Warning
India and Pakistan continue to trade insults
and, occasionally, bullets across the disputed Kashmiri border. There have been reports of kidnappings and killngs, sometimes targeted against travelers, especially foreign travelers
SAFETY/SECURITY:
Terrorism: In July 1995, several Western tourists, including two Americans, were kidnapped by terrorists in Kashmir. One hostage was brutally murdered and one, an American, escaped. The remaining hostages, including one American, have not been released and their whereabouts are unknown. In 1996-1997 New Delhi was the site of numerous terrorist bombing attacks, although recently bombings in New Delhi and elsewhere have dropped to only a few a year. Such bomb blasts have occurred in public places, as well as on public transportation (common carriers), such as trains and buses. While no U.S. citizens were among the victims, other foreign visitors were reported injured. There is no pattern that has emerged in these attacks, nor is there any indication that they are directed against foreigners in general or Americans in particular. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens should be alert to suspicious packages in public places, and avoid crowds, political demonstrations, and other manifestations of civil unrest.
Civil Disturbances: Major civil disturbances pose risks to a travelerŐs personal safety and can disrupt transportation systems and city services. In response to such violence, Indian authorities may occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. Political rallies and demonstrations in India have the potential for violence, especially during periods immediately preceding and following elections. In addition, the potential exists for religious and inter-caste violence. While such violence has not usually specifically targeted foreigners, mobs have attacked Christian workers, including foreigners. Missionary activity has aroused strong reactions in some areas, and an Australian missionary and his two sons were murdered by a mob in the eastern state of Orissa in January 1999. Nevertheless, the principal risk for foreigners appears to be that of becoming inadvertent victims. U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate for further information about the current situation in areas where they wish to travel.
Areas of Instability: Kashmir - The Department of State strongly urges private U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Kashmir Valley and Doda District of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. American and other Western tourists were taken hostage (and at least one murdered) in Kashmir by terrorists in 1995. In 1999 the terrorist organization Harakat-Ul-Mujahideen issued a ban on Americans, including tourists, visiting Kashmir. Within the state, the Leh District of the Ladakh region has been largely unaffected by terrorist violence. Srinagar, the Kashmir valley, and the Doda District of Jammu remain very dangerous places, where terrorist activities and violent civil disturbances continue. An American tourist was fatally shot in Srinagar in 1994; in October 1999 a French tourist was shot and wounded in Srinagar; and in May 2000 a Czech tourist also was shot and wounded. Srinagar also has been the site of a number of car bombings, market bombings, and landmine deaths to date in 2000. In May 2000 a Minister for the state of Jammu and Kashmir was killed in a landmine explosion south of Srinagar. Also in May 2000, rocket propelled grenades were fired at a government building in Srinagar, killing a government employee and wounding others. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the state of Jammu and Kashmir without permission from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.
Areas of Instability: Northeast States - Sporadic incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including the bombing of buses and trains, are reported from parts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Meghalaya. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, visitors are cautioned not to travel outside major cities at night. Security laws are in force, and the central government has deployed security personnel to several northeast states. Travelers may check with the U.S. Consulate in Calcutta for information on current conditions. (Please see address below.)
Areas of Instability: India-Pakistan border - Tensions run high between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point is between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. A Pakistani visa is required for entry to Pakistan.
Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram Mountain range that includes the Siachen Glacier. The two countries have military outposts in the region, and armed clashes have occurred. Because of this situation, U.S. citizens traveling to or climbing peaks anywhere in the disputed areas face significant risk of injury and death. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri.
Restricted Areas: Permission from the Indian government (from Indian diplomatic missions abroad or in some cases from the Ministry of Home Affairs) is required to visit the states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu District and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, some areas of Uttar Pradesh, the area west of National Highway no. 15 running from Ganganagar to Sanchar in Rajasthan, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Union Territory of the Laccadive Islands.
CRIME INFORMATION: Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. While violent crime is uncommon, some Westerners, including Americans, have been the subject of robberies and violent attacks that resulted in serious injuries, and in one recent case, death. The common thread for more serious attacks on travelers has been that the individuals were on their own. Travelers are strongly advised not to travel alone in India.
Please, while traveling in India, keep your wits
about you, but try not to feel paranoid and destroy the pleasure of your
trip. Always remember that this is a different culture and your judgment
that might work very well for you in your culture, will probably not be
very accurate here.
