When you travel, don’t just chase views but also the adventure, writes ABHI SINGHAL
Summer brings with it not just warmth, but the perfect opportunity to explore activities that soothe the soul and ignite the spirit. Travel isn’t only about admiring scenic beauty but it’s about immersing yourself in the unique experiences a place offers. One such experience that perfectly blends thrills with nature is adventure sports.
Whether it’s soaring through the skies while paragliding, feeling the rush of white water while rafting, or taking that heart-pounding leap in bungee jumping, the adventure sports offer an adrenaline-fuelled escape unlike any other. Many destinations become tourist hotspots solely because of their adventure offerings. In fact, there are travellers who journey with the sole intention of experiencing these sports — seeking not just a destination, but a feeling, a memory, a high.
These thrilling moments add immense value to a your already awesome travel itinerary, turning ordinary days into unforgettable ones. They allow you to truly live in the moment while you are screaming, laughing, and marvelling at nature’s beauty conquering all your fears.
Skydiving
Best Places: Dhana, Madhya Pradesh — jumps from 9,000-10,000 ft; Deesa, Gujarat — India’s first certified drop zone, offering various jump types; Aamby Valley, Maharashtra — jumps from 10,000 ft
Why It’s Extreme: Jumping from high altitudes, experiencing freefalls demand mental fortitude and physical readiness
Price On Season (Oct-Mar): Tandem Jump: Rs 35,000-Rs 37,500; Static Line Jump: Rs 24,000
River Rafting
Best Places: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand; Beas River, Kullu-Manali; Lohit River, Arunachal Pradesh.
Why It’s Extreme: Navigating through unpredictable rapids requires teamwork and quick reflexes, making it a high-adrenaline sport
Price On Season (March-June): Rs 400-Rs 2,500 per person, depending on the stretch. July-Sept: Rafting is generally suspended due to monsoon
Go extreme in rafting
There are places that give you the rafting experience of Class I to Class III rapids but the Zanskar River in Ladakh provides a Class IV rafting adventure through a narrow canyon at an elevation of over 4,000 metres
Bungee Jumping
Best Places: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand; Lonavala, Maharashtra; Goa
Why It’s Extreme: Leaping from significant heights with only a cord for support challenges one’s fear of heights and trust in equipment
Price On Season (Oct-Mar): Rs 3,000-Rs 4,500 per person
Zip-Lining
Best Places: Lata Mangeshkar Garden, Nagpur; Neemrana Fort, Rajasthan; Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Why It’s Extreme: Gliding at high speeds over varied terrains, zip-lining tests courage and offers adrenaline-pumping views
Price On Season (Oct-Mar): Rs 1,500-Rs 3,000 per person
Paragliding
Best Places: Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh — Known as the paragliding capital of India, it offers excellent thermals and hosted the Paragliding World Cup; Kamshet, Maharashtra — views of the Western Ghats; Solang Valley, Manali
Why It’s Extreme: Soaring at altitudes up to 2,400 meters, paragliding combines the thrill of flight with panoramic views
Price On Season (March-June, Sept-Nov): Rs 2,500-Rs 4,500 per person