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Goa is good location for beach side camping the season for beach side camping in India is October to March there are some good beach camps in Goa. Enjoy the luxury and comfort redefined in an elegant way at the Goa beach camps. Amidst the beauty of sun, sand and sea, the beach resorts in Goa will make your stay a memorable affair for lifetime.

Set up in the year 2003 for the first time, "The Chardham Camps" pioneered the concept of integrated luxury pilgrimage travel in a market yet untouched by any quality service outfitter. The camps provide luxury accommodation in Swiss cottage tents with attached baths and showers for the first time in the history of the Chardham Circuit.

At The Chardham Camps hospitality is not restricted just to sumptuous cuisine, hygienic and comfortable accommodation. It goes beyond this established norm. The guests decide how they want to define their holiday. Guests are offered a glimpse of the local culture & heritage and a variety of activities to choose from.

"The Chardham Camps" can thus be adjudged as the best alternative to luxury hotels in Chardham. Set amidst the serenity of the plush flora, The Chardham Camps promises you the finest accommodation in Chardham. So get set to enjoy your Chardham yatra amidst the folds of snow-covered peaks of the lofty Garhwal Himalayas.

Camps Locations

The Chardham Camps ensures optimum comfort for the esteemed pilgrims of the Chardham yatra. These luxurious camps are available for those undertaking a Badrinath tour, Kedarnath tour, Gangotri or Yamnotri tour. In fact, the accommodation facilities provided in these camps is superior to that of any hotel in Chardham.

Barkot

(Altitude: 2118 mtrs) is located on slightly raised land along the banks of the Yamuna in the area that is known as the Rawain – essentially the valley of the River Yamuna. The most striking aspect of Barkot is its natural setting – a backdrop of the magnificent Banderpunch range and verdant hills and terraced fields in the foreground. Nature was preserved here in its pristine glory as it was only in the 1940s that outsiders in the form of trekkers and adventurers finally managed to make their way to this remote region. The people of Rawain trace their genealogy down from the Pandavs and the Kauravs of the Mahabharat fame. As a result, this is one of the few areas in India where fraternal polyandry, the marriage of multiple brothers to a single woman, is practiced. For most people in Barkot, polyandry is a natural way of life. In the generation before the present one, polyandry was practiced as a matter of fact; and many of the present generation find it natural that they have several fathers and one mother. The practice is now dying out in the more urbanized area such as Barkot but continues to be prevalent in the surrounding villages.

Harsil

At an altitude of 2745 meters, 20 Kms before Gangotri there is only one word to describe Harsil: stunning! It is situated in a valley on the bank of river Bhagirathi, at the confluence of the Jalandhari Gadh and the Bhagirathi, nestled in the shadow of the huge mountain that lies at the head of the Baspa Valley (Himachal Pradesh). Harsil is connected to the Baspa valley by several passes such as the Lamkhaga Pass. Apart from Matri and Kailash mountains, on the left side there is the Shrikanth peak behind which lies Kedarnath and in the rear there is Banderpunch. This sylvan hamlet is well-known for its natural beauty and delicious apples. The winding shady roads, tall conifers, lofty mountains, the turbulent Bhagirathi, apple orchards, streams, waterfalls and green meadows -- all add to Harsil’s allure.

A narrow lane runs through Harsil and is bordered on both sides by wooden houses in typical Garhwali architectural style. There are little streams, swept by willow trees, with dainty bridges across them and forest trails you can follow to your heart’s content. Harsil lay on the old caravan trail between Tibet and India, when trade and marriages flourished between the two countries. Harsil has a sizeable Bhotia population – many of whom use Harsil as their winter base. The army has a strong presence in this town – and an army camp is based here perhaps because Harsil lies quite close to the China border.

Dharali

3 Kms from Harsil at an altitude of 2800 meters Dharali, a small, picturesque village, could be called a suburb of Harsil. Its rajma (red kidney beans) and apples are famous in the region, including a variety called Wilson – obviously named after. Frederick E. Wilson, who settled here in the early 19th century and introduced the residents to potato- and apple-growing. The Bhagirathi flows close by and the village is surrounded by pine trees –with a breathtaking view of snow-clad peaks.

Dharali is the last village on this side of the Indo-Tibetan border and has a strong Tibetan influence; there is a permanent settlement of semi-nomadic Jadhs of the Nilang valley here.

Maneri

Roughly 13 km upstream of Uttarkashi is the village of Maneri. Here, a lake – of an unbelievably beautiful and clear color reflecting the surrounding conifers-- has been formed by damming the Bhagirathi, which is fast becoming a popular tourist attraction. The Maneri-Bhali project, which supplies 93 MW of power to Uttarakhand, is located on the left bank of Bhagirathi, close to Uttarkashi.

Guptakashi

Located at an altitude of 1319 meter Gupkashi offers a panoramic view of the Mandakini valley below, Chaukhamba, Mandakini Darshan, Badrinath, Neelkanth, Ukhimath and the snow ranges of the Kedarnath atop ahead. It is a major town before Gaurikund – with services and facilities of a post and telegraph office, banks, a hospital, a police station and eateries. The temples in Guptkashi are believed to be as old as time itself. Barely a kilometre or two down from Guptkashi, on the track to Ukhimath, is the Vidyapeeth, the most historic Sanskrit and Ayurved School in the entire state. It is no wonder that Guptkashi has a rich tradition of Ayurved practice and a host of Ayurvedacharya or practitioners of Ayurved.

Joshimath

Located at an altitude of 1875 meters Joshimath is the place where Adi Shankracharya, the 8th century religious reformer, attained enlightenment, and it is here that he set up the first ever Math or centre of learning before establishing the Badrinath shrine and three more Maths in different corners of the country. The town is also the seat of the Badrinath shrine in the winter months, and it is worshipped at the beautiful and ancient Narsingh Temple here. Its proximity to Badrinath, Auli and Niti Valley makes Joshimath an important tourist destination – and the combination of spiritualism and adventure that it offers visitors makes it an exciting place at any time of the year.

