Dune Bashing: Oman’s Favorite Adventure Sport

Oman as a destination offers a lot to adventure traveler from scuba diving to dune surfing, from dune bashing to snorkeling, from mountain biking to mountain climbing, from yachting to ATVs and much more. But, if I have to pin point one adventure sport that grabs a lot of attention, it has to be ‘Dune Bashing’. This is undoubtedly the most popular adventure sport that is relished by both locals and tourists alike. In fact, the sport is so famous that the country itself is synonymous with this sport.


With easy access to so much of desert land and sand dunes, most Omani men have been practicing dune bashing right from their childhood. The craze is so high that there are local clubs, rallies, races and even international rallies that are either within the GCC countries or even having drivers from all over the world.


While there are lots of places in Oman to go dune bashing, the best dunes and the ones that are closest to the capital city of Muscat are Wahiba sands (which are also known as Al Sharqiya Sands). Dune bashing is typically done an hour or two before sunset, when the temperatures are slightly lower and when you can enjoy the beautiful sight of the golden rays of the setting sun over the sand dunes.
 

Here are some things that you should know about dune bashing:

1) Tire pressure is reduced before getting on the sands. This is to give better traction and prevent tires from either bursting or getting a puncture.

2) Descending a sand dune is tougher than ascending a sand dune.


3) Depending on how many cylinders your car has and its horsepower, you can plan on climbing dunes of different levels.

4) You hardly use your brakes. The more you use your brakes, the deeper you will get stuck in the sand. You get most of the control by using your steering wheel.

5) You can drive through the sands on two wheel drive and for inclines and depending on your car’s horsepower, you can shift into four wheel drive mode.


6) For the first timers and faint heart, do remember to tighten your seat belts properly and prepare yourself for a bumpy ride.

7) Be prepared to get punctures (flat tire) and hits on your suspension.


The next time you go to Oman, you should give dune bashing a try. It is fit for all kinds of travelers as long as you prepare yourself well. It is a lot of fun even if you don’t do the driving yourself. The added bonus of a dune bashing trip is that you are bound to get great visuals of the desert in the evening or early morning sun, which will definitely be a treat to the eyes.

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Outdoor Journal Magazine: The Bible for Adventure Lovers

To all you adventure travelers and adrenaline junkies in India,

Now, we also have our very own adventure space. We don’t have to look at international markets to satiate our adventure needs. India’s first truly adventure magazine is here! It is called the Outdoor Journal and personally I am a big fan of it and hence thought of sharing the love with you all.


The magazine is fairly new. They are yet to launch the 6th edition, but their quality and content is already top class. The people involved in this magazine are all adventure junkies including its founding committee. All the contributors to this magazine are adventure specialists in their own space. They are divers, endurance runners, climbers, Survival Gurus, underwater photographers, skiers, runners, free divers, Ex-Special forces, avalanche instructor, Sport biomechanics consultants, Wilderness survival expert, Kickboxer, Snowboarder, Ultra runner, Kite boarder and more.



As you all know, I am also a huge adventure aficionado and hence really connected with the high adrenaline content showcased in this magazine.


For starters, I absolute love their vibrant high quality adventure photographs. These are photographs that make you want to indulge in that activity. Experts share their personal experiences, gear tips, activity tips, destination ideas and much more. And all these activities can be either participated in India or abroad. The highlight of this magazine is the way it brings India’s top adventure destinations to the fore. Like skiing on the slopes of Gulmarg, taking a helicopter ride over the snow capped Himalayan mountains, feeling thin air at Siachen, rafting on the mighty Brahmaputra, running in the salt deserts of Rann and much more.


These guys do not talk about wannabe adventure. They talk about true adventure that is hard and yet brings in a lot of joy and kick. The experts help break down these tough adventure activities into simple forms so that even amateurs can take part in it and feel the thrill. For example, one of the skiing experts talks about yoga exercises that snow boarders and skiers should do to improve their core strength and balancing technique. In another example, they talk about the basics of kite boarding that includes managing the bars, learning the wind window, turns and transition, jumps, rotations, handle passes and more such interesting kite boarding learning lessons.


In a similar way, each edition of this magazine covers a variety of adventure activities from Dakar rallies to Tour de France, from snow boarding to free diving, from triathlons to ultra running, from yachting to kite boarding, from surfing to kayaking, from ice climbing to rock climbing, from para trooping to sky diving, from wildlife watching to trail running and from scuba diving to cycling. I am sure you get my drift!!

The Outdoor Journal is a well rounded adventure magazine that covers the following:

1) Interesting adventure destinations in India and abroad
2) Personal experiences straight from the experts themselves
3) Motivational adventure stories
4) Adventure tips for various kind of activities
5) Health tips for various adventure sports
6) Food Tips for various adventure sports
7) Gear Tips for different adventure activities
8) Important adventure events from India and around the world
9) Survival techniques if stuck in a bad place
10) Adventure 101 kind of lessons
11) Stunning locales and settings through rich photos (their website has great videos too)


It is a bit pricey at INR 200 for each issue of the magazine, but I feel it is worth it as the content is written by experts, focuses only on adventure and features stunning photographs. I am sure if you are an adrenaline junkie and if you buy one, you will stay hooked onto them for a long time. To know more, look up the Outdoor Journal website. And whatever you do, do not miss out on their stunning adventure videos.

