Seven Adventure sports you can try in India

Holiday season is here – a perfect time to travel. But instead of just visiting new places, how about exploring the various adventure sports available in the country – activities which are adrenaline rushing, heartbeat racing, exploding a sense of fear and excitement? Interested? Then read on…

Bungee Jumping

Satiate your adrenaline rush and crush your fear of heights with bungee jumping.

Where can it be done

• Rishikesh: Try it at Jumping Heights, which claims to have the highest bungee jumping spot in India and offers a fixed platform to dive from.
• Bangalore: If you are an extreme adventure junkie, try Ozone Adventures.
• Delhi: Yes, we now have a bungee jumping zone in the capital, offered by Wanderlust Camps and Resorts. 
• Kunegaon, Maharashtra:Try Della Adventures
• Anjuna Beach, Goa: Gravity Adventure Zonein Anjuna village is well-known for conducting the sport here. A good place for first-timers.

Note: If you suffer from any heart or breathing problem, don’t attempt it. You should be above 12 years and your weight > 40 kg.

 

Dune Bashing

Also known as desert safari, it involves using an off-road vehicle and guiding it over sand dunes, while exploring it, in the midst of the desert.

Where can it be done

• Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: For a wonderful experience, head towards the Sam Sand Dunes located about 42 km from Jaisalmer. It is a popular spot amongst tourists and you can also club Dune Bashing with Quad Biking and Para Motoring. 

 

Paragliding

Experience the joy and thrill of flying like a bird with this sport.

Where can it be done

• Devidhar, Parvati Valley, Rohtang, Bakhli, Bir-Billing and Manali in Himachal Pradesh: Try it with Skywalk Flying Club, Himalayan Raiders or Tiger Eye Adventures.
• Kamshet and Panchgani in Maharashtra: Experience it with Adventure Nation, Fly Nirvana, Joy Riding.
• Nandi Hills in Karnataka: Try it at Fly Nandi.
• Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal in Uttrakhand: Explore the places with Sky Bird Adventures, Blue Lagoon.
• Yelagiri in Tamil Nadu: Try it with Temple Pilots.
• Gangtok in Sikkim: Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Cooperative Society Ltd., Fly Sikkim Adventure offer the sport here.
• Vagamon in Kerala: The International Paragliding Festival is held in January and February almost every year here. Fly Vagamon (affiliated to Kerala Tourism Board) organises the sport here. Other places in the state are Varkala and Munnar.

Note: Wear light clothes and do not eat or drink before flying. Minimum gap of 2 hours before and after meals is suggested. One must also be within the 120 kg weight limit. 

 

Hot Air Ballooning

A hot air balloon ride is the best way to spend time with your beloved while enjoying the view of the land below.

Where can it be done

• Jaipur, Pushkar and Neemrana in Rajasthan: Book via Sky Waltz or Balloon India Safari.
• Agra in Uttar Pradesh: Balloon India Safari, Rock Sport Adventures or Air Safari.
• Kamshet and Lonavala in Maharashtra: Sky Waltz is quite popular here.
• Damdama Lake, Sohna in Delhi NCR: Wanderlust Travels or Rock Sport Adventures
• Hampi, Karnataka: Try Tiger Balloon Safaris
• Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Contact Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC)
• Goa: Balloon Club
• Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Ashtvinayak Tour and Travels

Note: Mild winds are favourable for hot air ballooning, however, you must avoid flying in a turbulent weather. Also, when the balloon is descending, be careful with the spires, wires and other jutting material. Make sure you land upon a clear ground.

 

Skiing

An adventurous activity where one uses skis to glide on the snow.

Where can it be done

• Gulmarg, Pahalgam in J&K: Book via Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Water Sports, Powerhounds, etc.
• The Solang Valley, Narkanda, Kothi, Marhi Patalsu, Rohtang Pass and Kufri in Himachal Pradesh: Try Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, HPTDC, International Youth Club
• Auli, Munsiyari, Dayara Bugyal, Mundali in Uttarakhand: Auli Ski and Snowboard School, A1 Tours and Travels, Renok Adventures, Neo Aventures are popular players here
• Sikkim: Yumthang Valley and Phuni Valley are popular tourist spots. Book via local skiing organisers.

 

Skydiving

Skydiving adventure has three major types of sky dives based on the kind of jumps involved in the process. The three types of sky dives are Tandem Jump, Static Line Jump, and Accelerated Free Fall.

Where can it be done

• Mysore, Karnataka: Explore it with Skyriders
• Dhana, Madhya Pradesh: Book via Chimes Aviation Academy
• Deesa, Gujarat: Indian Parachuting Federation is quite popular
• Aamby Valley, Maharashtra: Try 360Global
• Pondicherry: Skyriders, Waltair Escapade Thrills are some of the players here

Note: You must be at least 18 years of age.  Make sure that you choose a certified and registered skydiving organiser. Do not take up skydiving if you have high blood pressure, fear of height and heart problem.

 

Flying Fox/Zip Line

Also known as zip-line or zip-wire, it is meant for people who are not scared of heights.

Where can it be done

• Matheran and Kunegaon in Maharashtra: Try it at Saaksh Adventures, Della Flying Fox
• Kikar Lodge, Punjab: Operated by Flying Fox Kikar, it is said to be the longest zip tour in South Asia
• Neemrana Fort, Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan: Experience with Flying Fox Jodhpur or Flying Fox Zipwires
• Rishikesh, Buranskhanda, Mussoorie and Dhanaulti in Uttarakhand: Explore with Dhanaulti Adventure Park, Apple Orchard Resort, Snowleopard adventures, Jumpin Heights, Snow Adventure Zone or Zip lines India
• Kerwa Dam Road in Madhya Pradesh: Try it at Flying Fox Bhopal
• Gangtok, Sikkim: Book via Adventure Zone, Ranka Road
• Munnar, Kerala: Explore through Munnar Adventures & Sports Private Limited
• Shillong, Meghalaya: Pioneer Adventure Group is quite popular
• Chanod, Gujarat: Try it at Orchids Zip Zone at Orsang Eco Resort, Orsang Gamdi, Chanod Tal, Dabhoi, Vadodra, Gujarat

Disclaimer: We have cited the popular places and operators in our story. The list of operators/places is not exhaustive. Readers are advised to make their own enquires, verify/check with the concerned department/agency before proceeding on a adventure trip.

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