Common Camps Facilities in Char Dham Camps

Spacious Weather Proof Luxury-Thatched Roof Cottage Camps | Attached Bathroom and Toilets with Running Hot/Cold Water | Dining Area | Hot Water Bottles | Television with Satellite Channels | Telephone with Direct Dial Facilities | Work Desk | DVD Player on Request.

Dining

The pioneer of "Luxury pilgrimage in India, "The Chardham Camps offers exceptional dining facilities for pilgrims undertaking a religious tour to India. The Himalayan camps at Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri incorporate multi-cuisine dining facilities catering to a wide array of tastes.

Special emphasis is placed on the quality of food served at the Camps. The aroma and delectable taste help you relax after a tiring day out. Since most of the tourists undertake the religious tour, or the Char Dham Yatra, Indian and vegetarian cuisine is more on demand.

Common Recreation Activities

Your Chardham tour goes beyond its surface meaning to signify a richer experience- we make sure our hospitality outdoes the established norm! Besides offering prayers to the holy temple, the guests can also check out a number of cultural activities to entertain themselves. Some of the options available are:-

Evening Aarti by Local Priest | Bhajan & Kirtan | Guided Trek at Harsil | Visit to Chopta & A Trek to Tungnath near Guptakashi | A Traditional Welcome | Culture Programs & Folk Dances of Rawai | Short Walks and Bonfire in Gangotri Valley.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport from Rishikesh is at Jolly Grant, 18 km away
By Rail: Rishikesh is also connected by train services with Haridwar, the nearest broad-gauge railway station
By Road: Regular bus services also operate to the city from all the important centers in the northern region. Badrinath and Gangotri is connected with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun and Haridwar.

The route to be followed:

Stage 01
Ex HARIDWAR/ [225 kms]
HARIDWAR – [55] – DEHRADUN – [35] – MUSSOORIE – [15] – KEMPTY FALLS – [25] – NAINBAGH – [45] – BARKOT – [29] – SAYANACHATTI – [13] – PHOOLCHATTI ---- [05 kms TREK] ----- YAMUNOTRI.

OR
HARIDWAR - [24] – RISHIKESH - [30] – AGARKHAL - [32] – NARENDERNAGAR – [32] –CHAMBA – [21] – TEHRI – [36] – DHARASU – [55] – BARKOT - [29] – SAYANACHATTI - [13] – PHOOLCHATTI ----- [05 kms TREK] ------ YAMUNOTRI.

Stage 02
Ex YAMUNOTRI/ [222 kms]
Ex HARSIL/ [175 kms]
YAMNOTRI- [42+05 kms TREK]-BARKOT- [55]-DHARASU- [28]-UTTARKASHI- [69]-HARSIL- [23]-GANGOTRI - (100) – UTTARKASHI.

Stage 03
Ex GANGOTRI/ [332 kms]
Ex HARSIL/ [309 kms]
Ex UTTARKASHI / (240 Kms)
GANGOTRI-[23]-HARSIL-[69]-UTTARKASHI-[28]-DHARASU-[37]-TEHRI-[60]-SRINAGAR-[35] - RUDRAPRAYAG-[47]-GUPTAKASHI-[19+14 kms TREK]-KEDARNATH.

Stage 04
Ex KEDARNATH/ [208 kms]
Ex GUPTAKASHI/[175 kms]
KEDARNATH- [19+14 kms TREK]-GUPTAKASHI-[10]-UKHIMATH-[30]-CHOPTA-[50]-CHAMOLI-[41]-JOSHIMATH-[20]-GOVINDGHAT-[24]-BADRINATH.

Stage 05
Ex BADRINARH/ 300 kms
Ex JOSHIMATH/ 255 kms
BADRINATH - [25] – GOVINDGHAT -[20]-JOSHIMATH-[70]-KARANPRAYAG-[35]-RUDRAPRAYAG-[35]-SRINAGAR-[21]-DEVPRAYAG-[70]-RISHIKESH-[24]-HARIDWAR.

Camping Tourism is fast catching concept. Traveler wants alternatives. Rajasthan offers the best Sites to study and enjoy the culture to the Foreign Travelers. Even the Corporate sector of India prefers to spend some time in Camps & organize Conference in a New Fashion. NRI's query for Gala parties & Special Marriage Themes in Camps.

The Camps is a fine art in Rajasthan. Camps capture the luxurious Nostalgia of a Bygone-era of Royal safari & Shikar Camps. The Tents have been innovatively crafted using the traditional skills and crafts of Marwar. The Camps consists of individual Tents, each with Verandah (Small hallway), a bedroom a Bathroom. There is a large Dining Tents serving the best of Multi Cuisine. The open reception tent is an ideal place for Get Together. However, such tents can also be hired, and agents use them to create Cities wherever required or for moving visitors to different Palaces where these Tents are pitched each night.

Riverside camps has earned the repute of being one of the favorite retreats for the adventure junkies who does not believe to immure themselves within the comforts and luxury of the hotel rooms during the course of their vacation.

Riverside Camp in Rishikesh and other location is especially popular among the adventure junkies who would not miss the adrenaline pumping thrills involved in river rafting. This sport is increasingly gaining popularity among the lifestyle-oriented Indian as well as International travelers.

Wildlife camping is very common among the urban settlers because by doing so people are able to relax their body and mind. The camping site may be anywhere like in a forest, on mountains, deserts or near a river.

Wildlife camping can be enjoyed in any season and it does not include any particular adventurous activity. The adventurous activities depend upon the place where the camp is being set. If the camp is set up on the foot of hills near a river then a person can go for river rafting, fishing etc. Wildlife camping brings a human being much closer to Mother Nature. People from all age group can participate in wildlife camping. The main aim of organizing such wildlife camping is to bring man and Mother Nature closer and also to make a man feel the importance of Mother Nature. There are many sites for Wildlife Camping in India.

Wildlife Camping Activities

For Wildlife Camping activities required following:
Sleeping bag |eating utensils | Wildlife Camping tents | hat | flashlight | sunscreen glasses | pair of shoes | a small medical kit for emergency |toiletries

For Wildlife Camping in India at different sites folding chairs, cold drinks, warm camp fires and even wine or beer, music and other necessities are should be added. Some of the Wildlife Camping tents and gears also include lanterns, batteries, axes, rain flies and toilet papers.

