adventure sports in india-robin
TRANSCRIPT
ADVENTURE SPORTS IN INDIA
PROJECT REPORT(A Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MBA in JNTUH)
Submitted by: Mr. Robin Goyal
Enrolment No: 08P41E0027 Guidance by : Prof. Raghu Ankathi
Y.S.R
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
MANAGEMENT
M.O.U WITH
JNTUH UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD – 500072
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CERTIFICATE OF THE GUIDE:
This is to certify that the Project Work titled “ADVENTURE SPORTS IN INDIA” is a bonafide work of Mr. Robin Goyal……….. Enroll No: 08P41E0027….. Carried out in partial fulfillments for the award of degree of MBA: TOURISM & HOSPITALITY (Branch) of JNTU - Hyderabad University under my guidance. This project work is original and not submitted earlier for the award of any degree / diploma or associate ship of any other University / Institution.
Signature of the Guide
Name and Official Address of the Guide
Guide’s Academic Qualifications, Designation and Experience
Place: Date:
Submitted to Project Viva Voce held on _____________________________.
Internal Examiner External Examiner
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Declaration
I, Mr. Robin Goyal hereby declare that the Project Work titled “ADVENTURE SPORTS
IN INDIA” is the original work done by me and submitted to the JNTU (Hyderabad) through
Dr.YSR. NITHM in partial fulfillment of requirements for the award of Master of Business
Administration in Tourism & Hospitality is a record of original work done by me under the
supervision of Mr. Raghu Ankathi….of Dr. YSR. NITHM…… (Organization of the guide)
Enroll No: 08P41E0027Date:
Signature of the Student
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Acknowledgements:
“Acknowledgement is an art, which shows up the gratitude towards someone who holds up the credit of making a difference”
Through the language may be poor substitute for the sentiments, yet there is no way out to recover to it for profound gratitude, indebtness and sincere regards to National Institute of Tourism And Hospitality Management for giving me the platform from where I could pursue the Internship. I am obliged to Dr. E.ShivaNagi Reddy, the Director for giving me this opportunity.
My special thanks to Mr. Pranav Kukreti, The Managing Director, Treks `n Rapids Pvt. Ltd. who supervised me in every stage while undergoing my project and helped me in making this project a success.
ROBIN GOYAL
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Table of Contents:
Page Number Chapter I: Introduction 06
1.1 Introduction 07-101.2 Statement of the problem 10-111.3 Scope of the Study 12-141.4 Research methodology 14-17
1.5 Need of the study 18-19 1.6 Limitations 19-20 1.7 Chapterization 20-21 1.8 Conclusion 21
Chapter II: Industry 22 2.1 Adventure Sports In India 23-34
Chapter III: Types of Adventure Sports. 353.1 Air 36-393.2 Land 39-47
3.3 Water 47-49
Chapter IV: Profile 504.1 Industry Profile 51-544.2 Company Profile 54-59
Chapter V: Literature Survey 60 5.1 Reliability Test(t-test) 61-62 5.2 Reliability of data captured 63-63 5.3 Validity test for questionnaire 63-64 5.4 Results 64-65 5.5 Factor analysis & total variance 65-66 5.6 Discussion 66-67
Chapter VI: Conclusion 68
Bibliography 70-72
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Treks `n Rapids: Adventure Sports in India
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1.1 INTRODUCTION
Adventure sports have obtained both significant profile and following during recent
years. The definition of what constitutes an adventure sport is fluid, as new sports are
introduced on a regular basis; all adventure sports tend to produce a profound surge of
excitement in the athlete , while requiring the athlete to assume significant physical risks.
As a general rule, an adventure sport will require the athlete to perform at a high rate of
speed, where the athlete is subject to significant effects of gravity, or where the athlete is
exposed to special dangers due to the performance of a stunt with limited, or no, safety
equipment.
Another compelling distinction between the definition of conventional sport and the
adventure sports category is the lesser importance in the adventure sports of the classic
pillars of physical fitness (endurance, muscle strength, speed, power and flexibility). The
successful adventure athlete must build significant levels of all around fitness to
participate in sports such as rock climbing, which engages every muscle in the body, that
same fitness level, while useful, is not essential to participate in adventure sports such as
a sky diving or motocross.
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The adventure sports tend to place less emphasis upon formal coaching and training, due
to their appeal to individual athletes. It is both a hallmark and an attraction of the extreme
sports that a novice to the particular sport can participate very soon after their
introduction to the activity. Another distinguishing feature regarding the sports included
in the adventure sports category is the nature of the equipment required by the athlete.
Most of the equipment is relatively simple to operate, such as a skateboard, bungee cord,
or wakeboard; in some sports, a simple piece of equipment is used in conjunction with a
mechanized device, such as a tow boat or other transportation.
Adventure sports are played in the air, along the surface of the earth and on and below the
surface of the water.
Within the adventure sports classification, activities can be further sub-divided into two
groups: Adventure sports that are inherently extreme in their execution and those
adventure sports that are made extreme by the adaptation of an additional feature.
For this study adventure sports are categorized into four classes:
(1) Mountain sports;
(2) Extreme sports like bungee jumping and free fall;
(3) Rafting and kayaking;
(4) Paragliding, sky diving and skiing.
Treks `n Rapids Pvt. Ltd. has been in the business of adventure sports for past Eight years
catering to different needs and aspirations of people by providing them best of outdoor
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activities in India and abroad. But today, in tough time of recession, it faces major
problem of understanding their changing needs and desires. Today Treks `n Rapids faces
a higher level of competition from other adventure sports firms.
Challenge before the company is to attract more participants while keeping tight control
on costs. The dilemma facing the company is how to market adventure sports that would
lead to increase in sales and customers and at the same time achieve it with the limited
resources of money and time. What attracts people to adventure sports? What motivates
the young adults to take up adventure sports? The company has to take a quick decision
before it loses out existing and new customers to competitors.
Treks `n Rapids reinvented its online approach few years back and has been promoting
the company in various categories such as:
Corporate experiential learning:
OUTPERFORM:
Learning by doing high impact, innovative outbound training programmes at self owned
and third party campuses, across India and Internationally. Top grade and highly
experienced In House faculty and proprietary modules
• Outdoor leadership programmes for children:
CHIPMUNKS:
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Confident ever after out-of-the box, innovative and confidence building summer camps
and customized programmes for children
Adventure gear: HUCKFINN:
An initiative of Treks `n Rapids that will manufacture and deliver the adventure sports
equipment at a very low price and meeting international standard. Currently the range
will include: White water rafting equipment, trekking and camping gear, climbing gear,
aero sports equipment and specialty gears such as artificial rock climbing walls and
ceramic holds, Zorb and all terrain vehicles.
Certificate courses in adventure sports: TNR adventure academy: Short term certificate
programmes in: Rock climbing, survival techniques and leave no trace, paragliding scuba
diving.
• Community building initiative: Adventure bug club
1.2 Statement and importance of the problem:
Treks `n Rapids has been spending huge amount of money to set up new facilities for
adventure sports in India. Thus it is important to plan these spending well as per the
requirement of the customers and also to promote them effectively. It is a step to deliver
products and services better suited to customer needs. Further, in this competitive and
growing sector of adventure sports in India, it becomes necessary to develop and innovate
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to stay ahead of others and to compete. Also, as the company grows and matures, it is
looking to establish its unique identity in adventure sports which is more recognized and
focused. Under the heat of intense competition from type of firms in the organized sector
and many competitors in unorganized sector, Treks `n Rapids has increased its marketing
spends. But increasing promotion expenditure is not the solution; the firm must
understand what to say (message content and structure) to the target market segment and
how to reach out (media) cost effectively so that more adventure sport enthusiasts get
attracted to Treks `n Rapids.
