LET’S BOUNCE-OFF! The striking cliff faces of Santorini act as ‘jump spots’ where one can dive into the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters
One man’s adventure is another man’s madness. Some of us might find it illogical to put your life on the line for a short-lived thrill, while adrenaline junkies will lap in the moment and live to tell the glory. Adventure lovers continue to chase that elusive rush over high water, massive heights, rare diving expeditions and more. On this page, we have divided various sports under three section that allow you to explore the best of land, water and air. We suggest you hop on an ultralight flight as an alternative to paragliding; try volcano surfing or skiing. If you’re a beach baby, surfing is a must-try for you. Head to the scenic beaches and islands of Indonesia and Brazil. Exploring a ship wreck, sounds fun, doesn’t it? Whatever you choose, we are sure you’ll bid fear adieu!
Surfing is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the sea. While conquering the tide is a thrilling for a surfer, surfing culture adds to the beauty of the beach. Even if one chooses to just sit on the beach with toes planted firmly in the sand, one is always pleased to watch the surfers dot the coast. The Arugam Bay, in the neighbouring Sri Lanka, is not just a great surf spot, surfers here share the beach with wild monkeys and elephants that graze in the forest nearby.
Nature makes for a perfect backdrop for an adventure and Tofino, in Vancouver Island, Canada offers a picturesque break on the west coast of the island. Enveloped by a looming rainforest, the picturesque backdrop makes both surfing and lazing equally rejuvenating.
For those seasoned professionals looking for a good time, the Black’s Beach in San Diego, is known as one of the most powerful surf breaks in the region. Another adventure that’s catching up is cliff jumping, also known as tombstoning.
SURFING: Be a wave rider as you balance on a surfboard this vacay Although be forewarned, this one isn’t for those fainted hearted. Jumping off from hundreds of feet into the water below is an experience reserved for daredevils.
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This adventure is fast catching up as social media is abuzz with pictures of cliff jumping stunts from around the world. The excitement goes a notch up when the jump takes place with a group of peers. The ultimate cliff jumping experience is possible only in a few destinations due to their characteristics.
Devil’s Tears on the island of Nusa Lembongan, off the coast of Bali, Indonesia is a popular sunset point. It also attracts adrenaline seekers from around the globe for an epic cliff jump.
Amoudi Bay, in Greece, has a 20-foot cliff which serves as a jump point. At Amoudi Bay, parse along the rocky paths leading up to the plunge spot. One needs to keep various factors in mind before taking the plunge. Do your research well before you head for the jump.
DIVE INTO THE UNKNOWN Snorkelling has been one of the popular water sports and is perfect for amateurs too. For those looking to discover more than just the fauna of the seabed, take it a notch up and try diving in the Red Sea. Egypt may be best known for its wealth of pyramids and historical sites, but it is popular as one of the destinations for ship wreck diving.
A SOARING EXPEDITION Take to the skies with paragliding and ultralight flights to explore landscapes
As an inclusive sport, paragliding offers both solo and tandem opportunities, allowing those who aren’t familiar with the nuances of the sport to try it too.
Interlaken, the gateway to Switzerland's famous Jungfrau region, is arguably Europe’s most enticing adventure-packed destination. Straddling with glacierfed lakes and capped by snow-dusted mountains, a paragliding adventure allows to soak up the beauty thoroughly from up above. If you are a certified at sport then play a holiday around paragliding competition.
FLY HIGH: An ultralight flight flies low at limited range and speed which makes it perfect to enjoy the panorama below Ultralight flying represents one of the fastest and purest ways to experience the joys of aviation.
Ultralight aircrafts are fun, exciting, and in most cases, remarkably affordable. Gliding over water and land in a tiny aircraft with no windows and doors helps you become one with the landscape. Dahican Beach in Mati, Philippines, is a sight to behold from ground level itself. Soaring over the whole area on an Ultralight Plane offers an even more stunning perspective.
FLY: Watching a paragliding championship can be as rewarding as participating in it (This picture is used for representational purposes only) Pokhara, situated at a distance of 200km west of Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal), is known as the ‘Jewel in the Himalaya’. Nestled at altitude of 827m above sea level, Pokhara with its bundle of natural beauty has become centre of adventure. The city has become a starting point for trekking and rafting. Fishtail Ultra Flights are operated in area which let you enjoy the magnificence of the Himalayas creating an ambience of peace and magic.
DOWN THE SLOPE Land adventure and championships to catch this year
Winters bring a blanket of snow which is well accompanied with many sports to try along its white blanket. As soon as the temperature drops, the first thought on a ski-lover’s mind is to clip into a pair of skis and hit the mountains.