Attractions
The North
Delhi has two parts: New Delhi, India's capital and the seat of government,
is a 20th-century city, offering wide tree-lined boulevards, spacious parks and
the distinctive style of Lutyens' architectural design; 'Old' Delhi, on the other hand, is a city several centuries
old, teeming with narrow winding streets, temples, mosques and bazaars. Notable
sites are the Red Fort and the nearby Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque) and the Qutab Minar's soaring tower. Delhi attracts the finest
musicians and dancers offering an ideal opportunity to hear the sitar, sarod and the subtle rhythm of the tabla, and to see an enthralling variety of dance forms,
each with its own costumes and elaborate language of gestures. Theatres and
cinemas show films from all over India, and the city has some of the country's
finest restaurants offering many styles of regional cuisine.
Delhi lies at the apex of the 'Golden Triangle' ? . an area filled with ancient sites
and monuments. In the southwest lies Agra, city of
the fabled Taj Mahal. This
magnificent mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan as a monument to his love for his
wife, Mumtaz, who died in childbirth. Shah Jehan was later imprisoned by his own
son in the nearby Red Fort. Other important landmarks
are Akbar's Palace, the Jahangir Mahal, the octagonal tower Mussumman Burj and the Pearl
Mosque. Nearby is Fatehpur
Sikri, the town Akbar built as his new capital
but abandoned after only a few years. This town is now no more than a ghost
town.
The southwestern pivot of the triangle is Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. Known
as the 'Pink City' because of the distinctive colour of its buildings, Jaipur is
a town of broad, open avenues and many palaces. The Amber
Palace, just outside the city is particularly beautiful, as is the fa??ade
of the Palace of the Winds within the city walls. To
the southwest is Udaipur, famed for its Lake Palace Hotel, built on an island in the lake,
while to the north, in the centre of the Rajasthan desert, is Jodhpur, with its colourful, winding lanes and towering
fortress. Near Ajmer is the small lakeside town of Pushkar. It is a site of religious importance for Hindus
and it is here that every November the fascinating Camel
Fair is held. Jaisalmer is a charming oasis town,
once a resting place on the old caravan route to Persia. Among its attractions
are the camel treks out into the surrounding desert.
To the south of the 'Golden Triangle' is the huge state
of Madhya Pradesh. Its greatest attractions lie close
to the northern frontier. Less than 160km (100 miles) from Agra is the great ruined fortress at
Gwalior. To the east
lies Khajuraho with its famous temples and friezes of
sensuously depicted figures ? . a must for any visitor.
To the east of Delhi is the state of Uttar Pradesh, through which flows the sacred River Ganga. Built along its
bank is the wondrous city of Varanasi, India's
holiest Hindu location. The town itself is a maze of winding streets, dotted
with temples and shrines. Lining the river are a series of ghats which, at dawn,
are thronged with pilgrims and holy men performing ritual ablutions and prayers.
Less than 320km (200 miles) to the north of Delhi is Shimla, the greatest of all hill stations, surrounded by
finely scented pine forests and the rich beauty of the Kulu Valley.
In the far north, reaching into Central Asia, is the
extensive mountain region of Kashmir, an area long established as a popular summer resort,
and the valley of the River Jhelum. The gateway to
the region is Jammu, a town surrounded by lakes and
hills. The temples of Rambireshwar and Raghunath number among its most impressive sights. Jammu
is the railhead for Srinagar, the ancient capital of
Kashmir, and favourite resort of the Mughal emperors. It was they who built the
many waterways and gardens around Lake Dal,
complementing the natural beauty of the area. Among the attractions are the
houseboats where visitors can live on the lakes surrounded by scenery so
beautiful it is known as 'paradise on earth'.
Srinagar is also a convenient base for trips to Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Gulmarg
offers fine trout fishing, and enjoys the distinction of having the highest golf
course in the world. From here there are good views of Nanga Parbat, one of the highest mountains in the world.
It is well placed as a starting point for treks into the hills and mountains. Pahalgam is another popular hill resort and base for
pilgrimages to the sacred cave of Amar Nath.
More exotic, though less accessible, is the region of Ladakh, beyond the Kashmir Valley. It is a mountainous
land on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau which is still largely Tibetan in
character. The capital, Leh, is situated high in the
Karakouram mountain range, through which passed the old
Silk Road from China to India and Europe.
The West
The
principal metropolis of Western India is Mumbai, the
capital of the state of Maharashtra, a bustling port and commercial centre, with plate-glass
skyscrapers and modern industry jostling alongside bazaars and the hectic
streetlife. Many of the country's films are made in the famous Mumbai studios.
