Top 10 Adventure Activities in India (2026): Places, Prices & Best Season
Category: Travel | Updated On: November 7, 2026 | Published: August 9, 2026
The top adventure activities in India are trekking in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, white-water rafting and bungee jumping in Rishikesh, paragliding in Bir Billing, scuba diving in the Andaman Islands, a motorbike expedition to Ladakh, skiing in Gulmarg, jungle safaris, dune bashing in Jaisalmer, skydiving and ziplining. Prices start at about ₹600 for a 9 km rafting run in Rishikesh, while tandem skydiving is the most expensive, usually ₹30,000 or more.
The table below compares all 10 activities by place, price, season and who can do them. How we priced this: prices for rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding and treks are from Manchala Mushafir's own booking pages (last checked November 2026). Prices marked "Approx." vary by operator, so check them before you book; the official tourism sites we used are listed under Sources.
Quick picks: Best budget adventure: rafting in Rishikesh (from ₹600 for 9 km). Best for first-timers: a tandem paragliding flight in Bir Billing (from ₹3,000) or ziplining. Best in winter: the Kedarkantha snow trek (₹5,500) or skiing in Gulmarg. Best in summer: the Hampta Pass trek (₹7,500) or a Ladakh bike trip. Best for non-swimmers: an introductory scuba dive at Havelock. Biggest bucket-list thrill: tandem skydiving.
- Adventure Activities in India at a Glance
- Top 10 Adventure Activities in India
- 1. Trekking in Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh
- 2. River Rafting & Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh
- 3. Paragliding in Bir Billing
- 4. Scuba Diving in Havelock Island
- 5. Motorbike Expedition in Ladakh
- 6. Skiing in Gulmarg
- 7. Jungle Safari
- 8. Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer
- 9. Skydiving in India
- 10. Ziplining in Munnar, Kerala
- Top 10 Adventure Places in India
- Adventure Activities by Month
- Adventure Activities by Budget
- More Adventure Activities in India (Land, Water, Air, Snow)
- Adventure Trips Near Delhi
- Safety Checklist Before Any Adventure Activity
- Sources
- FAQs
Adventure Activities in India at a Glance
| # | Activity | Best places | Price (2026) | Best season | Who can do it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trekking | Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Chopta, Hampta Pass, Triund | ₹1,100 (Triund, 2 days) to ₹8,000 (Brahmatal, 6 days) | Depends on the trek; snow treks Dec to Apr | Beginners with basic fitness |
| 2 | River rafting and bungee jumping | Rishikesh, Uttarakhand | Rafting ₹600 to ₹2,500; bungee ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 | Rafting Sep to Jun; bungee year-round | Rafting: no experience needed. Bungee: 12+ years, about 40 to 110 kg |
| 3 | Paragliding | Bir Billing (Himachal), Bhimtal (Uttarakhand) | From ₹3,000 (Bir) and ₹2,000 (Bhimtal) | Oct to Nov and Mar to Jun | 12 to 60 years, up to 90 kg standard |
| 4 | Scuba diving | Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island, North Bay | Approx. ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 (intro dive) | Nov to May | Non-swimmers can do an intro dive |
| 5 | Motorbike expedition | Manali to Leh, Srinagar to Leh | Bike rental approx. ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 a day | Jun to Sep | Licensed, experienced riders |
| 6 | Skiing | Gulmarg (Kashmir), Auli (Uttarakhand) | Approx. ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 a day with gear and instructor | Jan to Mar | Beginners with an instructor |
| 7 | Jungle safari | Ranthambore, Jhalana, Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh | Approx. ₹1,500 to ₹8,000 (shared seat to private jeep) | Oct to Jun | All ages |
| 8 | Dune bashing | Sam and Khuri dunes, Jaisalmer | Approx. ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per jeep | Oct to Mar | All ages (children with an adult) |
| 9 | Skydiving | Mysuru, Deesa, Narnaul | Approx. ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 (tandem) | Mostly Oct to Mar (operator camps) | Usually 18+, with a weight limit |
| 10 | Ziplining | Munnar, Neemrana, Rishikesh | Approx. ₹500 to ₹2,000 | Sep to May | First-timers and families |
Not sure which one to pick? Ask us on WhatsApp and we will suggest a trip that fits your dates and budget.
