Pumping adrenaline, a rush of air, and literally no ground beneath your feet... want to challenge your guts? Then head to Rishikesh, where the thrilling sport of bungee jumping awaits you.

The city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand whose major tourist attractions lie in its holy spots is now becoming a hub for adventure sports in the country.

One such zone is located 13 km from the town of Rishikesh at Mohanchatti village and offers a mix of adventure sports with its focus on bungee jumping.

The brainchild of an ex-army officer Rahul Nigam, the company ‘Jumpin Heights' has a team of ex-armymen overseeing its day-to-day operations.

“Prior to this, bungee was not done professionally, it took more than four years for the idea to conceptualise. We started in October 2010,” says Colonel Manoj Kumar (Retd), Executive Director, Jumpin Heights.

At 83 metres jump height, the Bungee jump is done by jumping from a cantilever platform built over a rocky cliff.

Rubber chords are tied to the ankle of the jumper for safety.

“Safety standards offered by Jumpin Heights in India are comparable to safety standards and practices followed in Australia and New Zealand. Our trained staff looks at safety first with guidance from experienced jump masters from these countries,” says Rahul Nigam, ex-army officer and Director, Jumpin Heights.

A person has to be medically fit to perform the jump. Minimum required weight is 35 kg and minimum age is twelve.

“People suffering from heart complaints and blood pressure are not fit to jump,” Col. Kumar said.

The set-up has been designed by experts from New Zealand.

“Six youths from neighbouring areas of Rishikesh are currently receiving training to be jump masters from the New Zealand support staff,” Col. Kumar added.

In more than 14,000 jumps taken so far, the back-out rate is a mere 10 per cent according to records. While 7 per cent males refused to take the plunge, the female back out percentage comparatively at 3 per cent is very low.

“I was afraid of heights, I came here to get that fear out. It was even better than rafting, it is quite affordable too,” Prateek, one of the students said after the jump.

Each jump is priced at Rs 2,500, while there are combo packages for Bungee and flying fox at Rs 3,000 and 4,000.

The landscape of surrounding hills and a scenic river flowing under the jump platform is a major attraction for tourists.

The company also plans to explore skydiving in the near future.

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