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Adventure Tourism in India:
                                                                 From Western Ghats to the Himalayas

                                                                          Samruddhi Sayaji Bhosale, PGDM II














            Introduction
            India is fast emerging as one of the hottest adventure
            tourist destinations in the world because of its unmatched
            geographical diversity.
            The country has much more to  offer—ranging from
            snow-capped peaks in the north to the lush green forests
            in the Western Ghats.
            Adventure tourism is open to every kind of tourist, from
            the  amateur  who  wants  a  feel for  the great  outdoor
            experience to the more experienced and thrill-seeking   The tallest peak in Karnataka,
            adventurer.  The emerging industry does,  therefore,   Mullayanagiri, offers magnificent views
            add  a  fresh dimension to  the tourism business from   and challenging terrain.
            India. This form of tourism further boosts the economy,   This beautiful rainforest area of Agumbe
            especially in remote areas that offer very few employment   sometimes called the Cherrapunji of the south
            opportunities. Adventure tourism contributes to revenue   is famous  for  its waterfalls and  mist-covered
            generation and business promotion, leading to overall   slopes.
            development in the region and attracting domestic as   Sahyadri range in Maharashtra  has in store an
            well as international tourists. This is also commensurate   umpteen number of ancient forts that have been turned
            with global  trends focusing on experiential  travel and   into the most sought-after treks in the region. One can
            sustainable tourism  whereby the visitors  connect  at a   avail oneself of some of the most famous spots tenders
            deeper level with the environment and local culture.   a Rajmachi Fort and Harishchandragad, coupled with
            The Western Ghats, an already  registered UNESCO      history, adventure, and scenic beauty.
            World Heritage site, provide a different but  equally
            exciting adventure  experience. The ancient mountain
            range,  rich in biodiversity,  having dense forests and   Water Sports and Activities
            rolling hills, runs parallel to the Western coast of India.  Many rivers of the Western Ghats are ideal for white-water
                                                                  rafting. The best places for this heart-pounding activity
            Hiking and Trekking                                   are Dandeli  in  Karnataka and Kolad in  Maharashtra.
            The Western Ghats hold some of the country’s finest   With options in  the  Western Ghats,  there’s kayaking,
            picturesque trekking trails that offer trekkers the chance   rappelling, and waterfall trekking, which helps tourists
            to  pursue  the beauty  of  India’s undulating  hills and   explore the deep jungles of the unexplored treasures of
            tropical forest. The most popular spots for trekking are:  the area.
            Probably one of the most magnificent mountain tops in
            Karnataka,  Kudremukh, offers expensive  views  of the
            surroundings.




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