Top 10 Adventure Activities in India
Here are the 10 best adventure activities in India, with where to do them, what they cost and when to go.
1. Trekking in Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh

Trekking is the most accessible adventure activity in India, and Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have the best beginner-friendly Himalayan treks.
- Where: Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Chopta Chandrashila, Hampta Pass, Dayara Bugyal and Triund
- Price: Triund ₹1,100 (2 days), Chopta Chandrashila ₹6,000 (4 days), Kedarkantha ₹5,500 (5 days), Dayara Bugyal ₹6,900 (4 days), Hampta Pass ₹7,500 (5 days), Brahmatal ₹8,000 (6 days)
- Best season: Snow treks like Kedarkantha and Brahmatal from December to April; Hampta Pass from June to September
- Who can do it: Beginners with basic fitness; start with a 2-day trek like Triund or Nag Tibba
- Best for: Groups, first-time trekkers and snow lovers
There are many trekking destinations in India across mountains, lakes, meadows and valleys. Each trek offers a different landscape, from snow-covered summits in winter to green meadows in summer. On a tight budget, start with these budget-friendly treks in India. For a longer Himalayan trek, try Har Ki Dun or the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
2. River Rafting & Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is the adventure capital of India: you can raft the Ganga and bungee jump on the same weekend trip from Delhi.
- Rafting stretches and rapids: 9 km (Grade I), 12 km (Grades I to II), 16 km from Shivpuri (Grades I to III), 24 km (up to Grade III+) and 36 km from Kaudiyala (up to Grade IV)
- Rafting price: ₹600 (9 km) to ₹2,500 (36 km) per person, plus 5% GST
- Rafting season: September to June; rafting stops during the monsoon
- Bungee operators: Himalayan Bungy (up to 117 m), Jumpin Heights at Mohan Chatti (83 m) and Thrill Factory (about 50 m)
- Bungee price: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per person for a solo jump
- Bungee limits: Age 12+ (14+ at Himalayan Bungy); weight about 40 to 110 kg, depending on the operator
White-water rafting in Rishikesh is the most famous adventure activity in Uttarakhand. The 9 km stretch suits beginners, while the 24 km and 36 km runs are for those who want a longer, tougher day on the river.
For bungee jumping, Rishikesh has three operators. Jumpin Heights at Mohan Chatti runs the 83 m fixed-platform jump, and Himalayan Bungy has the highest jump in Rishikesh at 117 m. You can compare the jumps and prices of all three operators on our bungee jumping in Rishikesh page. Read more about the town in our Rishikesh guide, or see the top places to visit in Rishikesh.
3. Paragliding in Bir Billing

Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh is the best-known paragliding site in India: you take off at Billing and land in Bir after a tandem flight of 15 to 20 minutes in the basic package.
- Where: Bir Billing (Himachal Pradesh) and Bhimtal (Uttarakhand)
- Price: From ₹3,000 per person in Bir Billing and ₹2,000 in Bhimtal, plus 5% GST
- Flight time: 15 to 20 minutes in Bir Billing for the basic package; longer flights cost more
- Best season: October to November and March to June (Check More Details about Best time for paragliding in Bir Billing)
- Who can do it: Age 12 to about 60, weight up to 90 kg standard (90 to 115 kg with an extra charge); no experience needed because a certified pilot flies with you
The flight gives a bird's-eye view of the Dhauladhar range, tea gardens and small villages. Paragliding depends on the weather, so flights can be paused on windy or rainy days.
Book a flight on our paragliding in Bir Billing page, or try paragliding in Bhimtal in Uttarakhand.
