Hyderabad
The times are such that more and more people are taking to adventure sports and adventure camps from Hyderabad. There was a time when one indulged in such activities when abroad. However, it's not just adventure sporting that has increased, but what's interesting to note is the increasing number of professional adventurers from the city.
Pawan Eraballi, 29, is a professional who quit a corporate job to take up the profession that is attracting more and more people, thanks to families and youngsters seeking adventure around the city. He shares that loving nature and one's surroundings are of primary importance. Then, of course, one has to have some basic fitness levels as one needs to set an example for clients.
Since many from the city are keen on taking up adventure trips, quite a number of adventure companies have mushroomed in the city. While some adventure guides work with companies, others start on their own.
According to Rahul, who has scaled Goecha La that was at 18,000 ft, a high mountain pass in Sikkim, and the southeast face of Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, the adventure companies have identified about 100 locations around the city so that people can indulge in various activities such as trekking, camping, rappelling and small workshops about activities such as setting up a tent, etc.
The adventure guides or companies do a dry run at the site before taking groups for an activity. Another interesting development is women entering the terrain. Of course, all of them face family pressure as the parents fear accidents and safety. Then there is the classic situation where the group might find it hard to take orders from a woman guide.
Despite the hurdles and the newness of the profession in the city, many are braving the odds to give memorable experiences to their clients.