Entry

Adventure Sports In Rajasthan.

Apr 4th, 2008 00:26
kumar gaurav, http://www.rajasthantravelguide.co.in/

Adventure Sports In Rajasthan :
The sporting events in this state may be very different but are
nonetheless invigorating. So, if you are the types who live from one
adventure to another, you will thoroughly enjoy being in Rajasthan. And
if you are new to any sport, you’ll find all you need to learn and enjoy
it as well. Adventure Sports in Rajasthan ncludes both the traditional
games enjoyed by the Maharajas and newer sports loved by todays youths.
Tourists coming down to Rajasthan, as such, do not just have the royal
forts and palaces to see but also royal games to enjoy. Other games too
have an endearing charm and enthusiasm that leaves the tourists asking
for more.
Aerosports :
Ballooning - The undulating sand dunes are ideal for ballooning buffs.
People can even travel short distances between towns or historic resorts
in these hot air balloons. The best, of course, is to coast over fairs
such as Pushkar, or Beneshwar or Nagaur in a hot-air balloon.
Para-sailing - A sport that is begging to be tried out in Rajasthan,
with its open, sandy countryside, it is considerably complex to organise
and expensive to operate. However, should your operator be able to put
all the machinery in place, it could provide another facet of excitement
to your visit to Rajasthan.
Gliding - The open countryside offers gliding opportunities that can
prove remarkable, and with permission from civil aviation authorities,
these may be organised in several cities where, even though there are no
scheduled services, there are runways and strips. These include, besides
Jaipur, cities such as Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Kota.
Trekking :
If you thought the Himalayas or the Ghats are the only places where
trekking is possible, you obviously need to re-think your options, for
the hilly areas of Rajasthan provide several days of ideal trekking
opportunities. The Mewar belt with the Udaipur-Kumbhalgarh-Chittaur
combine, or the area around Mount Abu, or the Sariska-Alwar-Amber belt
is best for trekking. Winter is the best time for trekking, though the
monsoon months provide romantic, green getaways. It is best to trek in a
small group, and carry only basic necessities, since provisions can be
bought along the way, but do ensure a supply of bottled water. Trekkers
can choose to camp in the open countryside, though there are likely to
be quaint, personalised hotels available in most areas. Trekking can be
along established routes, though a more exciting option may simply be to
chart one’s own trails, moving practically as one likes.
Camping :
Camping is a fine art in Rajasthan, with established camps in set
locations that would be fit for royalty. Especially created tents
include those with bedrooms, a small hallway or leisure area, and
attached bath. These tents use hand-block printed fabrics within the
interiors, to create a rich ambience. Such tented camps can be found at
places like Samode Bagh, an hour’s journey outside Jaipur, or at Pushkar
for the duration of the fair in November. However, such tents can also
be hired, and agents use them to create cities wherever required; or for
moving visitors to different places, where these tents are pegged each
night. Such camping expeditions are fine for they bring the outdoors
alive, albeit in style. From the food to the entertainment, everything
takes on a more exciting edge while at camp. And if you are able to
strike up the right camaraderie over the bonfire, you could end up
making friends for life, or taking back with you nostalgic memories of
among the best times you have had in your life. For those of you who
would like to stay in a tented camp, such opportunities are on offer in
different parts of the state. A makeshift camp, of course, can be set up
almost anywhere, but fully functional camps are located, sometimes only
in season, with camp cots, attached baths and showers, and a regular
kitchen staff to look after your meals.
Some of these include
Chetoli - Located off the Delhi-Jaipur highway, near Kotputli, from
December 15-Janaury 15. Offers opportunities for angling, camel safaris
and jeep safaris.
Dausa - From October till April. Camel rides are an extra option.
Kheechan - From October to March, for those who want to see damoiselle
cranes and observe their peculiar behaviour as they are fed by the local
villagers.
Manvar - Jodhpur-Jaisalmer highway, with camel and jeep safaris.
Ranthambhor - Located close to a river bed, it offers alternate
accommodation for those visiting the wildlife park.
Sam - An economy, shared baths camp near Jaisalmer for those who would
like to spend a night on the dunes.
