This is a wonderful guide to amazing adventures whether you want to experience them from your living room or go out and try them yourself. The photos are stunning and the author interjects with helpful information he learned by going himself. This doesn't cover every possible adventure but it's certainly more than most people will get to do! Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

"" "" Disappointing Oversight in an Otherwise Intriguing Adventure Guide – 50 Best Adventures on Earth by Richard Bangs."" ""

"The first principle of the science of ecology is that uniformity in any system is unstable and unhealthy, while, conversely, diversity is the singular attribute of a healthy, stable system."

Richard Bangs’ 50 Best Adventures on Earth (part of the 100 Best Series) offers to readers a captivating look at some of the world’s most exhilarating travel experiences. Bangs does a commendable job detailing grand adventures, from scaling towering mountains to navigating wild rivers, exploring remote jungles and hiking through ancient ruins. The writing is descriptive, and the sense of adventure is palpable, making it a book that appeals to both seasoned travelers and those simply looking to dream.


A Mixed Bag: Fascinating Adventures, but Major Omission of India

However, while the book is undoubtedly filled with thrilling experiences and breathtaking locations, one glaring omission stood out to me as an injustice : "the absence of India’s adventurous locales" . India, a vast and diverse country with a wealth of adventure opportunities, is noticeably missing from this collection, even though there is a section that touches on the Indian Ocean — the only ocean in the world named after a country. It’s perplexing that an ocean so intricately tied to India’s coastlines and history would be mentioned, yet the adventures associated with India, from trekking in the Himalayas to exploring its wild national parks or embarking on river journeys down the Ganges & Brahmaputra, are excluded. The exclusion of these places, while the Indian Ocean is mentioned, feels inconsistent and frustrating. It’s as if a huge, adventure-filled country has been purposefully ignored, despite its obvious contribution to global outdoor exploration.
India is home to a myriad of thrilling experiences that should have made it onto any list of the world’s best adventures. Whether it’s white-water rafting in Rishikesh, trekking & biking the Ladakh region, canoeing in back waters of Kerala or exploring the remote sand dunes of the Thar Desert, India offers countless adrenaline-pumping opportunities. Moreover, India’s diverse ecosystems, from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the lush rainforests of the Western Ghats, create endless potential for outdoor adventure that could have enriched the list. There is not a single country in this world except India that is having all kind of topographical area/feature in it. The oversight of including India’s adventurous destinations feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the country’s significant role in the broader context of global exploration. Snorkeling in Andaman Nicobar Islands & Underwater scuba diving in Lakshadweep Islands, mountain summits in the Great Himalayas, falls in North-east and safari in Rajasthan's desert areas, are just to name few. It seems as per author (who I'm now seeking as racist) either born to hate India or do not know anything about world's oldest living civilization.

Furthermore, the book highlights beautiful mosques from the Middle East, yet fails to mention India’s iconic, ancient and often considered the toughest built architectural marvels: its temples. India is home to a wealth of stunning temples, many of which represent some of the most intricate and enduring architecture in the world, like the massive temples of Khajuraho, the Sun Temple of Konark, or the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Brihadeshwara Temple, one without footing or Kailash Temple one which is made out of single mountain Chiseled upside-down. These temples, with their centuries-old history, intricacy and grandeur, certainly deserve recognition as some of the world’s most awe-inspiring and challenging constructions. Their exclusion is a major oversight, and it raises questions about the curatorial decisions made in compiling this list.

While '50 Best Adventures on Earth' certainly has its moments of awe-inspiring destinations, this exclusion of India and its adventurous potential is a considerable flaw. A book that claims to cover the best adventures on Earth should have taken a more fair & inclusive approach, particularly when dealing with regions like the Indian Ocean, which are so closely tied to the country’s geography and cultural heritage. As a result, the list feels incomplete and misses out on an entire realm of incredible adventure that deserves recognition. Ironically, it is printed in INDIA.

Even then, on a more positive note, I did appreciate the sections dedicated to Egypt, particularly the mentions of places like the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile River. The descriptions of Egypt's ancient landmarks brought a sense of mystique and grandeur to the book. The detailed accounts of these historic sites were engaging and evocative, reminding me of the timeless allure of Egypt’s historical and cultural wonders.

However, on a broader note, the descriptions of the included places could have been more focused. Instead of delving deeply into the unique aspects of each location, the book often touches on multiple areas, leading to a somewhat scattered presentation. This broader approach can occasionally feel like it skims over the true essence of what makes each adventure special, leaving readers yearning for more in-depth insights into the destinations. Looking forward for a better approach in his next writing journey.

In conclusion, while the book is enjoyable for anyone looking for adventure inspiration, it is ultimately let down by its oversight of India’s immense potential in this realm. India’s rich and diverse adventure offerings, along with its monumental temples, deserve much more attention and recognition than they received here. Given the rich array of adventures waiting to be experienced in India, its exclusion from such a list is disappointing and leaves a major gap in an otherwise exciting guide.

Somewhat predictable choices but always find something to put on the bucket list. Nothing stokes my mind like a good adventure and new additions to the bucket list

Sign me up, please! I love new adventures and 50 Best Adventures on Earth by Falcon Guides is an excellent resource. Regions covered include, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Oceana, North America, and the Polar Regions. Then, each region has a collection of specific adventures, graded according to level of difficulty, and a suggested itinerary. It provides the best times of year to visit, possible accommodations, features, and GPS coordinates. These are gems when are planning on visiting a new place! I don’t even know what I don’t know, so this starter package is perfect! The trips included range from 5-14 days and cover all kinds of terrain and cultures. One of my favorite aspects would have to be the beautiful pictures that are well spaced throughout to give you a sampling of what you might experience on your own adventure. You will not find maps and literal step-by-step directions, but well-developed descriptions and directions that guide you in an easy-to-follow progression. Whether you chose to book one of the adventures for yourself or enjoy the armchair via imagination route, you will be delighted with this guide!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This is a really nice coffee table book. The images were wonderful and I liked the itinerary suggestions. I'd get this book for my hiking friends.

Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!