The city also boasts one of the finest race tracks in India, the Mahalaxmi course. There is a pleasant seafront with a
palm-lined promenade and attractive beaches such as Juhu,
Versova, Marve, Madh and Manori. On the
waterfront is Mumbai's best-known landmark, the Gateway
to India, whence boats leave on the 10km (6-mile) journey across the busy
harbour to the Elephanta Island. The island is famous
for the 8th-century cave temples, on whose walls are large rock carvings, the
finest of which is the 3-faced Maheshmurti, the great
Lord.
To the north lies the state of Gujarat, renowned for its silks, as the birthplace of
Mahatma Gandhi, and as the last refuge of the Asian lion, found deep in the Gir Forest. Ahmedabad, in the
east of the state, is the principal textile city of India, producing silks which
are famous throughout the world. Ahmadabad is also the site of Sabarmati Ashram, founded by Mahatma Gandhi, from where
his ideology of non-violence is still promoted. Gandhi's birthplace is some
320km (200 miles) to the west, in the fishing village of Porbandar.
To the east of Mumbai is Aurangabad, the starting point for visits to two of the
world's most outstanding rock-cut temples. The Buddhist cave temples at Ajanta date back at least 2000 years. Cut into the steep
face of a deep rock gorge, the 30 caves contain exquisite paintings depicting
daily life at that time.
The caves at Ellora depict
religious stories and are Hindu, Buddhist and Jain in origin. The Temple of Kailasa is the biggest hewn monolith temple in
the world. Southeast of Mumbai are several fine hill stations, notably Matheran with its narrow gauge trains, Mahabaleshwar and Pune with its peaceful Bund
Gardens.
Further to the south lies Goa.
The 100km-long (60-mile) coastline offers some of the finest beaches in the
subcontinent. Goa was Portuguese until 1961, and there is also a charming blend
of Latin and Indian cultures. Panaji, the state
capital, is one of the most relaxed and elegant of India's cities. The town is
dominated by the huge Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception, but the shops, bars and pleasant streets are its main
attraction. 'Old Goa', only a bus ride away from Panaji, displays a bewildering
variety of architectural styles. Buildings of note include the Basilica and the Convent and
Church of St Francis of Assisi. In nearby Ponda
is the 400-year-old Temple of Shri Mangesh, which is
said to be the oldest Hindu shrine.
Accommodation in the region includes the luxury resort of
Aguada, the Taj holiday village and the Aguada
hermitage. There are also good, simple hotels and cottages for rent in villages
along the coastline, notably Calangute, Baga and Colva.
Goa also has several wildlife sanctuaries, including Bondla in the hills of western Ghats, where wild boar and sambar can be seen in their
natural habitat. The region is famous for its food ? . an array of dishes, both
Indian and Portuguese ? . as well as for its colourful festivals, including the
spectacular Carnival held on the three days leading up to Ash Wednesday.
The South
The south
is the part of India least affected by incursions of foreign cultures through
the centuries. It is here that Indian heritage has survived in its purest form.
The regional capital is Madras, India's fourth-largest city. Madras is the
cradle of the ancient Dravidian civilisation, one of the oldest articulate
cultures in the world. It is also home of the classical style of Indian dancing
and a notable centre of temple sculpture art. Sprawling over 130 sq km (50 sq
miles), the metropolis has few tall buildings and enjoys the relaxed ambience of
a market town rather than the bustle of a huge city. From Madras Lighthouse there is a fine view of the city that
includes many churches which tell of the city's strong Christian influence,
first introduced in AD78 when the apostle St Thomas was martyred here.
Madras, however, is largely a commercial city and the
centre of the area's rail, air and road networks, and serves as a good starting
point from which to explore the south.
Within the region are several important religious
centres, notably Kanchipuram, which has an abundance
of temples, and whose striking gopurams, or gateways,
are decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses. Inland is Madurai, with a large and bustling temple, and Thanjavur. Also worth visiting is Tiruchirappalli, which has a fortress built atop a
strange boulder-shaped hill that dominates the town.
Further south, along the coast, is Pondicherry, an attractive town with a distinctive
French style, and beyond, Rameswaram, once the ferry
link to Sri Lanka.
To the west lies the state of Kerala, where many of India's major coastal resorts are
to be found. Among the finest is Kovalam, offering
unspoilt beaches and a new complex of modern amenities, including luxury
bungalows and a 5-storey hotel with swimming pool. Only a few miles away is Trivandrum, the state capital with its famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Further inland is the Periyar Game Sanctuary which has a rich and varied
wildlife. Other resorts include Cranganorre, Alleppey
and Cochin.