Through this study the firm wanted to identify the motivating factors towards adventure
sports among the youths (between 18-35 years of age-considered to be the largest
segment for adventure sports) residing in National Capital Region. This would help them
in enhancing the effectiveness of their communication strategy.
Problems and issues:
Scope of this study includes finding answers to following questions among young
(Between the age group of 18-35) male and female enthusiasts of adventure sports:
• What are the motivating factors that pull participants to adventure sports?
• Do different types of sports have significantly different pull factors?
• Do personal characteristics of participants affect the level of motivation?
• Is motivation level influenced by the characteristics of the sport?
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• Based on identified motivating factors can the population be discriminated between
male and female?
• Can we discriminate between high spenders and low spenders based on the identified
motivating factors?
1.3 Scope of the study
Today, India invites adventure lovers from all across the world. The varied topography
and the climate in India give rise to a number of exciting adventure sports.
Over the years, the scope of adventure sports in India has only increased as well as the
popularity of these sports with tourists. Whether you are looking for soft adventure sports
or want to go for some extreme sports options, Indian tourism offers opportunities for all
abilities. Adventure sports like river rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering, trekking,
skiing, snow climbing, scuba diving and angling have now become an essential part of
tourism in India.
The best part about these high-adrenaline activities is that you have a good variety of
locations to enjoy them. Wildlife tourism in India also gives you many options of
enjoying adventure in the form of wildlife safaris.
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As adventure tourism grows more and more in India, options are made available for
tourists to get top quality adventure gear. New shops and centres are opening up each day
to assist tourists and to help adventure tourism grow even more. For tourists, there are
short adventure courses also available at different places across the country. Many of
these centre are run and maintained by the state governments of India.
The trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir) offers a number of adventure
sports for adventure lovers in India, contributing a lot towards the state tourism. Jeep
safari in Ladakh is one of the most liked and done adventure sports for tourists. Ladakh
tourism also offers some of the most wonderful treks in the Nubra Valley and the Markha
Valley. Wildlife safari and camping are also much popular with tourists coming to
Ladakh.
The Garhwal and Kumaon region of the Northern Himalayas has huge India adventure
tourism potential. Most of the adventure tourism in India owes its credit to this region of
the Himalayas. To enjoy adventure sports including river rafting, mountaineering and
rock climbing, one can easily head to the state of Uttarakhand. The state is blessed with
bountiful supplies of nature and offers a number of exciting adventure sports. Trekking,
river rafting, camping, wildlife safari and angling are much liked adventure sports in the
state.
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The ranges of the northern Himalayas has contributed immensely towards Indian
adventure tourism. These ranges have always been and are some of the best places to
indulge in a variety of adventure sports in India. There are a variety of scenic locales
available in these areas adding much to your experience. For example, you can enjoy
trekking in mountain villages, valleys, meadows and around rivers and lakes. There are
more options available. The sport of golfing, ice skating and skiing also adds to the
Indian tourism potential.
Travelers can also head towards the Thar Desert in Rajasthan to experience the thrills of
India adventure tourism. The state tourism of Rajasthan is taking good care of the
adventure tourism here. A jeep safari across the expansive Thar Desert and up to the
dunes can bring back memories of the glorious past. There are areas from where once
passed the merchants along the trade route. Undertaking a jeep safari across the desert,
camping in the Thar, visiting desert villages and interacting with locals will only make
your adventure experience richer.
Tourism in India provides a number of other Indian adventure sports options. Just be
determined and loose yourself free amid the surroundings and find out what adventure
tourism in India has in store for you. Experiencing adventure sports in India will become
the epic adventure of your life.
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1.4 Research Methodology
Of late there has been an upsurge in the adventure sport market. It includes soft adventure
sports like camping, hiking, biking, bird-or-animal watching, horseback riding, sailing,
skiing and hard adventure vacations e.g., mountain biking, white water rafting, kayaking,
scuba diving, rock climbing, snowboarding, skydiving. Hard adventure activities have
been referred to as "risk recreation activities" which differs from traditional soft
adventure activities because of the presence of significant components of risk (may be
life threatening), danger and uncertainty, which could be either perceived or real.
Additionally, risk recreation activities include the following characteristics:
(1) Involvement with a natural environment,
(2) Elements of risk and, danger,
(3) Uncertain outcome and
(4) Influenced by the participant or circumstance.
Researchers have found the participation in risk recreation is a goal-driven behavior in
which stimulation is sought for increasing arousal and/or to satisfy various other goals.
Participants usually have multiple motives that differ in importance and are dependent
upon their individual goals.
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Similarly, climbers at Mt. Rainer (Washington) were motivated to climb due to
challenge, catharsis, recognition, creative opportunities, locus of control and the physical
setting; while climbers at Mt. McKinley
(Alaska) noted five factors: Exhilaration/Excitement, Social Aspects, Image, Aspects of
Climbing and Catharsis/Escape. While some research has attempted to elaborate the
theories of sport behavior, including several factors that might possibly explain sport
participation, other research has been focused on studying one of the factors more
specifically, motivation to participate.
Several studies have demonstrated that the motives given for sport participation, i.e. the
perceived benefits are not only the physical health aspects, but a number of other ones,
such as weight control and appearance, stress and mood management, competition and
enjoyment, fun and excitement.
Thus, there are differences between individuals in perceived benefits, which might
explain some of the differences in sport participation. These perceptions of benefits, or
motives to participate, are expected to be influenced by several factors, for example, age
and gender. If an experience of sport participation is perceived to be meaningful, a person
will be more motivated to participate in such activities, but what is perceived as
meaningful by one individual might not be perceived as such by another.
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First, several factor analyses yielded consistent factors, including competence, fitness,
affiliation, team aspects, competition and fun. Second, children and adolescents typically
indicated that several motives were important. Third, there was minimal age, gender, and
experience and sport activity differences.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To capture perceptions of youths, a questionnaire was designed and tested with twenty
respondents and all problems encountered were removed. Perceptions of respondents
were captured on a seven point Likert Scale-with 1 being low and 7 being high.
The questionnaire could capture perception of respondents for adventure sports as a
whole as well as separately for each of the four types of sports viz., mountain sports;
extreme sports; rafting and kayaking; paragliding, sky diving and skiing. Whether the
respondent is aware about a particular type of sport or not has been checked by screening
questions.
For a particular sport responses of only those people were analyzed who were aware of
the sport. The questionnaire was designed in Google docs where links were posted to
various mails and forums for review of people and filling up. It was put with a 7 day
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window period and after that responses were analyzed. The online survey removes the
surveyor bias.
Other advantage is that the data can be directly fed into excel sheet for analyses. Online
survey also ensures random sampling. The link for the questionnaire was mailed to about
500 people out of whom 57 relevant (from youth) responses were obtained.
1.5 Need for the study at trek’s and rapids:
In general, motivation is the need that drives an individual to act in a certain way to
achieve the desired satisfaction. In particular, many different reasons and motivational
factors compel people to take to adventure sports. These forces are perceived as being
able to decrease the condition of tension towards adventure sports felt by the individual.
The reduced state of tension then gives way to the necessity that encourages an action or
attitude. Although the decision to satisfy needs may rely on other psychological variables,
in reality, all human behavior is motivated.
Motivations can be the result of internal and external stimuli. Internal stimuli arise from
personal needs that can be physiological, social, egocentric, safety and self-actualization.
External stimuli result from publicity and promotion. Motivations around adventure
sports can be personal such as building confidence, personality development, and sense
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of achievement, status, self-belief and help in goal setting. Motivations could also be due
to the characteristics of the adventure sports encompassing: thrill, challenge, fun,
toughness and zeal required. Based on intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, the participant
of an adventure sport builds his/her perceptions.
Perceptions can be different from the true attributes of the sport depending on how the
individual receives and processes information. In other words, perceptions focus on the
attributes of products that affect behavior and not on the real attributes of products.