White Water Rafting - Kaudiyala Rishikesh

Unspoilt, untouched and breathtakingly spectacular, wild, lush green and icy blu at the same time. That’s Uttaranchal. Cradled in the majestic beauty and calm serenity of the Himalayas. It is undoubtedly one of India’s most beautiful states. It enfolds within itself captivating glimpses of Kumaon and Garhwal and enchants everyone who comes here into believing that it is the ultimate definition of beauty on earth.

Kaudiyala

Shivpuri Alaknanda cradled in the lap of the lower Himalayas, Rishikesh is surrounded by hills on three sides with the holy Ganga flowering through it. Rishikesh is also a focal point for white water rafting and acts as a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Himalayas. The river Ganga cuts against the rocky banks, crashing, into rocks and breaking into white water rapids, foaming, swirling amidst a thunderous din. From the camp you can raft down about 30 kms till Rishikesh through grade 1 rapids like Sweet sixteen and grade 4 rapids like the wall. As your journey down, the frothing waters of the untamed river rush to meet you to test your adventure skills to the extreme. At the end of an exhilarating rafting stretch, you can enjoy a dip in the cool waters and then sun yourself dry on sandy bordered by oak, pine, spruce and fir trees. If you are lucky, you may also spot deer drinking water from the river.

About 28 km upstream from the town of Rishikesh, on the Alaknanda, is one of India’s best known and most popular - stretches for white water rafting. The stretch between Kaudiyala and Shivpuri has several camps, each catering to river rafting outfits. Most of these operate between Octobers to March, through the winter. The run starts at Kaudiyala and passes through thickly wooded hills; along the way are two of the river’s best rapids- one known as the `wall’ and the other called the ‘golf course’- which are succeeded by deep, tranquil pools. The river route makes it way past riverside temples, under the Laxman Jhoola. The run finally terminates at the dam beyond Rishikesh.

Distance from Delhi by Road

250 kms from Delhi via Ghaziababd – Modinagar- Meerut, Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee – Rishikesh – Tehri

Rudraprayag – Rishikesh (Alaknanda)

Situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Mandakini- two of the main tributaries of the Ganga, Rudraprayag is known to many wildlife buffs as the place where the famous Jim Corbett shot a man eating leopard in 1926. Although no longer as thickly wooded as it once was, Rudraprayag is still close enough to the jungles to make it a very charming place- and the starting point of an exhilarating, if strenuous, bit of river running.

Starting a little beyond the main town of Rudraprayag, the river makes its way through a series of rapids, narrow gorges and quieter stretches, passing through the towns of Srinagar and Devprayag (at the junction of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi). Further on, the river reaches Kaudiyala, from where the stretch to Shivpuri and on to Rishikesh is a fairly demanding one. The entire expedition takes about four or five days, depending upon the pace.

What is particularly appealing about the Rudraprayag-Rishikesh run is that other than the adventure of river rafting on one of India’s best stretches; it also offers the chance to see the densely forested Himalayan foothills at close quarters. Furthermore, the river passes through the heart of `sacred’ India- with plenty of opportunity to visit old temples. Anyway, river rafting on the Alaknanda can mean loads of dips- intentional and otherwise- in the holy river!

Tehri – Shivpuri Bhagirathi / Alaknanda

The Tehri – Shivpuri run, on the Bhagirathi River, is considered to be one of India’s best runs- scenic and heart-stoppingly exhilarating. Beginning at the town of Tehri, the district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal, this run goes down the Bhagirathi River, passing through foaming rapids- mostly grade III or IV- till it reaches Devprayag. At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi merges with the Alaknanda, beyond which the river becomes- in places- more manageable than in the upper reaches. Passing Kaudiyala, the run goes on to Shivpuri, and then to Rishikesh (for more details, see the Rudraprayag – Rishikesh run, above).

The Beas River flows in Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Some basic rafting is available along the Beas River from May to mid-June, and depending on the monsoon, from mid-September to mid-October. Trips generally start at Pirdi and continue 16 km down to Jhiri.

The Mountaineering Institute and Allied Sports in Manali, Himachal Pradesh can arrange two-week kayaking trips on the Beas river in Oct. River rafting expeditions are possible on the Beas river in Himachal Pradesh, on the Ganges and its tributaries in Uttarakhand. On the Indus and Zanskar rivers in Ladakh and Zanskar, and on the Teesta River in the west Bengal hills. Travel agencies in Gangtok (Sikkim) can also organize trips on the Teesta.

The Beas River is a heaven for extreme Kayakers and biggener rafters alike. This river has got I - IV grade rapids. The best time to run this river is from May to June.

Rafting down the mighty Brahmaputra with its icy cold waters from just below its source of snow capped mountains, gushing down to the plains of Assam is not an easy task. Rafting over its massive waves would be the greatest feat of thrill, excitement and human endurance. Rafting down the Brahmaputra River holds the same challenge for the rafters as the Everest holds for the Mountaineers. With their pure blue and cascading white water rapids, Brahmaputra makes a cascading view and keeps on alluring with their attraction time and again. This river has got IV - V and VI grade rapids, which can be risky.

Rafting down the Brahmaputra is a 12-day Expedition. The exhilaration of running through a rapid, the feeling of excitement and thrill, to ride over the high waves, the challenges of big holes with circulating currents, the feeling of being one with nature, the scenic beauty of the surroundings and thrills of camping out in the wilderness, are some of the combined factors which inspires one to take this adventure of river running. The Brahmaputra valley receives rains in early February and starts rising. Therefore, the rafting is only possible during winter season. November till January is considered the best period to launch this expedition. In order to raft down the Brahmaputra one has to take official permission from the Government of India or the State Government. River Ganga offers difficult and complex stretches of water but these are on lesser scale when compared with tremendous challenging stretches of white waters of the Brahmaputra.

White Water Rafting is an exciting & thrilling aqua sport. This is being conducted in Cauvery River, Bangalore Dist., This place is around 100 Kms from Bangalore. The rafting starts from Bheemeshwari and passes through thick forests, which is in Cauvery Wildlife sanctuary, Kanakapura Division, and the rafting event is around 8 Kms, which takes 3 Hrs to complete. This swift and powerful river stretch is through beautiful valley, the real experience through the wilderness without leaving any trace in the nature and still experiencing the beauty of Mother Nature. The entire stretch comprises of Grade 2+ and Grade 3 rapids, which offers more thrill and the rush of adrenaline high of your lifetime.

