Blog

December 30, 2024

India, with its diverse landscapes ranging from towering mountains to vast deserts and dense jungles, has become a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned adrenaline junkie or a first-time explorer, the country offers countless opportunities for thrilling experiences suitable for all ages. This article highlights five leading companies that are curating unforgettable adventure experiences, ensuring there’s something for every thrill-seeker, no matter their age or skill level.

Dr. Niraalee Shah, Travel Design Pvt. Ltd Managing Director says "Adventure travel is not just about seeking thrills; it’s about immersing yourself in experiences that transform your perspective on life and India offers a kaleidoscope of such moments, where every journey becomes a story worth telling." Dive into this curated guide to discover how you can embrace the spirit of adventure while exploring the unparalleled beauty and diversity of India.

1. COUNTRYSIDE ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS

Countryside Adventure, India’s bespoke adventure company, specializes in curating unforgettable journeys that blend thrill and discovery. Offering a diverse range of activities, including treks and walks, road trips, rail trips, and cycling adventures, Countryside Adventure crafts experiences that immerse travelers in the raw beauty of nature and the rich culture of India, with a commitment to providing well-planned, safe, and personalized explorations, the company ensures every journey becomes a memorable story of adventure and connection.

Accommodation
Travel Design

Countryside Adventure, India’s bespoke Adventure Company, curates personalized itineraries that seamlessly blend exploration with comfort. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast seeking the thrill of trekking, rafting, or wildlife safaris, or someone looking to experience serene countryside escapades, Travel Design Pvt. Ltd, can guide you to the best accommodations tailored to your chosen activity, from rugged campsites to luxurious eco-resorts, we ensure every detail complements your adventure, creating unforgettable experiences in the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Adventure Activities
Countryside Adventure Holidays

Road Trips: Countryside Adventure redefines road trips, offering unforgettable journeys through scenic routes and offbeat destinations. A perfect blend of thrill and tranquility, each road trip is meticulously designed to immerse travelers in the charm of nature, cultural richness, and local experiences, from winding mountain paths to coastal highways and rustic villages, Countryside Adventure transforms every mile into a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to reconnect with the world beyond the city, these road trips promise memories that last a lifetime.

Cycling: A journey on two wheels? Now that sounds like an adventure, from an adrenaline pumping experience cycling along the high mountain passes in Ladakh and Spiti Valley in Himachal, to a leisurely cycling trip through the Italian and French countryside’s, along with experiencing local culture and cuisines -  we have a wide range of options available for every difficulty levels.

Treks and Walks: Countryside Adventure Holidays specializes in curating unforgettable treks and scenic walks across India's diverse landscapes, from the serene hills of the North to the vibrant trails of the South, each journey is designed to offer a unique blend of adventure, nature, and local culture, making it an ideal choice for passionate explorers.

CONNECT

Website: https://countrysideindia.com/

Email: info@countrysideindia.com

Phone: +91 9869201443

 

2. PUGDUNDEE SAFARIS

Redefining the Indian Safari Experience

Pugdundee Safaris stands out as one of India’s premier companies for adventure travel, offering immersive wildlife experiences that blend thrilling exploration with responsible tourism. Over a decade of expertise, the company has established a reputation for curating eco-friendly safaris, luxurious jungle lodges, and personalized itineraries across India's most captivating national parks. Pugdundee Safaris not only provides adrenaline-pumping adventures but also champion’s sustainability and community empowerment, making every journey memorable and meaningful for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Accommodation
Pugdundee Safaris – Wildlife Lodges

Pugdundee Safaris Wildlife Lodges offer eco-friendly, luxurious accommodations nestled in India's most iconic national parks. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, these lodges combine sustainable living with unforgettable wildlife experiences.

• Kings Lodge - Bandhavgarh
• Tree House Hideaway - Bandhavgarh
• Kanha Earth Lodge - Kanha
• Pench Tree Lodge - Pench
• Denwa Backwater Escape - Satpura
• Ken River Lodge - Panna
• Waghoba Eco Lodge – Tadoba

Exclusive Wildlife Experiences

Walking & Mobile Safari: This is a 5 Nights | 6 Days Safari experience for an offbeat adventure. Pugdundee Safari has an upcoming safari on January 23 - January 27, 2025. Tailor made to start at your desired date of travel – this safari offers high adventure, opportunity to view animals of the Indian jungle, drive through rugged hills, beautiful streams and rivers, tribal villages, ancient temples and forts and home to the Indian Tiger. There is no electricity at campsites and accommodation is basic in tents with cots. Care is taken to provide personalized service and comforts. Camp cooks turn out delicious fresh meals to be enjoyed in exhilarating surroundings.