Perceptions
are a cognitive measure of adventure sport value. This value represents the opportunity
cost of the product (value for money), which means that perceptions are formed based on
a cost benefit assessment.
Perception of an adventure sport may be analyzed from a cognitive or behavioral
perspective. Perceptions are of several types: they can have a cognitive component
(which results from the evaluation of the adventure sport attributes) and a personal
component (that depends on how the individual intends to perceive that adventure sport).
Treks `n Rapids wanted to identify main motivational factors of attraction towards
adventure sports among youths (the largest consumer segment) of National Capital
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Region. Objective was to improve the effectiveness of integrated marketing
communications strategy.
1.6 Limitations:
The respondents are residents of NCR regions only. This study needs to be replicated at
other areas to increase external validity. The target segment selected was only youth.
However, people of other age groups also get attracted to adventure sports. Their
motivation factors also need to be studied. Further, it is felt that the motivation factors
may differ between male and female respondents.
1.7 Chapterization
Chapter - I
INTRODUCTION – This chapter gives a brief introduction of the Adventure sports in
India & the acceptance of this new industry by the youth. Statement of the problem,
Scope of the study, Research Methodology, Need of study, Limitations are explained by
keeping in mind current trends of adventure sports in reference with Treks `n Rapids Pvt.
Ltd.
Chapter – II
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INDUSTRY – This chapter gives a detailed description about Adventure Industry & its
future in India. Here adventure in all parts of India are explained briefly with their future
trends. Adventure Industry is a growing at a rapid pace in Tourism Sector.
Chapter – III
TYPES OF ADVENTURE SPORTS IN INDIA – In this chapter all the types of
adventure sports playing in India are mentioned with their detals.
a) Air Adventure Sports.
b) Land Adventure Sports.
c) Water Adventure Sports.
Chapter – IV
PROFILE – In this chapter we have tried to explain the profile of Adventure Industry &
Treks `n Rapids an adventure sports company with reference to the kind of employment
opportunities it generate, value addition to the economy & tourism sector in India.
Chapter – V
LITERATURE SURVEY – In this chapter the literature survey has been done & a
through survey and results has been shown. The survey include Reliability t-test, how and
from where the date has been captured, validity test of the questionnaire, there results,
factor analysis & total variance and it is summed up in the discussion.
Chapter – VI
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CONCLUSION – In this chapter all the above mentioned chapters, details, survey,
analysis, tests, results are concluded in a very defined manner with the bibliography in
the end with all the reference details from where we got most of the information to
complete this project.
1.8 Conclusion:
Findings of this study will help a firm engaged in adventure sports in developing an
effective integrated marketing communication strategy by fine tuning messages in their
communication.
CHAPTER - II
INDUSTRY
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2.1 Adventure Sports In India
Trekking in Himalaya
The endless scope of adventure tourism in India is largely because of its diverse
topography and climate. On land and water, under water and in the air, you can enjoy
whatsoever form of adventure in India you want. It is one opportunity for you to leave all
inhibitions behind and just let yourself go. The mountainous regions offer umpteen scope
for mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, skiing, skating, mount biking and safaris
while the rushing river from these mountains are just perfect for river rafting, canoeing
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and kayaking. The oceans are not behind in any manner as well. The vast and deep
expanse of water provide tremendous opportunity for adventure sports in form of diving
and snorkelling.
The forest and the desert region have their own distinct place in providing scope for
adventure tourism in India. You can enjoy animal safari, jeep safari, bird watching, wild
camp, wildlife safari and jungle trail in the forest region while jeep safari and camel
safari are the most favoured adventure sports in the desert region. After all this, if you
think the list of adventure sports in India has ended, think again. There is still much left
in form of paragliding, hand gliding, hot air ballooning, etc.
Adventure tourism in India is meant to provide you an exhilarating experience for life.
Many a times in process of having fun, an entirely new aspect of life manifests itself
before you and an awareness and appreciation about the surroundings emanates
somewhere from deep within your heart.
Adventure tourism India has increased in recent years due to the efforts taken by the
Indian government and the Ministry of Tourism. The scope for adventure tourism in India
is endless because the country has a rich diversity in terms of climate and topography.
Various kinds of adventure on water, land, and air can be enjoyed in India. The ministry
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of tourism and culture has, in recent years, launched a campaign called ‘Incredible India!’
and this has given a tremendous boost to adventure tourism in India.
The various kinds of adventure tourism in India are:
Rock climbing
Skiing
Camel safari
Para gliding
Mountaineering
Rafting in white water
Trekking
As a kind of adventure tourism in India, rock climbing is relatively new. Due to the
presence of climbing rocks in large numbers throughout the country, rock climbing as a
kind of adventure tourism in India is taking off in a big way. The various places in India
where tourists can go for rock climbing are Badami, Kanheri Caves, Manori Rocks, and
Kabbal. Skiing in India as a kind of adventure tourism has become popular in the last
decade. The country has a large number of hill stations which have excellent skiing
facilities. This has given rise to skiing adventure tourism in India. The places in India
where tourists can go for skiing are Manali, Shimla, Nainital, and Mussoorie.
Whitewater rafting in India is a relative newcomer in the domain of adventure tourism in
India. This has been increasing due to the presence of a number of rivers, waterfalls, and
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rapids. The places where a tourist can go for whitewater rafting in India are Ganga,
Alaknanda, and Bhagirathi rivers.
Trekking as a part of adventure tourism India has grown recently. Many tourists are
coming to India in order to go trekking in the various rugged mountains present in India.
Camel safari in India has also become very popular due to the initiatives taken by the
tourist boards of some Indian states. The most famous destinations in India for camel
safaris are Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. Paragliding in India has developed recently
and paragliding facilities are available in a lot of places in India. Mountaineering in India
is also quite popular in the arena of adventure tourism. Tourists can go to Garhwal,
Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir for indulging in mountaineering.
Adventure tourism India has registered a formidable growth in recent years. For this
growth to continue, efforts must be taken by the government of India so that India ranks
alongside international destinations for adventure tourism.
India, a vast land of distinct topographical features like high mountainous regions, barren
desert areas, verdant valleys, turquoise sea etc. Amalgamation of all these geographical
features has made India an incredible land of natural beauties.
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To exhibits all these treasures troves of nature to its guests, Indian government has started
various forms of tourism within its territory. One of such forms of tourism is adventure
tourism, which is still in its infancy in India.
Gradually, adventure tourism is catching up the pace and Indian government is working
hard to make India, one of the best adventure tourism destinations in world.
What is adventure tourism?
Adventure tourism is a form of tourism that involves exploration or travel to remote or
exotic areas. This form of tourism enables the tourist or adventure seekers to engage
themselves in various kinds of outdoor recreational activities, which are provided to them
on fee-for-service basis, with a focus on experiences associated with the natural
environment.
Adventure tourism brings the tourists close to the nature, due to which it is also known as
nature-based tourism.
Adventure Tourism Zones In India:
India is a unique land having varied geographical features in its kitty. All these distinct
features are available in various regions that are the best site for adventure tourism in
India. The snow-capped mountainous region of Great Himalayas are an ideal zone for
adventure tourism in our country. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal,
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Sikkim, Upper fringes of West Bengal, are all part of Himalayan mountainous region that
are the finest zones of adventure tourism.
Apart from Himalayas, Goan beaches, desert area of Rajasthan, Western ghats and
Eastern ghats of South India, and various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are the
excellent zones for adventure tourism in India.
Adventure Tourism Destinations In India:
India has plentiful of adventure tourism destinations. Some of the popular destinations
that are brim with adventure enthusiasts throughout the year such as Leh-Ladakh,
Zanskar Valley, Kargil and Suru valley, Manali and Kullu valley, Lahual and Spiti
valley, Dharamshala and Kangra valley, Chamba valley, Kinnaur and Sangla valley,
Rishikesh, Garhwal and Kumaon valley, Darjeeling.
