NEW DELHI: Mention international travel and one conjures up images of virgin beaches and picture-postcard countrysides. For seasoned travellers, however, that's no longer the case. They prefer adventure and off-beat activities. And international tourist destinations are finding ways to lure this discerning Great Indian Traveller. After all, no one wants to lose out on the growing outbound market.

From slinging mud in South Korea, savouring white tea in Sri Lanka, throwing tomatoes at each other in Spain to getting a feel of space travel in Malaysia, the seasoned Indian tourist has a wide array of options to choose from. He's no longer content with mere sightseeing. And this is true of a certain segment of the Free Individual Traveller (FIT) - individuals or small groups who are seasoned travellers. For an FIT, a second or third trip to a country means an extraordinary experience he can cherish all his life.

"These activities are limited to a niche market. A regular FIT may not always opt for such experiences," says Rajeev Nangia, associate director, Trac Representations Pvt Ltd. Latest PATA figures estimate 8.3 million outbound Indian tourists.

Out of this, 20% make up the FIT traveller and only 2% of this segment opt for such exclusive activities. For Indian space enthusiasts, there's an exclusive activity close to home. Beginning June 5, for the first time, Malaysia will organise an Aerospace Exhibition.

The main highlight of this two month-long festival will be the original Russian Buran space shuttle, which has already made more than 25 flights. It'll have other related shows, including an astronaut training and a lunar landing show.

The latter has been choreographed with Nasa's help, while the former will display various equipments used by astronauts during training. The entry fee for the entire experience is Rs 550 per person.

"We wanted to bring the experience of space travel to people in this part of the world and that's why we decided to
contact the Russian space station for the space shuttle," says P Manoharan, director, Tourism Malaysia, India.

The exhibition will be part of Malaysia's celebrations to mark 50 years. Manoharan is confident the exhibition
will not only attract FITs but also regular first-time travellers. "It's a big learning experience. We are hoping parents will make an educational trip so that their children can learn first-hand about space travel," he says.

And if you are going to South Korea, especially during July, you can partake in the Boryeong Mud Festival. The mud here is considered rich in minerals and used to manufacture cosmetics.

Visitors can enjoy mud massages, mud wrestling, mud sliding and dipping into a mega mud tub. Last year, the festival attracted nearly 32,000 eager travellers. Similarly, a tea connoisseur would make an extra effort to travel to Adam's Peak in Nuwara Eliva, home to the best white tea in the world. And if he has to pay a whopping $250 per kg for it, who is complaining? After all, it's a once in a lifetime experience.

And for those who have done the usual tourist trail in Spain, visiting it again for the Tomato festival can give a sweet high. With so many off-beat options, Indian tourists can only be spoilt for more.