Note: The videos in this article are courtesy of Outdoor Journal Magazine.

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Nakhon Nayok: Hub for Soft Adventure Sports near Bangkok

If you are living in Bangkok and looking for a weekend getaway amidst the green mountains, then one of your top choices should be Nakhon Nayok, a province located in Central Thailand and one that is famous for its mountains and greenery.


Situated at about 2 hours from Bangkok, Nakhon Nayok has all the ingredients of a great family weekend holiday destination as well as a longer nature holiday destination. This place has tons of things to do and see, but the one that stands out is soft adventure sports here that allows all kinds of travelers to let their hair down and enjoy themselves.


Be it the class 2 river rafting on the Nakhon Nayok river, the all terrain vehicle ride through slush and streams in the countryside, rock climbing or zip lining from on top of mountains, the options for adventure are many. And since most of these adventure sports are easy on the body, people of all ages can safely indulge in them.


If you go river rafting, not only do you enjoy the thrill of river rafting, but you can spot beautiful birds on either banks of the river, which is dense green forests and also go for a relaxed swim in the river whenever the water becomes calm. If it is all terrain vehicle riding, the slush, the many mountain streams, the dense forests and the overall raw joy of the vehicle is enough to keep you excited all throughout.

If you feel like relaxing after a day of adventure, you can opt to take a Thai massage, play some golf in its fabulous gold courses, have your dinner next to a mountain stream, go bird watching or simply put up your feet, watch a scenic sunset and read a book. Basically, it is a complete weekend getaway and one of the top ones from Bangkok.

Note: The first 3 photographs in this post of me and the rest of the group were taken by the photography team of Tourism Authority of Thailand, who invited me to go on this trip.

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Taste Adventure Sports at Mui Ne, South Vietnam

It is very rarely that nature presents sand dunes next to the ocean. It is common to visualize ocean and sand dunes separately, but to see a sight of them together is quite special. Northern Africa is one such place where such sights are seen regularly, but for Indians, North Africa is a bit too far and hence I was very thrilled when I found such a place in South Vietnam.


This place is Mui Ne, located on the south eastern coast of Vietnam and kissing the waters of the South China Sea. This beach town is a hot favorite of the Russians, many of whom have made this place a permanent base outside of Russia. I guess the Russian influence came during the Vietnam war days and may be they liked the sun kissed beaches here and decide to settle down for good.


There is so much Russian influence in the hotels, tourist spots and restaurants here that it is a no brainer that Russians love this place. But, Mui Ne is not just about the Russians. It offers so much that all kinds of travelers and tourists will like it, especially nature and adventure lovers.


Mui Ne is famous for kite surfing. Apparently, the winds and waves here are perfect for someone who wants to learn to kite surf and wishes to indulge in some serious adventure. Basically, the place is a kite surfing mecca. There are different spots around Mui Ne for different levels of Kite Surfers. If you feel like learning this water adventure sport, avail the services of the many kite surfing schools based in Mui Ne.



In addition to adventure on water, Mui Ne offers interesting experiences on its land too. Near Mui Ne, there are two types of sand dunes. The red sand dunes that are located at about 15 kilometers from the city and the white ones that are located about 35 kilometers away. These are the larger sand dunes, but the small ones seem to be located all around Mui Ne’s landscape.


These sand dunes offer a great dune surfing experience. Either you carry your own dune surfing board or buy a piece of plastic and make it work like a surf board. It is serious fun to surf down these long and wavy sand dunes. The only issue is climbing up back to the top of the dunes as the fine sand keeps slipping under your feet and even a short climb can leave you gasping for oxygen.


These dune surfing activities are best done either in the early morning or late evening hours when the dunes are not overly hot and the sun and winds are gentle on the body. Apart from offering perfect conditions for dune surfing, these time slots also offer fantastic views of the South China Sea amidst eye catching colors of the sand dunes in the shining golden rays of the sun.


The best way to go around, visit all the hot spots and indulge in the adventure associated with it would be on a motorbike that you can hire at Mui Ne. The motorbike would also aid in carrying your surf boards and other gear. Plus, it will allow you to pick and choose remote adventure spots.


And once you are excited and tired after your adventurous day on either the ocean or the dunes, you can return to your beach house and enjoy a drink while enjoying the sunset in the distance. Great seafood and good nightlife is just the icing on the cake. But, Mui Ne’s foremost qualities are its rare sand dunes and its love for adventure.

How to get here: A 5 to 6 hour drive can get you to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). There are many bus operators who take you right into the heart of the city. Train is also an option, though the nearest station is 45 minutes away from Mui Ne.

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Where to Find an Adrenaline Rush in Las Vegas

Betting it all on a card game is not the only way to make your heart beat faster in Las Vegas — this city also has a number of great extreme sport opportunities including skydiving (indoor and outdoor), kayaking, shooting and much more. Perhaps you aren’t into gambling, or you want to take a break from the casino floor? You can head out into the Las Vegas sunshine and get a thrill from one of these fun activities.

Here are a few of the most exciting extreme sport adventures that you’ll find when you search for Las Vegas vacation ideas.