Even some wildlife sanctuaries and national parks such as Jim Corbett National Park, Gir
National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Kaziranga National Park which are popular
among the tourists for wildlife safaris and nature walks.
Adventure Activities In India:
India has vast range of adventure activities which are attracting loads of vacationers and
adventure seekers. Some of the best known adventure sorts of India are trekking,
mountaineering, rock climbing, cycling, skiing, heli-skiing, para gliding, hangliding, river
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rafting. These exciting sports can be done at mountainous region of Himalayas, Sahyadri
range of Western ghats etc.
Some other thrilling adventure sports are scuba diving, swimming, surfing which can be
done at the vast azure Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal. Goa, a tiny coastal land which is
famed for various kinds of water sports. Beside these you can also indulge yourself in
some other adventure sports like desert safari, wildlife safari, elephant safari, jeep safari,
nature walks at various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of India.
If you want the 'wow' factor, India has it all. No country can compete with India in terms
of its culture, climate, vegetation and adventure. The country like India has a great
potential for the adventure sports. Right from the white water rafting, trekking and
mountaineering, India promises its tourists a experience that will last for the lifetime.
India is one of the world's greatest adventure destinations. The great scope of adventure
sports in India is mainly due to the vast topological layout and diversity. The high rising
mountains, glorious deserts, lush vegetation and long stretches of pristine beaches make
India a perfect destination to indulge in numerous adventure sports on the land, water and
air. The country provides the perfect background to some of the most extreme adventure
sports. It is the opportunity for you to leave all tension behind and simply let yourself go.
The mountainous region are justly apt for the numerous challenging sports such as the
mountaineering, trekking, cliff jumping, rock climbing, mountain biking, skating, and
skiing, while the gushing river from these mountains are perfect for white water rafting,
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kayaking and conoeing. On the other hand oceans offers great scope for the marine
fishing, diving and snorkeling. On the wildlife tour to India, you can enjoy jeep safari,
elephant safari, camping, wildlife safari, forest trials, birding and tiger spotting etc. The
desert areas in India have their own distinct place in providing adventure in the form of
desert safaris, camel safaris and rural tourism. But if you think that is all, than you need
to think again...There is lot more left in the form of Hang Gliding, Hot Air Ballooning,
Para gliding etc.
Top Adventure Attractions of India
Diverse landscape of India welcomes you to world of Adventure Sports. Adventurous
sports and activities in India will surely excite you bringing out the best of travelers
passion in you. With remarkably diverse topography and climate, India promises every
adventure lover an active and healthy holidays while learning new skills and reaching
new heights. Vast open spaces of India, wilderness areas, towering mountains, vast
coastal and desert regions makes it an ideal destination for enjoying astounding variety of
adventure sports and activities. Your adventure holidays in India will not only be
adventurous but also culturally enriching experience. Vast Himalayan ramps in India
have been playing major role in adventure tourism of India and are the most important
and major tourism attraction for the adventure lovers of not only India but all over the
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world. Himalayas can be visited all round the year for experiencing the adventurous
thrills, of course avoid those two months of monsoon when clouds burst in India bringing
in lot of rain cutting off many regions and areas.
With all types of adventure activities available in India, it is very difficult to highlight
which adventure sports is best. It completely depends on the individual - which adventure
he wants to indulge in. However, there are some adventure sports which are unique and
can only be enjoyed in India. Here are major adventure attractions of India which, for
many years, have been attracting adventurers from all over the world :
Valley of Flowers Trekking
Trekking in Ladakh
Skiing in Auli
Eco Tourism in Himachal
Camel Safari
India offers all kind of adventure sports for all type of travelers. If you love to risk
yourself and feel the rush of adrenalin then there are many extreme adventure sports such
as trekking on rugged terrains of Himalayas, whitewater rafting, hang gliding, mountain
biking, rock climbing and ice climbing. If you want to be relaxed and have time of your
life with kids, family or friends then there are many soft and family adventure activities
for you to indulge in. India has all family adventure options which you dream of filling
your photo album with meaningful and joyful memories. All these have been playing
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major role in adventure tourism of India and make India major attraction for enjoying
adventurous holidays.
Now, it is up to you to decide what you want and how you are going to spend your
adventure vacations. Chose from any of the option and be sure you will never return
disappointed from the wonderful land of India.
Extreme Adventure
Soft Adventure
Adventure holidays in India offers an experience that will last for lifetime. With so many
options and variety, India should be on every adventurers list for their holidays. Skiing on
snowy slopes of Himalayan mountains, trekking on hills of Western Ghats, scuba diving
in sea waters of islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman Nicobar, camping in nature or
wild or going on tiger trails, India has more than what you can ever imagine.
Trekking in the Indian Himalayas
For the adventurous mountain trekker, few destinations are more magnetic than the
Himalayas. Their towering peaks and glaciers represent the ultimate experience in
mountaineering, and for many a journey into the Himalayas is really more like a
pilgrimage.
Three major regions of India penetrate the Himalayas, all of them exceptionally beautiful.
In the far northwest there is the province of Jammu and Kashmir, and a gorgeous region
known as Ladakh; in the northeast are the provinces of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
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More than destinations for just mountain climbers, these regions are culturally rich, often
dotted with temples and monasteries.
Those traveling to the Himalayas should keep in mind that they will generally be at very
high elevations, and therefore prone to the dangers of altitude sickness. The rule of thumb
is to always allow time to adjust to the heights, taking it slow. Warm clothes are also
necessary.
Trekking in Ladakh
One of the most remote and mythical regions of India, Ladakh is a landscape of unearthly
beauty. Carved through its center by the headwaters of the Indus River, Ladakh sits high
in a Himalayan valley between the Ladakh and Zaskar ranges, close to the Chinese
border. The wall of the Himalayas blocks precipitation, and the resulting terrain is dry,
barren, and poetically austere. Life here has remained virtually unchanged for thousands
of years.
Ladakh's biggest attraction are its ancient gompas, or Buddhist monasteries, which
contain some of Asia's greatest wonders of gold and tapestry work. It is possible to stay
overnight in some, making a trek in Ladakh curiously like a sort of pilgrimage. The
people of Ladakh, many of whom are Tibetan refugees, are famous for their friendliness
and hospitality.
For the mountaineer, the nearby Zaskar range offers some fantastic and challenging
hiking opportunities. A variety of long, mid, and short range treks, which follow rough
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trails and pass through some spectacular high-altitude mountain passes, connect the
region's gompas and villages.
It is important to note that visitors to Ladakh should take time to adjust to the high
altitude. Altitude sickness here is very common, and the best way to avoid it is to do very
little for the first couple of days in the region. Summer is the best time to come, as heavy
winter snows make it very difficult even to get to Ladakh.
Trekking in Darjeeling
Darjeeling sits at the crossroads of the eastern triangle corridor, a hidden stage of
foothills in a geographical amphitheater that looks up into the mountainous wonderlands
of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Darjeeling's name is a variation of DarjeLing, which means
"place of the thunderbolt" in Hindi. According to the Lamaist religion, this is the site
where the god Indra's scepter (a lightning bolt) fell to earth.
While Darjeeling is a place of mythical significance to its people, its value was primarily
practical to the British as the strategic gateway to Nepal and Tibet. Darjeeling also offers
a cool escape from the dust and sun of the plains below, and the British started to develop
the region as a summer retreat shortly after they arrived there in 1828. Darjeeling soon
became a haven for tea growing as well, and its cool and misty tea plantations are among
the most idyllic attractions in India.
The city of Darjeeling offers one of the most dynamic mixes of culture on the
subcontinent. Tibetan Lamas can be seen climbing the steep streets in their yellow robes,
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alongside Sherpas, Gorkhas, Gurung farmers, and people from a host of other cultures
and regions.
