GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Rock climbing and rappelling offer some of the most thrilling encounters with nature and adventure. It's a hands-on journey that requires all of your focus. Although rappelling hasn't gained widespread popularity like paragliding or river rafting, it is gradually doing so. Many locations across the nation have established themselves as adventure centres with a dedicated focus on rappelling.

An unforgettable experience, scaling a steep rock is exciting and leaves a lasting impression. The adventure sport of rappelling is very taxing and requires mental and physical stamina. While you still have the chance, you must at least once experience it. Rappelling puts your resolve to the test of your limits.

Here is a list of the top rappelling spots in India.

1. The charming city of Rishikesh:
Rishikesh is not only a pilgrimage destination. Travellers from all over the world come to the "yoga capital" in huge numbers. Rishikesh, the paradise for all adventure activities and tours, has the perfect terrain for rappelling. The dotted hills, flora and fauna, rivers, and streams help adventure sports flourish here.

2. A haven for adventurers, Odisha:
Odisha is another retreat for adrenaline seekers. Lord Jagannath's native state is steadily establishing a reputation as a centre for adventure. If you are physically healthy and desire to use that stored energy well, consider rappelling in the Pandav Bakhara Caves and the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. Pushing your stamina to a real test is a wholesome experience in Odisha, where you can enjoy rappelling with a professional staff trained at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

3. A foggy affair in Himachal Pradesh:
Stand a chance to touch the clouds when you go rappelling in Himachal Pradesh or cherish the top-of-the-world feeling. There are several rocky hotspots where you can do adventure sports in this land of mountains. The pleasant weather and breathtaking views will double your excitement and promise you a wholesome experience. One of the most exciting waterfall rappelling adventures at Tirthan Valley has no parallel.

4. Rappelling down south with a mystic charm:
If hot adventure tours are what you're after, come down to the south. From Coorg to Dandeli, there are many thrilling and adventurous things to do. You can go to Karnataka to fully understand what it's like to conquer a cliff and absorb the breathtaking views. Enjoy your serenity amidst the wild and unbridled splendour of nature.

5. Maharashtra's penchant for adventure:
Maharashtra offers many options for a weekend break if you're seeking something discreet and unexplored. In Maharashtra, you can go trekking or even kiteboarding. The Sahyadri mountain range is the best playground for rappellers to enjoy their favourite sport. Some of the state's most well-known rappelling locations include the Kundalika Waterfalls in Kolad, the Ashoka Waterfalls in Kasara, Sandhan Valley, and the Kondana Caves in Karjat.

Everyone may have a different definition of adventure, however, the adrenaline and thrill that rappelling provides cannot be disputed. Climbing a steep rock is heart-thumping but risky at the same time. You can stay reasonably safe if you consistently practise good behaviours like double-checking knots and tying backups.

Being prepared for any situation and knowing what may go wrong will help you stay safe and avoid accidents. It would be wise to purchase personal accident insurance online (PA insurance), an annual policy that pays benefits in the event of injuries, disabling conditions, or fatalities entirely brought on by violent, accidental, external, and obvious events.

Click HERE to buy personal accident insurance online before planning your next rappelling trip.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Everyone wants to amp up their homes with creative interior design these days. The most common home design trend that is making the rounds is "minimalism." People are opting for a minimal yet chic interior that speaks to all. Minimal designs are in vogue these days. From the posh houses shown in Bollywood movies to the trendy interiors of young couples, minimal design is everywhere.

Minimal design can be dicey as it requires a lot of research and careful planning to display the best to everyone who visits your house. The first and foremost step towards minimalism requires decluttering. You should keep your spaces clean and well-maintained. It helps in promoting a more calming, tranquil, and soothing vibe.

Since you spend most of your time in your living room, you need to start a minimal design idea from the living room. This article focuses on ways and means to amend the environment of your home.

Regardless of all this, a house should always be protected at all times. You should also get the best home insurance policy in India to safeguard your home against any potential problems.

How to elevate your home with minimal effort?

1. Make way for muted colours
Bright or vibrant colours can be too over-the-top and spoil the whole vibe of your home. Instead, you should use muted colours for the walls and furniture. These colours are simple, elegant, and classy. You can choose from a wide range of colours, from rose gold to midnight blue. You can also use monochrome palettes to elevate the design of your home.

2. Choose best items
The items that you choose for different rooms can have a significant effect on the eyes. You need not select extravagant or large articles for your rooms. You can go for simple yet effective items that create a strong impression. You can have just three items in a room, but they should reflect your personality and the vibe of your home. You can combine modern and rustic objects to create a minimal effect.

3. Use art pieces
Art pieces like paintings and abstracts, among others, can have a dynamic effect on the psyche of your guests. They can instantly add an aesthetic appeal to your living room, gallery, or dining area. You need to choose the right art piece for the room. It should blend with the colours present in that particular room as well.

4. Use more plants
The minimalist design features an array of plantations all around. They add a much-needed dash of green to your home. Plants will shine in your balconies, terrace, or living spaces, making them chic. This idea does not require a lot of money to fill the house with exotic indoor plants. Few planters make the area more aesthetic and vibrant with a woody and natural touch.

These are just a few tips to remember while planning your home's interior design. It is important to keep the vibe of your personality alive in your decor and designs. Minimalism is the next big thing in fostering a fresh appeal and zeal in your living spaces. In the race to ensure vibrancy, do not compromise your home's safety. Invest in the best home insurance policy in India and keep financial stress at bay.

Click HERE to buy the best home insurance policy in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Over the past decades, the emphasis on conventional methods of living has reduced with the monotonous nature of life. The desire to explore the unconventional and experiences that are out of the box has become the trend. While in the past, stability and ordinary lifestyles were chased after, it has been replaced by the desire to gain offbeat experiences.