Tariff: Rs. 1,000/- (Rupees: One Thousand only) per participant. This includes Transportation from Bangalore & Back, Rafting equipment hire charges; Guides fee, Forest Entry Fee, and Vehicle hire charges. After completion of the rafting event, the participants will be brought back to the starting point @ the base camp in a jeep.

Dates: Rafting will be conducted on all Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays. During week-days, we need a minimum of 10 participants per batch.

From the arctic Himalayas to the plain terrain of Bay of Bengal flows the gushing, foaming, White-water Teesta also known as the lifeline of the state, originating from the mysterious Cho Lhamu Lake and cuttin centrally through Sikkim. Teesta River is also known as the lifeline of the State as it originated from the mysterious Cho Lhamu Lake and cutting centrally through Sikkim.

To start off, one has a leisurely drive of 1 hr & reaches to put in point (Singtam). The river guide gives briefing on safety procedure, while the crew rigs the raft. This is one of the most thrilling & enchanting trips in Sikkim & it takes 2-21/2 hrs to reach take-out point and after a short rest or refreshment drive back to Gangtok. This package comes under Pleasure Trip.

There is another 2 days package. In this package, on the first day float of 2-21/2 hrs to put in point and lunch in between. Then you can explore the locales. A warm campfire & tents are put up to have a nice warm sleep. If you are looking for a little more adventure, perhaps you like the thrill you get from playing games at websites similar to poker.dk, and then this may be the trip for you. It is thrilling but it also has a physical aspect to it. Making a trip of it really adds to the whole experience and makes it more of a rafting adventure.

The second day one goes to hit the river encountering some of the famous rapids. Then reach the take-out point & then further drive back to Gangtok.

Rafting (Oct. - Nov. only) on the Teesta and Rangeet rivers offers everything from gentle rides through amazing mountain views and lush canyon vegetation to white - water for the experienced rafter only. A trip on the Teesta will probably take you from Makha to Rongpo, while adventures down the Rangeet go from Sikip to Melli.

About the only thing you will have to get used to, when you plan a camel safari, is the balancing act and getting use to the movement of the camel. The camels may look aloof, but they are known as the lifeline for the desert people, whose major mode of transportation depends on camels only, also known as the "Ship of the Desert".

The adventure trip inside the Thar Desert is the one that you won't be able to forget your whole life. Reason being that beside the blurry, savage and extreme image of this desert lays the adventure of exploring the sandy landscape and passage through remote villages. How about camping on small pond sites, experience spending the night under the stars and jive on the tunes of the musicians.

Camel Safari has been a experience that is happening since the ancient times, when no other modern means of communications were developed by man and animals were the sole transport used for communication. Tourists can still enjoy the same desert experience in the Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where special cultural performances are also organized by the Rajasthan tourism department for the entertainment of tourists in the evening. The camps are specially set of the travelers, serving traditional Rajasthani meals and in the company of warm hearted Rajasthani people.

Besides riding the camel there are certain other facts too that you should keep in mind while traveling the desert regions of the Thar. Have you booked a camel safari trip in the Thar with prior reservations; better check them before leaving for your desert safari trip. The weather in desert is extreme so do carry a good backup of plenty of portable water to avoid dehydration, sun screen, goggles, and a first aid kit.

The clothes that you are going to wear should also provide your skin breathing space, because of the hot climate you are tending to sweat. It’s better to wear cotton clothes and loose fitted ones and wear shoes, avoid exposing your skin as much as possible or you'll get a sun burn. Visitors are requested to dress modestly since the safari passes in close proximity of villages. A Sola-Topee, the local Rajasthani turban or some kind of head protection is essential too.

Camel safaris are organized with skill and imagination in the vast Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The duration of safari can be from 4 to 15 days, though the minimum time duration doesn't exceed the week limit. The Thar is a world of its own, an unending ocean of sand, dotted with dunes and patchily covered with xero phylic shrubs, with its own distinctive wildlife. While taking up a camel caravan you'll encounter the warmth of hospitable villagers and ruins of historic forts and palaces of Rajasthan.

The best camel safaris can be done around Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, in the very heart of the Thar.

The Bikaner - Jaisalmer safari is about 11 days long, covering 25 to 30-kms a day, along a route known to none but the camel riders.

An option to the desert heartland would be the Shekhawati region, taking in such towns as Ramgarh, Nawalgarh, Dundlod, Mandawa and Churu. Short, one or two-day camel safari trips can also be organized and the safari routes can incorporate interesting variations as Jaisalmer to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Special camel safaris are also organized round Pushkar and Nagaur in the winter season of October to March, when these two cities have their popular cattle fairs.

Chambal Safaris are another attraction that are coming up in the safari circuit and is a fine instance of Eco-friendly tourism in rural India. It provides the chance to witness the rich heritage and wildlife legacy set against arid backdrop. The Chambal Safari is a must for visitors to Agra and revolves around two key activities, a river cruise conducted by the Pathanias, which takes you along the Chambal River for 30 kms and provides close encounters with Ghariyals and Crocodiles; and the camel safari, which takes you to the picturesque Atar Fort.

The best way to experience Rajasthan is undoubtedly on the back of a horse. A holiday on horseback is one of the best means of sampling the flavour of India's old world hospitality and charm in original ethnic surroundings. Just by opting to ride off the beaten track on an organized horse safari, with any of a growing number of aristocrat entrepreneurs belonging to the erstwhile Royal families of Rajputana, a person can revel in the heady feeling of belonging to a different age, in a timeless and ancient land.

The best way to see the real Rajasthan is to move quietly through the countryside on horseback. On a horse, the traveller can become a part of the landscape, and can visit places a car bound tourist would never see.

What awaits you is an overwhelming and heady experience - no wonder people keep coming back for more. If you choose a Horse Safari as a holiday you will have to bring your own Hard Hats and Boots. A light sweater and jacket are required for the evenings, and don't forget that pair of binoculars. In corresponding with your tour operator, it is a good idea to advise them of your height, weight and riding experience to enable them to match Horse to Rider.

