Wayanad has a lot of opportunities for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is a risky mountaineering endeavor and takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps where guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire are available.

The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy Mountain is not a cave in the real sense but is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to natural causes. On the wall of the cave are some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols which speak of highly civilized people of pre-historic age who inhabited the area.

The Kuruva island, which is spread over 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot where you’ll get to see rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery. The lofty mountain peaks, the gurgling stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird’s eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking.

Muthanga, located 16 km. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located near the Karnataka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.km form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; which houses the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar including elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear, etc. Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. Boating facilities for tourists are available here. Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organised guerilla type warfare against British East India Company, was cremated here in 1805.

The Pookot Lake is a natural fresh water lake of breathtaking beauty. Boating facilities are available here too. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookot. The Sentinel Rock Waterfalls near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200 m in height, is ideal for rock climbing.

Best time to Visit: September to May

How to reach: By Air: The nearest airport from Wayanad is the Karipur airport of Kozhikode (100 km )

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Wayanad is at Calicut (110 km).

By Road: Wayanad is well connected by a wide network of roads and this place can be easily accessed from anywhere in Kerala as well as from neighboring states. .

They built Golkonda’s splendid monuments, now in ruins, and designed a perfect acoustical system by which a hand clap sounded at the fort’s main gates, the grand portico, was heard at the top of the citadel, situated on a 300-foot (91 m)-high granite hill. This is one of the fascinating features of the fort. The city and fortress are built on a granite hill that is 120 meters (400 ft) high and some parts of the fort date to the 1143, when the Hindu Kakatiya dynasty ruled the area. The architectural grandeur of the magnificent monumental edifice is unmatched in beauty, which it has preserved brilliantly despite being more than four centuries old.
Visit to the fort comprises seeing the architectural beauty in many of the pavilions, gates, entrances and domes. Golkonda consists of four distinct forts with a 10 km long outer wall with 87 semi circular bastions; some still mounted with cannons, eight gateways,  and number of royal apartments & halls, temples, mosques, magazines, stables etc, inside. The lowest of these is the outermost enclosure into which we enter by the “Fateh Darwaza” (Victory gate, so called after Aurangzeb’s triumphant army marched in through this gate) studded with giant iron spikes (to prevent elephants from battering them down) near the south-eastern corner.
Bala Hissar Gate is the main entrance to the fort located on the eastern side. It has a pointed arch bordered by rows of scroll work. The area above the door has peacocks with ornate tails flanking an ornamental arched niche. The granite block lintel below has sculpted yalis flanking a disc. The design of peacocks and lions is a blend of Hindu – Muslim architecture.
Toli Masjid, situated at Karwan, about 2 km from the Golkonda fort, was built in 1671 by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar, royal architect of Abdullah Qutb Shah. The facade consists of five arches, each with lotus medallions in the spandrels.
It is believed that there is a secret underground tunnel which leads from the ‘Durbar Hall’ and ends in one of the palaces at the foot of the hill. The fort also has the tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings. These tombs have Islamic architecture and are located about 1-km north of the outer wall of Golconda. They are encircled by beautiful gardens and numerous exquisitely carved stones. It is also believed that there was a secret tunnel to Charminar.
The wonderful acoustic system of Golconda fort speaks volumes about the architecture of the fort. This majestic structure has beautiful palaces and an ingenious water supply system. The ventilation of the fort is absolutely fabulous having exotic designs. They were so intricately designed that cool breeze could reach the interiors of the fort, providing a respite from the heat of summer.
Best time to Visit: November to February
How to Reach:
Air: Nearest airport is the Hyderabad airport.
Rail: Hyderabad is well connected by rail to all parts of the country.
Road: There is a regular bus service to Hyderabad from many cities in southern, central and southeastern parts of the country.
City Transport: Golconda Fort is around 11-km from Hyderabad. Auto rickshaws and Taxis are available apart from luxury/semi-luxury buses, for local transportation.

There is another town Kesroli located at a distance of 155 km from Delhi and is an ideal base for exploring the grandeur and natural beauty of Rajasthan. According to the historians this place can be traced to Matsya Janapada of the Mahabharata era. Here you will come across some of the oldest remains of a Buddhist Vihara where the Pandavas are believed to have spent the last year of their exile. One can catch a glimpse of the reclining statue of Hanuman; memorial of the ruler saint Bhartrihari and Talavriksha with very old water reservoirs. The fort in Keroli dates back to over centuries old.

