All Age - Offbeat Tours

Recommended for Age Group 14 - 60 years Separated from fertile Lahaul by the soaring 4,551 m. (15,018 ft.) Kunzum La, Spiti is another chunk of Tibetan plateau marooned in India. This trip is a great way to explore the wonders of Spiti. You will trek in some of  the remotest regions of the country. Spiti valley is in every sense as beautiful and rugged, if not more, than Ladakh. The turquoise-grey ribbon of the Spiti River is your near-constant companion, running along a fairly broad valley. This valley is open only for a few months every year as the high passes leading to it get blocked by heavy snowfall. In the days to follow we indulge in exploration, hiking and soft trekking in this spectacular landscape. You come across small settlements with ancient monasteries, chortens, mane walls, fluttering flags, prayer wheels and Buddhist monks, leaving an image which is sure to last a lifetime. Last but not the least you will drive to the top of Kunzum La pass and also go for a circuit trek along the Chandratal (moonlake). Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of this lake. Chandratal is a spectacular high altitude lake with turquoise green water and snow capped mountains all around. read more read less

November is a great time to be in the Himalayas. The probability of clear cloudless skies with clear and crisp views of Himalayan ranges makes it a delightful experience.  This November, we have shortlisted two of the best locations with astounding Himalayan views Chaukori (Jhaltola) and Shitlakhet. The short and long walks in the chilled winters will be highly rewarding.  An Offbeat Destination in Kumaon, Jhaltola (near Chaukori) has a unique location and stunning 300 kms of Himalayan views. A 1,000 acre estate, it is surrounded by thousands of acres of untouched forests and the nearest neighbour is a kilometer away. The peaks of Hathi Parvat, Gauri Parbat, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Nanda Devi East and West, Nanda Khat, Nanda Kot and more ranges of Nepal are seen from here. The Himalayan paradise of Kumaon contains some of the most stunning mountain scenery that we know of anywhere, from the perennially snow capped peaks of the Great Himalayan range in the north to the pretty hill stations in the foothills and the stunning wilderness of Corbett National Park. This tour will let you enjoy one of the best National Parks of India with the destinations from where you can witness the 300 kms of Himalayan Panorama.  Shitlakhet has amazing views of the Himalayas. It's proximity to Ranikhet will help us explore the cantonment town of Ranikhet that also houses the Museum of Kumaon Regiment.  Join us to experience the most memorable time of your life in the lap of Himalayas! read more read less

Sonaugi, a place that is blessed with a stunning location. Built in typical and traditional Himachali style that includes the use of a lot of wood and stones, our stay is amidst Deodar trees and Orchard. The place is accessible throughout the year and is classically described as a home from where many gentle directions goad you into walking to nowhere in particular. A destination very close to Manali yet far away, Sonaugi is blessed with unbelievable scenic beauty and pleasant walks. It is ideal for travelers who don't want to rush things up, who would like to live easy a few days amidst their rushed-or-unrushed lives. Holidays here are meant to languish, recharge, rethink, re-align, meditate, chill, hang-out, long conversations with like-minded travelers, long walks and you will come back rejuvenated.Note from the host : Mr Vivek Sharma : This is the place where I plan to retire and till then you are welcome to be the guest at my place. A few years from now, I will personally welcome you. A lot of thought has gone on to the making of this place but I am sure you will like old style "Dhuna" the best. This is the place where you can sit around the big fireplace and have riveting conversations with your co-travelers. The rooms have not been provided with the German bukharis (wooden stove) in the room that ensures that you can stay in a T-shirt and shorts even when it is snowing outside. I assure you that it does not get more comfortable than this on a chilly day. This is a 365-day "place to be in" but personally I feel that winters are much better than summers, of course relatively speaking, as it has crisp sun, lovely days, great visibility and less / no haze. This is a place for all those of you who prefer solitude over chaotic "touristy" destinations. read more read less

Chhattisgarh is an Indian State that still carries a mysterious aura about it. A landlocked State that shares its boundary with seven Indian States was carved out in 2000 from Madhya Pradesh. A "young" State, it has slowly yet steadily began to occupy a place of priority and respect in the wishlist of an explorer. Since Chhattisgarh is still devoid of crowds that throng a popular destination, a nature lover will find Chhattisgarh relatively untouched, unblemished and unspoilt. Foliage Outdoors will take you through the journey that begins at the Coastal Town of Vizag (Visakhapatnam) in Andhra Pradesh and we will meander through to Araku and beyond in one of the best train journeys of India. A run over 58 tunnels and 84 bridges, this engineering marvel of the Indian railways will leave you awestruck. This rail journey is best undertaken post-monsoons. After a spell of rains, the valley is a verdant green with numerous cascading waterfalls and gushing streams. The end of this train journey will get us into the treasure trove of History, Nature, Heritage, Culture, Festivity and Art that keeps every traveler interested and spellbound. Chhattisgarh is blessed with exotic waterfalls and it would only be appropriate to call it "The Waterfall Capital Of India". The Jewel In The Crown certainly goes to horseshoe shaped Chitrakote Falls. Chitrakote is the largest waterfall in India that falls from a height of about 100 feet and widens up to 150 meters is a sight to behold in peak rainy season. The majority of the state's population belongs to tribal communities and we will make an attempt to known their lifestyle from close quarters. We will visit the famous weekly Tribal Markets and feast on the local cuisine. Join Foliage Outdoors as we try to decipher a mystery of our own land that has, for long, gone unnoticed even for a discerning traveler. read more read less