Further to the north is the state of Karnataka, which has fine, unexplored beaches at Karwar, Mahe and Udupi. The state's capital is Bangalore, an affluent city which is the centre of
electronics and engineering industries, but has many charming parks and gardens.
To the southwest lies Mysore, where incense is
manufactured, and where you can stay in the Lalitha Mahal
Hotel, previously the home of a Maharaja.
Karnataka has a number of important religious and
historical sites, including the ruins at Hampi to the
north of Bangalore, and the vast statue of Lord
Bahubali at Sravanabelagola, north of Mysore.
To the east of Karnataka is
the state of Andhra Pradesh, with its capital at Hyderabad, offering a well-stocked one-man museum. 220km
(350 miles) to the east is Visakhapatnam, the
fourth-largest port.
Far away to the east across the Bay of Bengal are the Andaman Islands, a lushly forested archipelago which has
exotic plant life and a wide variety of corals and tropical fish, making it a
major attraction for snorkelling enthusiasts. The islands' capital, Port Blair, can be reached from Madras and Calcutta by
boat or air.
The East
The largest
city in India and hub of the east is Calcutta.
Established as a British trading post in the 17th century, it grew rapidly into
a vibrant centre. Its colonial heritage is reflected in the buildings of Chowringhee Street and Clive
Street, now Jawaharlal Nehru Road and Netaji Subhash Road. The city is filled with life and
energy. It is a major business centre and offers fine markets and bazaars. It is
also the centre of much of the country's creative and intellectual activity,
including the sub-continent's finest film-makers. Central Calcutta is best
viewed from the Maidan, the central area of parkland
where early morning yoga sessions take place. The
city's Indian Museum is one of the finest in Asia.
Other attractions include the white marble Victoria
Memorial, the Ochterlony Monument (Sahid Minar)
and the headquarters of the Rama Krishna movement. Across the river are the Kali Temple of Dakshineshwasar (Belur Math headquarters
of Ramakrishna Movement) and the Botanical Gardens.
To the west is the state of Bihar, with the religious centre of Bodhgaya, a sacred place for
both Hindus and Buddhists. To the south, in the state of Orissa, are three temple cities. Foremost is Bhubaneswar, a town in which there once stood no less
than 7000 temples, 500 of which have survived. Largest of these is the great Lingaraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A short
journey away to the south of Bhubaneswar lies Puri,
one of the four holiest cities in India, now being developed as a beach resort.
In June and July Puri stages one of India's most spectacular festivals, the Rath Yatra or 'Car Festival', at which pilgrims pay
homage to images of gods drawn on massive wooden chariots. A short distance
along the coast to the north is Konarak, known for
its 'Black Pagoda' ? . a huge solitary temple to the sun god in the form of a
chariot drawn by horses. The sculpture has a sensuous nature similar to that of
Khajuraho, and is counted amongst the finest in India.
To the north of Calcutta is one of the great railway
journeys of the world, the 'Toy Train' to Darjeeling.
The last part of the line runs through jungle, tea gardens and pine forests.
Darjeeling straddles a mountain slope which drops steeply to the valley below,
and commands fine views of Kanchenjunga
(8586m/28,169ft), the third-highest mountain in the world. It is the
headquarters of the Indian Mountaineering Institute,
as well as the birthplace of Sherpa Tenzing. It is also a world-renowned
tea-growing centre.
A bus journey of two and a half hours takes one to Kalimpong, a bazaar town at the foot of the Himalayas.
From here a number of treks can be made to places offering fine panoramas of the
mountains.
Further north is the mountain state of Sikkim. The capital, Gangtok,
lies in the southwest. The main activity for visitors is trekking, although it
is still in its infancy and facilities are minimal. At the moment travel for
non-Indian residents is limited. Trekking is allowed only in groups, while
individuals may only visit Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodom. The nearest railheads are Darjeeling and
Siliguri, on the slow but spectacular line of India's northeast frontier
railway.
Even further to the east are the states of Assam and Meghalaya. Assam is
famous for tea and wildlife reserves, and can be reached from the state capital
of Guwahati. The tiger reserve of Manas is also rich in other varieties of wildlife, while
in Kaziranga it is possible to see the one-horned
rhinoceros of India.
Shillong, the capital of
Meghalaya, is the home of the Khasi people. The region is filled with pine
groves, waterfalls and brooks and is described as the 'Scotland of the
East'.