Samode - A permanent camp has been set at Samode Bagh, with a huge
garden, the historic pavilions of the family retreat, and a swimming
pool. Closed between June-September.
Water Sports :
Watersports may appear an alien concept in Rajasthan but the presence of
large lakes has actually made the development of such sports possible.
Even though they are not very popular yet, the opportunities exist for
them, a fact that was brought home when the water games during the
prestigious Asian Games in 1982 were held in at Jamua Ramgarh on the
outskirts of Jaipur. Unfortunately, the kick-start provided for
watersports then failed to take off because, following some years of
drought, the water level at the lake fell. Though the level was restored
a few years later, it may require more incentive to focus on them on a
more permanent basis.
Boating - Regular boating, of course, has been offered at several places
in Rajasthan, whether on the lakes in Udaipur, or at places such as
Siliserh lake near Alwar. Such activities are possible in most lakes in
Rajasthan. However, should you wish to introduce boating in other lakes,
whether paddle, motor, row or sail, you will have to cart your own boats.
Angling - For the angler, Rajasthan’s lakes and streams teem with game
fish. Which is why even the most rudimentary rod, line and bait can
fetch you rich rewards. Expensive angling equipment is difficult to hire
locally, and should you be a keen angler, it may be worth your while to
carry your own rod and line along, and be guided by the kind of bait
used locally to net your day’s catch. These fishing expeditions can be
undertaken with appropriate licenses in most of the lakes in Rajasthan,
and can be combined with a historical and cultural tour of the state.
Cycling :
The most popular mode of transport in Rajasthan could also provide the
ideal leisure, since travelling on a bicycle is almost therapeutic,
provides exercise without being exhausting, and is certainly
inexpensive. Bicycles can be hired almost anywhere in Rajasthan, and
literally for a song. Though the bikes tend to be basic, they are
foolproof and unlikely to develop major snags. The period of hire can
range from a few hours to a few days. However, those looking forward to
doing some serious biking in the state should opt to buy racy, gear
bicycles that are available in all major towns, and are not expensive.
At the end of a trip, such bikes can either be sold or simply gifted
away. Obviously, bikes are ideal when exploring the countryside where
towns are in close proximity, (Shekhawati, for example) or for getting
around the hilly idylls of places such as Mount Abu.
Golf :
The desert is an unlikely place to have golf courses, and of course the
lack of water makes it difficult to green even the smallest of gardens,
an 18-hole course being a virtual impossibility. The aristocracy,
however, remained enamoured of the gentlemen’s game that was so popular
in British India. Unfortunately, the weather did not permit them the
indulgence of creating golf courses in this arid wilderness, and it was
only in Jaipur, as a part of the large scale palace renovations
undertaken by Maharaja Man Singh that a course was added to the city.
That 9-hole course is still the only one in Jaipur and, in fact, in
Rajasthan, and though it is not a professional course, it is good for a
round of golf in what are picturesque surroundings: a palace next door,
and peacocks on the hazards… A golf course in Bikaner is unconventional
in that the course exists exactly in the nature of the desert terrain,
and even the ‘greens’ have been replaced here by ‘browns’ which, if
nothing else, are at least unconventional.
Rallies :
When the first motorcars started coming to India, Rajasthan’s princes
and aristocracy were among the earliest to order them. No wonder the
state has such an extensive network of roads that connects even small
towns and villages. These, in turn, have become the venue for various
rallies.
Vintage Car Rally - An annual event, the Jaipur Vintage Car Rally,
though a recent addition, has become an important one on the Indian
social calendar. Held in January, and keenly contested, it invites
prestigious entries. Since some of the aristocratic families have still
kept their vintages in their garages, the turnout too is impressive,
with some cars dating back to the very early years of the turn of the
century. However, if you are a vintage car buff, and are likely to miss
the rally, you will find it heartening to note that many of these
beauties are still in peak running condition, and are, in fact, also
hired out for special occasions, rides, incentive parties, or marriages.
So if you’d like to take a ride back to the past, you know just where to
do it!