Amritsar-Gurdaspur “Ghar aaja pardesi tera des bulaye re”. Sarson de khet, Makke ki Roti, Lassi da glass and world-famed Punjabi Hospitality is calling you to visit “Sadda Punjab”. Experience the glimpses of rural Punjab without giving up on comforts. A stay in traditional Punjabi "Kothi", mouthwatering authentic Punjabi Cuisines, walks in the blooms of Sarson farms, dip into the tube well. Being in Punjab, how can we miss the Golden temple, Jallianwala bagh and Indo-Pak border at Wagah? Mcleodganj-Palampur Explore the Tibetan culture at McLeodganj. “Toot pado” over the hot momo and thukpa. Cherish the walks in Tea Gardens at Palampur. Explore the mystery and the history of places like Kangra Fort. We, at Foliage Outdoors, have chosen just the right month for you for this Tour. The yellow flowers of “Sarson” are in full bloom in the month of January-February and the weather is just "holiday perfect" at Palampur. Join us as we promise to give you your own “DDLJ” moments on this Tour :-D  read more read less

“Kutch nahin dekha to kuch nahin dekha” so goes the tagline made famous by Amitabh Bachchan. True to these words is the mesmerizing destination of Kutch, Little Rann Of Kutch and Greater Rann of Kutch.Reason to Visit Rann # 1 : Sunrise and Sunsets around Full-moon Sunrise or sunset that you will witness at “The White Desert” will arguably be the best that you would ever see. On the Full-moon night, the cool breeze, the serene silence, the huge expanse transports you to an entirely different world. Around midnight when the moon has reached its peak, the entire surface shimmers like a blanket of diamond spread out endlessly in front of you.Reason to Visit Rann # 2 : Textiles and Handicrafts and the hands that make them Kutchi handicrafts, renowned the world over, are in abundance in Bhuj, from elaborately embroidered clothing and luxurious quilts to block-printing, heavy silver jewelry and woodcarving. This tour will have excursions to surrounding towns and villages to meet artisans and their families, see the work being done and buy crafts directly from the artisans themselves.Reason to Visit Rann # 3 : Asiatic Wild Ass and Birds Little and Great Rann of Kutch are birders’ and photographers’ delight. Little Rann of Kutch is the only place on this planet where the Asiatic Wild Ass lives and thrives. Rann, because of its proximity to the Gulf of Kutch and geographical location, lies on the migration route of many bird species. Every winter this desert mudflat ecosystem is flocked with thousands of winged migrants, visiting from different parts of the world viz Egypt, Iraq, Tibet, Siberia and Europe.Reason to Visit Rann # 4 : Heritage This tour is ex-Ahmedabad and we will get an opportunity to see 11th century Sun Temple of Modhera (UNESCO site) and Patan for magnificently carved 11th-century stepwell “Rani-ki-Vav”. Patan incidentally is also known for textile craft known as Patola. read more read less

Interested in taking beautiful snow trails in the daytime and wish to spend nights in the comfortable and warm rooms? Then register today for this program called White Christmas. Well, not just snow trails, but this program also offers the lifetime experience of white water rafting in the mighty River Ganga. The first part of the program offers the beautiful snow trails giving panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, comfortable stay at the picturesque location, delicious food and never-ending dose of fun, laughter and conversations. In the later part feel the adrenaline rush in your bloodstream while doing some great water adventure in the Ganges. Winter is said to be the best season to indulge in rafting. So get ready for the perfect winter holidays by walking through serene snow trails and also enjoying the thrills of white water rafting.   read more read less

2020 is a landmark year in many ways. Not only does it mark the end of a decade, but holds a special significance celestially. 2020 will witness a total of 6 eclipses (2 solar and 6 lunar) which would be visible from various parts of the world. Of these, the most awaited will be the Annular Solar Eclipse, characterized by the breathtaking "Ring of Fire", happening this summer and which will be visible from parts of Northern India. We, at Foliage Outdoors, will be there to witness this spectacular celestial phenomenon under the guidance of Dr. Prakash Tupe, one of the most recognized astronomy experts along with Prof. P.K. Ghanekar, noted historian and travel expert. So mark your calendars and join us to enjoy a lifetime experience the Foliage way ! read more read less

We head to Chikmagalur to experience the stay in a Colonial Bungalow that has stood testimony to the changing seasons since 1853!!! The Bungalow offers an exclusive stay experience since it has only six rooms but infinite common areas to indulge in casual conversation!!! Balur Estate, our home in the Coffee Estate, is a fully functioning, 400-acre coffee plantation that also grows spices like pepper, vanilla, cardamom and areca nut. This Tour is a part of our “Coffee, Conversations and Bonfire” Tours. Essentially a slow-paced tour, the schedule of the day leaves ample time for you to enjoy your cup of Coffee, indulge in real Conversations over Bonfire.Note from the host : Balur Estate is marked by what it isn’t, perhaps more than what it is. So it isn’t a homestay, it definitely isn’t a resort or even a painstakingly maintained heritage bungalow. It doesn’t boast a terrific, multi-cuisine chef; it has no television, barely any mobile or internet connectivity, no geysers or jacuzzis. What it promises you is a terrific sense of place, of history, of lifestyle. Do come to experience the hospitality of Ratnamma and Hamsa, your most hospitable cook cum hosts that you could ever wish for. Communication with them will be fun and you will eventually be richer by at least a ten-word-strong Kannada vocabulary!!! :) read more read less