An island in the middle of India’s largest dam has become the cradle for a water carnival that is inviting tourists from all across the country. Jal Mahotsav, a Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board initiative, is creating a stir in the still waters of the Indira Sagar Dam, and a tent city has come up in its midst. The water carnival will be on till January 29.
CARNIVAL POINTERS
For booking of accommodation and rides: www.jalmahotsav.com
HOW TO REACH By air: Nearest airport is Indore. (Indigo has a daily direct evening connection from Kolkata. A late morning connection via Raipur is also convenient). The island is a two-and-half hour drive away from the airport.
By rail: Nearest station is Khandwa, 50km away.
Nearby tourist attractions: Omkareshwar, Sinhaji temple, Maheshwar, Burhanpur (all within three-hour drive)
“These are the backwaters of the Narmada. There are a number of islands here which form an archipelago. We have capitalised on the unique location of one of them, Hanuwantiya island. The climate and the surroundings are such that it is like the Goa of Madhya Pradesh. We have come up with a number of activities that are land, air and water-based, aimed to provide immersive experiences to travelers,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, principal secretary, tourism and culture, and managing director, MP Tourism Board.
A new ride that is being added this year is a flying inflatable boat. “It is a small seaplane that takes off and lands in water. This is the first time the ride is being offered anywhere in India,” Shukla said. The boat is made in Italy while the pilot has come from Thailand.
The 17 acres of land that have been developed to celebrate Jal Mahotsav are dotted with adventure activities, such as rope swing at a height of 40 feet which gives the thrill of a bungee jump in reverse, tethered hot air ballooning for a mighty top-of-the-world feel and zip cycle where one cycles in the air along a zipline, protected by harness and admiring the scenery from above.
Hot air balloon
ELSEWHERE IN MADHYA PRADESH
Skydiving Festival: January 5-15
What: At Datana airstrip, Ujjain. Divers jump from a height of 10,000 ft. After a free fall of around 6,000 ft, they deploy parachutes. Open to adults with fitness certificates.
Distance from Hanuwantiya: 115km
Bookings: www.skyhighindia.com
Mandu Festival: January 7- 11
What: Celebration of art, heritage and history of Mandu, a 13th century fort capital. Bookings at a tent city can be made from December 30.
Distance from Hanuwantiya: 164km
The Telegraph tried out paramotoring, getting swept high over the edge of the water in a two-seater harness tied to a parachute and with the pilot seated behind, wearing a backpack motor. The 360 degree action camera in my hand yielded awe-inspiring aerial footage of the six-minute ride.
There are a host of activities for children — giant wheel, swing boat and toy helicopter rides, mini train, trampoline and castle jumping to name a few.
Among water sports, there are parasailing, speed boat, jet-ski and motor boat riding. The most fun, in The Telegraph’s experience, is the banana boat ride. A bright yellow inflatable boat shaped like a banana is pulled by speedboat, causing a splash that drenches the riders who have to hold on tight to a handle. Definitely worth repeat rides!
There is also scuba-diving. Though there is no coral reef here, there is a lost world to discover underwater. “Many villages got submerged when the dam started being built here in 1984. One can see the remains of those huts and even a temple,” said Yuvraj Padole, deputy director (events, marketing and film), MP Tourism Board.
For the hours when water and aerial sports are off, there are ATV (all-terrain vehicle) bikes to take out for a rough ride and get dusty on as also an artificial wall to climb and bow and arrow and airgun to test one’s target skills. Horses and camels are also available for rides.
“There are 52 islands spread across 70km in this area. We are also developing activities on some of them,” he informed. About 10km away from Hanuwantiya, night safari is being explored at Boriyamal Island, which is home to a variety of wildlife. It can be reached by boat from Hanuwantiya. Camping can be organised at Nagar Beda Farm, a nearby scenic spot.
Angling is emerging as a popular activity. “Last year, anglers from the Central India Fishing Club came and enjoyed themselves. We have identified virgin islands where they come for angling.”
This year, a three-day angling event will be held, drawing anglers of national and international repute. Angling will take place on a catch-and-release principle, spreading a message of conservation. “Click a selfie with your catch if you want but release the fish back in the water,” said Shukla, explaining the global practice. A kite festival is also being planned.
The adventure activities are a stroll away from the tent city that has come up featuring 104 luxury Swiss tents with attached baths. For those not ready for a tent experience, MPT Hanuwantiya Resort stands next door. There is an air-conditioned conference hall too that can host corporate conferences. The tent city, the organisers say, can also host destination weddings. “We are also planning a floating deck for barmala (exchange of garlands),” Padole said.
About 15-20 tents have been set up to offer ayurvedic massage therapies. “We have a tie-up in place with a renowned wellness group,” he added.
The tents in the Tent City. (Right) Inside a luxury tent
Paramotoring
Shopping is also part of the experience with local artisans bringing their ware over. “This annual festival thus boosts their socio-economic condition as well,” Padole pointed out.
Tribal culture is also being showcased. “There are 45 tribes in Madhya Pradesh with their unique art and culture. We want to help sustain and cherish their originality,” said Shukla. There is also live music, with bands performing, stand-up comedians putting up acts and celebrities invited to drop by.
“Jal Mahotsav has become the country’s biggest water carnival. This is the seventh edition. We never stopped even through the pandemic years,” said Shukla.
Pictures by author and MP Tourism