of the most popular tour packages amongst domestic as well as international tourists.

Forms of Desert Safari

Desert safari in India can take many forms, like camel safari, elephant safari, horse safari, jeep safari, etc. However, the best amongst these is the camel safari that takes you to the deepest cores of the desert.

Popular Destinations

Safaris to the three cities in the desert triangle of Rajasthan are also quite popular destinations with the tourists on their Rajasthan Desert Safaris. The three cities of Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, set on the edges of the Thar Desert, are perfect places for sightseeing and relishing a distinct landscape that no other place in India can afford.

Attractions

Especially popular tourist attractions on your Rajasthan Desert Safari - besides the forts, palaces, lakes, gardens and temples - are the sand dunes at Sam, just 42 km of Jaisalmer. In this part of the Thar Desert, wind seldom stops to rest. The sand dunes drift in the direction of the wind, forming new shapes and patterns only to be remolded few minutes later by the changing winds

Camel Safari

The most popular place for camel safaris in India is in the desert surrounding Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan. Great camel safaris can also be done around Bikaner, also in Rajasthan.Cost

The price of camel safaris varies according to the standard of food and comfort provided. The average price is around 650 rupees ($15) per day, including meals.

Jeep Safari

One of the most enjoyable and comfortable way to explore the royal land of Rajasthan, Jeep Safari is another option to enjoy the breathtaking countryside view. A wonderful activity on an open landscape of Thar Desert, Jeep Safari offers an excellent opportunity to explore the beautiful, calm and colourful land of Rajasthan. It attracts number of tourists every year to enjoy the most adventurous sport available in the region. With a blend of fun and excitement, Jeep Safari in Thar Desert of Rajasthan covers some of the most magnificent destinations of Rajasthan.

Best Time

The best time is during the cooler dry months, from September to March. After March, the desert becomes unbearably hot, and then the monsoon season starts.

What you need to knowJeep safaris are usually planned for a minimum of 4 people and are customised. A guide is provided during the entire trip. Camps are chosen with care so that your desert holiday experience is complete. Often the jeep driver is himself the guide. If the trip extends beyond a day, accommodation is provided in tented camps. The jeep, food and equipment are all part of the package cost. Most jeep safari operators route journeys through the desert in such a manner that you are close to the villages and get to visit hamlets where you can see traditional craftsmen at work.

Things You Should Carry

Due to the extreme climate of the desert, it is important to have plenty of drinking water with you to avoid dehydration, sun screen lotion, good quality sunglasses and a first aid kit. Most important is your clothing, because of the hot and dry climate, it is advisable to wear loose & light cotton cloth and shoes to protect your feet.

Mural paintings are exclusive frescos drawn on the walls of temples and churches in South India, mainly in Kerala. The themes of the paintings are basically absorbed from mythology and legends. 

These paintings can be caught in the churches, palaces, and temples built between the 9th to 12th centuries AD when this art form was rich with royal support. The antique art form Kalamezhuthu is the foundation of this painting. A significant attribute of this art form is that it is with regard to the principles of the Shilparatna, which is an imperative text reciting the diverse techniques on Indian paintings.

A short History

The folklore of painting on walls initiated in Kerala with the pre-historic rock paintings discovered in the Anjanad Valley of Idukki district. Archaeologists assume that these paintings were created in diverse periods from the upper Paleolithic epoch to the early historic stage. Rock engravings indicating the Mesolithic period have also been found in two regions of Kerala, at Edakkal in Wayanad and at Perimkadavila in Thiruvananthapuram district. 

 

The ancestry of the present mural tradition of Kerala could be tracked as far back as the 7th and 8th century AD. Kerala murals together with its architecture have a great influence on the Pallava art. The themes for murals were accessed from religious texts. Palace and temple murals were rich with extremely stylized pictures of gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.