Skydiving
Throwing yourself out of a plane seems absolutely crazy, but those who have done it say that it’s as good as it gets when you’re seeking a rush. If you feel like taking the plunge while in Vegas, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do just that. Las Vegas Extreme Sky Diving offers tours that will take you up high above Red Rock National Park, Mount Charleston and the Las Vegas Strip, and then let you jump with qualified tandem instructors.

If you want to experience the thrilling weightlessness of skydiving without actually having to jump out of a plane, why not try simulated indoor sky diving? You can do this in Las Vegas Too, at Vegas Indoor Sky Diving. The simulator has foam padded walls, a trampoline floor and a vertical wind tunnel which produces enough wind to support the average adult.

Rock Climbing
Red Rock Canyon is a well-known climbing area located west of the Las Vegas city limits. Climbers have been coming here since the 1970s and more than 2,000 rock climbing routes have been established here. More than 100,000 people come from all over to climb at Red Rock Canyon every year.

The interesting rock formations of the region, such as enormous petrified sand dunes, layers of sedimentary rock and much more make it a unique and fascinating place to climb. You can rock climb here all year round, but spring and fall are the best times to visit. There are several different companies that offer guided rock climbing trips, including Jackson Hole Mountain guides, the National Outdoor Leadership School and Mountain Skills Rock Climbing Adventures.

Kayaking
Have you ever been kayaking? It’s something you should try at least once in your life and once you get a hang of the rhythm of paddling, you will love the adventure.

There are many different tour companies offering kayaking trips from Las Vegas. Most of these trips take place on the Colorado River from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach. Some tour packages will also include a hike to the nearby hot springs from the river. Other more relaxing trips might include a gentle paddle to the island beaches of Lake Mead for swimming and sunbathing.

Shooting
Do you want to experience the thrill of shooting a big gun? It can be quite an adrenaline rush to hold a powerful weapon and shoot at a target.

There are six different Las Vegas shooting ranges that have opened up recently, where you can experience the thrill of shooting large weapons. For example, the Strip Gun Club on Las Vegas Boulevard offers packages including a t-shirt, rifle, pistol, target and all of the required ear and eye protection.

Some ranges will have age restrictions on how old you have be to shoot, while others will offer packages for teenagers and children. Make sure that you bring your Photo ID and remember that many of these places will have very long lines, so expect to wait a while or avoid going on a weekend.

Roller Coasters
Las Vegas has a great selection of roller coasters that will give you butterflies in your stomach! The Roller Coaster at the New York New York Hotel drops you down 144 feet and performs a jet-fighter-style barrel roll, and Insanity at the Stratosphere Hotel spins you at a force of 3 gs. Hold on tight!

These are just a few of the thrilling adrenaline rush activities that you can enjoy while you are in Las Vegas, so have fun on your exciting adventure!

About the Author: Mark Clarkson is a freelance travel writer and blogger. He loves to visit Las Vegas and has been skydiving, rock climbing and kayaking at this great destination.

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Guest Post: Rock Climbing at Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

If you are a rock climber, you know that Ko Phi Phi in South Thailand is one of the top rock climbing destinations in the world. Since I was at Ko Phi Phi a couple of weeks back, I did not want to miss the opportunity of climbing here. This post is an account of my rock climbing experience here.


There are 7 major walls in Phi Phi:
1) Drinking Wall
2) Ao Ling Wall
3) Hin Tak Wall
4) Hua-Ling (Monkey Head)
5) Ao Pilay Wall
6) North Face wall
7) Tonsai Tower

Climbing on Phi Phi started in the late 80’s mostly by the Dutch and the French. Phi Phi offers some of the best walls in Thailand with walls of steep limestone overlooking pristine beaches. Some of the best easier grade multi-pitch climbs in Thailand are to be found here, most of which are done over a mesmerizing blue sea. For a beginner, Tonsai Tower on it’s own offers about 20 routes from grade 5 to 7b+ all in a row. 

There are a couple of rock climbing shops around the island who will help you in providing accessories as well as help you in climbing. In case you want to learn, these shops also provide 1-3 day training courses. While searching for these climbing shops, I found out spider monkey and on understanding the demographics, cost and difficulty levels, I decided to climb the Tonsai tower. I took the one day package of 2000 baht that included gear and a lead climber to belay me.


The Tonsai tower, located at the end of the Tonsai beach offers close to 25 routes graded from 5 to 7b for single and multi-pitch climbs. This is the only climbing area in Thailand with such a fantastic concentration of easy climbs. This wall is a must. Some of the multi pitch climbing here is steep and unless you know how to back-clip on rappel you can easily get stuck dangling way into the dark.

In the morning I headed to the shop from where we took the equipment and headed to the rocks. It was a 7 minute walk from the main town. I could see the other  rock climbers busy climbing and I couldn't wait any more. After checking map, I figured out that the maximum toughness was 7b. So we started with 5 grade. It was pretty easy but a different experience as there were grooves everywhere and one needs to decide which one to use once one reaches the spot. It took me around  ten minutes to complete the route. The second I picked was 6a. I did it easily within 15 minutes. After reaching the top, the view of the island was beautiful. One could see the two sides of island separating the sea. The afternoon sun lighted the corals beneath the sea and hence the green color literally was remarkably contrasting. I waited there for 5 minutes just to feast on the view.