Cycling: Pench- Kanha Corridor: This is a 6 nights | 7days jungle safari experience for offbeat adventure with a responsible tourism approach. Apart from the wildlife, the tour provides distinctive opportunity to experience rural life in India and meet local people who live in harmony with wildlife. The soul of India lives in its villages, 60 percent of the population still live in villages of India! Their route will be mostly though the forests that serves as a corridor for Tigers to disperse.

Photographer's Special: Pugdundee Safaris Photography Special offers an exceptional experience tailored for photographers, from beginners to professionals. With a dedicated team of seasoned naturalists and wildlife experts, Pugdundee crafts bespoke photography tours that focus on capturing the beauty of India’s diverse wildlife.

Learn With Pugdungee  

Professional Naturalist Training Programme: This program is conducted at Denwa Backwater Escape in Satpura National Park. Pugdundee Safaris in association with Wildlife Forestry Services (WFS) has been offering the program since 2018 and more than 140 students have graduated. This twenty-one night's program conducted by experts in the field of wildlife & conservation, focuses to elevate passionate wildlife enthusiasts into professional naturalist.

Amateur Naturalist Training Course (ANAT): This program is scheduled from January 13 to January 18, 2025, ANAT is designed for individuals passionate about nature, regardless of their formal education. Curated in collaboration with Wildlife and Forestry Services, this course offers participants a chance to explore diverse aspects of wildlife and forestry, guided by seasoned professionals with years of experience in lodge operations and wildlife conservation. ANAT is an immersive experience for those who seek to transform their love for nature into a deeper, more informed connection with the environment.

Young Naturalist Training Course (YNAT): This program is designed for kids aged 9 to 16, this complimentary program is available year-round at Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Pench, Kanha, and Tadoba, while parents enjoy a wildlife holiday. Through a series of engaging workshops, including classroom sessions and field visits with expert naturalists, children explore wildlife, flora, and fauna in a hands-on environment. YNAT nurtures a deep appreciation for nature, sparking a lifelong love and understanding of the natural world.  

Wildlife Safari Programs

Pugdundee Safaris offers an unparalleled gateway into the heart of India’s rich wildlife through its meticulously crafted safari programs. Whether you are a passionate tiger enthusiast, an avid birder, or a dedicated wildlife explorer, their range of experiences caters to every nature lover’s dream. The Great India Tiger Safari, showcasing the majestic central highlands of Tadoba, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh, to the Luxury Tiger Safari in India, blending opulence with adventure across Satpura, Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh, each program highlights India’s spectacular biodiversity. Enthralling birding tours in Satpura, Pench, and Kanha, recognized as Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and comprehensive wildlife trails through Central India’s top parks add to the immersive experiences. Pugdundee Safaris, explore the lush forests, unique terrains, and iconic species that define India’s incredible wilderness.

CONNECT

Website: https://www.pugdundeesafaris.com/

Contact: Direct Guests

E: enquiry@pugdundeesafaris.com

E: sales@pugdundeesafaris.com

C: +91-11-40146400, +91-11-40132103

Tour Operators/B2B Partners:

E: reservation@pugdundeesafaris.com

C: 0124-2570-404, +91 - 9810 383711

3. GULMARG SKI RESORT

Wonderland for Adventure Seekers

Gulmarg Ski Resort specializes in offering you professionally guided ski or snowboarding courses, and off-piste and backcountry tours with the finest powders. They also offer touring equipment, ski rental, snow bikes, accommodation, fire camp and car rental to make your Kashmir holiday an adventure to remember. Activities in Gulmarg Ski Resort are not simply limited to winter. The captivating views during summer attract as many tourists during winter. Besides being known for the best slope conditions and powder snow, wildflower lupine blooms endemic to Kashmir have become a new attraction you wouldn’t want to miss.

Gulmarg Ski Resort are a group of 30-plus individuals, highly experienced in skiing and mountaineering activities to guide you throughout. Our team has been working in the winter industry in Gulmarg for more than 2 decades now. We have assisted more than 400 clients in skiing/ snowboarding and organized about 50 trekking expeditions so far. Here, at Gulmarg Ski Resort our range of activities to choose from is highly diversified and customizable which is why our clients return every year for personalized services.

Accommodation
Gulmarg Ski Resort

Gulmarg Ski Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury 5-star hotels and resorts, to premium hotels and budget accommodations. All combined, we have more than 50+ options to choose from for groups of all sizes and budget performances. They make up for the largest Ski resort in India. We have also hand-picked our best hotels and resorts with scrumptious meals and comfortable beds.

Winter Programs
Gulmarg Ski Resort

Gulmarg Ski Resort offers a wide range of activities which are both traditional and scenic. In each activity, you can find a way to make your ideal holiday in the mountains perfect. 

