Volcanic Trails: Craters and Lava land one in India

The images that come to your head when you hear the word volcanoes are probably the terrible outburst of Mount Etna or the lava rivers of Hawaii. However did you know that India also has an exciting volcanic history that is longing to be explored? Ancient craters, rocky lava plateaus, and other surrealistic basalt shapes all over the country remind that the Earth had the fiery history a long time ago. And what is the most amazing thing about it? The volcanic marvels are usually located off-the-beaten-track, and therefore tourists get a tour which allows them to see the primal forces of nature but in solitude.

In case you have been yearning to have an extraordinary journey like more than the hill stations and the beaches, then you had better dust your baggage and get that flight ticket to explore the volcanic trails in India. The following is a way to go about planning an adventurous trip to these not very well-known places.

1. Lonar Crater Lake, Maharashtra: Lonar lake/Lake Demiurgus/A Cosmic Collision

India has some of the most peculiar geological wonders with the Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra being one of them. This giant crater was formed some 50,000 years ago due to a meteorite impact and it is one of only four hyper velocity impact crater in any basaltic rock in the world.

The view is absolutely magnificent when you stand on the rim: a turquoise lake is surrounded by a ring of a lush green forest, old temples, and ruins dotted around telling about the forgotten dynasties. Hike across to the shore of the lake to observe the migratory birds, the unusual algae, which causes the waters to look pink in color, and the magnetic compass anomalies, which up to today remain a mystery to man.

The access to it is fairly easy. Take a low fare flight to Aurangabad, which is some four hours by road. The visiting of the countryside of Maharashtra makes the journey more adventurous.

2. The Exurient Volcano in India — Dhosi Hill, Haryana-Rajasthan Border

And few people also know that there exists an extinct mountain volcano on the border Haryana and Rajasthan and that mountain volcano is the Dhosi hill. This very old volcanic hill is not only geologically important but it is even a place of mythological importance since it is believed to be the place where Rishi Chyavan undertook penance.

Old forts in ruins, and sacred tanks, dot the course of the trek, with breath-taking perspectives of the plains alluring one to the top. To pilgrims and curious travellers it is a weird mixture of the geology and the spiritual. The only way you can reach the Dhosi Hill is to fly to Delhi or Jaipur and then drive to the hills.

3. Deccan Traps, India: Plain Of Lava — Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh:

Speaking about lava landscapes in India, there must be spoken about Deccan Traps. Its location is one of the most extensive volcanic plateau areas in the world which were created in a single series of explosions ensuring one of the greatest volcanic activities in the Earth history around 66 and a half million years ago. The eruption is even traced to the death of the dinosaurs!

You cannot obviously look at the volcano but you can view its fabulous lava formation in some areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. This volcanic action formed the black rock cliffs of Mahabaleshwar, the magnificent table top plateaux of Pachmarhi and the unique rock cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora.

Take a flight ticket to either Pune, Aurangabad or Bhopal where you want to visit the area first. A properly organized flight reservation and personal guide will make the Deccan look different to you.

4. Narcondam Island, Andaman & Nicobar: India Dormant Sentinel

Narcondam Island (which is the easternmost Indian dormant volcano) is lurking in the Andaman Sea that is far off the mainland. It is an emerald dot in the ocean, a remote island, full of dense jungles and inhabited by the rare Narcondam hornbill. As the place is in high security owing to the islands tactical position and the vulnerable ecology, all its visits are arranged under special provision with special authorizations accorded.

However, the neighboring volcano the Barren Island which is the only active volcano in India has become an adventurous destination desired by diving fanatics. In this case you can undertake boat tour around the island to see where steam vents and rugged black sides fall into the sea. So live-aboard diving trips to dive around the underwater lava cave and proliferating marine life are being offered by some operators.

Your tickets to this wild adventure will be a cheap flight to Port Blair and a permit. The hike is worth it because of the excitement of staring at a volcano in action.

Planning your Volcanic Adventure Tips

Travelling by bus does not only mean following the volcanic trails in India. Your trip will be saved by some planning and that will make your trip easier and more memorable.

Book Early, Fly Smart: The domestic connectivity is good around these regions but by booking your flight ticket in advance, you can avail cheap flight deal. Flight booking websites such as HappyEasyGo allow flights to be booked with ease since there are several ways to compare prices and timelines.

Prepare for Terrain: Most volcanic terrains have to be explored by hiking in rocky tracks or forests. Firm shoes, loose fitting clothes and lots of water will be a necessity.

Graduation local ecosystems: A sizeable portion of these sites are ecologically fragile. Use marked trails, do not litter and when you happen to visit some terrain that is under protection care such as Narcondam, be guided by the rule.

Combine Sites: If you are flying in from far away locations, why not combine your volcanic exploration with adjacent interests. Likewise, combine Lonar with the Ajanta and Ellora caves or stay longer in Andaman and visit the beaches of Havelock.

Reasons to take Volcanic Trails?

The visit to the volcanic areas of India does not only imply the observation of some strange rock structures. It is the process of realizing how our planet changed and feeling being overwhelmed by the power of nature, finding stories that are millions of years old. It could be the amazing scenery of the Lonar Lake or the enigma when it comes to Deccan plateaus, all the places have something magical to them that other tourist destinations simply do not.

Then next time when you want to search a flight ticket, think outside the tourist loop. Meet, book that flight to a place that once used to roar and leave tracks of perpetual beauty.

It is time to pack your bags, take that cheap flight and get ready to walk in the footsteps of primitive volcanoes. The craters and lava landscapes of India are awaiting your answer, will you give it?

Have a good flight with HappyEasyGo, for the next one adventure is already a flight.