Desert Safari :
The Desert Safari has become a popular circuit with rallyists, but there
are several other rallies where, along with the Himalayas, the desert
too is included in the rally itinerary for a change in the terrain.
Since Rajasthan’s roads, with the exception of the
Delhi-Jaipur-Udaipur-Mumbai artery, are fairly isolated, with little
traffic load, they are ideal for such sporting events.Those who may want
to create a rally may wish to write to the rally organisations in India
to help them create events specially for them, as part of an Indian or a
larger, world circuit. And the desert really is an ideal venue.
Polo :
The sport of polo had its beginnings in India, in the state of Manipur.
Played in a very basic manner using brisk ponies, the game eventually
evolved under British patronage, and a complex set of rules was created,
and the game divided into chukkers or rounds. Rajasthan’s princely
kingdoms adopted the sport and made it their own, with their natural
proclivity for riding. Kingdoms kept special stables for polo ponies,
and their teams included among the very best in the world. Very often,
the players were the rulers and members of their families, though their
armies also encouraged the sport. In the zenanas, even the women of the
royal family were encouraged to play polo, and proved themselves adept
at it. In fact, if the sport has a presence in the country today, it is
because the former royal families have continued to provide
encouragement for it, and the Indian Army has been able to contribute
its mite to it. In recent years, corporate sponsorship too has been able
to make a contribution to the sport.
Horse Polo - The Jaipurs were a formidable polo playing family, and the
last maharaja of the state literally died with his spurs on, on a polo
field. With the glamour of the game, they drew international publicity
for India, and the sport has remained one of the most prominent in the
elite social circuit. Along with Jaipur, there are also formidable polo
teams in Jodhpur and Udaipur, while the 61st Cavalry, also based in
Jaipur, has kept it alive in the army.
It is not possible to simply arrive and start playing polo, since the
sport needs especially bred horses in large numbers. These are largely
maintained by the players themselves, or with the help of their
sponsors. You will therefore have to seek out an invitation to play,
something you are best advised to do in advance. However, it is possible
to send in a special request while planning your trip to Rajasthan,
especially if you are a group with polo-playing members. This is
important because, in season, when the game is played (September-March),
the polo teams are often out (in Delhi, Calcutta or Mumbai) on the
circuit, or may even be playing overseas. Of course, there is also the
chance of having visiting teams in Rajasthan coinciding with the time of
your visit. Even if you do not get the chance to play, there is every
chance of being able to watch the sport as an observer - which is almost
as good as playing. There is something extremely satisfying about
watching men on their horses as they pursue the ball with their sticks
with skill and adroitness.
Camel Polo - At various tourist festivals in the state, camel polo has
been introduced as a friendly, competitive sport. Perhaps the only place
in the world where it is played, the game provides a great deal of
amusement and mirth, but is not yet a serious pursuit. If you would like
to have a game especially organised, request your tour operator to have
it arranged.
Elephant Polo - Nepal and Rajasthan are the only two places where polo
is played on elephant-back. Though not a serious sport, it attracts the
international media because of the oddity of a fast game played from the
backs of pachyderms who can hardly move as fast in the confined space of
a stadium. It is, however, amusing to watch. Though elephant polo too
can be specially organised on request, competitions are arranged
annually at Jaipur’s Chaugan during Holi (February-March).
Bicycle Polo - For those who like the fast pace of horse polo, bicycle
polo provides an option that is at least as exciting. During the sixties
and seventies, a lot of impetus was provided to the sport, particularly
in Bikaner, though in recent years it has become somewhat dissipated.
However, for those who may like to participate in a friendly match, or
to observe one, special arrangements can be made on request. In more
recent years, the sport has developed a following in the Shekhawati region.
Safari :
Rajasthan’s topography is such that it allows for various safaris -
jeep, camel, horse and elephant. The major share of limelight is without
doubt hogged by camel and elephant safari, nonetheless jeep safari is
equally interesting and widely enjoyed. Each safari has its own charm
and caters to the varying prefrences of tourists. Sitting on a jeep,
elephant or camel, tourists explore every nook and corner of Rajasthan
while enjoying the journey itself.
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