The third was 6b grade and 35 m high. I was getting tired as I was out of practice for the last three months. I took rest for some time and started the climb. It was really tough and I had to stop at one point as there was no way i could go forward. So  I decided to  change my direction. Now this required proper bouldering and it was tough to move towards the right for 5 meters at the overhead extension. Slowly, I started inching towards the right ensuring that I was getting a good grip.  Finally, I managed to reach the Point for where I cold easily climb to the top. I was just 7 meters below the top when i realized that the rocks were slippery as water was dripping from the rocks. It had rained heavily yesterday and this area was under shadow thereby still wet. It was very slippery and my chalk powder was of no help. I didn't have any other option but to change my route. So slowly i used my feet to get good grip and relied more on the foot and not on the hands. I ensured that somehow even if my one hand slips, my legs would be strongly grounded to support my weight. This last part took some ten minutes to cover. Well it was slightly scary but i managed to reach the point and standing at 35 m I looked at the sea below. I wish I could have taken my camera. The view was again stunning. The next path we picked was 7a. After climbing for 15m I got stuck and realized that I will slip and hence asked my instructor to tighten the ropes to control my swing in case I slip down. I slipped after one meter. My instructor was really good as he managed to make me sway away from the rocks. I tried again but I realized that my arms had pumped up and hence I could not  go further up. I still tried however I slipped this time again. So I decided to stop . One should know his/her limits and  should push accordingly as adventure sports can lead to a life threatening situation.

I came down, unwrapped myself from the harness and headed back to shop. After leaving the equipment, I chatted with the shop guys to understand more about rock climbing. They asked my experience and I told them that it was a different experience from India as the rocks here were loose, difficult to make the route at the start and hence posed a new challenge. Also, there were no such groves, there were holes and holes only. The best part was where I needed to take rest and I squeezed myself in a small crevices , supported myself on my back and rested there for 4 minutes. The area was so small that I could snuggle into it and perfectly fitted into it. I wanted to cover the other routes also, but since time was of essence here, I think I will return in an year, stay for a week or more and try out all routes.

About the Author: Vishwadeep Anshu is a close friend, fellow traveler and an amateur rock climber who in his free time teaches rock climbing to kids at Urban climbers in Bangalore, India. Note: The pictures in this post were taken by Vishwadeep Anshu and is his copyright.

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South American Adventure: Bogotá, Colombia. 5 Places to Love

Nestled in the Andes in South America, Bogotá is the capital and the largest city of Colombia. Shedding its nefarious past, Bogotá has evolved into one of Latin America’s best metropolis to visit and live. This locale is a perfect destination to visit if taking your first trip to South America or as the destination to choose for your honeymoon registry.

Photo Credit: luxuo.com

Here are 5 perfect locations to visit in Bogotá.

1. History and Culture: La Candelaria Neighborhood
Photo Credit: es.wikipedia.org

La Candelaria is in the historic neighborhood and located within central downtown Bogotá. This quaint section of Bogotá boasts a rich and vibrant scene for art and historian lovers. The architecture in La Candelaria is a mixture of Baroque and Spanish Colonial, all lining cobblestone streets. Places to visit include Plaza de Bolivar, the beautiful yellow pastel church—Iglesia de la Candelaria, and the Coin House. A must see spot is The Gold Museum. With three floors, this interesting exhibit showcases one of the world’s most amazing selections of pre-historic gold. Besides the historical and cultural influx in this section of the city, La Candelaria offers a variant of delicious cuisines that boosts both a local and international flavor: Middle Eastern, French, Japanese, and Mexican.

2. Rise Above The Clouds and Into The Sky: Monserrat
Photo Credit: www.latin-wife.com

A beauteous mountain that sits at the center of Bogotá, Montserrat is the perfect hiker’s paradise that takes 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the top. Rising to 3,152 meters (10,341 ft) above the sea level, this is the site of pilgrimages during holy holidays and the perfect spot to enjoy the scenic view. At only $7 USD per ride, this is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing view of Bogotá. Visit the eastern side of the mountain, Cerro de Monserrat “Sanctuary of Monserrat.” Here is the famed and revered shrine of Señor Caído also known as the “Fallen Lord,” which sits at the top of Montserrat. Locals believe that miracles are in abundance and the pilgrimage to the top speaks of penance. Ride the teleférico or funicular railway for an easier way up. Dine at one of the two main restaurants to enjoy the view of both the city and the mountains: Restaurante Casa San Isidro or Restaurante Casa Santa Clara. At either restaurant, both local cuisines and international flavor mesh for the perfect entrée.

3. The Road to El Dorado: Laguna de Guatavita
Photo Credit: www.colombia.travel

Also known as Lake Guatavita, “the gold lake,” this circular lake resembles a meteor crater. Located 35 miles northeast to Bogotá, Lake Guatavita is thought to be the site of El Dorado. Tours are available, where your guide will regale you with tales of the history of the lake. Locals believe treasures of gold from the indigenous Musica tribe sprinkled the lake’s bottom and surface with gold dust, objects, and jewelry. Learn how Spanish conquistadors in 1537 attempted to empty the lake with buckets and cups after enslaving the Musica tribe as laborers. After learning about this history and the rich stories that surround this “lake of gold,” stroll around and capture the essence of this scenic landscape which surrounds Lake Guatavita. Find the perfect souvenir at one of the nearby fairs, where locals cleverly crafted pieces made of wool, gold, or clay.