Skiing: Gulmarg is also rated as Asia’s 5th best ski destination. It also offers a wide variety of slopes to ski for beginners, intermediate and expert level skiers. If you are a beginner or an intermediate-level skier, a trip of 7 days is recommended. However, for an expert skier who is keen on exploring higher peaks, a week-long trip would be more than sufficient. You can check our 7-days Ski course on Kashmir Ski School Website: https://kashmirskischool.com/ski-courses/7-days-course/

Snowboarding: Gulmarg has it all from the steep alpine runs, pillow lines to craggy couloir feature, catering to expert snowboarders; and mild open powder bowls for intermediate and advanced riders. The bowls offer spectacular views of the Valley of Kashmir and Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). Forests of the Baba Reshi, Monkey Hill, and Tanmarg offer excellent tree snowboarding which is traversable even on bad weather days. If you are a beginner or an intermediate-level snowboarder, a trip of 7 days should be enough. However, for an expert snowboarder who is keen on exploring higher peaks, a week-long trip would be more than sufficient. You can check our 7-days Ski course on Kashmir Ski School Website here https://gulmargskiresort.com/snowboarding/

Ice-skating: Gulmarg offers you over 80 km of groomed trails however, commercially the trails are limited to certain areas. Snowmobiles offer an adventurous escape into the heart of Gulmarg, with miles of perfectly groomed trails and endless powder-filled bowls to explore and experience. The best time for Ice Skating in Gulmarg is during winter during the months of January and February. It is advisable to find yourself an instructor for ice skating if you are a beginner.

Snow Biking: Gulmarg offers you over 80 km of groomed trails however, commercially the trails are limited to certain areas. Snowmobiles offer an adventurous escape into the heart of Gulmarg, with miles of perfectly groomed trails and endless powder-filled bowls to explore and experience.

Snow Mobile Trails

• Long Circuit: The ride starts from Kongdori to Khilanmarg. It covers a distance of 3km and takes 25 minutes to complete.
• Short Circuit: The half ride begins at Kongdori and covers a distance of 1.5 km. It takes about 10 minutes to complete.
• Evening tour: The ride is offered post 6:00 pm in the evening covering Gulmarg to Kongdori and a distance of 13 km.

Summer Programs

Trekking: Gulmarg is the perfect base for trekking in the Himalayas. Lying within the boundaries of the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Gulmarg offers breath-taking views of Nanga Parbat to the north and Khilanmarg to the west. Note: All trekking routes are connected and can be extended or decreased as per our client’s preferences. The trekking activities range from a One-day trek to up to a week’s trek. 

• Two-day treks: 2 days/ 1 night
• 4-days trek: 4 days/ 3 nights

Camping: Camping in Gulmarg requires a minimum of 2-4 days to spare and promises a close encounter with nature just outside your tents. Gulmarg campsites are family-friendly and once settled, you’ll have nothing but beautiful scenery, fresh air, and lots of bonding time ahead of you. There are also numerous activities to choose from while camping. Breaking away from the usual routine of life, one can rewind enjoying the following activities.

• Hiking trails
• Bird watching
• Photographing nature
• Organizing a scavenger hunt
• Walk around the meadows
• Swimming
• Grilling
• Bonfire

Cycling: Biking in the hills is always an adrenaline-rich experience and bicycling in Gulmarg provides the most picturesque rides ever. Hotspots for cycling in and around Gulmarg covers a distance of 9 km.

 

 

 

It offers a spectacular view of major tourist attractions such as:

• Gulmarg Golf Course
• Strawberry Valley
• Children’s Park
• Maharani Temple
• St. Mary’s Church

Horse Riding: Horseback riding is only offered during summer seasons in Gulmarg between the months of May to October when the snow subsides. The Horseback riding in Gulmarg takes you around popular tourist attractions such as:

• Fishing Lake
• Children’s Park
• Festival Area
• Khilanmarg
• Affarwat

CONNECT

Website: https://gulmargskiresort.com/#

Email: officialgulmargskiresort@gmail.com

Phone: 01954-254566 | +91 9622166661

4. DIVEIndia

Pioneers of Scuba Diving in Andaman Island

DIVEIndia is a premier dive centre, proudly affiliated with SSI (Scuba Schools International), one of the largest and most respected certifying agencies in the diving world in India. DIVEIndia SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre.

DIVEIndia offers an unparalleled adventure experience for thrill-seekers looking to explore the world beneath the waves. Specializes in world-class scuba diving and water sports, providing a unique opportunity for both beginners and experienced divers to immerse themselves in the vibrant marine life of the region, with expert instructors, state-of-the-art equipment, and a commitment to safety and environmental conservation, DIVEIndia promises an adventure that not only excites but also educates, making it the perfect destination for adventure travelers looking to connect with nature in a truly exhilarating way.