4. Scuba Diving in Havelock Island

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) in the Andamans is the best place in India for a first scuba dive, and you do not need to swim or hold a certificate for a guided introductory dive.
- Where: Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) and North Bay near Port Blair
- Price: Approx. ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 for an introductory dive; certification courses cost more
- Best season: November to May, when the sea is calm and the water is clear
- Who can do it: Beginners and experienced divers; an instructor stays with you on an introductory dive
Scuba diving in the Andaman Sea lets you see coral reefs, colourful fish and other marine life up close. Beginners dive under a professional instructor's guidance, so it is a safe way to try diving for the first time. You can include scuba diving in an Andaman Nicobar tour package.
Planning an Andaman trip with scuba diving? Ask us on WhatsApp for dive options and prices.
5. Motorbike Expedition in Ladakh

The Manali to Leh highway is India's classic motorbike expedition route, crossing high passes such as Baralacha La and Tanglang La between June and September.
- Routes: Manali to Leh, Srinagar to Leh, and loops to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso
- Price: Bike rental approx. ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 a day, plus fuel, stays and permits
- Best season: June to September, when the high passes are open
- Who can do it: Riders with a valid licence and experience on mountain roads; take a day or two to get used to the altitude
The ride passes high-altitude lakes such as Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, valleys like Kullu and Nubra, and passes including Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La and Tanglang La. Not sure whether to ride or cycle? Compare a Ladakh road tour vs a cycling expedition.
6. Skiing in Gulmarg

Gulmarg in Kashmir is India's top ski destination, and its Gondola climbs to about 3,980 m on Apharwat, making it one of the highest cable cars in the world.
- Where: Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir) and Auli (Uttarakhand)
- Price: Approx. ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 a day for ski gear and an instructor
- Best season: January to March
- Who can do it: Beginners with an instructor, as well as experienced skiers
Skiing in Gulmarg suits both beginners and experienced skiers, with gentle slopes near the village and long runs from the upper Gondola station. Auli in Uttarakhand is a good alternative, and you can combine it with the Kuari Pass trek. Check the best time to visit Auli for snow.
7. Jungle Safari

A jungle safari is a guided jeep ride through a national park to spot tigers, leopards and other wildlife, and Ranthambore is one of the best places in India to see a tiger.
- Where: Ranthambore, Jhalana Leopard Reserve and Sariska (Rajasthan), Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh) and Kaziranga (Assam)
- Price: Approx. ₹1,500 to ₹8,000, depending on whether you book a shared seat or a private jeep
- Best season: October to June; most core zones close during the monsoon
- Who can do it: All ages; book permits early for popular parks
On a safari you may see Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and many bird species. Jhalana in Jaipur is known for leopards, and Kaziranga is famous for the one-horned rhino.
8. Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer

Dune bashing is off-road driving over sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle, and the Sam and Khuri dunes near Jaisalmer are the best places to do it in India.
- Where: Sam and Khuri sand dunes, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
- Price: Approx. ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per jeep
- Best season: October to March
- Who can do it: All ages, with children accompanied by an adult; avoid it if you have back problems or are pregnant
A trained driver takes you over the dunes in a 4x4 jeep, SUV or quad bike. The ride climbs steep dunes and drops down sandy slopes, a bit like a roller coaster. Many desert camps combine it with a camel safari and a sunset on the dunes.
9. Skydiving in India (Mysuru, Deesa, Narnaul)

Tandem skydiving is the most expensive adventure activity in India: you jump from about 10,000 feet with an instructor and free-fall for 30 to 60 seconds before the parachute opens.
- Where: Mysuru (Karnataka), Deesa (Gujarat) and Narnaul (Haryana)
- Price: Approx. ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 for a tandem jump
- Best season: Mostly October to March; operators run jumps on scheduled dates
- Who can do it: Usually 18+ and within the operator's weight limit; no experience needed for a tandem jump
After the free fall, the parachute opens, the descent slows and you get a wide view of the landscape below. Skydiving in India runs on fixed dates at each site, so book well in advance. There is no skydiving drop zone in Rishikesh; there you can try bungee jumping, the giant swing or the flying fox instead.