Yet another delightful experience that has captured the imagination of holiday makers is horse riding. It offers rides extending to four or five days as well as camping en route location. A campfire under the stars, hung large and brilliantly low in the sky in the stillness of the night, recreating the age-old charm of a horseback ride.

If you are one of those who like the galloping thrills, then take up horse riding. It offers rides extending to four to five days as well as camping en route on location. So if you are interested in exploring the rugged and barren regions of India, horse safari is the best option you can have, as this activity gives you an opportunity to go to those places, where neither a motor nor a plane can go.

Usually the safari is involved in the areas, which are sort of cut out from the rest of the world. Take for example the Himalayan regions, where most of the regions are still remotely located, untouched by civilization. To reach these parts, horses make the best options. You can even plan to combine your horse safari with trekking and hiking trips too.

Horse Safari Facts

The first and foremost thing one requires in horse safari is riding ability. You should at least master the basic things that any horse rider is aware of ability such as to trot or canter through rugged areas and countryside; to be comfortable at all paces and to be able to gallop out of trouble. If you are a fit and proficient rider, it will work as a great advantage for you on your safari trip Choose those types of horses that are particularly well-suited to this kind of environment and are trained for safari trips only. It’s better to take up a safari trip under the guidance of professional guides and with a backup of a four wheel drive vehicle. While on a safari trip, keep always a mental note about the terrain that you are going cover on the horse. Always give yourself a break from the ride after 4-7 hours and keep on taking food and water on regular intervals. Wear riding clothes and clothes of bush colours with breeches and boots. It’s also important for every rider to know about the unpredictable weather conditions of a particular region, so better carry a raincoat, riding gloves and a hat along. A medical kit always comes handy in case of emergency and accident. Take along medications such as Malaria tablets also. Horse Safari Regions in India The safari routes can be quite surprising, with some places providing a tranquil and pleasant walking areas, where you can get a chance to observe the natural world around you. While certain safari trips cover the high mountain plateaus and passes, crosses open grassy plains and follows river courses through the hills.

The ultimate horse safari destinations in India are the mountainous regions of Himalayas. While you can always opt for trekking and short hiking trips within the Himalayas, still horse safari becomes a totally new experience if it is done in the national parks of the states of Uttaranchal and Himachal.

Another state that has become quite known for Horse Safari is Rajasthan. Horse Safari is a recent introduction in this state and provides a more exciting variation of the camel safari. Horse Safaris are usually conducted in the vicinity of Udaipur where the hilly terrain and forested countryside are ideal for taking up the trail.

The Horse safari routes can be divers too, but most pass close to small villages, ruined historical monuments and temples. These places are ideal to halt for a bit of rest and relaxation, or lunch and a quick nap. In the evening visitors can enjoy the comforts of former palaces and forts. There isn't any other better or historic way to explore Rajasthan.

Horse Safari Routes in India

• Udaipur - Nagra – Haldighati - Kumbalgarh
• Kumbalgarh – Ranakpur – Kotri – Barkana – Chanoud – Phadajun - Rohet
• Pushkar – Roopangarh - Pachewar - Sawai Madhopur
• Dundlod – Danta – Roopangarh - Pushkar
  
• Hardwar - Kotdwar - Kalagarh - Ramnagar - Kaladhungi - Haldwani
• Around Udaipur “Jaisamand Tribal Safari”

Horse Safaris

The are gaining in popularity and are offered in Rajasthan. Conditions are similar to camel safaris with grooms (and often the horse owner) accompanying the tour. The trails chosen usually enable tourists to visit small villages, old forts and temples. Horse safaris move across a variety of terrain and vegetation including scrub covered arid plains to forested hills. Night stays are often in comfortable palaces, forts or havelies. Ride thorough bred and half-bred, Indian bred Marwari and Kathiawari horse which are retired from racing. The average distance covered daily is 20-35 km. Accommodation is in deluxe tents with separate bath and toilets. The saddler is English.

Shikarbadi

Shikarbadi near Udaipur was once the hunting lodge of the Royal Family of Mewar. Today, it is a well-equipped resort with a number of modern amenities. There is also a special tented village, a small private lake, a deer park and the Imperial Stud Farm within the resort. It has some of the finest stables in the country. Its horse safaris present an ideal opportunity to travel the off-beaten track.

Aodhi

Aodhi serves as an ideal base for exploring the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort. Surrounded by a thickly wooded forest, the ramparts stretch across 36 km.

Ghanerao

The horses are pure bred Marwari, with deep seats and characterized by ears that meet at the tip forming a heart. In addition, thorough breds and half-breds, all from the Polo Stables of the maharana of Udaipur are also used.

Jeep Safaris are the perfect way of discovering some of India's less accessible places, for the Jeep is a sturdy and hardy vehicle that can travel with ease on rough and rocky terrains. Also, due to its varied and unique topography, India offers some unique destinations that are best reached in jeeps. You could go on a Jeep safari across the Thar Desert, or even on a cross Himalayan jeep safari, which would see you plying the famous Manali to Leh route.

Travelling everyday a couple of hours through beautiful and rugged terrains enjoying the scenery and camping every day at a new place has a charm of its own. Make sure you utilize the services of an experienced organization and resourceful manpower that has thorough knowledge of the area, for a lifetime of an experience. A good driver is a must and so is a good team taking care of day-to-day arrangements. Some of the areas require inner line permits for foreigners so advance planning is vital for jeep safari programs.

Various Established Routes & Areas for Jeep Safaris

• Leh & Ladakh
• Spiti, Lahaul and Zanskar Valleys
• Kumaon and Garhwal
• Sikkim
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Gujarat
• Rajasthan

KUFRI

The ski resort which is perhaps the most easily accessible for anyone in northern India is Kufri. Just about 10 km from Shimla, Kufri’s a quiet little town which becomes a busy winter wonderland once the snow starts falling. British officers in the Indian Army discovered this beautiful little place way back in the 1930s, and a serendipitous discovery it was- for Kufri, within a few years, became one of the hottest winter resorts in Himachal. The 1950s and 60s, especially, were boom time for Kufri, although it’s now been overshadowed by classier resorts like Auli. The snow still falls in Kufri, however, and a skiing trip here can be pretty satisfying. The Mahasu Ridge, just above Kufri, has some good slopes which are worth a try.