VIEW POINT: Cross country skiing on freshly snowed trails is extremely enjoyable Chamonix, Mont Blanc in France, St Moritz in Switzerland and Kitzbühel in Austria are few destinations that attract skiers of all cadre to try their hand at skiing or learn a lesson or two at the world class resorts here.
You can also attend a skiing championship to enjoy the nuances of the sport. Catch the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2019, scheduled for 5–17 February, in Åre, Sweden. Follow it up with a tour of the capital city, Stockholm.
Wish To Travel The World? Don't Miss Out On These 7 Destinations
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By Masoom Gupte
To reduce the world to a list of top destinations is a near impossible task. But for a variety of reasons some places are favoured over others and become the flavour of the moment. Here are some of the top spots trending this year.
By Masoom GupteTo reduce the world to a list of top destinations is a near impossible task. But for a variety of reasons some places are favoured over others and become the flavour of the moment. Her..
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Together, the five Stans — Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan — of Central Asia spell exotic. The historical association with the Silk Road, that passes through these countries, adds to the appeal and aura of the region. From cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent, that mix the new with the old seamlessly, to the topography of the region that abounds in vast deserts, mountains and rivers, this promises to be the journey of a lifetime.
Together, the five Stans — Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan — of Central Asia spell exotic. The historical association with the Silk Road, that passes through these cou..
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When the landscape of Iceland showed up in a Bollywood movie some time back, many were prompted to ask if the sequence was shot on location, or if the backdrop was a result of computer generated graphics. That’s how unreal Iceland can be. The popularity of this European nation has been on a steady rise, prompting a national discussion about applying curbs on the number of tourists permitted to visit. Best to tick this one off the bucket list, before your name slips on to a waiting list of visitors.
When the landscape of Iceland showed up in a Bollywood movie some time back, many were prompted to ask if the sequence was shot on location, or if the backdrop was a result of computer generated grap..
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True, the country has a checkered past, enmeshed in a long history of violence. But nothing like tourism to change a nation’s image and fortunes. Earlier this year, the country’s tourism department signed a multi-million dollar branding deal with English football club Arsenal, putting the country’s tourism tagline on player jerseys. The deal quickly became controversial as Rwanda is one of the world’s poorest countries and marketing monies are frowned upon. But soon the number of UK visitors surged, claimed officials. Something did the trick. Either the campaign, or the country’s stunning national parks and wildlife.
True, the country has a checkered past, enmeshed in a long history of violence. But nothing like tourism to change a nation’s image and fortunes. Earlier this year, the country’s tourism department s..
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This one is for the adrenaline chasers. Go to the end of the world aboard a ship breaker, surrounded by glaciers and water, and little else. High fitness levels are recommended. But even that’s not a guard against potential sea sickness bouts. Prepare for wonder on this journey, and a discovery of what you are truly made of.
This one is for the adrenaline chasers. Go to the end of the world aboard a ship breaker, surrounded by glaciers and water, and little else. High fitness levels are recommended. But even that’s not a..
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It’s been voted as one of the best cities to live in the world. Not exactly unknown, the city does tend to lose out to the hordes that prefer the shinier, bigger cities of neighbouring United States. But by itself, Vancouver, a west coast seaport in British Columbia, is not just one of Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities, it is also a thriving metropolis with a buzzing art, music, food and theatre scene. Surrounded by mountains, it isn’t too hard on the eyes either.
It’s been voted as one of the best cities to live in the world. Not exactly unknown, the city does tend to lose out to the hordes that prefer the shinier, bigger cities of neighbouring United States...
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One of the seven wonders of the world, this one is a definite bucket list item for many. T rekking up to the Inca ruins, is a much-awaited highpoint to those travelling to the continent, and with Peru on their itinerary. An early morning climb is strongly recommended to witness the sun creeping over the sprawling ruins.
One of the seven wonders of the world, this one is a definite bucket list item for many. T rekking up to the Inca ruins, is a much-awaited highpoint to those travelling to the continent, and with Per..
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A self-drive tour through New Zealand, taking in the abundant natural beauty. Enough said. Here’s a tip to top that. Spend a couple of days at the Aoraki/Mount Cook alpine village. Spend time in the shadow of New Zealand’s highest mountain, boating on the glacier lakes, walking around, taking off on hikes and generally pausing to breathe.
A self-drive tour through New Zealand, taking in the abundant natural beauty. Enough said. Here’s a tip to top that. Spend a couple of days at the Aoraki/Mount Cook alpine village. Spend time in the ..