10. Ziplining in Munnar, Kerala

Ziplining is the easiest adventure activity for first-timers in India, and Munnar in Kerala has one of the most scenic zipline rides, over tea plantations and misty valleys.
- Where: Munnar (Kerala), Neemrana Fort (Rajasthan) and Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
- Price: Approx. ₹500 to ₹2,000
- Best season: September to May; avoid heavy monsoon rain
- Who can do it: First-timers and families, within the operator's age and weight limits
You glide from one point to another on a cable, held by a harness. You can include ziplining in your itinerary with a Munnar trip package and explore the hill station's landscapes.
Top 10 Adventure Places in India
The top 10 adventure places in India are Rishikesh, Leh-Ladakh, Bir Billing, the Andaman Islands, Manali, Gulmarg, Auli, Goa, Spiti Valley and Meghalaya. Each one is best known for a different kind of adventure.
| Rank | Place | State | Best for | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishikesh | Uttarakhand | Rafting, bungee jumping, camping, ziplining | September to June |
| 2 | Leh-Ladakh | Ladakh | Motorbike trips, high passes, Chadar trek | June to September (Chadar trek January to February) |
| 3 | Bir Billing | Himachal Pradesh | Paragliding | October to November, March to June |
| 4 | Andaman Islands | Andaman and Nicobar | Scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking | November to May |
| 5 | Manali and Solang Valley | Himachal Pradesh | Hampta Pass trek, paragliding, snow activities | Year-round (snow from December to February) |
| 6 | Gulmarg | Jammu and Kashmir | Skiing, Gondola ride | December to March |
| 7 | Auli | Uttarakhand | Skiing, Kuari Pass trek | January to March (skiing) |
| 8 | Goa | Goa | Parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, scuba diving | November to March |
| 9 | Spiti Valley | Himachal Pradesh | Road trips, high-altitude camping | June to October |
| 10 | Meghalaya | Meghalaya | Caving, living root bridge treks | October to April |
Adventure Activities in India by Month
The best adventure activity in India depends on the month: snow treks and skiing in winter, paragliding and rafting in spring, high-altitude treks and Ladakh road trips in summer and the monsoon.
| Months | Best adventure activities | Where |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Snow treks, skiing, dune bashing, scuba diving; the Chadar trek in January and February | Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Gulmarg, Auli, Jaisalmer, Andaman Islands, Zanskar |
| March to April | Paragliding, rafting, spring treks, scuba diving, jungle safaris | Bir Billing, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, Andaman Islands, Ranthambore |
| May to June | Paragliding and rafting (until June), high-altitude treks, the start of Ladakh and Spiti road trips | Bir Billing, Rishikesh, Hampta Pass, Ladakh, Spiti Valley |
| July to August | Monsoon treks, Ladakh and Spiti road trips, monsoon rafting and waterfall rappelling | Valley of Flowers, Hampta Pass, Ladakh, Spiti, Kolad and the Sahyadris (Maharashtra) |
| September to November | Rafting restarts, peak paragliding season (October to November), autumn treks, jungle safaris reopen | Rishikesh, Bir Billing, Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett, Ranthambore |
Adventure Activities in India by Budget
You can start an adventure in India for under ₹2,000: rafting in Rishikesh costs ₹600 and the Triund trek ₹1,100, while tandem skydiving costs ₹30,000 or more.