Hill Stations
Hill
stations have long been popular among Indians and foreign visitors alike for
providing a relaxing and salubrious retreat from the heat of the plains. Further
information on some of the places mentioned here may be found by consulting
other sections in Resorts & Excursions above.
The most popular hill stations
include:
Kashmir: Leh in Ladakh,
Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg for lakes, houseboats, good hotels, tourist
reception centres. Himachal Pradesh: Shimla (various
types of hotels, tourist bungalows), nearby Kufri (winter sports centre, skating
rink, skiing facilities), Kulu, Manali (reasonably priced hotels, log huts,
travellers lodges and tourist bungalows). Uttar
Pradesh: Nainital boasts a lake boat club, Almora, Ranikhet (reasonably
priced hotels, tourist bungalows, clubs, youth hostels), Mussoorie, Ropeway
(hotels and tourist bungalows). West Bengal:
Darjeeling, RA, Kalimpong for mountaineering. Meghalaya: Shillong. Sikkim:
Gangkok (RA, hotels). Tamil Nadu: Ootacamund,
Udagamandalam, Kodaikanal, Silvery Lake ? . hotels, tourist bungalows.
Lesser-known hill stations
include:
Himachal Pradesh: Dalhousie,
Dharamsala, Nahan, Paonta Saheb, Keylong, Chamba and Kangra. Kashmir: Sonamarg, Batote. Uttar
Pradesh: Dehra Dun, Lansdown. West Bengal: Mirik.
Madhya Pradesh: Pachmarhi. Maharashtra: Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Panhala,
Matheran, Lonavla and Khandala. Gujarat: Saputara. Rajasthan: Mount Abu. Tamil
Nadu: Yercaud, Coonoor, Kotagiri. Kerala:
Ponmundi, Munnar. Karnataka: Mercara. Andhra Pradesh: Horseley Hills. Bihar: Netarhat.
Trekking
Trekking
conjures up visions of the spectacular northern and eastern Himalayas, the
mist-strewn Western Ghats or the blue tranquillity of the Nilgiri Hills. India
is the ideal destination for a trekking holiday, offering everything from short
and easy excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks. Trekking requires
the stamina to walk long hours and the mental agility to adapt to a spectacular
and ever-changing landscape.
The highest mountain
range on earth ? . the Himalayas ? . forms 3500km (2200 miles) of India's
northern and eastern frontiers. The spectacle of the snow-capped peaks,
glaciers, pine-forested slopes, rivers and lush meadows of wild flowers cannot
be equalled. Peninsular India offers natural beauty of another kind, clothed in
green woodland and fragrant orchards.
Below is a description
of the most important trekking areas in India, and also a section devoted to
general trekking information and sources of further information.
JAMMU & KASHMIR: Jammu & Kashmir is India's northernmost state, and the
one which is best-known for trekking. It is an extravagantly beautiful land of
flower-spangled meadows, wild orchards, spectacular coniferous forests, icy
mountain peaks and clear streams and rivers. The capital, Srinagar, is the base for many treks, notably to the
blue Zabarwan Hills and Shankaracharya Hill. The three other main bases in Jammu
& Kashmir are Pahalgam (100km/62 miles from
Srinigar) in the Lidder Valley, the base for treks to
sacred Amarnath, Aru, Lidderwat and the glacial lakes
of Tarsar and Tulian; Gulmarg (51km/32 miles from Srinagar), from where treks
can be made to the crystal tarns of Apharwat and Alpather, the upland lakes of Vishansar and Gangabal and
the Thajiwas Glacier; and Sonamarg, in the Sindh
Valley, the base for treks into the surrounding mountains.
Srinagar is also the
roadhead for trips into the arid plateau of Ladakh, a
country of perpetual drought, the home of wild asses and yaks and with high
ranges that have some of the largest glaciers in the world outside the polar
regions. Leh, the divisional capital, lies on an
ancient Silk Road and is the base for spectacular
treks across this remarkable landscape.
Further south, excellent
trekking may be had in the vicinity of Jammu, the railhead to the Kashmir Valley. The three main centres are Kishtwar, Doda and Poonch.