The high-quality trails surrounding Darjeeling and its tremendous views make it an ideal
locale for hiking. A leisurely four day hike to the top of Mount Sandakphu (3536 meters)
is rewarded with an astounding vista of the Kanchenjunga Mountains and the highest
mountain in the world, Everest. Alpine meadows and wildflowers can be seen on this
trek, and there are bungalows and field camps en route.
CHAPTER – III
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TYPES
OF ADVENTURE SPORTS
3.1 AIR ADVENTURE SPORTS
BALLOONING
Hot air ballooning as an adventure sport started in the year 1783, when two French
brothers, Joseph Michel Montgolfier and Jacques Etienne Montgolfier, created and set
aloft a 17.37-m high 'fire balloon' from the courtyard of the Versailles palace. This
massive balloon did not carry human passengers but a sheep, a rooster and a duck. The
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balloon landed safely at a distance of 3.2 km from the Versailles palace after a flight that
lasted eight minutes. In the same year, a daring person by the name of Jean Francois
Pilatre de Rozier along with his companion Marquis d'Arlandes decided to travel in a hot
air balloon. It became the first journey made by man through air, which was powered by
steam/hot air. This historic event occurred in the beautiful city of Paris and the success of
this flight gave birth to the sport of hot air ballooning.
Hot air balloons created during the period were generally known as Montgolfier balloons.
They were also referred to as 'fire balloons' because they carried a brazier containing
burning coals, which produced steam/hot air. However, these balloons were dangerous
because the brazier could alight the fabric of the balloon. Apart from the constant hazard
of fire, hot air balloons also faced some other problems. They would come down to the
ground once the steam/hot air filled within them cooled down. Moreover, they could only
move in the direction of the wind and not against it. Hot air balloons used today for flying
are a highly refined version of the Montgolfier balloons that flew in the 18th century
In India, hot air ballooning as an adventure sport is quite new. The Balloon Club of India,
which was established in 1970 in New Delhi, is the premiere organization pertaining to
this adventure sport in India. The sport is rapidly gaining popularity among the adventure
seekers.
BASE JUMPING
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BASE jumping grew out of skydiving. BASE jumps are generally made from much lower
altitudes than skydives, and a BASE jump takes place close to the object serving as the
jump platform. Because BASE jumps generally entail slower airspeeds than typical
skydives (due to the limited altitude), a BASE jumper rarely achieves terminal velocity.
Because higher airspeeds enable jumpers more
aerodynamic control of their bodies, as well as more positive and quick parachute
openings, the longer the delay, the better.
BUNJEE JUMPING
Bungee Jumping Great Adventure Sports, is both a spectacular attraction and an
exhilarating experience for all who participate, attracting people from a wide background
and a broad spectrum of age groups. The average age of jumpers is between 16 and 40,
but the limit is 14 to 50. Spectators of all ages stand in awe, witnessing the many people
who just have to do it.
Bungee Jumping Great Adventure Sports originated on the South Pacific Island of
Vanuatu with the natives performing it as part of their manhood ritual, leaping from
bamboo towers with only wines tied to their ankles.
The world’s first great Bungee jump, occurred on April Fools Day 1979, when four
jumpers performed a completely unauthorized leap, simultaneously from Bristol’s Clifton
Suspension Bridge using elasticized rubber ropes. Soon after, red-blooded adrenaline
seekers across the world embraced this thrilling and intriguing new sport that owes
everything to plain, raw nerve!
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HANG GLIDING
Hang gliding is an air sport in which a pilot flies a light and unmotorized foot-launchable
aircraft called a hang glider (also known as Delta plane or Deltaplane).
Most modern hang gliders are made of an aluminium alloy orcomposite-framed fabric
wing. The pilot is ensconced in a harness suspended from the airframe, and exercises
control by shifting body weight in opposition to a control frame, but other devices,
including modern aircraft flight control systems, may be used. In the sport's early days,
pilots were restricted to gliding down small hills on low-performance hang gliders.
However, modern technology gives pilots the ability to soar for hours, gain thousands of
feet of altitude in thermal updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country for
hundreds of miles.
PARAGLIDING
Paragliding is the most simple form to fly and all you require is a para glider. A
paraglider is a non-motorized, foot-launched inflatable wing, which is easy to transport,
launch, and land. It is constructed of rip-stop nylon or high stress polyester fabric. The
pilot is clipped into a harness and is in a comfortable sitting position. The harness and the
Paraglider attached by sturdy kevlar lines. The Para gliders can fly in the air for hours
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with the help of the glider and climb to altitudes, more than 10,000 feet high or opt for
cross-country flying adventure covering vast distances
Ofcourse you need to be physically fit, but do not try to make too many stunts in this
sports as its an out door activity and Mother Nature is full of surprises. But if you are
mentally alert and strong, you can by pass any hurdle of paragliding. You need to know
how to fly a glider. If you are new to this sport, better learn the basics first. The basic
techniques of para gliding include – launching, turning and landing.
3.2 LAND ADVENTURE SPORTS
ABSEILING, FREEFALL, RAPPELLING, RAP JUMPING
Rappelling is also known as Abseiling and originated as a means of a quick and safe
descent after a climb. The idea was to slide down a rope with sufficient friction provided
as to make the speed of descent controllable. Rappelling is now a full-fledged skill by
itself and finds application among
various fields where people work on high vertical faces and need a portable means of
descent that is also reasonably quick to set-up.
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A typical session begins with an introduction of the activity with information about
climbing and rappelling equipment like karabiners, descenders, harnesses and rappelling
ropes.
There is a demonstration of rappelling techniques and anchoring and safety system
followed by guided attempts by participants. Rappelling tools and equipment are slightly
different from those used for rock climbing, though they are similar. The difference is in
equipment that facilitates descent –descenders, ropes designed to pass through descenders
efficiently, mittens to prevent rope burn, etc.
Rappelling safety focuses not only on arrest of falls, but controlling the speed of descent.
You are attached to a rope via a harness and some hardware that you will come to know
as a karabiner and descender. The rope passes through a figure 8 descender. Instruction
helps participants learn how to control the friction and slow its movement. Speed of
descent can be controlled by simply arresting the movement of the rope, so that it can’t
pass through the descender as fast (or not at all, if you need to stop).
ADVENTURE RACING
Adventure racing is a combination of two or more endurance disciplines, including
orienteering (if an orienteering map is used) and/or navigation (when non-orienteering
maps are used), cross-country running, mountain biking, paddling and climbing and
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related rope skills. An expedition event can span ten days or more while sprints can be
completed in a matter of hours. There is typically no dark period during races,
irrespective of length; competitors must choose if or when to rest.
Adventure racing historically required teams to be of a specified size and to include both
men and women, but many races no longer restrict team size and include single-sex
divisions. Some also include age-based categories.
BOULDERING
Bouldering is a style of climbing emphasizing power, strength, and dynamics. Its focus is
on individual moves or short sequences of moves, unlike traditional climbing or sport
climbing, which generally demand more endurance over longer stretches of rock where
the difficulty of individual moves is not as great. Boulder routes are commonly referred
to as problems (a British appellation) because the nature of the climb is often short,
curious, and much like problem solving. Sometimes these problems are eliminates,
meaning certain artificial restrictions are imposed. Bouldering is more focused on the
technique of climbing instead of undertaking a full bodied climb.
To reduce the risk of injury from a fall, climbers rarely go higher than 3–5 meters above
the ground. Anything over 7 meters is generally considered to be free-soloing (or simply
'soloing'), although such climbs might also be termed high-ball bouldering problems. For
further protection, climbers typically put a bouldering mat (crash pad) on the ground to
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break their fall. Lastly, climbers often have one or more spotters, who work to direct the
climber's body toward the crash pad during a fall, while protecting the climber's head
from hazards.
