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Seeped in tradition and heritage, the culture of Rajasthan is evident in its enchanting forts & monuments, the exquisite ornaments that adorn the women, the colourful garb of the natives and the carvings & paintings. Every aspect of this marvelous place is a pleasure for the senses and speaks volumes about the passion of life and legacy of this place. Various adventurous sports include:
Camel Safari
The camel is not only common in the Thar desert, but is also the only means of transportation in remote areas. People use it to ride through sandy tracks, passing through remote villages. The safari is organized to take tourists through the golden sands of the vast Thar desert and untamed countryside, so that one can create his/her memoirs in the peaceful desert life. Tourists can stay close to life in very remote villages by pitching tents every night at different venues, spend evenings next to the camp fire and dance to the folk music.
Horse & Jeep Safaris
Like camel and horse safaris, another popular form is the jeep safari wherein one can drive through the quiet and beautiful countryside to cruise by forts, palaces historical landmarks and villages. The average daily move is about 150 kms. consisting of approximately five to six hours of jeep driving. Spend lazy evenings in bed or swing to the folk dances. Jeep safaris are organized in every part of Rajasthan, but safaris organized to the Bishnoi village near Jodhpur have a special attraction for tourists.
Elephant Polo
An
exciting sport is Elephant Polo which provides a spectacle for the audience
and enjoyment to the participants. The bulky animals move around with
surprisingly speed and poise. Water Sports
The lakes of Rajasthan are ideal for water sports. Throughout the year, water sports of all kinds can be arranged here. Ramgarh lake is a man-made reservoir around 4 kms. in length and 2 kms. in width. Facilities for swimming, boating etc. are available. Boating is a regular feature, conducted by trained.
Rajasthan also offers angling sites. Bandh Baretha in Bharatpur, Siliserh and Jaisamand in Alwar, Mansarover near Sariska, Kukas, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur are an angler's paradise. However, the enthusiasts are advised to carry their own equipment and obtain permission from the Fisheries Department. Patience and perseverance in angling, as in life, has rich rewards.
Trekking
Although Rajasthan is a desert, the lofty hill ranges of the Aravallis (one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world, extending from north-east to south-west have some beautiful forest areas), that make it a destination for trekker's. There are many beautiful meadows, dense forests, crystal lakes, waterfalls and rivulets flowing through the countryside.
Trekking routes in Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh and Rawali Tatgarh are not restricted to any particular area. The entire mountain system offers exciting trails which originate at starting points spread over the entire length and breadth of the Aravallis. One can trek from Abu road to Guru Shikhar( the highest peak of Aravalli), Thandi Beri to Kumbhalgarh fort or Ranakpur to Rawali Tatgarh.
Paragliding
Parasailing
and ballooning are annual events held in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and
Pushkar and attract a large number of tourists and adventure seekers. The
RTDC has set up an Adventure Cell in Jaipur (Tel:0141-202586, 203531,
375466) from where you can obtain assistance and information about different
outlets the adventure in Rajasthan. Ballooning
A trip in a hot-air balloon over the sandy terrain of Rajasthan, from an historic fort to a magnificent palace, can be very exhilarating.
Golf
The desert is an unusual place for a golf course but as the aristocracy was enamored with this sport, golf courses were laid and maintained. Jaipur has an 18-hole golf course, where you can have a round of golf, in the picturesque surroundings including a palace.
Kite Flying
The Rajputs have always been passionate about flying kites and there are clubs in various cities where this sport is ardently practiced. An international kite flying competition is held in Jaipur, which adds to the fervor. You can buy a couple of colorful kites and join the Rajasthani people in this zestful activity.