Popular Mural Paintings of Kerala

The masterworks of mural paintings in temples include
• Shiva Temple in Ettumanoor
• Vadakkumantha kshetram
• Thirunadhikkara Cave Temple
• Tiruvanchikulam
• Trikodithanam
• Ettumanur
• Vaikom
• Udayanapuram
• Triprangode
• Guruvayoor
• Vadakkunathan
• Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple
The most impressive mural paintings in churches comprise
• St. George Syrian Orthodox Church
• Virgin Mary paintings in Edappalli and Vechur Churches
• Orthodex Syrian churches at Cheppad at Malanthuruthi
• Battle paintings in Kanyur church
Some of the renowned mural paintings in palaces consist of
• Ramayana murals of Mattancherry Palace
• Krishnapuram Palace
• Padmanabhapuram Palace

Principles of Mural Paintings

Normally, frescoes were painted on the exterior of walls of granite or laterite subsequent to their suitable preparation. The wall, theoretically referred to as the carter, was first provided a bumpy plaster coating, with a blend of sand and lime. The second coating which is smoother gets applied on the first. These two layers are together related as the ground. A combination of resin and lime solution was used as the blending means for dyes. Here, the murals are painted once the prepared wall gets dried up completely.

Kerala Murals- Perspectives

The colours chosen by the artists had a straight bearing on the characters depicted. In relation with the ancient texts, there are three broad qualities consigned to superhuman, human, and sub-human beings, viz. Satva (the noblest), Rajas (the active and middle principle) and Tamas (the dark and destructive principle) respectively.

To characterize Satvic quality, green and shades of green were chosen. Characters of the Rajasic eminence were portrayed in colours of red or golden, and the Tamasic nature of the gods were signified in white, whereas demons and demonesses were characterized by black.

Kerala Mural Paintings- New Generation

The new generation artists make use of natural pigments and vegetable colours similar to traditional style mural art. Mural art is trained at the Sree Sankara Sanskrit College in Kalady and at a mural art school allied with the Guruvayoor temple. The human and heavenly forms are depicted in a stylized form now. 

Painted lips, elongated eyes, and finely drawn eyebrows are the features of these paintings. Hand gestures are portrayed with running curves in addition to impressive ornamentation. Pictures of animals and birds are also part of the painting. Traditional paintings were solely created on walls but today any surface similar to paper, cardboard, plywood, canvas, and teracotta are used for murals.
Kerala Mural Paintings- Future Scope

The real picture of mural paintings is taking a new phase in the current era. Apart from the mural paintings seen on divine temples, churches and palaces, it is being exposed in diverse platforms. 

Considering it as interesting art form, it is being used in decorating items and ladies are interested in sarees worked out in mural paintings. Several camps are being held at various places conveying the ideas and importance of mural painting which includes training sessions, as well. A major part of the new generation artists are finding this as their livelihood and they sell epic oriented mural paintings in charts as well as in jewellery and exhibits.  

Location

Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat. 30 minutes, journey from Ernakulam.

Specialty

The lovely beach bordering the Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. The sea on the Western side and the backwaters on the East give this upcoming tourist destination a uniqueness which can be found only in Kerala. Thick coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.

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Cherai Beach nearby Places to Visit

Pallipuram Fort : Pallippuram Fort is a fort in Ernakulam district of Kerala, south India. It was built by the Portuguese in 1503 and is the oldest existing European fort in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen island. This fort is in a hexagonal shape and popularly known as ayikkotta or Alikotta.

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Koratty : Koratty is a census town in Thrissur District in the Indian state of Kerala.Koratty is also famous for its industrial units. Vaigai Thread Processors Ltd. (formerly J&P Coats, Jamuna Threads & Madura Coats and Coats Viella (I) Ltd. etc.). Another major industry is in Public Sector under the control of Government of India - Government of India Press, Koratty (GIPK). It is the one and only Indian Government controlled press in Kerala

 

Muziris Heritage Site : Muziris Heritage Site is an outstanding example of buildings and archaeological sites and landscape, which illustrates a significant stage in the human history of Kerala. This historic region bears an exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition; of which monumental structures also occupy a significant place.

Best Season / Best time to visit Kochi

The climate of Kochi remains hot and humid for most of the year. The best time to visit the place is from October to March.How to Reach

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam Junction, about one km from the main boat jetty.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.

Glamorous camping, or glamping is one of the latest travel trends that's really catching on. India has much to offer happy glampers as luxury tented camps are being set up all over the country -- in the desert, in the mountains, on farms, and at the beach

Features

At properties offering more upscale glamping, the tents may have rugs, certainly an ensuite bathroom and often a heating and cooling system. Truly luxurious glamping experiences set you in tents, which have beds with fine-quality sheets and down-filled duvets and perhaps handmade furniture, including a couch, that reflects the region you're visiting. The bathroom may have an indoor/outdoor shower and heated floors. You may even get butler service.