CAVING
Caving is often undertaken for the enjoyment of the outdoor activity or for physical
exercise, as well as original exploration, similar to mountaineering or diving. Physical or
biological science is also an important goal for some cavers. Virgin cave systems
comprise some of the last unexplored regions on Earth and much effort is put into trying
to locate and enter them. In well-explored regions (such as most first-world countries),
the most accessible caves have already been explored, and gaining access to new caves
often requires digging or diving.
Caves have been explored out of necessity (for shelter from the elements or from
enemies), out of curiosity or for mystical reasons for thousands of years. However, only
in the last century or two has the activity developed into a sophisticated, athletic pastime.
In recent decades caving has changed considerably due to the availability of modern
protective wear and equipment. It has recently come to be known as an "extreme sport"
by some (though not commonly considered as such by its practitioners, who may dislike
the term for its perceived connotation of disregard for safety).
CLIMBING AND ICE CLIMBING
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Ice climbing, as the term indicates, is the activity of ascending inclined ice formations.
Usually, ice climbing refers to roped and protected climbing of features such as icefalls,
frozen waterfalls, and cliffs and rock slabs covered with ice refrozen from flows of water.
For the purposes of climbing, ice can be broadly divided into two spheres, alpine ice and
water ice. Alpine ice is found in a mountain environment, usually requires an approach to
reach, and is often climbed in an attempt to summit a mountain. Water ice is usually
found on a cliff or other outcropping beneath water flows.
Alpine ice is frozen precipitation whereas water ice is a frozen liquid flow of water.
Most alpine ice is generally one component of a longer routes and often less technical,
have more in common with standard glacier travel, while water ice is selected largely for
its technical challenge. Still technical grade is independent of ice type and both types of
ice vary greatly in consistency according to weather conditions. Ice can be soft, hard,
brittle or tough.
KARTING
Kart racing or Karting is a variant of open-wheel motor sport with small, open, four-
wheeled vehicles called karts, go-karts, orgearbox/shifter karts depending on the design.
They are usually raced on scaled-down circuits. Karting is commonly perceived as the
stepping stone to the higher and more expensive ranks of motorsports.
Karts vary widely in speed and some (known as Superkarts) can reach speeds exceeding
160 miles per hour (260 km/h), while go-karts intended for the general public in
amusement parks may be limited to speeds of no more than 15 miles per hour (24 km/h).
A KF1 kart, with a 125 cc 2-stroke engine and an overall weight including the driver of
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150 kilograms has a top speed of 85 miles per hour (137 km/h). It takes a little more than
3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph with a 125 cc shifter kart (6 gears), with a top speed of
115 miles per hour (185 km/h) on long circuits.
KITE LANDBOARDING, KITE BUNGGYING, BUNGGY JUMPING
Kite landboarding also known as Land kite boarding or fly boarding, is based on the ever-
growing sport of Kite surfing, where a rider on a surf-style board is pulled over water by
a kite. Kite landboarding involves the use of a mountain board or land board, which is
essentially an oversized skateboard with large pneumatic wheels and foot-straps. Kite
landboarding is a growing sport, and there are several competitions. Kite landboarding is
attracting growing publicity although it is not yet as popular or as well known as Kite
surfing.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking is a sport which consists of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough
terrain, using specially adapted mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with
other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in
rough terrain.
Mountain biking can generally be broken down into multiple categories: cross country,
trail riding, all mountain, downhill, free ride, street riding, dirt jumping and trials. The
vast majority of mountain biking falls into the recreational XC and Trail Riding
categories.
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This individual sport requires endurance, core strength and balance, bike handling skills
and self-reliance. XC type mountain biking generally requires a smaller range of skills
but a higher level of fitness than other types of mountain biking. Advanced riders pursue
steep technical descents and, in the case of freeriding, downhilling, and dirt jumping,
aerial maneuvers off of specially constructed jumps and ramps.
Mountain biking can be performed almost anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road,
but the majority of mountain bikers ride off-road trails, whether country back roads, fire
roads, or single track (narrow trails that wind through forests, mountains, deserts, or
fields). There are aspects of mountain biking that are more similar to trail running than
regular bicycling. Because riders are often far from civilization, there is a strong ethic of
self-reliance in the sport. Riders learn to repair their broken bikes or flat tires to avoid
being stranded miles from help. This reliance on survival skills accounts for the group
dynamics of the sport. Club rides and other forms of group rides are common, especially
on longer treks. A combination sport named mountain bike orienteering adds the skill of
map navigation to mountain biking.
MOUNTAIN BOARDING
Mountain boarding, also known as Dirt boarding, Off road Boarding, Grass Boarding,
and All-Terrain Boarding (ATB), is a well established[1] if little-known extreme sport,
derived from snowboarding. A mountain board is made up of components including a
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deck, bindings to secure the rider to the deck, four wheels with pneumatic tires, and two
steering mechanisms known as trucks. Mountain boarders, also known as riders, ride
specifically designed boarder cross tracks, slope style parks, grass hills, woodlands,
gravel tracks, streets, skate parks, ski resorts, BMX courses and mountain bike trails. It is
this ability to ride such a variety of terrain that makes mountain boarding different from
other board sports.
PARKOUR AND FREE RUNNING
The term free running is sometimes used interchangeably with parkour. While free
running is more to do with expressing yourself within your environment, parkour is
aiming to get from A to B the fastest. However, there is some controversy over the exact
definitions of the two terms. Many "parkour purists" say that the biggest difference has to
do with theatrics. Free-running involves a lot of trick moves, particularly aerial rotations
and spins. Because these moves are merely showy, not
economical, and do not help the participant to get from place to place, they are
considered contrary to the nature of parkour.
ZORBING
Zorbing (globe-riding, sphereing, orbing) is the recreation of rolling downhill in an orb,
generally made of transparent plastic. Zorbing is generally performed on a gentle slope,
but can also be done on a level surface, permitting more rider control. In the absence of
hills some operators have constructed inflatable, wooden or metal ramps. There are two
types of orbs, harnessed and non-harnessed. Non-harness orbs carry up to three riders,
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while the harness orbs are constructed for one to two riders. Double-harness spheres have
different slope requirements, and must only be operated in specific locations. The longer
runs are approximately half a mile.
3.3 WATER ADVENTURE SPORTS
BODYBOARDING
Body boarding is a surface water sport (sometimes called Boogieboarding). The average
board consists of a small, rectangular piece of hydrodynamic foam with a stringer in the
middle of the board for additional support. Bodyboarding also consists of swimming fins
for additional propulsion during takeoff, which Boogieboarding does not require. The
board can be shaped and adapted to different riding styles such as prone, drop-knee, and
stand up, considering the size of the rider. Bodyboarding has been growing very rapidly
over the last couple of decades and has now developed into one of the fastest growing
sports of all time.
CANOEING AND KAYAKING
Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking and Canoeing are also
known as paddling. Kayaking is generally differentiated from canoeing by the sitting
position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is defined by the
International Canoe Federation (the world sanctioning body) as a boat where the paddler
faces forward, legs in front, using a double bladed paddle.
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Almost all kayaks have closed decks, although there are many sit-on-top kayaks which
are growing in popularity, as well as inflatable kayaks which come without decks but
which have air chambers surrounding the boat. A canoe is defined as a boat where the
paddler faces forward and sits or kneels in the boat, using a single bladed paddle. Canoes
can be closed deck or open deck.
CANYONING
Canyoning is traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other
outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and/or
swimming.
Although hiking down a canyon that is non-technical (canyon hiking) is often referred to
as canyoneering, the terms canyoning and canyoneering are more often associated with
technical descents — those that require rappels (abseils) and ropework, technical
climbing or down-climbing, technical jumps, and/or technical swims.
Canyoning is frequently done in remote and rugged settings and often requires
navigational, route-finding and other wilderness travel skills.
