With the heart racing, adrenaline pumping, limbs going numb while standing on the edge of the platform with the feet attached to a bungee cord, the anxious few moments before the free fall seem endless. Well, it might seem scary but the experience is life-altering. Who would have thought that jumping from scary heights would be so much fun? But trust me, it is!
So, for all the adventure junkies who love the thrill of an adrenaline rush, the Government of Goa, Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in association with Jumpin Heights, successfully launched India’s second bungee jumping destination in North Goa recently. Goa, known for its clear waters and pristine beaches, is undoubtedly the party hub of the nation and with the launch of the bungee jumping, people visiting Goa can experience the thrill of adventure sports apart from water sports of course.
Jumpin Heights is owned and run by ex-army officer, Capt Rahul Nigam, who introduced bungee jumping in Rishikesh in 2010 and has managed to change the face of adventure tourism in India. According to a recent survey, they have been acknowledged as having played a key role in making Rishikesh the adventure capital of India.
On the occasion of the launch, Nigam said, “A little hand-holding by an organisation like GTDC goes a long way in setting up such projects and facilitates ease of doing business.”
Talking about the advent of adventure tourism in India, Nigam said that when they started off in 2010, India was not perceived as a ‘safe’ bet. A lot of questions were asked as to whether Indians will do bungee jumping and also whether they will have the confidence to do it with an Indian company. “All these questions motivated us to train hard and rehearse the drills, rehearse emergency procedures, check and recheck all safety equipment,” said director and founder of Jumpin Heights. Till date, they have successfully operated more than 80,000 jumps. “The team adheres to Australia and New Zealand safety standards for the operation of bungee jumps,” he added.
Prepping up
The 55 metres bungee jumping platform stands tall over the gorgeous Mayem Lake, in North Goa, about a 45-minute drive from the popular Baga Beach. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountains on its sides, the serenity that this place offers enhances the experience of the jump.
As soon as I reached the location, there was an orientation briefing where experts told me about the dos and dont’s and made me fill an indemnity waiver form. After the briefing, I had to empty my pockets and deposit all the valuables in the locker there. The instructors then divided us into groups as per our weight.
Once I reached the cantilever bungee platform, the experts fastened me to a full-body harness and gave a comprehensive safety briefing about how to make the proper jump. Next, they connected the bungee cord to the middle of my strap and connected it to my feet. I was tied to a rope and went through four-people (the four jump masters) check with a backup safety harness in case of emergencies.
Having done bungee jumping before in Rishikesh, I was confident that I would do it easily again as the height was lesser than the one in Rishikesh, which is 83 metres. However, I was wrong. At the event, I talked to an adventure junkie and a pro at bungee jumping Niharika Nigam who said, “Most people believe that height makes a lot of difference but it is not so. It’s about the location, and what you are jumping into. Here, there is a huge expanse of water that you are jumping into and it is terrifying.” She was correct!
Walking towards the edge, I could see the vast expanse of the Mayem Lake below and what I was actually jumping into. Before me, there were some jumpers who chickened out and made me a little nervous. Soon, my turn came. My heart was racing and the nerves fully kicked in now. The last steps to the edge were not easy at all. When I started to feel the wind in my face, I realised what height I was at. When the countdown began, I was ready, focused and fully in action mode.
Three, Two, One — Bungee
I jumped and before I realised what had happened, the gravity kicked in and pulled me down. It was a free fall for a couple of seconds. I was about to hit the cold waters of the lake when the bungee cords kicked in and I was again pulled back to nearly the same height and fell freely again. Then a couple of bounces up and down and I was enjoying the moment screaming at the top of my voice. After a few bounces, the bridge crew lowered my bungee rope, the instructors below asked me to grab the pole they were holding out while I was still tied to my rope upside down. The team below eased me onto the bed with the help of a long rod, unstrapped me and asked how was it. I was trying hard to keep my feet on the ground as I found myself so excited to have achieved something that very few people have the guts to do. The team gave a water bottle and a badge displaying, “I have the guts” and a certificate. That was my moment! The rush was insane — a feeling of complete adrenaline-induced euphoria. Absolutely awesome, and yes, I would recommend everyone to go for it.
Live to tell the tale
After the jump, one not only lives to tell the tale but show it too. The package includes a video of the fall which can be collected from their office after the jump and flaunt it among one’s family and friends.
Medical restrictions
Heart problems, high blood pressure, neurological disorders, spondylitis, backache, recent fracture, epilepsy, pregnancy and osteoporosis.
Lessons learnt