Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

A Paradise for Adventure Lovers

Also see: Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

The third edition of Jal Mahotsav is scheduled on 15 Oct. 2017 – 02 Jan 2018

For booking contact: M.P STATE TOURISM DEV. CORPN.LTD.“CHITRAKOOT”, ROOM  67, 6TH FLOOR, 230-A, A.J.C.BOSE ROAD, KOLKATA 700020TEL:033-2287-5855/2283-3526

Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) in order to boost tourism in Madhya Pradesh (MP) organized the first ever water festival in the country Jal Maotsav.

Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya, Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

The 10 day long Jal Mahotsav (जलमहोत्सव) began on 11 Feb. 2016 and was held at Hanuwantiya or Hanumantiya (हनुमंतिया), in Khandwa district. Hanuwantiya is a small village on the banks of Indira Sagar of one the largest lakes created by damming the Narmada River.

Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex

Hunuwantiya Tourist Complex consists of five cottages, each consisting of two double bed rooms, providing a grand view of the endless Indira Sagar.

Boat House, Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

The tourist complex also consists of a large open space and a boat house, acting as a hub of water sports activity. During the Jal Mahotsav the area adjoining the the Hunuwantiya Tourist Complex and next to the Indira Sagar was turned into a tented city.

Tent Complex, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex

Apart from tented accommodation the complex also contained conference tent and dinning tents along with highly decorative reception tent. The entire area was eco friendly and the golf carts and cycles were the only from of transport within the tented city.

Golf Cart and Cycle, the only form of transport in Jal Mahotsav tent area

The main focus of the Jal Mahotsav was to promote adventure tourism. Several adventure activities were brought under the same roof during the 10 day long Jal Mahotsav. Since the Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex was situated next to a large water body, so the primary importance was on water adventure activity.

Water Scooter and Speed Boat, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

Speed Boat rides took passengers deep inside the Indira Sagar Lake and those seeking for adrenaline rush can opt for the Water Scooter. Water Zorbing, consisting of a inflatable cylinder, also attracted a large number of adventure seekers.

Banana Boat and Water Zorbing, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

Banana Boat consists of unpowered inflatable boat consisting of two banana shaped tube. It can accommodate about 8 – 10 people and is towed by a speed boat.

Water Parasailing, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

But the ultimate water adventure activity was Parasailing, where a person is towed behind a boat while attached to a specially designed parachute. Parasailing provides an amazing aerial view of the Indira Sagar Lake.

Island Camping, Hanuwantiya

Jal Mahotsav also provides an opportunity of Island Camping, but the tents in the island are bare necessity compared with the luxurious tents of Hanuwantiya. The Island Camping trips also comes in with Trekking and Bird Watching Excursions.

Cruise on Indira Sagar, Hanuwantiya, Jal Mahotsav

The water activities in Jal Mahotsav were not all adventurous and the non adventitious soul can opt for a leisurely Cruise ride on Indira Sagar.

Artificial Rack Climbing and Zip – Line, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

The adventure activities of the water festival is not restricted to water adventure only. There were land adventure also and included adventure activities like Climbing Walls. A Zip – Line connects the artificial rock to the banks of the lake providing a thrilling ride for adventure seekers.

Burma Bridge and Net Walk, Jal mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

Luckily the adventures were restricted to adults only and the tented area consisted of a adventure zone exclusively for the kids. The zone consisted of Burma Bridge (a specially designed rope bridge), Net Walk and Tyre Swing.

Land Parasailing, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

The area also provided entertainment opportunities for non – adventurous adult and included activities like Tug of War and Volleyball. Land Parasaling, where the person is towed by a jeep, was also a highlight of Jal Mahotsav in Hanuwantiya.

Hot Air Ballooning, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

The most sought after adventure activities of the Jal Mahotsav in Hanuwantiya were in air. The Hot Air Ballooning and Para Motoring attracted a large number of adventure seekers.

Aerial view from Hot Air balloon of the Hunawantiya tents, Jal Mahotsav

Couple of huge hot air balloons were in operation in the different sections of the Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex and provided a great view of the entire complex.

Para Motor, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

But the greatest aerial views were obtained from the Para Motor, It consists of a frame that combines the motor, propeller, harness (with integrated seat) and cage. The para motor which soared to a height of 300 feet providing a unbelievable bird’s eye view of the Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex.

Aerial view of Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex from Para Motor during Jal Mahotsav

The most attractive flying object in the sky above Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex was neither Hot Air Balloons and Para Motor but a large assortment of Kites.

Kite flying, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

The kites came in all possible shape, size and colours and created a dramatic spectacle in the backdrop of the blue sky.

Cultural Program, Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya

Activities of the Jal Mahotsav, went late into the evening with cultural programs from various districts from Madhya Pradesh (MP).

Sunset at Hanuwantiya during Jal Mahotsav

The first edition of Jal Mahotsav came to an end on 21 Feb. 2016 but this is not the end but only the beginning.

Rates of different activates in Jal Mahotsav 2016:

1. Para Motor Rs500
2. Hot Air Ballooning Rs500
3. Parasaling (water) Rs500
4. Parasailing (Land) Rs500
5. Rock Climbing Wall Rs100
6. Zip – Line Rs100
7. Jet Ski Rs400
8. Banana Boat Rs150
9. Zorbing Rs100
10. Motor Boat (3 person) Rs210
11. Cruise Rs150

Note: This trip was part of a FAM (Familiarization) trip of Hanuwantiya (Jal Mahotsav), Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Mandu. Special Thanks to:

• Abhijit Dhar, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC), Kolkata
• My fellow FAM paricipants Uttara Gangopadhyay, Soumya Mukherjee amd Ishandev Chatterjee

The third edition of Jal Mahotsav is scheduled on 15 Oct. 2017 – 02 Jan 2018

For booking contact: M.P STATE TOURISM DEV. CORPN.LTD.“CHITRAKOOT”, ROOM  67, 6TH FLOOR, 230-A, A.J.C.BOSE ROAD, KOLKATA 700020TEL:033-2287-5855/2283-3526