Origin

The origins of luxury camping harks back to colonial Africa and India when rich Europeans came to the untamed continent along with all the luxuries of home. The Camp Kerala tents were actually made by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. They are based on the design of the tents which he uses and his ancestors used for their hunting trips. Today, these glamorous yet unusual types of accommodation are being seen as ‘the hip hotels of campin

Best Places

Jaisalmer : Jaisalmer offers numerous opportunities to go glamping in the desert. The majority of tented camps are located close to the Sam Sand Dunes, where people flock to go on a camel ride into the sunset. However, if you want to indulge yourself, The Serai is what really makes camping glamorous!

Bundi : If you're a nature lover, and in particular a bird watcher, you'll be delighted by Ummaid Bagh. Located a couple of kilometers from Bundi in Rajasthan, it has 15 air conditioned luxurytents on a living farm owned by Maharaja Rajendra Singhji of Dugari.

Pushkar : One of the best places to stay in Pushkar, Rajasthan, Orchard Tents & Tranquility gets its name from the orchards on the property. There are 11 new and spacious luxury tents with air conditioning, separate bedrooms, living and dressing areas, and verandahs. An organic vegetable garden, hammocks, and a badminton court were recently added. To complete the experience, a free camel cart service will take you into Pushkar

Ranthambore National Park : Ranthambore National Park offers plenty of fabulous opportunities for glamping. The most opulent of these is The Oberoi Vanyavilas. It's been voted the best hotel in the world and consistently wins awards. There are 25 tents with polished hardwood floors, four-poster beds, and freestanding bathtubs

Goa: Fancy glamping on the beach? If so, Goa's the place! Marbela Beach Resort, on Morjim beach, sets the standard. This ultra-stylish resort has 12 extremely chic luxury tents, as well as a spa and fashion boutique on the premises. Not far away, Otter Creek Tents offers three luxury tents along side a picturesque creek near the beach.Wayanad, Kerala : For a really intimate glamping getaway amongst nature, head to Grassroots in the lush Wayanad district of Kerala. There are only five luxury tents on the property. They're set on a three acre coffee, areca nut and pepper plantation, overlooking the area's renowned tea plantations. The surrounding mountains and stream add to the relaxing ambiance. Activities such as hiking, rafting and Ayurvedic treatments can be arranged.

Punjab: Punjab provides the interesting opportunity to get a taste of rural village life by going glamping on a farm. Citrus County and Prakriti Farms are two of the biggest success stories where farm stays in Punjab are concerned. Citrus County, located in the Hoshiarpur district, has four rooms and nine luxury tents. It's been really well developed and includes a swimming pool, cafe, and bar. Prakriti Farms is located around an hour from Chandigarh

Kanha National Park: Similar to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh has plenty of resorts with luxury tents that are perfect for glamping. Shergarh Tented Camp has just six luxury tents located adjacent to the Mukki entrance of the park. Banjar Tola Kanha Tented Camp is a Taj safari property with 18 luxury tented suites, all having wide glass doors that open onto private decks overlooking a river

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: If you really want to get away from it all, The Binsar Retreat is located at an altitude of 7,600 feet in the heart of pristine wilderness, in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary near Almora in Uttarakhand. You'd be right in thinking it may be difficult to get to. It's a 10 hour drive from Delhi, or overnight train journey plus a three hour drive. There's no electricity there, apart from solar power.

Ladakh: High altitude Ladakh is a spectacular glamping destination. Double Humped Camp, inthe Nubra Valley around four hours from Leh, is a new alpine desert camp that offers camel safaris. The Pangong Retreat Camp has 20 luxury tents set in the middle of Pangong Lake in Maan Village. Recommended Camp Redstart has Pangong Lake views as well. The Ladakh Sarai is something a bit different. Just 10 minutes drive from Leh, it offers a tribe of 14 yurt-style accommodations in a beautiful grove of willow, poplar, apricot and apple trees.

Recently, a global trend has caught fire that offers outdoor enthusiasts an upgrade on rest and recreation. It’s called glamping, a new word for a new kind of travel, defined as glamorous camping. When you’re glamping, there’s no tent to pitch, no sleeping bag to unroll, no fire to build. Whether in a tent, yurt, airstream, hut, villa or treehouse, glamping is a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury.