Pump up the adrenaline

Supriya Sehgal

Though still in its nascent stage, adventure tourism in India is certainly at the cusp of exploding into something big   

The genre of adventure travel is relatively new to us. And one that is filled with pacts, promises and prayers once we take the plunge, dive or bumble down a river.

The last decade has seen an inordinate amount of interest in adventure where the Indian traveller is concerned. With this leaning, has come a breed of adventure providers, who are bringing safe, clean and well-instructed activities to us. Long gone are the days when camping in the forest coupled with a trek was the crowning activity that involved a reasonable amount of adrenalin. The Indian adventure scene has graduated from rafting, bouldering, bungee jumping, sky diving, paragliding to underwater diving, zip lining, hot-air ballooning and even surfing. To infuse something even more delicious to the platter is micro-light flying, which a handful of outfits are engaging in. 

Designated dates for festivals and events are a brilliant way to build a longstanding association and camaraderie with travellers.  Started two years ago, the Malabar River festival in Kerala is an annual meet-up for kayaking enthusiasts from India and  the subcontinent.

Riding on the outdoor adventure storm as well, are gear-and-equipment companies. Economical pricing, experiential warehouse format stores and a brush with international brands have families and young travellers lining up at the stores. So much so, it has cleared the path for graduating travellers to other brands. Many home-grown brands have also sprung up cashing in on the mood of the Indian travel scenario.

Though still nascent as compared to countries like Australia and New Zealand, which run on a large appetite of outdoor adventures, India is certainly at the cusp of exploding into a larger space of adventure travel. While the Indian traveller straps on jackets and clasps helmets, the wind in the hair seems be louder than the prayers.

Safety checks

It is self serving for the reputation of adventure outfits to have all checks in place before introducing an activity. You will find elaborate indemnity forms to be signed before you begin. While that covers up for any accidents for the outfit, here are some checks that the user should keep in mind:

• Experience of the outfit — Has the adventure outfit been in business for long? Is there a history of accidents?
• Reviews on the Internet — Spend some time researching what previous users have to say.
• Take the weight-and-height instructions seriously.
• Listen to the instructor and clarify if you have not understood any particular point to keep in mind.
• Assess the quality of gear. Are your gloves tight enough? Is the safety jacket clasping well? Is the helmet going to stay on your head the entire time? Why compromise?

Recommended outfits

Camping, rafting and river activities 

• For a one-stop comprehensive orientation to the outdoors, head to Great Indian Outdoors. The team ensures that you have adrenalin-filled but safe time with activities like rafting, mountain biking, kayaking, rock and rope activities and trekking but can slump back into a comfy campsite in the evening. Activities can be tweaked on the adventure quotient depending on the composition of the group. The establishment also runs easy to difficult treks, cycling and rafting expeditions in the Himalayan region (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Leh and around). (+911352760080; www.gio.in)
• Adrenalin junkies have yet another option for treks, rafting and kayaking in Delhi-based, Aquaterra. The outfit also spans expeditions in Bhutan and Patagonia, other than the Himalyan terrain. (+91 1129212641; www.aquaterra.in)

Surfing

• An adventure activity that has remained elusive to Indian traveller for a long time, it is finally making a serious foray. You can take classes on a small beach before Pondicherry. Here, you can learn to ride the unruly waves off the east coast or just indulge in some easy body boarding. (+919442992874; www.surfschoolindia.com).
• The other option is the Mantra Surf Club, established with a view to immerse in yoga, meditation, simple vegetarian food and, of course, the waves. Experts Jack Hebner and Rick Perry lead the team to help you manoeuvre surf breaks or indulge in kayaking, body boarding and wake boarding, off the coast of Udipi in Karnataka, in a small village called Mulki. (+919880659130; www.surfingindia.net)

Scuba diving 

You don’t have to pack off to a western country or even Andamans to get into your scuba suit. Temple Adventures in Pondicherry offers you training and then splendid views of underwater world just off the coast from Pondicherry. Be prepared for some serious orientation and skill training before you venture out to the sea. (+91 9003122231; www.templeadventures.com).

Hot-air ballooning

Explore the skies with Sky Waltz in hot air balloon safaris in Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The thrill of softy ascending in the skies and watching the patchwork of fields below is an otherwordly experience. (+919560387222; www.skywaltz.com).

Zip lining 

One of the most veritable outfits that helps you zip above treetops and forts across four different cities in India is Flying Fox. You can experience this with well-trained instructors in the Neemrana Fort, off Delhi, Kikar Lodge in Punjab, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and across the Ganga in Rishikesh. (+919810999390; www.flyingfox.asia)

Paragliding

• When you think that you’ve seen it all in Kerala — cruising in the backwaters, trekking in thick woods, wildlife spotting, lush coffee estates and stunning performing arts — try your hand at floating above the clouds in Vagamon. (+919447288252; www.paraglidingkerala.com)
• Yet another spot that has thousands of traveller footprints is Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh. Just off Manali, the outfit is known for its experienced instructors and longstanding relationship with the crisp mountain air. (+91 9816925470; www.flybirbilling.com)

Micro-light flying

The green fields, coffee estates and forests of Coorg make a great view from 3,500 feet above the ground. With the wind hitting your face, the only way to communicate with the pilot is with your head set as you ride pillion in an all-open micro-light aircraft. This is organised by Muthanna of Coorg Sky Adventures in the calm months of November to May. (+91 9448954384)

Bouldering 

The boulder-strewn topography of Hampi is more than just a destination for history enthusiasts. It’s also the perfect setting to bring crash mats and gear to balance on the crags of massive brown rocks all around. The undisputed bouldering capital of India, head to Hampi to explore new ‘problems’ and manoeuvre through a large rockscape. Next, head to Badami for some new terrain. (For self-trained adeventurers).