How to Reach

Shimla, just about 10 km from Kufri, is well connected to the rest of India by air, rail and road. Shimla’s Jubbar bhatti Airport has flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu, and a narrow-gauge train links Shimla to Kalka. Kalka has train connections to a number of cities and towns in India, including Delhi. Daily buses link Shimla to major towns in northern India. From Shimla, buses or hired taxis can be taken to get to Kufri.

Where to Stay

Kufri’s so close to Shimla that it’s really not essential to stay in Kufri. You could, if you’re willing to do the short trip to and from Kufri everyday, stay in one of Shimla’s many hotels. Himachal’s capital has a wide range of properties, all the way from economy to deluxe. If you’d rather stay in Kufri itself, there’s a holiday resort, a winter sports club run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, a PWD Resthouse, and a few guesthouses.

MANALI

Manali in Himachal Pradesh is known mainly for heli-skiing. The area around the town, including Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chanderkhani Pass, is where heli-skiing takes place. Skiers are taken aboard a helicopter up to a height of close to 14,000 ft, where they can then get off the copter and ski downhill. It’s exhilarating- and expensive- and is fast becoming a popular alternative to just going to Manali for treks.

Further out from Manali, good ski slopes exist at Solang; Solang Nallah, 10 km from Manali, also hosts an annual skiing tournament.

The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali is one of the premier institutions for skiing in the Himalayas. The organisation offers ski courses throughout the winter, and can provide both assistance as well as advice on where and how to go skiing. The directorate also hires out equipment.

How to Reach

The airport closest to Manali is at Bhuntar, near Kullu; domestic flights arrive here from most major airports in India, and connecting buses do the trip to Manali.
The nearest railhead is Joginder nagar, 135 km from Manali. Manali itself has no train connections, although it’s well linked to the rest of northern India by road. There’s a large bus station on the Mall, with daily buses from Kullu, Chandigarh, Shimla and other major towns and cities in this part of the country.

Where to Stay

Manali offers a reasonably wide range of accommodation. Some nice old hotels are situated on the outskirts of the town, while inexpensive lodges and privately owned guesthouses abound in the old town. Fortunately for skiers, Manali’s most crowded during the summers, when hordes of families from all across India descend on the town, determined to enjoy their summer vacations. Winters are low season for everybody except skiers, and the chances of getting good accommodation at relatively low tariffs are bleft.

NARKANDA

64 km from Shimla is one of India’s oldest ski resorts, Narkanda. Narkanda lies at an altitude of 8,100 ft, and is an important horticultural centre. Fruit orchards on the surrounding hills produce some of Himachal’s most luscious apples and cherries, making Narkanda one of Himachal’s pleasantest settlements, no matter what time of the year. What’s good about Narkanda is that it’s still comparatively unspoilt and uncrowded, so you won’t find yourself suffocated by hordes of fellow skiers.

Himachal Tourism manages all the skiing facilities at Narkanda. They hire out equipment, conduct training courses, and provide everything from accommodation to transport. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali also plays a part in the skiing at Narkanda; they organise special skiing courses January onwards every year.

How to Reach

Fortunately for visitors, Narkanda is conveniently situated on the main highway from Shimla to Kinnaur. There are regular buses to and from Shimla (which, in turn, is connected to the rest of northern India by road and rail). The journey to Narkanda from Shimla is just about two hours, and both taxis as well as private vehicles can be hired in Shimla to do the trip.

Where to Stay

Narkanda’s list of tourist accommodation facilities is rather modest. The town has a pretty- but otherwise fairly unpretentious- rest house, a small hotel operated by the Himachal State Tourism Development Corporation, and a handful of other Properties. Most are clean and comfortable, but nowhere near luxurious.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jahangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching their-- roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar gives over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point known simply as View Point travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

One of the major attractions for adventure loving tourists is skiing in the Himalayas. Gulmarg, the best ski resort in the Himalayas, was first established by the British in 1927, when two British Army Officers, Maj. Metcarp and Maj. Hadow had setup the Ski Club of India at Gulmarg.

Skiing had become very popular during the pre-independence years and Gulmarg used to host two main events, one each during Christmas and Easter. In 1938-39 about 500 skiers are reported to have participated in the Christmas and Easter ski races. Gulmarg's atmosphere can generally be identified with 1940's and 50's European skiing-'the Alps of good old days'. It has good sunshine as well as good snow.

Best Season:

Attractions

Khilanmarg

This smaller valley is about a 6-km walk from the Gulmarg bus stop and car park. The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley. It's a 600-metre ascent from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and during the early spring, as the snow melts, it can be a very muddy hour's climb up the hill. The effort is rewarded, if it's clear, with a sweeping view of the great Himalayas from Nanga Parbat to the twin 7,100-metre peaks of Nun and Kun to the southeast.

Alpather Lake

Beyond Khilanmarg, 13-km from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4,511 metre Apharwat peaks, this lake is frozen until mid-June and even later in the year one can see lumps of ice floating in its cold waters. The walk from Gulmarg follows a well-graded Pony track over the 3,810 metre Apharwat ridge, separating it from Khilanmarg, and then up the valley to the lake at 3,843 meters. The more adventurous trekkers can climb straight up the boulder-strewn slope of the ridge and descend the other side to the path. For horse riding aficionados, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening.

Shrine of Baba Reship / Zaire of Baba Reship

This Muslim shrine is on the slopes below Gulmarg and can be reached from either Gulmarg or Tangmarg. The Ziarat, or tomb, is of a well-known Muslim saint who died here in 1480. Before renouncing worldly ways he was a courtier of the Kashmir King Zain-ul-Abidin. Every year thousands of devotees visit this shrine regardless of the faith they believe in.

Auli

16 km from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort A 3 km long slope ranging from a height of 2519 to 3049 m is a major attraction. A 500 m long ski-lift carries skiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.

