(NITN): If you are looking for a break from a regular vacation, then why not head to Hanuwantiya Island in Madhya Pradesh for an adventure-filled holiday?
Tucked away in the Khandwa district, the island is located in the middle of the backwater of the Indira Sagar Dam.
Between November 28 this year and January 28, 2003, the island will host the seventh edition of the ‘Jal Mahotsav’ which essentially revolves around various kinds of adventure sports.
This annual event was declared ‘India’s Unique Water & Adventure Carnival’ at the Active Tourism Contest organized by FITUR (together with AireLibre magazine held in Spain this year.
“Adventure activities such as scuba diving, night safari at Boriyamal Island, luxury Regal series boat, 40 feet-high rope swing, zip cycle, para-motoring, para-sailing, speed boat, jet-ski, hot air ballooning, motor boat riding etc. will be the major attractions,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, the state’s Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board.
He also said that in this series, a flying inflatable boat activity is being organized at Hanuwantiya, a first for the country.
Visitors can stay at the sprawling tent city, which consists of 104 luxury Swiss tents and is a collaboration between the state tourism board and Sunset Desert Camp, located on the bank of the blue waters of the Narmada River.
The tent city includes facilities such as an air-conditioned conference hall available for corporate conferences, wellness spa operated by the Kareli group from Kerala, etc.
The Jal Mahotsav will host a three-day anglers’ meet which will be joined by participants from both home and abroad.
What to see and do
Air and water activities – The major attraction of this festival are air and water activities, which include windsurfing, water parasailing, water zorbing, jet-skiing, speed boats ride, cruise boats ride, para-motoring, banana boat ride, hot-air balloon ride, zip line and more.
Land-based activities – Yoga camp, wellness and spa, cycling, volleyball, archery, tug of war, climbing, kite flying, riding bullock carts, nature walks, cycling around the island, visiting local villages, etc.
Other attractions – Food zone, craft bazaar, stargazing, island camping, cultural programme, etc.
Excursions – Khandwa district has several tourist attractions, such as Nagchun dam, Ghantaghar, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Tulija Bhavani temple, Indira Sagar Dam and Sailani Island.
Jal Mahotsav 2022-2023 will be inaugurated on November 28 by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of Usha Thakur, Minister Tourism, Culture, Religious Trust and Endowment Department.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Indore, around 3 hours’ drive by road. Nearest railway station is Khandwa, 50 km away by road. Hanuwantiya is also well connected by road with Bhopal.
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