Let’s set off on a thrilling journey exploring the fantastic Great Outdoors in India. From treks in Himalayan forest around Shimla to planation visits across Coonoor to beguiling water cruises in pristine, biotical- rich forestlands in Kerala–each destination we choose has some unique experien o ce for us. Get ready for your memory-stick to get flush with narratives and visuals of joyful memories to savour for years to come.

Joy rides and hikes in Coorg

This one ranks amongst the most exhilarating natural landscapes in southern India that just begs to be explored up-close and personal. You can bike the trails or hike the trails. They both have their own charms. Eye-soothing greenery, picture-postcard prettiness that reaches deep into the horizon, lung-pleasing unpolluted air and warm interactions with the local communities along the way–these are the key pointers for Coorg’s great allurement. The trail to Brahmagiri Hill, a magnet for trekking buffs, passes through lush countryside rich in wildlife and botanical beauty.

In the footsteps of the Raj

Though steeped in the rich overtones of its position as the summer capital of British in India, Shimla beckons the nature lover to hit its gorgeous mountain trails and forested glens. There’s even a Viceroys hunting trail, that leads you through a gorgeous forested setting in the Himalayan foothills. Listen to birdsong, fill your lungs with the pine-scented air and unwind with hunting stories from your guide filling your ears. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of wildlife as the forests around Shimla are home to leopards, bears, deer, jackals, hyenas, pheasants, partridge, quail, jungle cock and a wealth of avifauna. Your forest walk also occasionally presents upper Himalayan ranges views.

Periyar Tiger Reserve on a Bamboo Raft

This amazing eco-friendly trip takes introduces through one of India’s most pristine natural environs. Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve offers a few non-invasive designated hiking trails through the grand vistas of this national park which is home to the tiger, the Malabar Giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur and other wildlife. The park is bountiful in expensive timbers like teak, rosewood and sandalwood. A fun way to explore the area is by a traditional bamboo raft floating down the Periyar Lake fed by the river of the same name and the lifeline of the park. Sightings of elephant, gaur and sambar close to the edges of the Periyar Lake are some more thrills you can look forward to here.

Tea Time in Coonoor

The great open spaces of Coonoor’s plantation country are a feast for the senses in every which way. Our journey brings us to one of the region’s top tea estates, recognized for its exceptional gourmet teas. Expect to enjoy a fabulous tea tasting experience at a garden reputed by Conde Nast Traveler as amongst the seven best tea experiences in the world. But first let’s walk the talk about tea amongst the swathes of emerald green tea bushes and the factory, where they get transformed into a fragrant brew for a ‘cuppa.’ Were you aware that tea grown in the Nilgiris is rated as the third best, after Darjeeling and Assam? Experience this first-hand amid the host’s tea estate on the slopes of ‘Tenerife Hill’, the highest peak in Coonoor with breath-taking views of the rolling Nilgiri hills. Cherish forever the exclusive privilege of tasting some of the finest teas and enjoy the rich nuances that go into making a fine tea.

All these are just a tiny taste of things to come when talk comes round to adventure in the great outdoors of India. Bets are on for how many destinations make it to your travel bucket list… or shall we say lists? Because, you are going to make many trips to India to satiate that hunger for adventure in its gorgeous landscapes!