Flying Fox Neemrana is an adventure travel company that was opened at Neemrana Fort-Palace on the 18th of January 2009. Flying Fox provides tourists with an opportunity to learn about the fort’s history, flora and fauna while at the same time enjoying a unique heritage aerial adventure experience.

Best time to Visit: October to March
How to reach:
By Air: Nearest Airport is Delhi Airport (155 km)
By Rail: Nearest Railway station is Rewari (65 km)

The Vithala temple, dating back to the 15th century,is one of the most splendid monuments of Hampi and is situated on the Southern bank of the Tungabhadra River. Built during the reign of King Devaraya, the temple is built out of hard granite around an area of 500 by 300 feet. It has 56 pillars in the main hall, which produce musical notes when struck. In the courtyard is the life-size chariot carved out of granite with actually revolving wheels. The temple is famous for its beautifully carved gopurams and mandapas.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi and was parts of the temple date back to the 6th century. It was renovated by King Devaraya in 1510. This temple is in ruins but is still in worship and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha or Pampapati, as his wife Pampa is associated with Tungabhadra River(daughter of Lord Brahma). It is situated in picturesque surroundings on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra river to the north of Hemkuta hill. The temple has a 50 m tall, elaborately carved gateway and has several mandaps and murals(statues).

Hampi is full of wonders . You’ll get to see the King’s Balance where kings were weighed against grain or gold which was then distributed to the poor, the Queen’s Bath, a swimming pool, 50 ft.long and 6 ft.deep, with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus-shaped fountains that once sprouted perfumed water, the two-storeyed Lotus Mahal, shaped like a lotus flower from top, this two-story structure has beautiful arc ways set in geometric regularity. It was an air-cooled summer palace of the queen.

There are Elephant Stables, which are a beautiful example of Hindu-Muslim style of architecture, housed about 11 elephants in separate compartments. Also see the Mahanavami Dibba, the platform which King Krishnadevaraya would ascend during the Mahanavami festival, where he would perform worship and view the parades of animals, musicians and dancers, mock battles, and fireworks below.

Best time to visit: October to March
How to get there
By Air :  The nearest airstrip at Tornagallu in Sandur Taluk which is 32 kms. from Hospet.  The second nearest airport  is Bellary (74 kms). Other convenient airports are at Belgaum (190 kms) and Bangalore (353 kms).

By Rail: Hospet is the nearest railway station (13 kms). Hospet is linked by rail to Bangalore  , Bijapur, Hubli and Guntakal.

By Road: Hampi is 350 kms from Bangalore. KSRTC Buses ply regularly from Hospet.

It is breathtakingly beautiful with well maintained lawns, rare tree species, a 20 million year old fossilized tree, a vast variety of flowering bushes and plants in myriad hues and a fern house with a vast range of ferns and orchids. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this garden.

The Ooty lake built in 1825 and is about 2.5 km long. Boating and fishing can be done on the lake, the latter requiring permission. The Dodabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters and is merely 10kms from Ooty from where on a clear day one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore. It offers an amazing view of the surroundings.

If you want to venture and explore places around Ooty then one option is to visit the Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary located at a distance of 67kms from Ooty. The Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of very rich flora and fauna, and is home to many endangered species including giant squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels. If you are simply fond of the majestic elephants then, you might like to visit the elephant camp within the sanctuary, Theppakkadu.

The beautiful Kolhatty waterfalls, around 13 km from Ooty, are about 100 feet in height and are located on the Kalhatty slopes. Apart from visiting the waterfalls, you can explore the Kalhatty-Masinagudi slopes that are home to many wild species including panthers, sambhar, bison and wild buffaloes.
About 36 km from Ooty is Mukurthi where you can take a look at the imposing Mukurthi peak. According to the Todas, the indigenous people of Ooty, the souls of the dead move on to the next world from this sacred place. Those who don’t believe in life after death too can enjoy the flora and fauna of the place which bears a striking resemblance to that found in Himalayan region. You can also visit the Mukurthi lake which is close to the peak and is worth a closer look.