4. A Breath of Fresh Air: Bogotá Botanical Garden
Photo Credit: travel.mongabay.com

Named after the Spanish botanist, Jose Celestino Mutis, this lush paradise features a19 hectares (46.95 acres) of over 18,200 species of plants and flowers, a veritable greenhouse, the largest Amazonian flower, and the national tree of Colombia, “Palma de Cera.” Former travelers to this beautiful garden recommend a tour guide to provide a better and more informed visit, especially the history and stories behind the botanic. Other hidden gems around this garden include an ecologic center, well placed lakes, and fountains to produce a tranquil ambiance. What makes this botanical haven different from others is the brief showcase of regions around Colombia. Observe how these different sections of the garden are organized based on the weather, habitat, and indigenous plants of that region: paramo, Amazonia, the Andean landscape, plains of the Orinoco and swamps. Just don’t forget your camera, to capture the beauty and essence of the haven.

5. A Bogotá Nightlife: La Zona Rosa de Bogotá
Photo Credit: img.timeinc.net/

Unwind after a long day from hiking and sightseeing at one of the plush restaurants, clubs, or bars in La Zona Rosa, “the Pink Zone.” Handcrafted beers abounds, while bistro-style seating at one of stylish cafes beckons the trendy and hip crowd. This section of the city is also home to upscale, exclusive shopping districts. Despite the seemingly higher budget range, travel on the cobblestone pathway to south of La Zona Rosa towards the Gourmet District. Travelers can find a vast and lustrous selection of eateries that will fit any budget range. Reserve a table at Astrid and Gaston for a luxurious Peruvian experience or La Herencia for a traditional Colombian cuisine and ambiance.

P.S. These photographs do not belong to me. Photo credits have have been mentioned below each post.

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Top 4 Adventure Activities in Malaysian Borneo

Forming the northern part of the large island of Borneo, the Malaysian outposts of Sabah and Sarawak or Malaysian Borneo offer pristine jungles, some of the world’s best diving and the lofty mountain of Gunung Kinabalu. Below are the top 4 adventure activities that one can undertake in Malaysian Borneo.

Trekking around Mount Kinabalu Home to one of the greatest concentrations of plant species in the world, Gunung Kinabalu at 4,093 metres is South East Asia’s highest peak out of New Guinea. Two well laid paths with steps and rails help climbers ascend and descend the mountain in just two days (taking in a sunrise, too). After trekking, one can soak in the Poring Hot Springs near the headquarters; it also has a tropical garden and a canopy walkway.

Diving at Pulau Sipadan The waters off Semporna (southeastern Sabah) are a haven for scuba diving. The most famous spot is Pulau Sipadan, Malaysia’s only true Oceanic island rising upto 2,000 feet from the sea bed.With turtles galore, giant shoals of swirling barracuda and other wonders, the marine life of Sipadan has been hailed by both the Worldwide Fund for nature and the late Jacques Cousteau as among the best in the world.


Cruise on the Kinabatangan River This cruise, which begins at Sandakan is dominated by mangrove swamps and twisting waterways. The Kinabatangan and its tributaries are famed as the home of the long-nosed, pot-bellied proboscis monkey, but a host of other wildlife can be seen here, including Bornean pygmy elephants, 10 species of primates and eight species of hornbills.


Exploring the Rock Pinnacles at Gunung Mulu Twenty minutes by plane from Miri is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gunung Mulu National Park, an inland expanse of diverse terrain and vegetation with unique cave systems and limestone features, including the spectacular Pinnacles, as well as some of the most magnificent landscapes in the land.

Note: Photos in this post have been used with written consent from Beehive Communications on behalf of Tourism Malaysia.

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Best Honeymoon Destinations for Active Couples

You've just gotten married, but your fantasy event is far from over! Now it's time for the honeymoon! Maybe you and your spouse aren't ones to laze around on the beach…maybe you want adventure, and experiences that might put you outside of your comfort zone, or those that allow you to challenge yourself physically.

If you are looking for a trip full of unique experiences for you and the love of your life, there are so many travel options for you!

1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a small, budget-friendly country with plenty of activities for the active couple. Both the Caribbean (Puerto Viejo) and Pacific (the Nicoya Peninsula and Manuel Antonio) sides offer snorkeling, scuba diving and game fishing. If you're a hiker, the Poas and Arenal volcanoes are great mountains. You can also whitewater raft into the interior jungles along the Pacuare and Reventazon River and stay at primitive or "glamp"-orous camping sites among the monkeys and jaguars. At the end of your trip, there are great places either on the beach or in San José to wind-down too!

2. South Africa
South Africa provides plenty of adventure and romance for a couple. Watch lions and leopards at Kruger National Park while staying at a private five-star game lodge. Travel to the Drakensburg mountain range for activities like mountain biking, kayaking, mountaineering and more. Why not test your nerve by cage-diving with great white sharks near Capetown? By night, you can enjoy South Africa's breathtaking views and fine wines to toast your amazing day!

