Bungee Jumping in India
Worldwide, bungee jumping has been commercially accessible as an extreme sport since the 1980s. In India, this sport was introduced in the 1990s and since then has steadily gained popularity. The growth of this sport is India is due to a growing interest from individual adrenaline thrill seekers and businesses that use this sport as a corporate team-building event.
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Location
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As vast and varied as India is as a country, so are the bungee jumping experiences. Experiences can range from towers built specifically for this activity in resorts near Delhi and Rishikesh in the north and Goa in the west to jumping from mobile cranes in Bangalore in the south.
Safety
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The Ministry of Tourism in India has set out general guidelines for adventure sports, but these guidelines are not specific to bungee jumping. It is up to the discretion of each state to ensure that the companies adhere to them. Companies, both private and government regulated, take complete responsibility of training their staff and making sure that their equipment meets international safety standards. Government certified operators have to meet certain criteria in order to operate bungee jumping, so look for a certified operator for the safest option.
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When to Go
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There are no fixed seasons for bungee jumping, and a number of factors affect the operation of these sites. Law officials may enforce curfews at the drop of a hat, operating laws may change or sites may close due to a religious festival or a public holiday. Therefore, check beforehand that the jumps you want will be offered during the time you plan to visit.
Cost
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The cost of each jump varies significantly from place to place. The average cost in 2010 ranges from 400 to 800 rupees (approximately $9 to $15), with the more popular location at Shivpuri near Rishikesh costing 1,200 rupees per person (approximately $27).
Other Considerations
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As with any other extreme sport, always rely on your own judgement and common sense. Do some research about the company and ask for references. Some companies have public Facebook pages where you can ask fellow jumpers about their experiences. If you do not have access to these options, you can still stand back and observe how a bungee operator handles other customers prior to the jump. Note whether operator asks clients about medical history and checks safety elements before each jump. Find out if there is access to emergency medical services on site.
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References
- Photo Credit Bouncing In the Sky image by T^i^ from Fotolia.com
