Avenues for a physically active and healthy lifestyle in India

goodkid · Post by **goodkid** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 2:20 am

If you are like us, you are leading an active lifestyle, with regular trek down the community trails or weekly drive to the state parks for a closer-to-nature experiences. You must be camping bi-annually (atleast ), which the kids go berserk over. The guys must be into squash/tennis/soccer, while the gals are hitting the gym.

After talking to my friends in India, I get a little concerned sometimes. The kids (and adults) there do not seem to get or are even less interested in any kind of physical activity other than dragging themselves to the mall on the weekends to catch a movie and some games at the video arcade. [disclaimer: ok, these are my friends. You might have heard of different experiences from your friends and relatives, which would help in allaying these fears. Could you please share them here...].

Those of you who have returned, what is your viewpoint on this? And those who are planning on returning, how are you hoping to get the regualr dose of outdoor activites for yourself and the kids? Can we brainstorm ideas on how to bring this about?

I am planning on moving to Pune by early 2008. I believe there are plenty trails and camp sites around Pune city. Is there a resource one can tap into to get all the informtaion? Also, if anyone knows of soccer/tennis leagues, and easy access to clubs, gymkhanas etc. kindly post here. I would like to create an r2i resource for all such information. Once we are back, we can avoid plonking in front of the tv sets with our kids, watching vulgur item numbers!

Chicago Desi · Post by **Chicago Desi** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 2:38 am

Youth Hostels Association of India is alive and kicking for treks all over India. Sahyadris are a dream to trek in.

Pune has umpteen sports clubs were competitive sports are played. No need to wonder or worry.

Desi_by_Nature · Post by **Desi_by_Nature** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 2:39 am

I feel, no matter where you are (india or US) when it comes to fitness, to keep yourself motivated one should collaborate with like- minded people.

It's important to realize that the people you may have the most fun hanging out with (going to the movies, parties etc.) may not be the best people to workout with.

pune architect · Post by **pune architect** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:19 pm

www.xlimitz.com

run by shripad sapkal, is one of the very few guys making a living on adventure. he owns 2 adventure world stores and has weekly treks, hikes etc. he writes on sundays for the times and also teaches the army in pune and the bollywood stunt guys on paragliding, etc

also there are other guys who have their own thing on. check out pune times (supplement) page 2
hope you guys know that you get the complete newspaper as it is on

http://epaperdaily.timesofindia.com/

also all the editions and all the supplements.

goodkid · Post by **goodkid** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 3:02 am

pune architect;48618www.xlimitz.com

run by shripad sapkal, is one of the very few guys making a living on adventure. he owns 2 adventure world stores and has weekly treks, hikes etc. he writes on sundays for the times and also teaches the army in pune and the bollywood stunt guys on paragliding, etc

also there are other guys who have their own thing on. check out pune times (supplement) page 2
hope you guys know that you get the complete newspaper as it is on

http://epaperdaily.timesofindia.com/

also all the editions and all the supplements.[/quote]

That was very useful information indeed! and i had no idea about the epaper either.
Do you know about any camping grounds in and around pune? It would be great if there is a website you could direct me to. Thanks again!

pune architect · Post by **pune architect** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:20 am

well buddy,

i have never been the adventure person, more of a city slicker. unfortunately but true.

but yes, try the pune times supplement on the link i forwarded to you. almost daily you have some adventure company advertising there. it's on page 2 of the pune times supplement.

eg: today there is an ad for a trek to himachal. their email is aq at india dot com
their blog is www dot raiseuraq dot blogspot dot com

write to them and they would tell you best. also search papers daily, there are different events listed...page 2 of the pune times.

hope this helps

VRG · Post by **VRG** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:21 pm

goodkid;47545If you are like us, you are leading an active lifestyle, with regular trek down the community trails or weekly drive to the state parks for a closer-to-nature experiences. You must be camping bi-annually (atleast ), which the kids go berserk over. The guys must be into squash/tennis/soccer, while the gals are hitting the gym.

After talking to my friends in India, I get a little concerned sometimes. The kids (and adults) there do not seem to get or are even less interested in any kind of physical activity other than dragging themselves to the mall on the weekends to catch a movie and some games at the video arcade. [disclaimer: ok, these are my friends. You might have heard of different experiences from your friends and relatives, which would help in allaying these fears. Could you please share them here...].

Those of you who have returned, what is your viewpoint on this? And those who are planning on returning, how are you hoping to get the regualr dose of outdoor activites for yourself and the kids? Can we brainstorm ideas on how to bring this about?

I am planning on moving to Pune by early 2008. I believe there are plenty trails and camp sites around Pune city. Is there a resource one can tap into to get all the informtaion? Also, if anyone knows of soccer/tennis leagues, and easy access to clubs, gymkhanas etc. kindly post here. I would like to create an r2i resource for all such information. Once we are back, we can avoid plonking in front of the tv sets with our kids, watching vulgur item numbers!

I don't know around Pune but you definitely have the option of driving to Panchgani, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Boivili National Park..all these are 2-5 hour drive from Pune.
Lonavla is about an hour drive, you can do plenty of things there including ur own hiking trail..:)

mn_op · Post by **mn_op** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:42 pm

I found Indian brand of hiking trips quite challenging and exhilarating. Walking paths in Sahyadri are not monitored by park rangers and one is free to do explorations. Lonavala offers great views and trekking (muddy trekking) in Monsoon.

The key is to stay away from popular places. There are many good health clubs in Pune and surrounding area is quite supportive of adventures year-round. Only trouble is lack of time. For some reason, you won't find enough time to do such things. Another issue is safety. If you want to go on an adventure trip only with your wife, India may not be a right place to do so...its advisable to have a larger group.

If anybody here wants to form such a group in Pune please count me in. We are big time into camping, hiking and trekking.

pune architect · Post by **pune architect** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:54 pm

try www.saahas.com

it is my structural engineers group. he along with his wife, both iitians started this club and run it on weekends. it caters basically for families. it's caption goes "even family needs adventure"

i just met him today on site but these days he is loaded with work so his contribution to it is a bit slow but there are others who take care of it.

anony_mouse · Post by **anony_mouse** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:54 am

I have had Saahas organize a few trips for my personal and corporate groups and I whole-heartedly recommend them. They are reasonably priced and provide professional service.