One such changing trend is the demand for discreet and unusual travel experiences. Today, most travellers opt for unordinary travel itineraries focused on living in the present rather than run-of-the-mill standard tourist programs that showcase popular destinations.

As travel focuses on self-growth, the houseboat experience has seen a drastic increase in demand. Since India has ample water bodies, there are multiple places to experience this leisure activity that delivers a luxurious and rejuvenating feel.

However, since it is a unique activity, purchasing general insurance plans to protect your travel is ideal. Here are some of the best locations in India to experience living in houseboats.

1. Alleppey, Kerala:
Also known as God’s own country, the backwaters of Kerala are often discussed when talking about peaceful locations in India. With its lush greenery, dependence on fishing and allied activities and relaxed pace of life, Kerala is an ideal location for a stay in the houseboat. The local cuisine, pleasant weather and hospitable hosts make the experience unforgettable.

2. Sundarbans, West Bengal:
The Sundarbans are known to be the largest mangrove in the world. A houseboat stay in these mangroves is in stark contrast to the experience in any other location in India. This is the only region to showcase natural swampy habitats. Unlike others that focus on self-sustenance and peace amidst lush greenery, a houseboat stay in the Sundarbans is thrilling. A holiday on the houseboat is like a wildlife safari through the forest swamps. Since it is an unconventional travel experience, it is best to purchase general insurance plans in case of unforeseen mishaps during your travel.

3. Pondicherry:
The first thought that comes to mind at the mention of Pondicherry is the slow-paced life and quaint towns with picturesque architecture. Take a different route to explore the beauty of the location by opting for a houseboat and enjoying the impact of French and Tamilian culture in its architecture, people, and arts with scenic nature in the backdrop.

4. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir:
It is unlikely to talk about houseboats without citing Kashmir. Most popular on the Dal Lake and the Nagin Lake, a houseboat stay in Kashmir is unique as the houseboats are anchored at a spot. However, they are the embodiment of luxury and peace.
The wooden structure has adequate supplies to provide warmth in contrast to the cold outside. Waking up to the magnificent view of the snow-covered mountains, clear sky, and cold weather is unparalleled. The floating market and restaurants are other exciting activities that you can enjoy.

5. Tarkarli, Maharashtra:
Located in the serene Konkan belt, this is the only location in Maharashtra where one can enjoy a houseboat stay. Tarkarli is known for its clean beaches and sees lesser footfall than famous beaches in Goa, making for a peaceful getaway. A houseboat stay can be coupled with adventure sports like scuba diving or visits to the long beaches to make the most of the trip.

With time, houseboat stays have become a favoured option for a brief vacation for much-needed peace to escape the hectic lifestyle. While it is an excellent retreat, it is essential to consider the risks associated with the activity and purchase adequate cover in the form of general insurance plans to cover the burden of accidents during your travel.

Click HERE to browse different general insurance plans.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Air, a life luxury or a biological necessity, is something no one can live without! But what about the quality of air that we breathe? Is it safe? An AQI, or Air Quality Index, measures air quality around us. AQI values around 100 or less are satisfactory and do not adversely affect our health. Higher AQI values can adversely affect us in the long run, whether we are sensitive or not.

Poor air quality can result from various reasons, such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, pollutants, smoke, dust from roads, harmful chemicals and gases, etc. It is usually caused by the irresponsible acts of humans for their own benefit and greed.

Let us see how exposure to poor air quality adversely affects us all in the present era of rapid commercialisation and industrialisation.

1. Respiratory diseases
Poor air quality affects our lungs. It causes asthma and several other respiratory diseases, such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and chronic bronchitis. Rapid urbanisation and rising air pollution are resulting in an increase in asthma, mainly among children.

It has been proved that people living in urban areas are more prone to respiratory diseases than those living in rural areas. This is because of higher air pollution in urban areas. Also, children who play more outdoor sports and live in high-pollution zones have a higher chance of respiratory diseases. Hence, sensitive or not, poor air quality results in causing respiratory diseases.

2. Cancer
Studies have shown that people living in high pollution zones such as roadsides, along major roadways, and near industrial zones are more susceptible to several forms of cancer. This is because of the poor air quality they are exposed to and inhale each day of their lives forcibly.

Airborne toxic substances such as chemicals used in paints, paint removers, and aerosol products can also cause cancer. Hence, workers in such factories and those residing near such factories are susceptible to cancer because of inhaling such toxic substances.

3. Cardiovascular diseases
Pollutants in the air can impair the functioning of our blood vessels. It can cause dangerous changes in blood pressure in pregnant women, causing hyperactive disorders. This results in preterm birth, low weight at the time of birth, maternal and fetal illness, and sometimes, even death.

4. Neuro problems
Studies have also shown that children's brain development is altered and impacted if they breathe PM 2.5 regularly, even at low levels. This can cause cognitive and emotional problems in them when they grow old. It slows down the brain's processing speed and causes Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Exposure of women to high levels of pollutants during pregnancy increases the risk of the child being born with autism. The children may have high blood pressure problems early in their life too. Studies have also shown that exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, or nitrogen oxide during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy significantly raises the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects. Such children may end up having lower IQ scores than other children too.

Poor air quality is very dangerous for all of us and can cause irreparable damage and loss in the long run. Hence, we need to immediately work together to improve the air quality around us for the social good, whether we are sensitive to it or not.

Poor air quality is not in our immediate control. However, we can control the financial implications of diseases caused by poor air quality by opting for insurance from the best health insurance company in India for ourselves and our families. It will take care of our medical emergencies and provide us with full protection and support.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best health insurance company in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.