Best time to Visit: Throughout the year
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore (88 km from Ooty). One can take Indian Airline flights to Coimbatore, Bangalore, Cochin and Chennai.
By Rail
The Ooty railway station is merely 2kms from the City Center and the other railway station is 46km away at Mettupalayam.
There is also a toy train that connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor, another famous hill station.
By Road
Traveling by road is a not a bad idea either, since Tamil Nadu has a very good road network.

Some of the places of interest are the Butterfly museum built by Frederic Smetacek at Jones Estate, which has over 2,500 butterfly and moth specimens and 1,100 species of insects that are found in this region. There is a spectacular natural spring of fresh water arising out of dense oak forest west of Sattal called Subhash Dhara which is worth visiting.

Dr Stanley Jones (1884-1973), the evangelist and missionary adapted the concept of the Indian ashram to Christianity and established the first Christian Ashram at Sattal in 1930. The ashram is not on tourist map, but the place is ideal for connecting to God, nature, meditation and relaxation. St. John’s Church is part of this ashram and showcases a mixed colonial architecture. There is also a Sattal Christian Ashram chapel situated nearby. It was established in 1930 to introduce Christianity into the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand

Best time to go: March to June, September to December
Distance: 320 km from Delhi
How to Reach:
By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Kathgodam, 34 km away
By Road: Journey time-6 ½ hrs. Take NH 24 to Rampur via Hapur, Gajraula, Joya Moradabad, NH 87 to Ranibagh via Rudrapur, Haldwani and Kathgodam, district road to Sattal via Bhimtal.

According to the local people, the “Ice Shiv Lingam” was discovered around 14 years ago by Baba Prakash Puri who later built a small temple and an ashram in the cave that houses the lingam. A large number of tourists visit this place between December and March to have a glimpse of nature’s creation. The Lingam is usually 20 feet tall and the spray of the waterfall from above serves as a natural ‘Abhishek’.

The place is also called Anjani Mahadev since it’s believed that Anjani Devi, the Mother of Hanuman meditated there. Vehicles ply upto a particular point after which you need to trek uphill or ride horseback. Acharya Pandit Naveen Shashtri offers pooja at the temple everyday and devotees are offered tea or kheer as Prasad in the temple.Just below the Lingam you can opt for some adventure sports like paragliding and skiing and zorbing.

Mount Abu, the only hill-station in Rajasthan, India, is situated on an isolated plateau of Aravali range of hills about 4000 feet above sea level.  It’s a summer capital of Rajasthan and is home to lakes, waterfalls and green forests. It has a very cool climate due to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs.
Mount Abu is a tourist attraction for reasons from natural beauty to historical and architectural places.  The famous Delwara Jain temples are situated at Delwara village about 2½ Km’s from the beautiful city of Mt. Abu. The temples are an architectural marvel carved in pristine marble, and the design and accuracy of workmanship is unbelievable. The temple dates back to 11th and 12th century A.D. There are 5 temples belonging to different centuries that constitute Delwara: Vimal Vasahi (Shri Adinathji temple),  Luna Vasahi (Shri Neminathji temple), Pithalhar (Shri Rishabh Deoji temple),  Khartar Vasahi (Shri Parshavnathji temple), Mahaveer Swami (Shri Mahaveer Swamiji temple).

The historical Achalgarh fort, was built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, the valiant Rajput ruler of Mewar.  He was an esteemed designer and this huge fortress alongside the other thirty two is a notable example of his skills. The fortress is surrounded by massive battlement walls and is situated at the top of a mountain peak whereby the 15th century fortresses and the temples are enclosed within the fortified walls. Another must visit temple is the 9th century Achleshwar temple which houses the famous  Nandi which is made of 5 metals, fold, silver, copper, brass and zinc ( Panchadhattu) and weighs more than 4 tons. There are also many other sculpted idols which are made of a crystal like stone called Spatik in Hindi.

In the heart of the hill is the  Nakki Lake, is another popular visitor attraction of Mount Abu. It is a very ancient sacred Lake, according to the Hindu legend is believed to be dug out by the Gods with their nails (Nakh in Hindi) and hence the name Nakki Lake. Boat rides and Horse rides outside the lake are available.

