Rishikesh has become one huge attraction place among India's youth. Earlier known only for camping and rafting, but last 4-5 years, it has become a popular destination for adventure and extreme sports.
Some of the extreme sports Rishikesh offers are Bungee Jumping, Giant Swing, and Flying Fox. And Rafting, Reverse Bungee Jumping, and Cliff Diving are other adventure sports that can be experienced here.
I wanted to do Bungee Jumping for quite some time, actually years, and finally got a chance. We were planning to go somewhere for a couple of days. And we shortlisted many places, but everything was booked due to the school holidays.
We shortlisted Rishikesh due to many reasons:
I wanted to try my hands on Bungee. Luckily we got the slots available. To experience camping and other obstacle activities offered by the camps. It was a 5-hour drive from our place.
We left early on Thursday morning and reached the camp by lunchtime, with a breakfast stopover in between.
For the rest of the afternoon and Friday, we relaxed and enjoyed the river and the camp activities.
3 rd day we went for the most awaited day: the activity day. I had booked a Trilogy of Bungee Jumping, Giant Swing, and Flying Fox.
And here's my experience.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping was one of my bucket list activities that I wanted to do long back.
It is never too late-activity Tick 😊. But yes, a couple of years would have been really late for me to attempt to dare something like this.
This extreme sport is done in Rishikesh, India, and Jumpin Heights is the only authority conducting these sports here. However, they have started these sports in Goa as well.
So, let me take you through further details of this adventure sport.
The bungee jump in Rishikesh is India's highest point for bungee, i.e., 83 mtrs.
First, you need to take the entry ticket to enter the premises, all adults and kids. Then if you have the booking, you can wait in the cafeteria after informing that on your arrival.
And if you do not have bookings, you may try your luck for spot booking.
Your weight is measured, and accordingly, you are marked in the blue, green, or red category. Based on this categorization, you are tied to the rope of the color mentioned on your hand for jumping. Weight plays an important role here.
Once you are prepared with all safety gear and instructions, you are ready to jump.
The entire team of jumpin heights who prepares you for the jump is fantastic. They motivate and support you if you feel anxious or scared.
Then once you are on the platform, you have to jump (PN: they will not push you, you have to jump).
When you jump, wow, what a thrill. It is a lifetime of experience. You must try!
Once you reach the bottom, the team unties you. From there you have to trek for 20mins to reach the office.
One of the hardest things is to climb back to the cafeteria after the jump. Your heartbeat gets faster, which makes it difficult to climb.
The team takes utmost safety for your jump, and if you follow the instructions, it will be your best experience ever. Worth it.
Tips:
Look in front before jumping and not below; otherwise, you will not be able to jump. Book your spot for the activity in advance as it is always full. The chances of spot booking are negative, especially during peak season, Mar-Jun. Reach here by 10.00 am to get the early spot; else waiting time is long if you arrive late. Don't forget to "say hello" to the camera. You are not allowed to wear/take anything (incl spectacles) when you jump. The road to driving is not so good last 3-4 km before it is fine, so time accordingly.
Flying Fox
Flying Fox was the second activity I did. This sport was super fun.
Here, you are tied to a rope upside down from your back. You can see the entire mountain, river, and valley from the bird's eye. You literally get the feeling of flying like a bird.
2-3 people can do this activity together, depending upon the weight. But, doing it alone is more exciting. Your start and endpoint are the same. There is a small trek to reach here, but the track is simple and easy. Everyone eligible can do this activity.
Flying Fox in Rishikesh is Asia's longest and is an extremely safe sport. Enjoy the views from above - mountains, lake, valley, sky.
Must try for fun.
Tips:
It is a very safe activity which anybody can do (above 12 yrs). Smile to have a good video. Enjoy this activity without any fear.
Giant Swing
I have to admit, I got scared to hop off for a giant swing (despite doing bungee an hour back). And was unable to hop and wanted to step back. The team motivated me.
It turned out to be a super amazing adventure swing. I got the feeling of a Tarzan or Mowgli swinging from one tree to another. Here I was swinging in the air amidst mountains at 83 mtr of height.
Simply loved it. I wished the swing lasted for a couple of more minutes.
Tips:
Enjoy the swing. The experience is worth it. If you select the trilogy, go for the jump first, followed by flying fox, and lastly, swing. It usually takes some 3-4 hours to complete all 3 of them.
While coming back to our home after the activities, we accidentally took another road (thanks to google), which turned out to be the best road experience. The drive on Chila Dam and Rajaji National Park road was beautiful. The road is like a picturesque postcard location.
Rishikesh offers a lot other than adventure activities. You can visit here to relax and meditate. It is also famous for its religious and mythological connections - the holy River Ganga, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, etc.
The place is serene and beautiful. You must go to this place at least once in your life and experience the thrill and calmness at the same time.
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