Clifftop Club Resort – World’s second highest ski resort located next to the sky slopes, Venues for national and international snow sports in winter. Own skiing equipment and instructors.

Highlights

Clifftop Club is located at over 10,000 ft above sea level. Excellent ski slopes and state of the art ski lifts have placed Auli as an important destination for skiing and snow sports.

Clifftop Club provides an uninterrupted 270 degree view of Nanda Devi and adjoining ranges. A short trek takes you to Gorson Reserve Forest where you can revel in the magnificent sunrise and views and experience walks in dense alpine forest terrain. Gorson Reserve Forest is located off Tower number 10, which can also be accessed by a short trek up the slopes. Magnificent views of sunrise can be enjoyed here. A short walk in the dense alpine forest takes you to Chhatrakund, a frozen lake.

How to Reach

The best option is to travel from Delhi by road. Delhi to Haridwar is 229 kms. on National Highway no. 47 (NH-47). The climb from Haridwar to Joshimath is 257 kms and takes about 10 hours. The ascent to Joshimath winds through Rishikesh, Srinagar, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli. Joshimath to Clifftop Club is 17 km by road or 15 minutes by cable car. We suggest a stay at Rishikesh/Rudraprayag to break the journey if travelling from Delhi.

• Delhi - Haridwar 229 km
• Haridwar - Srinagar 89 km
• Srinagar - Rudraprayag 91 km
• Rudraprayag - Nandprayag 38 km
• Nandprayag - Pipalkoti 21 km
• Pipalkoti - Joshimath 67 km

The cable car is operational only up to 4:20 pm in winters hence it is advisable to reach the cable car parking at Joshimath by 4 pm to avoid being stranded at Joshimath. Charges for the return trip of the cable car are Rs 400/- per person, valid for 1 week. Those opting to drive up to Auli in their own vehicles can only reach Clifftop Club in summers. In winters, the only option is to avail the cable car from Joshimath. Parking can be availed at Joshimath as well as at GMVN from where the chair lift operates to take people to tower no. 8 where Clifftop Club is located. The chair lift charges are Rs 200/- for a return trip.

The nearest Railway Station is Rishikesh / Haridwar which is directly connected from Delhi by Mussoorie Express and the Dehradun Shatabdi, from Mumbai by Bandra-Dehradun Exp. and from Kolkata by Howrah-Doon Exp. and from Lucknow by Gorakhanath/Doon Exp. Rishikesh to Joshimath is to be covered by road.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun (280 Km). A helipad at Clifftop Club premises has made the landing of private/commercial chartered helicopters possible. Some guests have already made use of these facilities. A nominal landing fee is charged for a chopper landing.

Around Auli

A day trip to the holy shrine of Badrinath can be made possible if one rises early to avail the first gate of departure at Joshimath. The road from Joshimath to Badrinath is a one-way drive, being narrow, steep and treacherous. A convenient "gate system" regulates up and down traffic to and from Badrinath. Many elite pilgrims to Badrinath prefer to stay at Clifftop Club, Auli and make a day trip to the temple by car only to return to Clifftop Club to soak in the ambience of the bonfire nights overlooked by Nanda Devi and adjoining peaks.

Valley of Flowers

July to September sees trekkers to the Valley of Flowers making stopovers at Clifftop Club to experience the luxury of lavish cuisine and luxurious accommodation with our pampering to end the trek on a high note. The ascent to the valley of Flowers begins from the small settlement of Govind Ghat (1800 m), 22 km beyond Joshimath en-route to Badrinath. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Alaknanda a 3 km trek brings one to the small village Pulna with basic facilities to tourists. The next 9 km trek from Pulna to Govind Dham (Ghangaria) is for the most part along the Bhyundar Ganga. This route is punctuated with waterfalls, wild flowers, forests and beautiful landscapes. On the way there is one smaller migratory village, Bhyundar, named after the river and surrounded by dense broadleaf moist temperate forest. The last stretch is a steep ascent to Govind Dham, 3 km beyond which lies the Valley of Flowers.

The Valley of Flowers National Park (87.50 km2, lat 30° 41' - 30° 48'N and long 79° 33' - 79° 46'E) is located in Chamoli Garhwal, about 595 km northeast of India's capital Delhi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Its altitude ranges from 3,200 m to 6,675 m. Such a variation in the altitude provides a great diversity of landscape and microhabitats.

Auli Village

Also known as a skier's paradise, Auli has one of the best slopes in the world. The 3km long slope ranges from 2519m to 3049m offers a magnificent panoramic view of great Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi (7817m), Kamet (7756m), Mana Parvat (7273m) and Dunagiri (7066m). You could reach Auli from Joshimath (1890m) by taking an enchanting 3 km ride on the world's most highly situated and longest ropeway (cable car).

Hemkund Saheb

Hemkund Sahib is near the Valley of Flowers that is 20 km from Joshimath. It attracts thousands of Sikh pilgrims because Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru (spiritual head of the Sikhs), had meditated by the Hemkund Lake in his previous birth. Nature too has been bountiful in making this place beautiful. There is a majestic gurudwara (a Sikh place of worship) near the lake where people offer prayers after bathing in its cold waters. The place also attracts Hindus in large numbers. It is referred to as Lokpal in the Hindu texts. Like most of the hill stations of India, the Valley of Flower was rediscovered by a British mountaineer, Frank Smiche, in 1938. His book, Valley of Flowers, which became a bestseller in those days, dwells mainly on the beauty of this place.

The Success of Himalayan trek can depend largely on your physical fitness, proper equipment and how well prepared you is to venture into unknown areas inhabited by people whose culture and languages are foreign to you. Most Himalayan treks demand 6 to 8 hrs of walking every day. At different altitudes and gradients, this can be a trying task for the physically unfit. It is therefore best to tone up your body systems by exercising for at least an hour and a half every day for three months before you start your trek.

You can plan to trek in four ways: alone; with a porter; with a Sardar and a crew; and through a travel agency. Trekking alone is not usually recommended as you will be traveling in unfamiliar areas and will find it difficult to communicate with local villagers without knowing their language. Porters can usually be hired from small towns and villages at the base of the trekking trails. The porter will help you carry your baggage, communicate with the locals and often enlighten you with stories and lore about the region. Hiring a Sardar and a crew is more expensive but worth the money if you want to leave yourself free from all logistical problems.