| Budget (per person) | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Under ₹2,000 | Rishikesh rafting (₹600 for 9 km), the Triund trek (₹1,100), ziplining (approx. ₹500 to ₹2,000) |
| ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 | Paragliding in Bhimtal (₹2,000) or Bir Billing (₹3,000), bungee jumping (₹3,000 to ₹5,000), the Nag Tibba trek (₹3,900), the Laka Glacier trek (₹3,400), an introductory scuba dive (approx. ₹3,500 to ₹7,000) |
| ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 | Himalayan treks: Kedarkantha (₹5,500), Chopta Chandrashila (₹6,000), Dayara Bugyal (₹6,900), Hampta Pass (₹7,500), Brahmatal (₹8,000) |
| ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 | A Spiti Valley road trip (₹19,999 from Delhi), a Ladakh motorbike trip (bike rental approx. ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 a day, plus fuel and stays) |
| ₹30,000 and above | Tandem skydiving (approx. ₹30,000 to ₹45,000) |
Prices for treks and activities we run are our own package prices plus 5% GST; "approx." prices vary by operator.
More Adventure Activities in India (Land, Water, Air, Snow)
Beyond the top 10, India has adventure activities on land, on water, in the air and in the snow. Here is a list by category, with the best place for each.
Land
- Rock climbing and bouldering: Hampi (Karnataka)
- Caving: Meghalaya, including Mawsmai and Krem Mawmluh near Sohra (Cherrapunji)
- Camping: Rishikesh, Spiti Valley and Kheerganga; see the best camping places in Himachal Pradesh
- Mountain biking: Manali to Leh and Spiti Valley
- Camel safari: Jaisalmer and Bikaner (Rajasthan)
- Chadar trek: the frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh (January to February)
- Rappelling and valley crossing: adventure camps in Rishikesh and the Sahyadri forts (Maharashtra)
- Quad biking: the Jaisalmer dunes and Solang Valley near Manali
- Mountaineering: beginner peaks like Friendship Peak near Manali
Water
- Kayaking: Rishikesh, Goa and the Kerala backwaters
- Snorkelling and sea walking: Andaman Islands
- Surfing: Mulki (Karnataka), Varkala (Kerala) and Puducherry
- Parasailing and jet skiing: Goa and Andaman
- Cliff jumping: Rishikesh, on the rafting route
- Rafting beyond Rishikesh: Kolad (Maharashtra, in the monsoon), Dandeli (Karnataka), the Teesta (Sikkim and West Bengal) and the Zanskar (Ladakh)
- Scuba diving beyond the Andamans: Netrani Island (Karnataka), Lakshadweep and Goa
- Waterfall rappelling: the Sahyadris in Maharashtra, in the monsoon; see our monsoon Sahyadri treks
Air
- Hot-air ballooning: Jaipur and Pushkar (Rajasthan)
- Flying fox and giant swing: Neemrana (Rajasthan) and Rishikesh
- Paragliding beyond Bir: Kamshet (Maharashtra), Solang Valley (Manali) and Bhimtal (Uttarakhand)
- Tandem skydiving: Narnaul (Haryana), Mysuru (Karnataka) and Deesa (Gujarat), on scheduled dates
Snow
- Snowboarding and heli-skiing: Gulmarg
- Snow treks: Kedarkantha and Brahmatal (December to April); see more winter treks in Uttarakhand and the best winter treks in India
- Ice skating: Shimla (winter)
- Snow scooter rides: Gulmarg and Solang Valley
Adventure Trips Near Delhi
From Delhi, the easiest adventure trips are Rishikesh for rafting and bungee jumping, Bir Billing for paragliding, and a short Himalayan trek.
- Rishikesh (about 240 km, 6 to 7 hours by road): a 2-day weekend of rafting and bungee jumping.
- Bir Billing (overnight bus): a 3-day trip for paragliding, with time to explore the monasteries in Bir.
- Short treks: Nag Tibba and Triund take 2 days; Kedarkantha is a 5-day snow trek from December to April.
See more options in our guide to weekend treks near Delhi.
Safety Checklist Before Any Adventure Activity
Before any adventure activity in India, check the operator, the limits and the weather. For treks, also read our trekking safety guidelines.
- Book with a registered operator that uses certified guides, pilots or instructors.
- Check the age, weight and health rules before you pay, and be honest about medical conditions.
