The Government of Goa, Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) in association with Jumpin Heights, the Bungy People recently launched India’s second Bungy destination in North Goa at Mayem Lake. The event was graced with the presence of Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. Other dignitaries present included the Tourism Minister, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar; Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Dayanand Sopte; Secretary Tourism, Mr. J. Ashok Kumar; Director of Tourism, Mr. Sanjiv Gadkarand and other officials from Dept of Tourism & GTDC.
The 55-meter bungy jumping platform stands tall over the gorgeous Mayem lake, in North Goa, about a 45-minute drive from the popular Baga Beach. Adventure sports are gaining traction in India and Goa, as India’s favourite travel destination, was a natural choice for the next big adventure zone. Jumpin Heights is owned and run by ex-Army officer, Capt Rahul Nigam, who introduced Bungy jumping in India at Rishikesh in 2010. Over the course of this decade, they have successfully operated over 80,000 jumps in Rishikesh — quite a landmark for adventure tourism in India, and changed the way safety is perceived. The team adheres to Australia and New Zealand Safety Standards for operation of the Bungee Jumps.
The service provider has conducted required feasibility study and other mandatory pre-requisites for starting up of the bungy jumping activity at Mayem. This new adventure tourism initiative comes with no cost or investment for Goa Tourism Development Corporation. The GTDC however is assisting the service provider in obtaining required permissions and will be undertaking promotional activities for bungee Jumping which is being launched for the first time in Goa.
On the occasion of the launch, Ex-Capt. Rahul Nigam, Director and founder of Jumpin Heights said that “A little hand holding by an organisation like GTDC goes a long way in setting up such projects and facilitates ease of doing business.”
The Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “I am extremely happy that Goa Tourism is working tirelessly to develop Goa as a premium tourism destination in India especially for adventure tourism. Today the launch of Bungee Jumping and beautification of Mayem Lake adds a feather to the State tourism cap. The Union government is also assisting Goa with funding for infrastructure development for tourism purpose and in the coming months Goa will see huge development of tourism infrastructure, new tourism activities and projects.”
The Bungy experience involves jumping from a height with rubber chords tied to your ankles, and swinging like a pendulum mid air. One can literally hear their own solitude as the wind gushes past with each rebound. There are several harnesses and checks in place to ensure an absolutely safe experience.
Jumpin Heights in Rishikesh has managed to change the face of adventure tourism in India. It is known to be one of the best experiences in South-East Asia and has earned recognition from Ministry of Tourism. According to a survey in 2019, by Ministry of Tourism, they have been acknowledged as having played a key role in making Rishikesh the Adventure Capital of India. It will be interesting to see then, what magic Jumpin Heights now brings to Goa.