HIMACHAL PRADESH: The landscape of this province ranges from the barren rocks
and raging torrents of the valleys of Spiti and Lahaul in the north to the southern orchard country of
Kangra and Chamba. Treks
from Manali include the Bhaga
River to Keylong, and then on to the Bara Shigri glacier or over the Baralacha Pass to Leh (see above). Kullu, in the centre of the province, is set in a narrow
valley between the towering Himalayas and the River
Beas, and is famous for its temples and religious festivals. Treks from here
traverse terraced paddy fields and on to remoter regions of snow and ice. The
view from the Rohtang Pass is particularly
spectacular. The town of Dharamsala, in the Kangra Valley area, is the base for treks into the Bharmaur Valley over the Indrahar
Pass, and on to other still higher passes beyond. Chamba, situated on a mountain above the Ravi River, is named after the fragrant trees which
flourish around its richly carved temples. Treks from the nearby town of Dalhousie lead to the glacial lake of Khajjiar and to the passes of Sach and Chini. Shimla, once the summer capital of the British, is a
high hill station and the base for treks into Kullu
Valley via the Jalori Pass and on to the Kalpur and Kinnaur valleys.
GARHWAL: Set
high in the Garhwal Himalayas, this region (which is
sometimes referred to as the Uttarakhand) abounds in myths and legends of the
Indian gods. It is also where the source of the life-giving 'Ganga' is to be
found; indeed, many of the great rivers of northern India have their headwaters
in this land of lush valleys and towering snow-ridged peaks. Mussoorie, a hill station much used by the British to
escape the searing heat of the plains, is an excellent base for treks into the
Gangotri and Yamounotri
valleys. The source of the Ganga at Gaumukh can
also be reached from here. Another hill station, Rishikesh, is situated just north of the sacred city
of Hardwar, and is the base for treks to another holy
shrine, Badrinath. A particularly rewarding stop en
route to Badrinath is the breathtaking Valley of
Flowers, which is in full bloom in August. Other destinations include Hemkund Lake, Mandakini Valley and Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva with
a beautiful temple.
KUMAON: This region, which stretches from the Himalayas
in the north to the green foothills of Terai and Bhabar in the south, consists
of the three northeastern Himalayan districts of Uttar Pradesh, all of which are
particularly rich in wildlife. One of the major trekking centres is Almora, an ideal base for treks into pine and
rhododendron forests with dramatic views of stark, snow-capped mountains. The Pindiri Glacier and the valley of Someshwar can be reached from here. Another base is Nanital, a charming, orchard-rich hill station. It is
the base for short treks to Bhimtal, Khurpatal and Binayak Forest.
Ranikhet, with a magnificent view of the central
Himalayas, is the base for treks to Kausani. The view
from here is one of the most spectacular in India, and inspired Mahatma Gandhi
to pen his commentary on the Gita-Anashakti Yoga.
DARJEELING AND SIKKIM: Dominated by the five summits of
mighty Kanchenjunga, the Darjeeling and Sikkim area
of the Eastern Himalayas is also a region of gentle hills and dales, pine
forests, turquoise lakes and babbling streams. One of the best ways of arriving
in the area is by the 'Toy Train' from New Jalpaiguri. The town of Darjeeling is the home of the Everest-climber Tenzing
Norgay and also of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and is the base for
both low- and high-level treks. Destinations include Tiger Hill (offering a breathtaking view of the
Himalayas), and the peaks of Phalut, Sandakphu, Singalila and Tanglu. To the north, Sikkim is a wonderland of ferns
and flowers, birds and butterflies, orchids and bamboos, forests of cherry, oak
and pine, all set among slowly flowing rivers, terraced paddy fields and blazing
rhododendrons. Deep in the interior are Sikkim's famous monasteries, their white
prayer flags fluttering against a deep blue sky. The capital is Gangtok, a convenient base for treks into the mysterious
north and east of the region, to sacred Yaksum,
Pemayangtse and the mountains near Bakkhim and Dzongri.
ARAVALLI HILLS: The Aravallis, remnants of the oldest
mountain range in the sub-continent, resemble outcroppings of rocks rather than
mountains and are virtually barren except for thorny acacias and date palm
groves found near the oases. The main resort in the region, Mount Abu, stands on an isolated plateau surrounded by
rich green forest. A variety of one-day treks are available from here, all of
which afford the opportunity to visit some of the remarkable temples in the
region, notably Arbuda Devi Temple, carved out of the
rock face and offering spectacular views across the hills. Guru Shikhar, Gaumukh and Achalgarh Fort can all be reached during one-day treks
from Mount Abu.
SATPURA RANGE: This range straddles central India and
forms the northern border of the Deccan. The main
hill station is Pachmarhi,
a beautiful resort of green forest glades and deep ravines overlooking red
sandstone hills. Short treks can be had from here to the Mahadeo and Dhupgarh peaks.