The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to enjoy some splendid scenic beauty and a variety of species of birds and animals. The Sanctuary spreads over 7 kilometers in length and 300 meters in width. This area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1960. The floral and fauna that inhabits this sanctuary is reflective of the rich wildlife of the region.

Best time to Visit: January to June and Oct to December
How to Reach
By Air: Nearest Airport is Udaipur airport (185 km)
By Rail : Nearest Railway Station is Abu Road railway station  (28 km from Mount Abu)
By Road: A good road network links Mount Abu with the key cities in India and buses & taxis are available to and from cities like Delhi, Ajmer, Bundi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Udaipur.

You can drive down to Thimphu, and visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The 15th century Changangkha monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the Thimphu valley and was by a descendant of Lama Phajo Dukgom Shigpo. The main statue at the temple is of Avalokiteswara (the eleven-headed Buddha manifestation with 1000 arms and 1000 eyes). The temple is located on the top of a steep hill and visitors gain access up a long flight of stone steps. Entrance to the temple requires an authorised written permit that should be handed to the caretaker monks.

Visit Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Other attractions are the Choki Traditional Art School established in 1999, which is a non-profit school which offers free boarding and lodging facilities & education to underprivileged children and the Handicraft center which is a Non-Government Organization which functions as a marketing arm to the rural artisans and entrepreneurs of Bhutan.

The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located in the Gangtey Valley. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Drive down to Punakha to visit the Punakha Dzong which is a remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans.

You can ride horse back to Taktsang monastery or go hiking for 2-3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery is perched on a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time.

Best time to Visit: During February to May and September to November.   The other months are either cold or rainy but they too have their own flavor.
How to Reach from India
By Air: Paro is the international airport of Bhutan. Regular flights operate between Paro and Delhi and Kolkata.
By Road and Rail:  Take a train up to Siliguri. The point of entry to Bhutan is the border town of Jaigon which is 150 km from Siliguri, the furthest that you can get near Bhutan by rail. A gate separates the Indian town of Jaigaon from the Bhutanese town of Phunsoling and cars are available for hire from Siliguri to Jaigaon.

A Must visit in Arunachal is Tawang, which is the land of the Monpa tribes and a major centre of the Mahayana Buddhism. It is home to a 400 year old famous Buddhist Monastery locally called Gompa. It is the oldest and 2^nd largest monastery in Asia after Lhasa in Tibet. The Tibetan influence here is unmistakable, with the elaborately painted wooden windows and other motifs and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.  The most impressive part of the monastery is the three storied assembly hall which houses the temple and the 8 meter high gilded statue of Lord Buddha.

Other attractions are Sangester lake, Gorsam Chorten, which is a stupa of about 100 ft in height and about 700 years old built by Lama Pradhar, a Monpa Monk.  Nuranang falls, Singsar Ani Gompa(a nunnery still being runs by nuns), and a Craft Centre producing very fine woolen carpets of colorful designs. On the way to Tawang lies the World’s Second highest motorable pass, the Sela Pass at 14,000 feet which runs through a small ridge and along a placid lake called the Paradise Lake, in India.

Taktsang Gompa is located at the distance of 45 Kms from Tawang Township, is believed to have consecrated by the visit of Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century AD. It is perched on the ridge of the hillock surrounded by a dense coniferous forest and lofty mountains and visitors can conduct a visit round about the places nearby Taktsang Gonpa where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated.

The Banga Jang range will leave you spell bound with its beauty and one cannot help resist themselves from exclaiming the fabulous design of the nature. Every year Pilgrims tour round about the Banga Jang range to acquire the heavenly bliss and sanctity.

Tawang is endowed with many hot water springs which are known for their medicinal value on account of the high sulpher content in the hot springs which cure many skin ailments. One such hot spring is the Tsachu hot spring which can be reached by traveling by a light motor vehicle for two hours from Tawang up to Sarong Gonpa and trekking from there for another three hours. Other Hot springs are Kitpi Hot Spring, Thingbu Hot Spring, Greng-khar Hot spring etc.

Best Time to Visit: June to October

How to Reach:

Entry to Tawang is via Guwahati and Tezpur in Assam which are well connected by flights and Railway to other parts of the country.  From Guwahati /Tezpur one has to proceed to Tawang by road which takes about 10 hours from Guwahati and 13 hours from Tezpur.