- Ask what safety gear is included, such as a helmet, life jacket or harness, and wear it at all times.
- Check the weather; operators pause rafting, paragliding and bungee jumping in heavy rain or high wind.
- Get travel insurance that covers adventure sports for high-altitude treks, skiing and skydiving.
- For high-altitude treks, read about altitude sickness and how to get fit for a high-altitude trek.
Sources
We checked seasons, places and safety rules against these official sources, and our own prices against our booking pages:
- Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (National Strategy for Adventure Tourism)
- Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) (Indian Adventure Tourism Guidelines on safety and quality)
- Incredible India: Bir Billing
- Uttarakhand Tourism: Auli
- Andaman & Nicobar Directorate of Tourism: Scuba Diving (PDF)
FAQs
Which is the most popular adventure activity in India?
River rafting in Rishikesh is one of the most popular adventure activities in India because it is affordable, close to Delhi and needs no experience. Trekking in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh is also very popular, with beginner treks like Triund, Nag Tibba and Kedarkantha.
What is the highest bungee jump in India?
In Rishikesh, the highest jump is Himalayan Bungy's Highest Bungy at 117 m. Jumpin Heights at Mohan Chatti runs the well-known 83 m fixed-platform jump, and Thrill Factory has a jump of about 50 m. Prices range from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per person.
Which is the best place for paragliding in India?
Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh is the best place for paragliding in India. Flights take off from Billing and land in Bir, and a basic tandem flight lasts 15 to 20 minutes from ₹3,000. The best months are October to November and March to June.
Can non-swimmers do scuba diving in Andaman?
Yes. Non-swimmers can do an introductory scuba dive in the Andamans, such as at Havelock Island, because an instructor stays with you throughout the dive. You do not need a certificate for an introductory dive. Tell the dive centre about any medical conditions before you book.
Which adventure activities can beginners do?
Beginners can try ziplining, rafting on the 9 km stretch in Rishikesh, a tandem paragliding flight, an introductory scuba dive or an easy 2-day trek like Triund. None of these need experience, because a guide, pilot or instructor is with you.
What is the cheapest adventure activity in India?
River rafting in Rishikesh is one of the cheapest adventure activities in India, starting at about ₹600 per person for the 9 km stretch. Short treks like Triund are also low-cost. Tandem skydiving is the most expensive, usually ₹30,000 or more.
What adventure activities can I do in the monsoon?
Rafting in Rishikesh and many water sports stop during the monsoon, but some treks are at their best. The Valley of Flowers trek is best in July and August, and the Hampta Pass trek runs from June to September. Ladakh motorbike trips also run in the monsoon months.
Is there skydiving in Rishikesh?
No. Rishikesh does not have a skydiving drop zone. For a big thrill there, try bungee jumping (up to 117 m), the giant swing, the flying fox or white-water rafting. Tandem skydiving in India runs on scheduled dates at sites such as Narnaul (Haryana), Mysuru (Karnataka) and Deesa (Gujarat), and usually costs ₹30,000 or more.
Which adventure activities are best in winter in India?
From December to February, the best adventures are snow treks like Kedarkantha (₹5,500) and Brahmatal (₹8,000), skiing in Gulmarg and Auli, dune bashing and desert camps in Jaisalmer, and scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. The Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river runs in January and February.
Which adventure activities can I do in summer in India?
From April to June you can go paragliding in Bir Billing and rafting in Rishikesh (both until June), and do spring treks in Uttarakhand. From June, high-altitude treks like Hampta Pass and road trips to Ladakh and Spiti Valley begin.
Where is the best surfing in India?
The best surfing in India is in the south. Popular surfing spots are Mulki in Karnataka, Varkala in Kerala and Puducherry, where surf schools offer lessons for beginners.
Which is better, Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh?
Both Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh are good for jungle safaris. Ranthambore in Rajasthan is easier to reach from Delhi and Jaipur and has open views and an old fort inside the park. Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh has a high density of tigers, thicker jungle and fewer crowds.