WESTERN GHATS: The Western Ghats run parallel to the
west coast of India from the River Tapti to the southernmost tip of the
sub-continent. The mountains are lush and thickly forested and although they
cannot claim to have the awesome majesty of the great Himalayas, the region has
many features of great natural beauty. The hill station of Mahabaleshwar, in the north of the range, is the highest
in the area and is considered an ideal base for trekkers. Other popular bases
and trekking destinations include Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran and Bhor Ghat, a picturesque region of waterfalls, lakes
and woods. Further south in Karnataka is Coorg, perched on a green hilltop and surrounded by
mountainous countryside. Madikeri is a take-off point
for treks in this region. The Upper Palani hills in
Tamil Nadu are an offshoot of the Ghats, covered in rolling downs and coarse
grass. Kodaikanal is the attractive base for two
short treks to Pilar Rock and Green Valley View. Courtallam, also in Tamil Nadu, is surrounded by dense
vegetation and coffee and spice plantations; rich in wildlife, it is also one of
the most beautiful areas of the Western Ghats.
NILGIRIS: The gentle heights of southern India, a world
away from the daunting Himalayas, are friendly and approachable with treks made
simple by moderate altitudes and a pleasant climate. Sometimes known as the Blue Mountains because of their lilac hue, they are
noted for their orange orchards, tea gardens, wooded slopes and tranquil lakes.
There are three major trekking centres here: Ootacamund (popularly known as Ooty) is the base for
walks to the Wenlock Downs, the Kalahatti Falls and Mudumali Game
Sanctuary; Coonoor, conveniently situated for Drogg's Peak and Lamb's Rock;
and Kotagiri, the oldest of the three, whose
sheltered position enables it to offer many shaded treks to explore the
tranquillity of the Nilgiris.
GENERAL TREKKING INFORMATION: Essential equipment: Tent, sleeping bag, foam/inflatable
mattress, rucksack, umbrella (doubles as a walking stick), sun-hat, dark
glasses, toilet requirements. Clothing: Wind-proof
jacket, down jacket, trousers, shirts, woollen pullover, woollen underwear (for
high altitudes), and gloves. Footwear: Be sure to
take a light, flexible and comfortable pair of trekking boots (two pairs should
be taken for longer treks) and at least three pairs of woollen socks. Use talc
to keep feet dry. First-aid kit: Sterilised cotton
wool, bandages, antiseptic ointment, water purification tablets, pills, etc for
common ailments (such as cough, cold, headache, stomach ache, etc), eye lotion,
anti-sunburn cream, a hot stimulant for emergencies, and morphia salt tablets to
avoid cramps. Miscellaneous: Torch, thermos/water
bottle, insect repellant, mirror, cold cream, lip-salve, walking stick, spare
boot laces, sewing kit, tinned and dehydrated food. Food
& accommodation: Board and lodging accommodation is available on all
trekking routes. Permits: No system of issuing
Trekking Permits exists in India. Trekkers are, however, reminded that it is
forbidden to enter Restricted and Protected Areas without the correct
documentation. Consult the GITO before departure or local tourist offices on
arrival in India to ascertain what restrictions may apply and what documentation
may be required. Season: This varies from region to
region; check with the GITO for further information. In general, the season runs
from April to June and September to November. It is possible to undertake treks
in the valleys of Lahaul, Pangi and Zanskar and in Ladakh during the rainy
season (June to August), as these areas receive minimal precipitation. Mountaineering: Permission for mountaineering must be obtained from the Indian Mountaineering
Foundation, Anand Niketan, Beneto Juarez Road, New Delhi 110 021.
Wildlife
The Indian peninsula is a continent in itself,
the geographical diversity of which has resulted in a vast range of wildlife,
with over 350 species of mammals and 1200 species of birds in the country. Each
region has something special to offer: the hangul is
restricted to the valley of Kashmir in northern India, the rhino is found in isolated pockets along the Brahmaputra
River in the east, the black langur in the Western Ghats, and Western India is the
home of the last remaining Asiatic lions.
Two of India's most
impressive animals, the Bengal (or Indian) tiger and the Asiatic elephant are still found in most regions, though their
population has shrunk drastically.
Most of India's wildlife
finds refuge in over 200 sanctuaries and parks around the country. The following
list refers to some of the more important of these. Accommodation often needs to
be booked in advance, either by direct application or through the local State
TDC or the controlling authority of the respective park.
NORTHERN INDIA
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kashmir): Broad valley;
mountain slopes; rare hangul deer, black and brown bear, leopard; heronry.
Govind Sagar Bird Sanctuary (Himachal Pradesh): Bird
sanctuary with crane, duck, goose and teal.
