Adventure has always been a well anticipated respite from the humdrum of daily affairs. Hence, the popularity of adventure sports have grown by leaps and bound, be it for bungee jumping, sky diving or others, with people accepting such activities as a regular rejuvenator. Especially in a land that is as conservative as India, where the norm was more concentrated cultural diversity and not risk taking activities.
The bond India has with sports goes back to the age of the Vedas. In prehistoric India, physical exercise was an indispensable feature of the lifestyle of the people. Yet the modern Indian demands for activities that are more challenging, to add a sense of validation and accomplishment in completing them. With globalization, the mindset has shifted to trying newer things in search of that rush of adrenaline.
Additional to this, the rising Indian GDP gives substantial increase in the amount of readily dispensable cash, leading to people splurging on such engaging outings.
One can contribute the endless scope of adventure tourism in India to its diverse topography and climate- factors that have been famed for drawing in tourists. On land and water, under water and in the air, one can enjoy a veritable bouquet of adventure, fit for personal levels of thrill. It can be considered as one of the greatest opportunities to leave all inhibitions behind and just let go.
This has brought a great deal of economy to even the remotest regions like Himachal Pradesh. In fact, the hilly districts of the nation have received additional boost from the advent of such activities. Regions like Rishikesh have aced the adventure sports wave by hosting a plethora of diverse activities in its serene environs.
Today, business tour combined with active sports has become a highly popular trend across organisations; this is now a global corporate strategy for employee entertainment and well being. Moreover, rise of national and international championships such as Cricket World Cup, Soccer World Cup, Wimbledon, Commonwealth Games 2010, Delhi have lead to a hike in sports, encouraging the government to take a note of this emerging industry.
The government enabled initiations have done their fair bit in uplifting the cause. The ministry of tourism and culture have added weightage to the cause through their campaign- ‘Incredible India!’ A campaign that promotes the diversity and quirks in Indian culture. This has given a tremendous boost to adventure tourism in India, through its bespoke advertisements urging people to take India as a place to experience life. This has further led to an increase in curiosity from both, locals as well as international citizens to witness all this at a firsthand basis.
Therefore, it won’t be incorrect to say that, India has limitless potential when it comes to adventure sports. However, with all the opportunities attached, India comes with its share of shortcomings as well. Lack of safety, infrastructure and awareness are the key inhibitors of the same. India, being one of the fastest growing economies in the world, should focus attention more on promoting adventure sports as a way of life. To bridge this gap and harness the power of endless opportunities, I have come up with Jumping Heights, a revolutionary platform to take adventure sports to its original glory.
Written by Rahul Nigam, Founder and Managing Director of Jumpin Heights