After a whirlwind trip across Australia, that has lasted 18 days, I arrive in Sydney for the finale which is headed for a thrilling crescendo as I decided to save the most exhilarating activity on the trip, skydiving, for the end.
Skydiving in Wollongong
Both nerves and excitement grip me as I embark on the one and half hour journey to Wollongong, whose stunning coastline and vibrant cityscape, makes it a picture perfect setting for the dive. I don a skydive suit, buckle up the harness and then listen carefully to the detailed instructions on how to jump and land. My anticipation builds up as along with my tandem guide, Mich, I board the bus to the airstrip where the aircraft is waiting to take us on what promises to be one of the most memorable flights of my life.
As the harness is rechecked and I enter the plane, my mouth turns dry. I am sixth in line for the jump. My heart pounds with ever increasing pace as the plane takes off and goes ever-higher to the cruising altitude, from where we are supposed to jump. My palpitations seem to be increasing in tandem with the altitude of the aircraft.
But the moment when the first person jumps off the plane, my fear melts away. Now I am super excited and cannot wait to leap. Sure enough, before I know it, I am hurtling towards the ground along with my guide from a height of 15,000 feet (about 4600 m). I scream “wow” as the strong wind makes my cheeks flap during the free fall. Mich taps me on the shoulder and I free my hands. I feel liberated as I float like a bird in the air and want this sense of serenity to linger forever. Then there is a sudden pull as the parachute opens. After gliding for about five minutes, I land smoothly near the bright, blue ocean. The exultation I feel will stay with me forever.
この記事は India Outbound の November - December 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は India Outbound の November - December 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
La Mamounia is an oasis for travellers
In order to cement its foothold in the Indian market, Moroccan luxury resort La Mamounia, located in the picturesque town of Marrakech, recently organised a visit to Mumbai and Delhi, engaging with top-tier travel industry partners from India. General Manager Pierre Jochem tells India Outbound that the resort, which recently completed 100 years, is targetting the Indian visitors seeking to explore Morrocan art, culture and heritage, besides its captivating beauty.
Africa has come a long way as travel destination for Indians
The perception of Africa as a tourism destination has come a long way in India as travellers from India have gone beyond safaris to discover other elements that make travel to Africa attractive. The change is not just amongst Indian tourists, but destinations have also learnt more about their Indian clients and are taking steps to customise their offer to the Indian visitors, writes Alpa Jani, Founder, Ace Connect, a tourism marketing company.
ASCENIC RAIL TRIP ACROSS BALKANS
A rail journey through the Western Balkans, from Serbia's vibrant capital Belgrade to the culturally rich Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a more tranquil, scenic way to explore the region's breathtaking mountains, lakes and historical towns at a leisurely pace.
Shahnaz Husain's cool tips for skincare during travel
Celebrity beautician and hair care expert Shahnaz Husain tells India Outbound on her secrets for skin-care and hair-care while travelling.
Plovdiv: Timeless jewel in Bulgarian crown
With a history spanning over two millennia, Plovdiv is not only one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, but also a vibrant conduit linking Bulgaria's past and its present.
Navigating Natural Wonders of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
For us city dwellers, even the sound of a cuckoo might seem exotic. So now imagine discovering a vastness filled with shifting dunes and interlaced emerald lagoons.
Explore the Jewel of Southern Spain, Seville
Home to one of the largest historic centres of Europe and three world heritage sites, the stunning city of Seville, located by the picturesque Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, offers tourists an experience rich in history, culture, art, gastronomy and much more.
UPI IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A GAME CHANGER FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS
Having revolutionised digital transactions in India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now expanding globally. After tepid beginnings in the immediate neighbourhood, UPI is gaining acceptance in many countries making a win-win for Indian tourists and businesses overseas that are increasingly eager to tap the burgeoning Indian outbound travel market.
Debuting at COP29, can tourism lead march towards curbing carbon emissions?
Tourism will make its debut in global climate change negotiations in the next round of discussions, COP29, that opens in Baku later this month. So far, the discussions have spectacularly failed to produce any notable outcome, besides platitudes and numerous missed commitments. The global tourism industry has a golden opportunity to lead the way and show the world the true path to curbing carbon emissions. But the sector's own record in this aspect is hardly blemishless.
Bintan Island: SEESE
A haven of nature, with thriving flora and fauna, the Indonesian island of Bintan, that is barely an hour away from Singapore by ferry and comes with easy visa regimes, is an ideal extension for any Indian visitor to Singapore, looking to add a touch of wilderness to the experience.