Accommodation
Dive India

• Neil | The Dancing Dugong Resort
• Havelock | Placid Garden Resort

Diving In The Andamans Programs
Dive India

Scuba Diving for Beginners | Try Diving

• SSI Basic Diver / Boat: Half-day boat trip and Introductory Diving session, consisting of in-water training, one guided dive with an instructor, dive log and registration with SSI         
• SSI Basic diver / Shore: Half-day introductory Scuba Diving session, consisting of in-water training, one guided dive with an instructor, dive log and registration with SSI
• Single Day / 2 Dive Program: Full day session, starting with a SSI Shore Basic Diver program in the morning, followed by a boat Basic Diver Program in the afternoon (subject to instructor discretion)        
• Additional Boat Dive: Additional boat Basic diver conducted within a week of the initial boat or shore Basic Diver program  
• Upgrade to Scuba Diver certification: For boat/shore Basic Diver participants only

Scuba Diving for Beginners | Learn Diving

• SSI Scuba Diver Course: Intermediate Certification Program – Up To 12m
• SSI Open Water Diver Course: Full Entry-Level Diver Certification – Up To 18m   
• SSI Open Water Diver Course | Referral: Completion of 4 Ow Dives, Cost Of Certification Not Included           
• SSI Advanced Adventurer Course (Add-On to Owd): Second Level of Certification – Up To 30m

Diving for certified divers | Continued Education

• SSI Advanced Adventurer Course: Introductory course into Specialities
• React Right Cpr/First Aid: Non-diving program, required for Rescue training
• DIVER STRESS & RESCUE
• SSI Stress & Rescue + React Right Combo: Combo Rescue + CPR/First Aid program covering both courses

Diving for certified divers | Fun Diving

• 1 day / 2 dives
• 2 days / 4 dives
• 3 days / 6 dives
• 6 days / 12 dives
• Additional Diving (After 6 days)

Marine Ecology Scuba Camp: A dive course in marine ecology for certified divers

Coral Reef Diver Program: Teach you more about the incredible underwater world – how it works, what the various inter-dependencies are, how to identify various fish and critter families and how to critically evaluate a reef ecosystem.

CONNECT

Website: https://diveindia.com/

Email: diveindia@yahoo.com

Phone: +91 77188 41966

5. VAAYU KULA

Surf School

Vaayu Kula is the perfect getaway for adventure travelers seeking a blend of excitement and tranquility. An evolution of the original "Vaayu Village," this hidden gem offers luxurious beachfront rooms situated on the serene, less-travelled beach of North Goa. Tucked away in a charming fishing village, Vaayu Kula provides a peaceful retreat after thrilling adventures, offering the ideal balance of relaxation and exploration. Whether you're unwinding with the sound of the waves or immersing yourself in the local culture, Vaayu Kula is the ultimate destination for those seeking both adventure and peace by the sea.

Accommodation
Vaayu Kula

Vaayu Kula Surf School offers a unique and comfortable accommodation experience for learners who come to immerse themselves in the world of surfing. The accommodations are designed to cater to the needs of surfers, with spacious rooms, common areas for socializing, and easy access to the beach, creating the perfect environment for both learning and leisure.

• Moonrise Suite

• Ocean View Rooms
• Sunset Suite
• Mowgli's Beach House
• Lofted Ocean View Rooms
• Mowgli's Beach House

Programs
Vaayu Kula Goa | Surf School

Surfing: This program is led by ISA-certified surf instructors, Vaayu Kala team ensures a safe and enriching experience as you learn to stand up and ride the waves. Beyond mastering the basics, you’ll discover the art of balancing breath, momentum, and courage while interpreting the rhythm of the ocean, with practice, navigating the waves becomes instinctive, making each session both an adventure and a journey of self-discovery. 

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP): Originating in Hawaii, SUP offers a unique blend of relaxation and exploration, allowing you to connect with the water’s natural rhythm, Vaayu Kula provide top-notch SUP boards for beginners to enjoy the tranquil lagoon or for seasoned paddlers ready to embrace the waves.

CONNECT

Website: https://vaayukula.com/

Email: bookings@vaayukula.com

Phone: +91 9850050403

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, India stands as an unparalleled adventure playground, offering an array of thrilling experiences for every age group. From heart-pounding treks and wildlife safaris to serene rejuvenation escapes, the country's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it the perfect destination for adventure seekers. Companies like Travel Design Pvt. Ltd. are at the forefront of curating these bespoke journeys, ensuring that each traveller can enjoy a personalized and unforgettable experience. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-fueled activities or tranquil retreats, India's adventure offerings promise something for everyone, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and explorers alike.