The various sports and activities available in Tamil
Nadu can make for excellent incentive travel trips. Angling is a sport
that is gaining popularity in India, and the water courses available in
the state offer some excellent opportunities for fishing.
Bhavani Puzha, Aradha Puzha, Parsons Valley stream and reservoir, Kings
Dhar stream, Western Catchment reservoir, Thirupanthurai, Emeri Puzha,
and Silent Valley streams are favoured places for trout fishing. In the
Kodaikanal Hills, carp fishing is recommended in the Kodi Lake. In
addition, the state's 900-kilometre-long coastal line provides for ample
marine fishing.
Thirty-five kilometres south of Chennai lies Muttukadu, which is
one of the best locations for windsurfing -- thanks to friendly surf and
steady winds offshore. Local tour operators can provide necessary sails
and windsurfing equipment. There is even the chance to try surfing on
backwaters. Good boating facilities are also available, as well as many
other water sports, including jet skiing and canoeing.
Tamil Nadu offers unique opportunities to enjoy accompanied treks
through the hills and enjoy some of the most beautiful views in India
Kodaikanal - otherwise known as Kody, is an idyllic hill station
getaway for many tourists, and is famous for its breathtaking beauty. It
boasts of a star-shaped lake surrounded by mountains, and the peace
makes for a refreshing contrast to the rush of the city.
The well-known Coaker's Walk offers fantastic views of the surrounding
plains and Pali Hills, and reaches a superb vantage point, the Kurinji
Andavar temple, which provides a splendid view of the panorama that
embraces Kodaikanal. Some of the popular picnic spots at the resort are
the Green Valley View, Pillar Rocks, and Bear Shola Falls.
The flora and fauna are lavish in this region, and the Shenbaganur
Museum has an amazing orchid collection. The rarely found Kurinji flower
grows around Kodaikanal, though it blooms only once in 12 years and was
last seen in 1992.
The Nilgiri hills are a trekker's paradise. Apart from the
ecological attractions, the Nilgiris abound in a variety of treks that
can vary from gentle rambles to exhausting and exhilarating climbs over
the hills to some of the most inaccessible, but breathtaking locations.
Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and
Environment Association (NWLEA). The easiest treks are indicated and can
be followed without supervision. However, the more difficult ones are
usually led by a guide who can be hired for incentive groups.
India is full of golf lovers, and there are many excellent courses
throughout the country. In Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore Golf Course
offers a scenic, 18-hole (6,817 yards, par 71) course, giving its
players a tough and challenging round. Magnificent course slopes with
irrigated fairways and large, velvet-smooth greens offer some of the
best golfing facilities in India.
Chennai has two well-known golf courses - the Madras Gymkhana Club,
founded in 1886; and the Cosmopolitan Golf Annexe at Saidapet.
The Madras Gymkhana Club is unique as it is situated within the 2,400
metre oval of the Guindy race course, and offers a challenging game.
The fairways at Guindy are flat and fast, encircled by the
out-of-bounds race track. The greens are lush and well-maintained and
also strategically located, mostly along the track. Hazards on the
course not only include thick roughs, bunkers and water tanks, but also
unpredictable obstructions such as race horses on their workouts.
The Cosmopolitan Golf Annexe at Saidapet has a par 72, 18-hole course.
Spread over an area of 75 acres, a variety of trees run along the
fairways which are tight for the first nine holes but open out for the
back nine, and makes for a challenging and rewarding game.
Spa and Health Incentives
India offers many complementary forms of medicine, from massage to
meditation, many of which have become exceptionally popular around the
world. Especially popular is the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It
combines massage with herbal treatments and acupressure to alleviate
many ailments and maintain general health.
Many of the top hotels have exclusive spas attached, but an exciting
and unique travel incentive option is a stay at one of the exclusive
Ayurvedic resorts, which offer a huge range of treatments and also
instruction in the art form for those who are interested.
Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort is the premier centre for this form of
therapy and is located in 50 acres of beautiful, landscaped gardens. The
five-star facilities offer package stays that can include a visit to the
Coimbatore Golf Course, for those who wish to combine relaxation with
sport for an incentive group.
