An adventure seeker takes the plunge off a bungee jumping platform in Queenstown, New Zealand; (above) tourists snorkel off the coast of Mauritius

Are you suffering from the been-there-done-that syndrome? London is pass? and you can’t bear to see the Eiffel Tower one more time. Is it time you opted for a spot of adventure?

How about checking out some of the adventure packages on offer from the tour companies. They’ve realised that Indians are getting more adventurous and want to do more than check out the caf?s of Paris and the theatres of London. But they’re also keenly aware that there are limits to adventurousness, so they’ve combined plenty of restful stuff and natural beauty along with a dash of adventure. Here are a few options for the season ahead:

Malaysia

How would you like to check out the Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia? SOTC offers the park and a great jungle experience. The Taman Negara National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and covers a total area of 4,343sq km. And if you’re lucky, you may come across Crested Fireback Pheasant, Black-caped Kingfisher, and Bronzed Drongo among the 350 bird species of this region. Most people who come to the park spend their days hiking the jungle trails, river-rafting, fishing or visiting the impressive canopy walkway.

Travelling through the jungle is a phenomenal experience and SOTC offers an exclusive two-night, three-day package to Taman Negara to experience jungle walking. You can also visit the highest mountain, Mount Tahan in Peninsular Malaysia and the Lubuk Tenor Fish Sanctuary. The two-night, three-day package to Taman Negara includes accommodation with meals, transportation and sightseeing. It costs $310 onwards per person on twin share basis. Cox and Kings also has this package, which starts at Rs 26,999 per head (twin share) and includes airfare, accommodation with breakfast and sightseeing.

New Zealand

If you are a water baby, Queenstown in New Zealand is worth visiting, as it offers facilities like jet boating and jet-skiing attractions. But this is the country that invented bungee jumping and Queenstown is a paradise for bungee jumpers who continue to visit the popular and readily accessible Kawarau bridge along the SH6 highway.

But SOTC has figured out that you’ll want a break after all that bungee jumping. So, its Wonderful South package gives you a full introduction to the wonders of New Zealand’s South Island. This includes a visit to the beautiful Christchurch, the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin, the towns of Gore and Te Anau and travelling through the manmade Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. At Queenstown, you may explore an endless number of options like bungee jumping, rafting, gondola rides and more. The price per person for the SOTC trip on twin share basis is $992 onwards. Thomas Cook also offers tailor-made packages to Queenstown where you can try jet boating. Cox and Kings throws in a package to New Zealand, which starts at Rs 41,000 per person with exciting activities like jet boating and bungee jumping. If you tire of all that, you can go on a Lord of the Rings safari and check out the scenic spots where the film was shot.

Jordan

If you’re looking at a spectacular desert landscape for an adventurous holiday then Jordan is the perfect place for you. Jordan is one of the Middle East’s most hospitable and exotic countries that offers a full range of experiences. SOTC’s Jordan Explorer has a six-night, seven- day package where you can visit ancient cities, trading centres and Biblical sites like Petra, Mt Nebo, Jerash and Amman. You could enjoy a nice swim and sunbath at the beautiful Dead Sea. If you want a jeep safari, a visit to Wadi Rum ? one of the most significant desert landscapes in the world ? should be on your list. The SOTC Jordan Explorer package includes all transfers, all tours and sightseeing, all entry fees, horse riding in Petra, Jeep Safari tour and camel riding. Price per head (twin share) is US$ 844 onwards.

Mauritius

Let’s get one thing straight. Mauritius is not only about sun, sea and sand. OK, it is mostly about sun, sea and sand but there are other aspects to the island. There’s a whole nature dimension to experience on the island. In the midst of its lush vegetation, you can go mountain climbing. You can also opt for snorkeling or canoeing. Or paddle a kayak through the lagoon and reach a secluded cove of mangroves. Thomas Cook offers Mauritius packages to individuals on request. The seven-day Mauritius tour of SOTC costs $569 per person and includes sightseeing, meals and exciting water-sports. Cox and Kings’ seven-day, six-night Mesmerising Mauritius deal includes north island and south island tours and also an optional undersea walk for $469 per head.

Australia

It’s a great idea to try hot-air ballooning if you’re in Australia. SOTC offers a 10-day Amazing Australia package, which includes sightseeing in Sydney, Gold Coast and Cairns and also the option of hot-air ballooning at Cairns. That’s not all, as you also get to visit the Movie World theme park at the Gold Coast. The total package costs Rs 44,900 plus A$ 1,749 per person. Cox and Kings too offers a six-night, seven- day Gold Coast package that includes sightseeing in Sydney and options like jet-boating and hot-air ballooning. This costs Rs 52,000 per head plus A$200 for adventure sports.

My favourite holiday

Dr Jamuna Pai,
skincare expert

My crazy schedule does not allow me to take long holidays at all. In fact, being the kind of person I am, I don’t think I can do those very well. Sitting on the beach for the longest time, with no work to do, would probably drive me up the wall. What I unwind with best, are the little mini breaks that I snatch from life now and then. Sometimes I steal away from Mumbai, to Lonavala or Amby Valley to catch up with friends. But then again, these are few and far between.

In fact, the most recent holiday I took with my family lasted all of three days. We went to Agra around mid-December. The awe of seeing the Taj Mahal, on a wintry moonlit night, is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. It was also special because we celebrated my husband’s birthday there. We stayed at the Amarvilas, which gives a beautiful view of the Taj. We’d wait till around 11 in the morning for the fog to lift and then it would be sheer bliss.

My work does not permit me the luxury of making this a regular habit. But I guess this only makes these little getaways all the more special.

Route map

Valentine’s Day is long gone. You need another break to spice up your romantic life. And why not, since Khajuraho beckons. Madhya Pradesh Tourism has a lot to offer for mini breaks around this time of the year. Savour the experience at the temple of love. Get the adrenaline pumping with a sudden glimpse of a tiger under a starlit sky at Bandhavgarh National Park. Soak in the full glory of the moon on the Marble Rocks in Jabbalpur.

A 2-night, 3-day stay for two will cost around Rs 6,400 at Gwalior’s Hotel Tansen or The Betwa Retreat at Orchha or Hotel Payal in Khajuraho. The price of the package includes travel and sightseeing within Madhya Pradesh, with a trained guide and tour escort. The tariff goes up a bit if you prefer an air-conditioned vehicle, but then again it always pays to travel in comfort. The package is valid till June 30. For further details, call: 0755-2778383, at the head office of Madhya Pradesh Tourism.