5 offbeat things to do in India
While you sit at your office desk, browsing through endless emails and drowning in the sheer skullduggery of life, there’s a whole world of exciting adventures out there. So, stop feeling sorry for yourself, off that chair. Ask for a leave, pack your bags with the basics (including wine, of course) and step out into the wonderful wide world.Take your pick from these five offbeat things to do in India. And live a little.
Unwind in Goa
We had to start with this place! Home to our wines, Goa offers so many different kinds of adventure. You could go beach hopping and discover secret alcoves. Or head to the Western Ghats for a nature trek. At night, when Goa truly comes alive, you could hit the clubs in Baga or go shopping at the Saturday Night Bazaar in Arpora. Goa also offers foodies the adventure of a lifetime. The shacks along every beach offer the best of local cuisine with the freshest catch of the day. If you are a shutterbug, you could ride around Goa, capturing the colonial heritage of the place.
Wine pick: Take your pick from any one of the Big Banyan wines. After all, we’ve bottled the essence of Goa into every last drop of our wines.
Camp in Thar Desert
Surrounded by the Aravalis and the Rann of Kutch, the rolling dunes of the Thar Desert beckon the true adventurers. On a full moon night, one can step out into the salt marshes of the Rann and experience the surreal, mystical beauty of the place. You can also experience life in the desert by staying at one of the villages. Or if you like your luxury, we’d recommend Jaisalmer with its stunning fort and rich heritage.
Wine pick: A cool white wine like Big Banyan Chenin Blanc to offset the soaring temperatures of the desert. Or, if you are trying the ‘lal maas’, a local specialty, we recommend Merlot.
Trek the Zanskar River
Now this one’s really hardcore! Attempt it if you’ve got a strong heart and a stronger will. Not for amateurs by any means, this trek is grueling and the climate quite inclement. But the trek through the frozen lake is an unforgettable experience. You will camp with the locals at night and trek through the vast barren snow covered terrain by day.
Wine pick: You’ll need something strong for this one. We’d recommend a Big Banyan Shiraz.
Explore the Sundarbans
Legends and myths abound the mangroves of Sundarbans. Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, the mangroves are known for their shifty landscape, the deceptive calm and spooky wilderness. Explore the place with experienced guides and live with the locals to get the true flavour of the place. While you’re there, you ought try some of the Bengali delicacies.
Wine pick: We’d go with a Cabernet Sauvignon to match the aura of the place.
Dive in the Andamans
The Andamans are slowly becoming a popular destination with diving enthusiasts. As you plunge into the turquoise blue sea, you are surrounded by a hidden underwater kingdom. You can swim by schools of exotic fish, you can see the endangered corals up close and experience a sense of wonder like never before. After your dive, you can soak up the sun on the white sand beaches, slowly sipping a Big Banyan wine.
Wine pick: We’d recommend a Chardonnay for its fresh flavours.