Canyons that are ideal for canyoning are often cut into the bedrock stone, forming narrow
gorges with numerous drops, beautifully sculpted walls, and sometimes spectacular
waterfalls. Most canyons are cutinto limestone, sandstone, granite or basalt, though other
rock types are found. Canyons can be very easy or extremely difficult, though emphasis
in the sport is usually on aesthetics and fun rather than pure difficulty.
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A wide variety of canyoning routes are found throughout the world, and canyoning is
enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Canyoning gear includes climbing hardware, static ropes, helmets, wetsuits, and specially
designed shoes, packs, and rope bags. While canyoners have used and adapted climbing,
hiking, and river running gear for years, more and more specialized gear is invented and
manufactured as canyoning popularity increases.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an
inflatableraft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white
water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers.
The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid-
1970s.
CHAPTER – IV
PROFILE
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4.1 INDUSTRY PROFILE
We are a catalyst, a hub, a refuge, a facilitator. We are the Adventure Travel Trade
Association (ATTA), a global membership organization and home to a thriving
community of more than 550 responsible, profitable businesses, destinations and media
who transform customers and businesses alike into advocates for sustainability and
justice worldwide. Our members leaders include tour operators, destination marketing
organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media
and service providers.
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We, the ATTA, are driven to help adventure tourism businesses and destinations
worldwide succeed. We exist to bring our members opportunities that drive new
customers, lower costs and increase returns on investment. We work to implement
industry standards, face and address thorny issues, tackle initiatives that get adventure
travel in front of the mainstream culture, and work to get others who should be investing
in this industry educated about who the adventure traveler is, and the responsibilities we
share to protect the people and places we visit. We’re working to ensure the sustainable
development of the adventure tourism industry, with our sights set on people, planet and
profit.
As a global networking, business strategy, professional development, promotional and
educational force, the ATTA exists to:
Promote and grow the adventure travel market
Provide exclusive professional support, development, marketing, business building and
cost-saving resources to ATTA members
Provide a unifying voice for the industry that promotes and facilitates knowledge sharing,
networking and a common vision
Research, anticipate, interpret and share travel, consumer and industry trends
Identify, understand and rally industry leaders to tackle pressing issues, while propelling
growth initiatives.
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Define “adventure travel” and establish “best practices” and operating standards
Encourage sustainable and environmentally and culturally sensitive adventure travel
practices
Structure
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is a privately held, for-profit industry
trade group that serves to network, educate, professionalize and promote the adventure
travel industry.
Our core philosophy: We want our members, partners and sponsors to join and renew
annually as members of the ATTA because members’ business objectives are being
served effectively by the networking, collaboration, services, events, advocacy,
educational programs and resources provided throughout the year by the ATTA for the
benefit of the global adventure travel community. There is no ‘obligation’ to support us
as an industry organization – the ATTA succeeds only by serving its members and by
advancing responsible and sustainable adventure travel practices.
Adventure tourism and its growth
The ministry of tourism is responsible for its significant growth in the last couple of
years. They campaigned for ‘Incredible India’ which gave a whole new angle to the
tourism of India. The campaign created a vibrant image of India in the mind of tourists
and created a buzz among tourists. With tourism other small scale industries such as
handicrafts, horticulture, constructions and agriculture have grown.
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A staggering 20 million people work in India’s tourism industry which is a great example
of India’s tourism and is great for India’s economy.
According to PHD chamber of commerce and industry, adventure tourism in India has
immense potential and has the potential to be number one in getting revenue from abroad.
Some reports have revealed that the current figures are US $91 million and is expected to
reach 20$ billion by 2010.
The future is even brighter. The GDP rise due to tourism is predicted to be 0.2% in 2009.
Similarly earnings from exports of tourism goods are predicted to produce 6% of total
exports. Despite of recession, tourism industry is expected to grow between the years
2007 – 2017.
Indian tourism is vibrant and has the capacity to put India on the maps of being a global
destination. It is the most flourishing and thriving industries in the world today and the
future is also far from being bleak.
4.2 COMPANY PROFILE
Welcome to Treks ‘n Rapids. We have been voted India’s No.1 Adventure Sports
Company three times in a row (Brand Preference & Brand Equity; Source: IITR Thomso.
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2005/06/07), the company has an experience of servicing over 200 corporate clients,
12000 adventure seekers from India & abroad, and operations in over 30 locations.
Treks ‘n Rapids brings in all the expertise you were looking for and has a clear vision to
be India’s leading adventure travel and corporate training company with focus on best
business practices, safety and maximum variety through constant R&D and innovation.
Here at Treks ‘n Rapids we’ve thrown desks, paperclips and the worldly temptations to
the wind so that we can make our passion for adventure sports yours. In early 2002 a few
young blokes founded Treks ‘n Rapids. They all came from diverse backgrounds –
tourism, hospitality, consultancy, engineering, media and human resource management.
But all of them had one thing in common: adventure. Founded by the alumni of Narsee
Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai (NMIMS) and Harvard Business
School, Treks ‘n Rapids has been fairy tallish journey that started with heaps of passion,
thoroughly grounded homework and a crystal clear vision to develop a niche for
ourselves by providing world a class adventure travel experiences and superiorly
differentiated Experiential Learning Programmes to the new age travelers, families and
corporates.
The idea was to deliver products and services that ensure Sustainable Euphoria to our
clients. Be it Out of the Box offbeat and adventure holidays for just about everyone (that
go on to become the hottest topics of discussion at the social interactions and the
favourite photos over the dinner tables), application oriented Corporate Experiential
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Learning Programmes or giving an access to the most extensive range of world class
adventure gear that adventure lovers and allied organizations always wished for!!
Quiet clearly, Treks ‘n Rapids is India’s first & only 360 degree integration adventure
travel company. Our portfolio of activities covers virtually every imaginable adventure
sport, handpicked offbeat destinations across India & the Sub-continent, Corporate
Outbound Training Programmes (in-house team of highly experienced and competent
trainers and supporting resources), adventure sports programmes for Kids, Certificate
Programmes in Adventure Sports, Adventure Gear Stores and a chain of self owned
properties (campsites, resorts, spas) specifically developed from the perspective of eco
sensitivity, offbeat recreation and Experiential Learning.
With a very high level of customer centric focus, we have developed a Minimum
Response Time Mechanism which ensures that you get a super speedy response to all
your queries
Achievements & Milestones
Among a few firsts, Treks ‘n Rapids is the only adventure sports & Experiential Learning
company in India to have been taken as a Case Study in management by scholars from
leading B Schools including JBIMS, NMIMS, SP Jain, MDI Gurgaon, IMI, FMS, MICA
and IMT Ghaziabad to name a few.
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Voted No. 1 in brand preference and brand equity, as India’s most popular Adventure
Travel and Experiential Learning company, in three consecutive years, as per market
research conducted by IITR Thomso.
In 2002, Treks ‘n Rapids was promoted on AXN Channel as India’s Hottest Adventure
Sports company. We became on of the first adventure sports company in India to have an
association with this leading international adventure and lifestyle channel.
Successfully conducted, India’s first camping and mountain sports event for physically
and mentally impaired children in the Himalayas.
Launched India’s first adventure sports park at Rishikesh in November 2008. The
inauguration was done by Hon’ble Minister of Tourism (Uttarakhand)
Just a few milestones, complementing our constant endeavors to better ourselves.
Social Responsibility
3DCSR
Corporate Social Responsibility is not a jargon for us. In fact, we do not even consider it
as a responsibility. It is something that we voluntarily do at Treks ‘n Rapids… because
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we cannot be existing any other way. We follow a Multi Dimensional Approach towards
CSR, and here is what constitutes our raison d’etre:
Heal the Earth, Heal Ourselves
At Treks ‘n Rapids, anything and everything we do involves a direct contact with our
environment. Be it climbing rocks or river rafting or parasailing or sleeping under the
stars, we are always connected to nature. We believe that we are responsible for
generating and preserving our own environment in such a way that future generation may
experience it as it is today. We believe in reveling in what our surroundings offer and yet
leaving them as pure as untouched. We believe in eco-tourism. This means:
Using eco-friendly equipments for various outdoor activities
Using recyclable material wherever possible
Our camp sites don't disturb any wildlife
Picking up our own litter
Educating about preservation of environment
Working closely with our local environment groups
Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.
