TRAVEL SPECIAL ....................... Top adventure destinations in the world

Top adventure destinations in the world

Broadly speaking all adventures can be classified into three dimensions in which they are done - land, air and water based adventures. Having lived my entire life in pursuit of adventures in all these dimensions here is my personal list of ultimate adventure destinations in the world. 

I have applied few criteria in creating this list, hence it may not be universally or objectively correct; firstly I have included only those adventures I have personally done and the destinations where I have personally been. 

For each adventure I have mentioned the two best destinations where the thrill of the sport has the required infrastructure and support services since not all of us are looking to go where no one has ever gone before. The degree and extremity to which you may wish to indulge in these would depend upon your thrill appetite and physical fitness. Read on and indulge in these; believe me you won't regret the adrenalin rush or the fear gripping your soul.
Land Adventures
Mountaineering and hiking - in terms of beauty, options and choices nothing can beat the Himalaya through India and Nepal and the Southern Alps in New Zealand. From extreme climbs to extreme altitudes to fun climbing and hiking of any grades, please head to the Himalayan heights or the undulating ice world of New Zealand.

Cycling - you can cycle literally anywhere and among all the places I have cycled long distances, my favourites are in Ireland and the Canadian Rockies. The landscapes are absolutely out of this world that will keep you breathless 

Desert safaris - of all the deserts I have gallivanted in, the ones through Gobi in Mongolia and Atacama in Chile stand out in my mind. If there's only one desert you will visit in your lifetime, it has to be Atacama.

Mountain road safaris - for the 4 wheeled adventurers who let their cars do the roughing out upon a dusty road; I would recommend the round trip from Simla to Manali via Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul and the Alaska Highway through Canada as far as you can drive.
Rock climbing - another sport that is literally practised around the world, just about anywhere there is a rock face; my personal favourites being Yosemite in the USA and the Scottish crags.

Bungee jumping - without a doubt Queensland in New Zealand comes to my mind right away followed by Bloukrans River Bridge near Capetown, South Africa.
Canyoning - here the intention is to get wet while slithering down a thin rope through water filled canyons, eventually jumping into chilly pools. I am not sure if normal people would find this fun but it certainly is high adventure, especially that moment when you go over the edge. My top two spots would be Interlaken, Switzerland and Copper Canyon, Mexico.
Caving - Caving needs multiple skills and a very non-claustrophobic disposition. We are still discovering new caves around the world and stepping deeper and deeper into the unknown. If you have the heart and can handle the darkness and the feeling of being utterly lost, head for Waitomo Cave System in New Zealand or Son Doong in Vietnam.

Wildlife safaris- close encounters with the wild kind are experienced best in Kenya and Botswana.
Winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, back country skiing, etc) - where else could you head for but to Norway where it is said that every child is born with skies attached! My next choice to spoil your thirst for winter sports would be Japan.
Air Adventures 
Skydiving - of course you can jump off a plane 12000 ft above ground just about anywhere, yet nothing beats skydiving over the Death Valley in California or in Zambia overlooking the Victoria Falls.

Hot air ballooning - my most memorable flights were in France over the castles and vineyards of Burgundy and across the snow covered Alps in Austria. 
Paragliding and hang-gliding - you basically need a cliff to jump off from and then thermals to keep you afloat; some of my best have been in Utah, the USA and over the Italian Dolomites. 

Water Adventures 
Sailing - you need fair wind and following sea and you find both in plenty through the Virgin Islands and the Ionian paradise of Greece.
White water rafting - if rapids are your forte then jump into Rio General in Costa Rica or Grand Canyon in the USA.
Canoeing & kayaking - if you dare, go down River Nahanni in Canada or into the gorges of Corsica. Your world will never be the same again.

Scuba diving, snorkelling - Great Barrier Reef, Australia is unbeatable and so are some of the locations in Maldives.
Surfing - I am a very poor surfer since my first lesson happened in one of the wildest surfing sites in Brazil, taught by one of the best in the field. My next location choice would be of course Hawaii, where it all started.

Now pack your bags and head for the ones that quench your thirst for adventure; since adventure is certainly out there!

Satyabrata Dam ETTR