Adventure

5 Adventure Sports You Must Try in India

Your heart races, you get goosebumps as you stand on the cliff waiting to jump, and you double check for the safety harness. Adventure lovers, this list is for you

Meenketan Jha

Feel your heart beat at a speed beyond normal as your look to the ground below which stands at many meters beyond you. Failing to observe the exquisite surroundings, all you do is anticipate what will happen as you take the leap of faith surrendering yourself to chance. You put your arm across your heart consoling it that it'll be alright. In a recent survey by YouGov.com, it was revealed that upto 24% of Indian travelers prefer going to destinations involving adventure. So, for the adventure junkie in you, here are five adventure sports that you cannot miss out on. 

Paragliding

Ever wanted to grow wings and soar the unending skies Then, a trip to Ladakh is one you must venture on. Make your way to Stok Kangri, the highest mountain range in the Himalayas, situated around 15 km from Leh. Offering a perfect mix of high altitude and breathtaking mountains, paragliding is a must. To take part in the adventure activity though, you must first trek to the peak of this highly intimidating mountian. Once at the highest echelon, you can dream of flying along the marvelous mountains while the valley sits below. &nbspHug the vast sky and enjoy the silence while capturing the&nbspmesmerizing beauty of Himalayas as the pleasant winds blow across your face. Other places offering paragliding include Kamshet in Maharashtra and Bir in Himachal Pradesh.
River Rafting
Recognized as the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is a popular pilgrimage town and one of the holiest places in Hinduism. At a distance of 43 km from the state capital of Dehradun, the town has been growing in stature as a beloved tourist destination. Also loved by adventure sport junkies, the holy city is the home of rafting in the country. Offering a cultural extravaganza with scores of temples, old and new, situated close to the river, the adventure sport provides an opportune moment for individuals to mingle with the culture of the city. Rafting camps are spread across the river banks of the sacred river Ganges, which flows through the city. A gentle mix of calm and rough waters allows a perfect learning environment for newcomers. 
Skiing
Get away from the murky and gloomy skies during winters by planning a trip to the Solang Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins and reinvigorate your bodies as you ski down the snow covered mountains. Let the wind dance across your face as you zoom past others. Take in the picturesque land forms surrounding you and get acquainted with the snow clad hills of Himachal while sliding past a jungle of firs and spruces. Let yourself loose and scream with the utmost of energy as the calm in your body disappears. Now, isn't that a better way to spend your winters
Scuba Diving
Require a diversion from the monotony of your work schedule A short trip to the Andaman in my recommendation. The Andaman and Nicobar islands encompass over 300 islands at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The beautiful archipelago is a gift of nature, enamored with emerald colored waters and gorgeous fauna. Popular for scuba diving, which is operational throughout the year, Andaman is steeped deep in history. Scuba diving is a favored pastime of the locals and highly anticipated by those who come here for a visit. One can explore the glorious water bodies circling the isolated group of islands. While adventuring through the deep seas, take in the unparalleled beauty of the corals and the vibrant colors of the fish that live here. 
Bungee Jumping
"OOOOOWWWEEEEEE", screams a first time bungee jumper as she plunges herself from a height of 50 m into the unknown below. Instead of eating maggi on a typical monsoon day in Lonavala, make your way to a popular bungee jumping location in Della Adventures nearby. Live the moment of free-fall as time seems to stand still while you hanging upside down, spread your arms and scream as a sense of euphoria takes over your body. Feel invincible and set yourself free. You can also do the adventure sport in Wanderlust in Delhi, Ozone Adventures in Bangalore, and JumpiN Heights in Rishikesh. 

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