Think Global, Act Local
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At Treks ‘n Rapids, we have a vision to be make an indelible mark on the world's
adventure tourism map. And we make sure this doesn't happen without the support of
local hands. Our programs are spread across scattered pockets of geography which is
varied on only in its terrain but in its culture, language and identity. We have ingrained
this diversity in our programs by:
Employing the local people as our staff
Using local suppliers wherever possible
Not exploiting local resources
Providing opportunities for cultural exchange
Contributing in community development programs
Sensitizing our members about cultural diversity so that no sentiments are inadvertently
hurt
Honest Ventures, Happy Adventures
At Treks ‘n Rapids we maintain complete transparency in all our ventures. This is not a
policy or directive that we have to follow; it is our way of life, the foundation on which
this organization stands. We believe in:
Employing fair business practices
No discrimination against race, color, caste, creed, gender and religion
Honest pricing of all our packages
Complete information to our clients
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Periodical review of our internal processes
CHAPTER – V
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LITERATURE SURVEY
5.1 Reliability test (t-test) for each question:
This test helps in determining whether a question is well understood and it is able to
distinguish between two classes of respondents: One who wish to ‘Rate High’ and the
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other who wish to ‘Rate Low’. For such questions the null hypothesis of a two tailed t-
test should get rejected when applied to test if there is any significant difference between
the mean responses of top quartile and the bottom quartile of respondents in an ordered
list. The null hypothesis for each question in the questionnaire was rejected at 0.05 level
of significance. Hence analyses were carried out with all the questions.
Motivational factors for adventure sports:-
Provides thrill
Requires zeal/energy
Spells status
Builds confidence
Helps in personality development
Instills self-belief
Creates unique identity
Is a stress buster
Helps in goal-setting
Is challenging
Requires toughness
Builds sense of achievement
Is a unique experience
It is fun/adventure
Improved technology has reduced risk
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Cronbach’s alpha, KMO and Bartlett’s test
Sports type No. of respondents No. of valid cases Cronbach’s alpha KMO of sampling
adequacy Bartlett’s test of sphericity
Mountain 51 46 0.917 0.818 Reject H0
Kayaking 32 29 0.944 0.739 Reject H0
Extreme 40 39 0.947 0.824 Reject H0
Paragliding 37 34 0.932 0.773 Reject H0
Adventure 57 57 0.874 0.810 Reject H0
Table 3: Factor analysis and identification of dimensions
Alignment of factors
No. of factors Total variations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sports type extracted explained Dimension 1 Dimension 2
Mountain Two 60.33 5, 6, 15, 4, 7, 9, 3 and 13 1, 2, 14, 8, 10, 11 and 12
Kayaking Two 70.23 5, 4, 6, 9, 7, 15, 11, 2 and 3 14, 1, 13, 12, 8 and 10
Extreme Two 71.44 6, 4, 5, 7, 9, 3, 15 and 8 1, 10, 13, 14, 11, 2 and 12
Paragliding Two 66.34 6, 7, 9, 15, 5, 4, 12, 8, 14 and 3 11, 13, 1, 2 and 10
Adventure Two 56.56 7, 6, 5, 9, 4 and 3 14, 13, 10, 15, 1, 12, 2, 8 and 11
5.2 Reliability of data captured:
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Summated scales are often used in survey instruments to probe underlying constructs that
the researcher wants to measure. These may consist of indexed responses to dichotomous
or multi-point questions, which are later summed to arrive at a resultant score associated
with a particular question. The question of reliability arises as the function of scales is
stretched to encompass the realm of prediction. One of the most popular reliability
statistics in use today is Cronbach’s alpha. It determines the internal consistency or
average correlation of items in a survey instrument to gauge its reliability.
Table 2 displays the number of respondents obtained for each type of sports and for the
adventure sport as a whole. Cronbach Alphas in all five cases are more than 0.874
indicating that reliability is high.
5.3 Validity test for questionnaire:
Analyses were done first for each of the four types of sports. In Factor
Analysis only two composite variables (dimensions) were extracted. The alignments of
fifteen variables were noted and these were compared with the composite variables
extracted for the combined responses of all 57 respondents to question number 10. These
five alignments were found to be highly consistent (Table 3). This establishes the validity
of the questionnaire.
5.4 RESULTS
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KMO and Bartlett’s test of sphericity:
In each case KMO is found to be more than 0.7 and the null hypothesis for Bartlett’s test
is rejected. This implies that the observed correlation matrix in each case is significantly
(at 0.05 level of significance) different than an identity matrix. Hence data reduction can
be carried out.
Table 4: Rotated component matrix
Component
----------------------------
(For adventure) 1 2
14. It is fun/adventure 0.870 -0.034
13. Is a unique experience 0.828 0.109
10. Is challenging 0.770 0.359
15. Improved technology has reduced risk 0.711 0.072
1. Thrill 0.684 -0.044
12. Builds sense of achievement 0.629 0.473
2. Requires zeal/energy 0.598 0.421
8. Is a stress buster 0.592 0.091
11. Requires toughness 0.591 0.497
7. Creates unique identity 0.043 0.784
6. Instills self-belief 0.285 0.768
5. Helps in personality development 0.285 0.753
9. Helps in goal-setting 0.080 0.695
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4. Builds confidence 0.511 0.552
3. Spells status -0.202 0.429
Note:
Extraction method: Principal component analysis; Rotation method: Varimax with
Kaiser Normalization; Rotation converged in 3 iterations
5.5 Factor analysis and total variance explained:
In each of the five cases (Adventure, Mountain, Kayaking, Extreme and Paragliding) two
factors were extracted. The total variance explained is more than 56% in each case (Table
3). The rotated component matrix of Factor analysis as applied to question number 10 is
reproduced in Table 4. The composite variables as indicated by the two dimensions (Fig.
1) have been labelled as:
Characteristics of the self like: Building confidence, personality development, sense of
achievement, status, self-belief and help in goal setting.
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Characteristics of the adventure sports encompassing: Thrill, challenge, fun, toughness
and zeal required.
Based on the identified factors, the population was successfully discriminated on the
basis of two separate categorical variables namely, gender and spending pattern of
participants. In the analysis over 73% in case of gender (77% in case of spending) of
original grouped cases have been correctly classified.
5.6 DISCUSSION
This study establishes that all the fifteen factors as identified by previous researches
contribute towards building motivation for the adventure sports. It further suggests that
factors influencing the motivation to participate do not differ for adventure sports such as
Mountain sports, Kayaking, Extreme Sports and Para Gliding.
The participation in adventure sport is influenced by two factors: Characteristics of self
and the Characteristics of the sport.
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CHAPTER – V
CONCLUSION
6.1 CONCLUSION
This study has brought out that the adventure sport enthusiasts are concerned about two
factors:
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They feel that participation in adventure sports will help in building confidence;
developing personality; enjoying the sense of achievement; displaying status; developing
increased self-belief and in goal setting
They expect that the adventure sport should provide thrill, challenge and fun. It should
pose tough situation and should require high level of enthusiasm for participation.
Accordingly, in order to attract participants, the firm Treks `n Rapids should design
communication messages highlighting these two aspects.
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Websites
www.treksnrapids.com
www.snowleapardadventures.com
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www.kalypsoadventures.com
www.wanderlustadventures.com
www.hamaraholidays.com
www.jwarna.com
www.mohanchatti.com
www.whisperingpines.co.in
www.aranyam.in
www.whitewaterrafting.com
www.travelocity.com
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