Adventure holidays are in full swing this season and just like adrenaline junkies, the leisure traveller too is going all out for new experiences like the Tarzan Swing. This is an adventure sport that involves the act of jumping across a natural barrier like trees or artificial obstacles like piled up sand bags, holding on to a rope or harness.

It originated in the rainforests of Costa Rica where participants are made to swing from one tree canopy to the other using metallic zip lines. After traversing three to four zip lines, they hold on to the rope and swing down from an elevation, crossing an obstacle in the process. The Tarzan Swing is completed once the person does a touchdown on the ground or on a padded platform.

In India too, Tarzan Swings are part of many adventure sports packages and are operated by professionals. Trained personnel demonstrate the act of swinging while holding on to the rope as well as the exact touchdown process. Safety measures like helmets are adopted since a wrong touchdown leads to an injury. Soft padded logs are also placed on the touchdown area to ensure safe landing.

“This is the ideal way to pack in a punch and spice up your staid holiday,” says Ashish Sawhney, director and CEO, Ashex Tourism, an adventure sports outfit in Delhi. Sawhney clarifies that the activity is a cakewalk even for amateurs and no prior training is needed. “Children as young as six are right up there in mid air screaming their lungs out and asking for more,” he says. However children below the age of five and adults over 80 are not allowed.

Uttaranchal

Rishikesh is known for its spectacular landscape and crisp, cool climate. The rocky terrain attracts adventure geeks by the droves what with several extreme sports complexes and offsite activity facilities being set up in the area in recent years. There are a host of innovative outdoor activities that are on offer here for beginners and the Tarzan Swing is a good way to start.

Hot ticket!

Wanderlust Adventure Sports India, an offsite adventure provider, has a Tarzan Swing package for rookies at Gangabanks River Camp near Rishikesh. The package includes charges for equipment such as harness, ropes, jumping and landing platforms. The rental per day is Rs 10,000 but the equipment can be used by any number of people within a group. Padded logs are provided by trained guides to ensure safe landing from the platforms. Accommodation, meals and road transfers are not included in the package.

Haryana

With the stunning Aravalli Ranges and Damdama Lake as the backdrop, the Water Banks Island Resort at Damdama is the place to be if you want to stylishly swing into action. The resort is also the hotbed of interesting leisure activities once you are done with the Tarzan Swing. You can bung in motorboat rides at the lake, try your hand at archery, air rifle shooting, table tennis and fishing, all arranged by the resort authorities.

Amateurs are asked to try out the Tarzan Swing here since skilled guides accompany participants at every step. Also, newbies are encouraged to practise the swinging action several times under expert guidance before they are allowed to do it on their own. There are absolutely no pre-requirements to participate in the activity but you need have strong arms to support your body weight once you get started on the gravity-defying act.

Hot ticket!

Ashex Tourism has a 2-nights programme at the Water Banks Island Resort in Damdama, that’s priced at Rs 3,600 excluding taxes. Tarzan Swing is part of a bouquet of several adventure sport activities carried out here.

Maharashtra

Karjat, 100km from Mumbai, is a great place to try out the Tarzan Swing since it’s surrounded by steep slopes and is thinly populated. There are several resorts in the area which have adventure clubs facilitating activities like the Tarzan Swing. These adventure clubs have steel cables, touchdown equipment and ropes but discourage people who are heavier than 80kg. There are restrictions for cardiac and hypertension patients as well, since the altitude and strenuous nature of the activity requires basic levels of fitness.

Hot ticket!

River Gate Resort at Karjat, Maharashtra, has AC tents for participants of outdoor activities like the Tarzan Swing. The weekday rental for a tent is Rs 4,400 per couple — this includes the swing and meals. You have to pay Rs 600 extra on weekends.

Himachal Pradesh

Camp Wonderland, situated at a distance of 30 minutes from Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a visual extravaganza in terms of rolling slopes dotted with thick forests. Natural elevations in this area give the Tarzan Swing activity a great fillip and enthusiasts flock the camp to avail its sporting facilities. Activities arranged by the camp for its patrons include rock climbing, rappelling and river crossing apart from the Tarzan Swing.

Hot ticket!

Garhwal Himalayan Expedition arranges customised tours to Camp Wonderland if you let them know your preference. You can log in to http://www.infoindiatours.com to submit your option for a Tarzan Swing.