Try and find a Sardar who has trekking experience and testimonials to prove it. The Sardar will in turn hire the cook and the porters and arrange for the provisions required enroute.

Climate in the Himalayas is primarily dependent on two factors: elevation and times of year. In any season, be prepared for extremes in temperature, from the very hot to the very cold. Autumn from Oct to Feb is the best times to trek in India in most areas but March, April and May are also good months for trekking in India.

Most trekkers would like to record their trip on film. Himalayan treks offer a wealth of photographic possibilities and carrying a little extra photography equipment can be worth its weight. Lenses should include a wide angle28-35 mm for building and landscapes, a telephoto 70-200 for unobtrusive portraits and close-ups of mountain peaks. A micro lens will help you photograph flowers and insects of the Himalayas. Carry plenty of films as you will probably end up taking more photographs than you planes.

Trekking in the Nanda Devi region is a strenuous activity and all trekkers are advised to ensure for themselves that they are medically fit before they opt to trek in this region. As a matter of precaution we advise that all foreign participants must be adequately insured before arriving in India. The medical insurance policy must be obtained from an established international insurance company that has a corresponding handling agent in India (for example, Thomas Cook). The policy must cover medical and personal accidents including the cost of air evacuation from high attitudes and subsequent medical treatment. Given the high cost of air evacuation in the Indian Himalaya, we advise all trekkers to obtain medical insurance covers of at least US$ 20000 (Twenty Thousand Dollars) per person for their period of stay in India.

In addition all participants are advised to submit to us upon arrival in India an appropriate medical fitness certificate obtained from a registered medical practitioner in the country of their origin indicating that the individual is fit to go on a high altitude trek, and that he/she has no physical and medical disabilities that would limit him/her from trekking.

It is best to prepare your trekking kit and equipment before you arrive in India as it is not always possible to get what you want at the time that you want it. You are the best judge on what you should carry in terms of personal gear and camping equipment as this would depend largely on the area that you are trekking in. As a basic guideline, some of the items that you might consider taking are listed below:

Clothing and Personal Gear

You will require clothes for yourself as well as some to give away to your porter. As far as possible carry only those fabrics that can be easily washed in the cold water streams enroute. Some suggested clothing: underwear three pairs: swimsuit for women to bathe in village streams: socks take quite a few liner socks in addition to three sets; walking skirts for women shorts can often offend local villagers and skirts area a good and comfortable alternative, t-shirts three pair; light weight shirts to wash and wear pairs; walking shorts one pair; trekking pants one pair of loose baggy trousers that allow freedom of movement to the legs; jacket one; trekking boots make sure they are broken in and are of good quality insoles to prevent foot fatigue; tennis shoes one pair for the time when you want to rest your feet; gloves; umbrella; hat; money belt; handkerchiefs three; poncho and ground cloth necessary protection against wet weather; sleeping bag; sleeping sack.

Camping Equipment

You will not need to carry a tent or a foam pad if you are trekking in a group or plan to sleep only in houses and in inns. A tent will, however, give you the option of camping on any spot close to water.

The Himalayas are a biological wonderful, encompassing a variety of forest types and faunal assemblages. Within the Himalayas, biologists recognize a number of vertical and horizontal zones which result in a distinctive habitat for a variety of birds and animals. Horizontal zoning occurs primarily due to the yearly monsoon that moves northwestward from the Bay of Bengal, rapidly dissipating moisture. Consequently, animal and plant life vary from one part of the Himalayas to the other, even though they are at the same elevation. Vertical zones result from the changes in temperature and moisture with increasing elevation. In general, the temperature drops about 60 C for every 3,400 feet rise in elevation. Plant and animal life is also determined by the location of the permanent snow line, the height of which depends on summer temperature, amount of snowfall and exposure, fluctuating greatly even within the same zonal range.

Aeolian Zone

This Zone normally occurs above 15,000 feet and covers the area above the snow line. Because of the harsh climate condition flowering plants are absent here and life is limited to bacteria, fungi, insects and crustaceans that subsist upon airborne food particles. Much of the ground is exposed in this zone as snow seldom accumulates here.

Alpine Zone

This Zone, depending on the region, is found between 9,000 to 15,000 feet and covers the belt between the time berline and snowline and is characterized by harsh winters, short summers, shallow soils, strong winds and lack of moisture. In the upper limits of this zone a few pioneering rock plants like stonecrop, rock jasmine and primroses manage to brave the lack of moisture. Plants like edelweiss and sow’s ear are also found in this upper belt. The pride of the alpine zone is its meadows. Covered with lush grass, they support a profusion of colorful wild flowers. This spectacle is most evident in grassy meadows where snows melt collects and where deeper soil has developed over the ages.

Sub – Alpine Zone

The Sub-alpine zone, usually between 9,000 to 12,000 feet is a transient buffer between temperate coniferous forests and the alpine belt. Short, stunted and windblown birch, juniper and rhododendron are replaced by sagebrush, poplar and willow trees while the rest of the area has a distribution of fir, pine or spruce trees.

Temperate Zone

The temperate zone, between 6,000 to 10,000 feet is an almost continuous forest belt. The flore and fauna of this zone is truly Himalayan in composition. The upper areas of this belt are characterized by conifers such as fir, hemlock, pine, cypress and spares comprising of rhododendrons, bamboo and other scrub species.

Tropical and Sub-Tropical Zones

Tropical and sub-tropical forest zones are usually found between 150 to 6,000 feet and occupy the hills boundering the lowlands of the eastern and central Himalayas. The canopies in these forests are made of many deciduous and evergreen hard woods like sal, teak and bauhinia. Sal is however, the major species and forms an almost continuous belt at the base of the Himalayas. Tropical forests are taken over by sub-tropical montane forest at an elevation of about 4,500 feet. Common trees in the area include chestnut, schina, horse chestnut and walnut. Oaks are also in plenty and alders grow along drainages. Sub-tropical fauna is also common to the grasslands and includes some purely Indian species like cheetal, tiger, water buffalo, hog deer and elephant.