DROne of the fastest growing segments globally in tourism, adventure, of both soft and the adrenaline pumping kind are what visitors, millennials and senior citizens alike seek out when they travel. Here’s a curated list from around the world:
BHUTAN
Cycling expedition: Mountain biking in Bhutan is filled with magical experiences like learning about Buddhism at the many monasteries, visiting museums and even indulging in a hot stone bath. Cycling enthusiasts are in for a treat during this tour through the country’s valleys. Price starts from Rs. 56,550 per person (7D/6N. Ex Paro). Phone no: 1800 266 1360
CZECH REPUBLIC
Hiking in Bohemia: Bohemian Switzerland, not far from Prague, boasts of an incredibly diverse landscape. From lakes to caves to mountains, it’s the perfect spot for nature and wildlife photographers and hiking trails. One of the top attractions in this sprawling natural area is Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. The region is also notable for hundreds of gorges, which you can experience in many different ways, including by boat along the River Kamenice.
INDONESIA
Scuba Diving in Gili Islands: Gili Islands is a diver’s tropical paradise – being the sea turtle capital of the world with an optimal, warm diving temperature of about 28° C throughout the year, it is no wonder that the archipelago attracts all kinds of divers, from novices to advanced level divers. The Gilis – namely Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are the perfect getaway for island lovers, skirted with white sand, coconut palms and clear turquoise waters that will leave you mesmerized. Also undertake other adventurous marine activities such as snorkelling and glass bottom kayaking. Price starts from Rs. 47,000 per person (6D/5N. Ex Bali). Phone no: 1800 266 1360
MONACO
Go Hiking to Via Alpina: Discover the jaw-dropping Alpine beauty. Go hiking to the Via Alpina, a European trail from Monaco to the Italian city of Trieste, travel through not less than eight countries around the Alps: France, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovenia and the Principality of Monaco. A perfect adventure trail for hikers, the European trail covers 5000 kilometres in 342 stages. There are five separate trails, from which the red trail is the longest as it connects Trieste to Monaco. Trekking the Via Alpina is an incredible experience in itself. Rediscover the simplicity and calmness of the nature in the Alps!
NEW ZEALAND
Bungee Jumping: In the 1980s, young kiwis AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch set up New Zealand’s first commercial bungee jumping operation with a jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown. Since then, New Zealand has become the home of bungee. All over the country, you can leap from bridges, rail viaducts and specially made platforms on the edge of cliffs. The Nevis Bungy has the highest jump at 134m. You can also leap off the Auckland Harbour Bridge with the Waitemata Harbour at the back. In the Central North Island lies the Taupo Bungy – 47m above the Waikato River. You can choose to be dunked in the river below at the end of your jump.
Skydiving: New Zealand’s magnificent landscapes take on an extra dimension when you’re 12,000 feet in the air. Skydive in Lake Wanaka or Queenstown and you will look from the vastness of the Central Otago high country to the snow-capped mountains surrounding the lakes. At the other end of the country, Lake Taupo has the largest commercial drop zone in the world.
SOUTH AFRICA
Long Tom Toboggan: A one-of-a-kind experience in Africa Misty Mountains, Long Tom Toboggan is an activity that will get your heart pumping. Jump aboard your precarious yellow cart and reach speeds of 45 kilometres an hour as you twist and turn through flowers and forests down 1.7 kilometres of stainless steel pipeline. The Long Tom Toboggan is Africa’s first toboggan ride of its kind.
Shark-cage Diving: Great White Shark spotting is one of the biggest draws to South Africa. It is one of the ultimate activities to feature on any adrenaline seeker’s bucket list. In fact, Indians are the top third nationality to undertake shark-cage diving in South Africa. There are two places in South Africa that are popular for shark cage diving: Gansbaai and Mossel Bay. In Gansbaai, Dyer Island is often credited as a hub for shark-cage diving. It also serves as a sanctuary to rare pelagic bird species and the whole of the Marine Big Five.
OMAN
The wonders of Al Hoota Caves: Estimated to be over 2 million years old, the Al Hoota Caves is located off route 21 between Nizwa and Bahla at the foot of Oman’s epic mountain Jabal Shams. A two hour drive from Muscat, it is the first and only cave in the Arabian Peninsula which is open to visitors. The cave is about 4.5 kilometres long with around 500 metres of area accessible to the general public. The one hour guided tour starts from the Visitor’s Centre with a short ride in an electric train to the cave entrance. Once inside, you witness an enormous subterranean cavern filled with stalactites, stalagmites and colourful solid rock columns.
TURKEY
White-water Rafting: Rafting, a team sport aimed at steering a raft without getting overturned among wild waves, is a popular sports activity in many locations from north to south of Turkey. While you are on rafting holiday in Turkey, you will find lots of great sparkling rivers and creeks for white-water rafting.
UAE
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: The world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park is home to a winning mix of Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions, the biggest Ferrari Store and a range of authentic Italian dining options for the whole family. Beneath its iconic red roof, the entertainment destination houses 37 record-breaking thrill rides and an array of world-class cuisines. Open 365 days a year, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers a unique experience for visitors of every age in a refreshing, indoor, climate-controlled environment. Ticket: Dhs 295 for adults, Dhs 230 for children
