Adventures in India

Venturing outdoors is a thrilling experience. Whether it is camping, sitting by a riverside or hanging o­n a rope way above the ground, it is a moment not to be forgotten. We anticipate pleasure and make plans accordingly. Even as we are somewhat apprehensive of the risks involved, very few of us actually make plans to minimize them. The risks are very real, but there are many things we can do to ensure that all goes well.

I have attempted to make a checklist and would be glad if it serves a real purpose beyond light reading.

• Find out about the trip you are planning to attend and plan accordingly.
• Try and pack a back-pack as far as possible. Even when you may not be walking with it, it helps when you have to stop to find information, or when traveling in general. You can easily carry it with you to keep your belongings safe.
• Try not to carry valuables. They may not get stolen if you are with people you know, but they could still get lost or misplaced.
• Rural places in India rarely support credit-cards, so make sure you have enough money for your trip in cash and leave most of the valuable cards at home.
• Once you have figured out the essential valuables (wallet, mobile phone, house-keys, camera..) pack them in a small pouch you can carry around your waist or a small day pack to sling o­n your back.
• When packing clothes, try and pack for the weather you may get. Light clothing for the day and loose layers to add for the nights should be enough, but carry a spare or so for safety. A jacket helps.
• Pack an ample supply of undergarments, socks and a scarf or so.
  Aim to pack so that your belongings are easily accessible and you don't end up pulling out a pile of clothing o­n a mountain trail to find the tube of sunscreen you knew you had packed.
• Carry good shoes and light floaters or slippers to wear around the site.
• Cap, water-bottle and a torch are ESSENTIALS and no matter how trivial they may seem, BRING THEM. Non-essential but useful items would be sunscreen, sunglasses, toothbrush-paste, soap….
• A personal emergency supply of band-aids is good. If you carry other medicines, that's fine, but DO NOT take any without consulting with the tour leader (who will have a full first-aid kit in any case). This is so that we are aware and do not repeat a dose if symptoms persist, but take further action.
• IF YOU ARE o­n ANY MEDICATION (for diabetes, blood pressure…. Or even antibiotics… or anything) o­n A CONTINUING BASIS, PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING IT ALONG AND DON'T FORGET TO INFORM US. IF YOU HAVE ANY KNOWN ALLERGIES, PLEASE INFORM US.
  

Article by Vidyut Kale