3. American West
Maybe traveling abroad isn't your thing (or simply not in your budget). The American West can offer many options including staying at all-inclusive guest ranches like Vista Verde Ranch. You can get beginning or advanced horseback riding lessons, go fly-fishing, hike, rock climb or kayak. Take advantage of America’s national parks like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite if you'd like to explore on your own.

4. Los Angeles
Not only does this city offer amazing food and entertainment, it is also a hot spot of physical activity. Los Angeles' "Muscle Beach" encourages visitors to get their workouts in while visiting the ocean. There are many opportunities to surf and participate in various other water sports, like jet-skiing and sailing. Famous yoga, Pilates and fitness instructors offer intro classes at their studios, making the city great for adventurous fitness buffs. If you happen to plan your honeymoon in the spring, it may fall over the weekend of the LA Marathon, which newlyweds may want to participate in together!

If you're adventurous but still can’t decide between all of the potential honeymoon destinations that we’ve laid out for you, check out websites like The Knot for further ideas!

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Indulge in some Parasailing at Rajbaga Beach, South Goa

The exotic tropical destination, Goa, is the land of many personas. It has the wavy beaches, the pristine waters, the chilled out lifestyle, the bustling nightlife, the beach facing coco huts and many more. But, the one thing that is fast catching on in Goa is water sports, which ranges from scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, banana boat rides to jet ski.

 
Most of these water sports are fiercely popular with the local and foreign tourist population as there are a lot of adventure operators catering to the needs of these adrenalin lovers. The one adventure sport that is easily accessible to all adventure lovers, is affordable and is accessible across all age groups and health levels is parasailing.

 
Parasailing is an adventure sport, where the tourist is strapped onto a parachute in a body harness and is then pulled by a long rope that is connected to a speed boat. As the speed boat opens throttle and heads off into the open waters, the adventure lover is lifted high into the air along with the parachute.

 
This is a sport where you are totally airborne without your feet being on any surface. It is the easiest way to fly, let yourself loose, feel the adrenaline rush and enjoy the views of the wide open seas all at once.

 
There is no certification or practice required to participate in this sport, though a basic training session is provided by the instructor before the adventure activity begins. This adventure sport is generally organized during the afternoon hours when the gentle sea breeze blows in towards the land. None of the operators offer this sport during rough weather conditions.

 
A typical parasailing session lasts about 5 minutes and costs around 800-1500 rupees per person. Though, when in flight, the adrenalin rush is so high that the 5 minutes seems like 30 seconds and people often complain that the high gets over too soon. Parasailing is offered at many beaches in Goa along with other adventure sports. But, the operators at Rajbaga beach in South Goa are more reliable and have trustworthy equipment.

 
So, if you seek that adrenalin rush and are planning that holiday in Goa, then you know where to go and what to do!

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Birdwatching in India

Here is a quick table that links to my birdwatching experiences in India. 
Sorted in alphabetical order. First by ‘State’ and then by ‘Name of Wildlife Sanctuary’. 

 

Arunachal Pradesh

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary	Near Tenga, West Kameng District	Small Birds, Beautiful Nuthatch, Bugul Lev Chikla, Elephants, Snow Leopard, Red Panda	Birds of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India Lama Birding Camp: The den for birdwatching in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India Stripe Throated Yuhina at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Green Tailed Sunbird – A Silhouette Shot! White-Tailed Nuthatch from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India Rufus Vented Yuhina from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Beautiful Sibia from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India Chestnut Tailed Milna from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India Yellow Cheeked Tit from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Stripe Throated Yuhina from Western Arunachal Pradesh’s Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Jeep Track inside Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Hoolongopar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary	30 kms from Jorhat	Hoolock Gibbon, Pig-Tailed Macaque, Stump-tailed Macaque, Capped Langaur	Scarlet Minivet Hill Myna from Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
Kaziranga National Park	Between Guwahati and Jorhat	One Horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Hoolock Gibbon, Migratory and Grassland Birds	Wild Grass Resort – The Place to stay at Kaziranga National Park for a memorable Wildlife Experience!! Alexandrine Parakeets from Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India A Blurry Photo – Black Necked Crane in Flight Birds of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, North East India
Nameri National Park	Near Tezpur, Sonitpur District	Great Hornbill, Water Birds	A Princely Jungle Moment! Wildlife and Birding at Nameri National Park, Assam, North East India Grey-Capped Pygmy Woodpecker Great Hornbill in Pictures Red Vented Bulbul Green-billed Malkoha from Nameri National Park Great Cormorants from Nameri National Park Nameri Eco Camp – The Angling, Birding and Wildlife Den at Nameri National Park

Gujarat

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Gir National Park	Junagadh district of Saurashtra	Asiatic Lion	Home of the Asiatic Lion
Little Rann of Kutch	Spread over five districts of Surendranagar, Banaskantha, Patan, Kutch and Rajkot	Asiatic Wild Ass, Flamingos, Migratory Birds	Lesser Flamingos’ love Little Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary
Velavadar National Park	Bhal region of Saurashtra	Blackbuck, Wolf, Migratory Birds	The blackbuck lives here A birdwatcher’s haven