Corbett National Park (Uttar Pradesh): Himalayan
foothills near Dhikala; Sal forest and plains; tiger, elephant, leopard and rich
birdlife. Excellent fishing in Ramganga River.
Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh): Nepal border;
tiger, sloth bear and panther.
Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttar Pradesh): When in
bloom this 'roof garden' at 3500m (11,500ft) is a glorious blaze of colour.
Permits are required to enter.
Sariska National Park (Rajasthan): About 200km (125
miles) from Delhi. Forest and open plains; sambar (largest Indian deer), cheetal
(spotted deer), nilgai (Indian antelope), black buck, leopard and tiger; good
night-viewing.
Ranthambhor (Sawai Madhopur ? . Rajasthan): Hill forest,
plains and lakes; sambar, chinkara (Indian gazelle), tiger, sloth bear,
crocodiles and migratory water-birds.
Bharatpur National Park (Keoloadeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary)
(Rajasthan): India's most outstanding bird sanctuary; many indigenous
water-birds; huge migration from Siberia and China; crane, goose, stork, heron,
snakes, birds, etc.
Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh): Situated in
the Vindhyan Mountains, this park has a wide variety of wildlife including
panther, sambar and gaur.
Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh): Sal forest and
grassland; only home of barasingha (swamp deer), tiger, cheetal and gaur.
Shivpuri National Park (Madhya Pradesh): Open forest and
lake; chinkara, chowsingha (4-horned antelope), nilgai, tiger, leopard and
water-birds.
EASTERN INDIA
Kaziranga National Park (Assam): Elephant grass and
swamps; one-horned Indian rhinoceros, water buffalo, tiger, leopard, elephant,
deer and rich birdlife. Elephant transport is available within the park.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam): On the Bhutan border,
rainforest, grassland and river banks; rhino, water buffalo, tiger, elephant,
golden langur and water-birds; fishing permitted.
Palamau Tiger Reserve (Bihar): Rolling, forested hills;
tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar, jungle cat, rhesus macaque (monkey) and
occasionally wolf.
Hazaribagh National Park (Bihar): Sal forested hills;
sambar, nilgai, cheetal, tiger, leopard and occasionally muntjac (larger barking
deer).
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal): Mangrove
forests; tiger, fishing cat, deer, crocodile, dolphin and rich birdlife.
Transport: access and travel by chartered boat.
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal): Tropical
forest and grassland; rhino, elephant and rich birdlife.
Similipal Tiger Reserve (Orissa): Immense Sal forest;
tiger, elephant, leopard, sambar, cheetal, muntjac and chevrotain.
Chilika Wildlife (Bird) Sanctuary (Orissa): Migratory
birds, flamingo, Siberian ducks, heron and Teal Comorant.
SOUTHERN INDIA
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala): Large artificial
lake; elephant, gaur, wild dog, black langur, otters, tortoises and rich
birdlife including hornbill and fishing owl. Viewing by boat.
Vedanthangal Water Birds Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): One of
the most spectacular breeding grounds in India. Cormorant, heron, stork,
pelican, grebe and many others.
Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): Particularly
noted for its flamingo, also for heron, teal, curlew and plover, black buck and
wild pig.
Pulicat Bird Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh): Flamingo, grey
pelican, heron and tern.
Dandeli National Park (Karnataka): Park with bison,
panther, tiger and sambar. Easily accessible from Goa.
Jawahar National Park (includes Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks (Karnataka), and the Wildlife Sanctuaries
of Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu) and Wayanad (Kerala): Extensive mixed forest; largest
elephant population in India, leopard, gaur, sambar, muntjac and giant squirrel.
Birds include racquet-tailed drongo, trogon and barbet.
WESTERN INDIA
Krishnagiri Upavan National Park (Maharashtra): Formerly
known as Borivli, this park protects an important scenic area close to Mumbai.
Kanheri Caves and Vihar, Tulsi and Powai lakes; water-birds and smaller types of
wildlife. Lion Safari Park nearby.
Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra): Teak forests and
lake; tiger, leopard, nilgai and gaur. Night-viewing.
Sasan Gir National Park (Gujarat): Forested plains and
lake; only home of Asiatic lion, sambar, chowsingha, nilgai, leopard, chinkara
and wild boar.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat): Lake; migratory
water-birds; indigenous birds include flamingo.
Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat):
Desert; herds of khur (Indian wild ass), wolf and caracal.
Velavadar National Park (Gujarat): New Delta grasslands;
large concentration of black buck.
