Jumping delights
LOOK OUT FOR
| After organising similar events in cities like Bangalore, Pune and Delhi, Praveen Krishnaiah, CEO of XtremeZone Sports, thinks that Goa is an ideal spot for a bit of free-falling and reverse jumps (technically speaking, the jumper shoots up to 140 ft in a matter of three seconds and then has a free fall after soaring like a bird). |
| Krishnaiah, who runs the company with wife Deepa, would ideally like to choose a beach as a location but a court order has banned the company from holding such events on a Mumbai beach recently. Krishnaiah otherwise scouts for grounds like shopping malls for "greater visibility". |
| Meanwhile, interest in this alternative sport is picking up and Spice Telecom had recently signed him up to hold demonstrations among its employees as an HR initiative. Of course, this sport is strictly meant for the bravehearts. |
| Charges: Rs 500 for a single bungee jump and Rs 600 for a single catapult. |
| Highland snow fling |
| Come snow, and India's four skiing hotspots "" Solang Nala, Pahalgam, Auli and Narkanda "" beckon wannabe skiers and enthusiasts between January and March. After years of militancy, the Pahalgam valley in Kashmir, 100 km south of Srinagar, is again set to attract tourists. |
| In fact, the state government organises a 16-day ski lesson package (Rs 8,500) and issues proficiency certificates. But the slopes at 8,700-10,000 ft are only for beginners and those interested in long ski run have to trudge up higher on their own as in other destinations such as Narkanda in Himachal and Auli in Uttarakhand. |
| Except Narkanda, the other skiing destinations are equipped with short-distance ropeways. While the accommodations are basic (Solang has access to better hotels at Manali 17 km away), the visitor is blessed with stupendous views; Auli overlooks the 25,650 feet Nandi Devi peak. |
| For bookings in Kashmir, contact Lake City Tour and Travels and check website (gmvnl.com) for information on Auli. |