Himachal Pradesh

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Great Himalayan National Park	Seraj Tehsil of Kullu District	Snow Leopard, Monal Pheasant, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan tahr	Trekking in the Great Himalayan National Park
Pong Dam Wetlands	Kangra District	Migratory Birds (Waterfowl)	A hidden gem in Kangra for bird watching

Karnataka

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Gorur Hemavathy Reservoir	Shettihalli, 25 kms from Hassan	River Terns, Cormorants, Herons, Storks	Shettihalli Rosary Church Ruins near Hassan, Karnataka
Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve	Tumkur District	Blackbuck, Harrier, Wolf, Indian Courser	Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve at Maidenahalli-A Fantastic Wildlife Zone close to Bangalore
Kabini National Park	Hunsur District	Elephant, Leopard, Tiger, Birding	Indian Roller – Karnataka’s State Bird Black Crowned Night Heron at Kabini National Park Jungle Overdrive Weekend Getaway – Kabini National Park, Karnataka, India
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary	Kodachadri Hills	Lion Tailed Macaque, Birds endemic to Western Ghats, Trekking	Backpacking through the Western Ghats – Day 6: Mangalore – Kollur – Kodachadri Forests Backpacking through the Western Ghats – Day 7 and 8: Kodachadri Hills
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve	Coorg	Tiger, Elephant, Bear, Birds	Cafe Mocha – A stroll in a coffee estate at Kutta in Coorg, Karnataka, India Jungle Overdrive Weekend Getaway – Kabini National Park, Karnataka, India

Kerala

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Eravikulam National Park	Idukki District	Nilgiri Tahr	The Nilgiri Tahr lives on…
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve	Palakkad District	Tiger, Elephant, Gaur	On the jumbo trail
Periyar Tiger Reserve	Thekkady	Tiger, Elephant, Gaur	Jungle Cruise at Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, Kerala, India Ripples in GREEN!! Wildlife Sighting during a cruise at Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India!!
Silent Valley National Park	Palakkad District	Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langaur	Silent Valley National Park is not really silent

Madhya Pradesh

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve	Shahdol District	Tiger	In tiger territory
Ken Gharial Sanctuary	Chattarpur District	Gharial	A fragile and vulnerable ecosystem
Pench Tiger Reserve	Seoni District	Tiger	Following the scent of a tiger

Maharashtra

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve	Chandrapur District	Tiger	Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve: A very different national park!! Serai Tiger: Tadoba’s Tented Wildlife Camp

Rajasthan

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary aka Keoladeo Ghana National Park	Bharatpur	Migratory Birds	A Bird Watcher’s dream come true
Desert National Park	Jaisalmer and Barmer Districts	Great Indian Bustard, Houbara, Desert Fox, Chinkara	In search of the Great Indian Bustard
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary	Mount Abu	Birds	Rajasthan’s hill abode
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve	Sawai Madhopur District	Tiger	In an antique land
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary	Udaipur	Langaurs, Birds	Udaipur – the city of palaces

Tamil Nadu

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Anaimalai Tiger Reserve – Top Slip	Pollachi District	Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Hornbill	Of Elephants, Gaurs, Tigers and hornbills
Anaimalai Tiger Reserve – Valparai	Pollachi District	Great Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Whistling Thrush and other species endemic to the Western Ghats	Monica Garden Tea Bungalow: A Colonial Holiday House at Valparai Malabar Grey Hornbill at Monica Garden Tea Bungalow, Valparai
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve	Tirunelveli District	Tiger	Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and its mighty waterfalls
Kodaikanal Reserve Forest	Nilgiri Mountains and Palani Hills	Birds and Orchids endemic to the Western Ghats, Elephants	Trekking the Nilgiri Mountains from Kodaikanal to Munnar in Heavy Rains!!

Uttarakhand

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Corbett Tiger Reserve	Hilly Districts of Nainital, Almora and Pauri Garhwal	Royal Bengal Tiger, Great Asian Elephant, Gharial, Python, Cobra, Rich Bird Life (Terrestrial and Migratory during winter months)	Corbett Tiger Reserve – India’s National Park

West Bengal 

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location in India	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Singalila National Park	Darjeeling District	Singalila Range Trek, Views of Mount Everest and Kangchendzonga, Red Panda, Rhododendrons	Darjeeling – the true queen of hill stations in India
Sunderban Tiger Reserve	Lower Part of the Ganges Delta	Royal Bengal Tiger, Saltwater Crocodile, River Terrapin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Birds, Mangroves	Of Man-eating tigers, mangrove forests and the largest estuarine delta in the world

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Wildlife Walks in India

Here is a quick table that links to my wildlife walks in India.
Sorted in alphabetical order. First by ‘State’ and then by ‘Name of Wildlife Sanctuary’. 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Ross Island National Park	30 minutes boat ride from Port Blair	Ferar Beach, Tropical Hikes, Deer, Peafowl, Banyan Trees and its giant roots, Indian Political History	Hike by the cliff of Ross Island Ferar Beach – Some Postcard views Ferar beach – Tucked in Solitude The Magic of coconut trees at Ross Island Church in ruins at ROSS Island Dilapidated structures of the pre-independence era at Ross Island present some stunning views… The banyan takeover at Ross Island Approaching ROSS Island… Gazing at coconut trees…

Arunachal Pradesh

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary	Near Tenga, West Kameng District	Small Birds, Bugul Lev Chikla, Elephants, Snow Leopard, Red Panda	Birds of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India Lama Birding Camp: The den for birdwatching in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India Stripe Throated Yuhina at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Green Tailed Sunbird – A Silhouette Shot! White-Tailed Nuthatch from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India Rufus Vented Yuhina from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Beautiful Sibia from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India Chestnut Tailed Milna from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India Yellow Cheeked Tit from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Stripe Throated Yuhina from Western Arunachal Pradesh’s Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Jeep Track inside Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Hoolongopar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary	30 kilometres from Jorhat	Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langaur, Pig-Tailed Macaque	Your search for India’s only APE ends at Hoolongopar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, North East India Capped Langaur from Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, North East India Scarlet Minivet Hill Myna from Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam Western Hoolock Gibbon in Pictures!
Nameri National Park	Near Tezpur, Sonitpur District	Great Hornbill, Water Birds, Elephant, Malayan Giant Squirrel	A Princely Jungle Moment! Wildlife and Birding at Nameri National Park, Assam, North East India Grey-Capped Pygmy Woodpecker Great Hornbill in Pictures Malayan Giant Squirrel from Nameri National Park, Assam, India Red Vented Bulbul Green-billed Malkoha from Nameri National Park Countryside Elephant Watchtower at Assam, North East India Nameri Eco Camp – The Angling, Birding and Wildlife Den at Nameri National Park

Goa

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Mollem National Park	Eastern border of Goa with Karnataka on NH 4A	Giant Spiders	Goa’s Wild Side

Gujarat

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Velavadar National Park	Bhal region of Saurashtra	Blackbuck, Wolf, Migratory Birds	The blackbuck lives here A birdwatcher’s haven

Himachal Pradesh

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Great Himalayan National Park	Seraj Tehsil of Kullu District	Snow Leopard, Monal Pheasant, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan tahr	Trekking in the Great Himalayan National Park
Pong Dam Wetlands	Kangra District	Migratory Birds (Waterfowl)	A hidden gem in Kangra for bird watching

Karnataka

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Bheemeshwari Forests	Mandya District, Near Bangalore	Cauvery, Mahseer Fish, Fishing, Angling, Fresh water Crocodile	Weekend Camping by the River Cauvery at Bheemeshwari in Karnataka, India
Dubare Reserve Forest	Coorg	Elephant, Mahseer Fish	Camping by the River Cauvery at Dubare in Coorg, Karnataka, India
Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve	Coorg	Blackbuck, Harrier, Wolf, Indian Courser	Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve at Maidenahalli-A Fantastic Wildlife Zone close to Bangalore Wildlife Photography: Blackbuck Series from Maidenahalli
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary	Kodachadri Hills	Lion Tailed Macaque, Birds endemic to Western Ghats, Trekking	Backpacking through the Western Ghats – Day 6: Mangalore – Kollur – Kodachadri Forests Backpacking through the Western Ghats – Day 7 and 8: Kodachadri Hills
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve	Coorg	Tiger, Elephant, Bear, Birds	Cafe Mocha – A stroll in a coffee estate at Kutta in Coorg, Karnataka, India

Kerala

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Eravikulam National Park	Idukki District	Nilgiri Tahr	The Nilgiri Tahr lives on…

Madhya Pradesh

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Ken Gharial Sanctuary	Chattarpur District	Gharial	A fragile and vulnerable ecosystem

Rajasthan

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary aka Keoladeo Ghana National Park	Bharatpur	Migratory Birds	A Bird Watcher’s dream come true
Desert National Park	Jaisalmer and Barmer Districts	Great Indian Bustard, Houbara, Desert Fox, Chinkara	In search of the Great Indian Bustard
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary	Mount Abu	Birds	Rajasthan’s hill abode
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary	Udaipur	Langaurs, Birds	Udaipur – the city of palaces

Sikkim

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Himalayan Zoological Park	Bulbulay near Gangtok	Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Bear	Snow Leopard makes me trigger happy Red Panda – Sikkim’s State Animal Tibetan Wolf Himalayan Bear
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary	North Sikkim	Rhododendrons, Primula, Poppies, Iris, and other flora	Yumthang – Valley of Flowers in North Sikkim, India

Tamil Nadu

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Anaimalai Tiger Reserve – Valparai	Pollachi District	Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Lion Tailed Macaque, Hornbills and other birds	Monica Garden Tea Bungalow: A Colonial Holiday House at Valparai
Kodaikanal Reserve Forest	Nilgiri Mountains and Palani Hills	Birds and Orchids endemic to the Western Ghats, Elephants	Trekking the Nilgiri Mountains from Kodaikanal to Munnar in Heavy Rains!!

West Bengal 

Name of the Wildlife Sanctuary	Location in India	Go for	Links to my posts on this blog
Singalila National Park	Darjeeling District	Singalila Range Trek, Views of Mount Everest and Kangchendzonga, Red Panda, Rhododendrons	Darjeeling – the true queen of hill stations in India

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