Who doesn't want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, from the deafening noise of traffic, the stress of work and the rigours of city life? For some, a holiday is a peaceful getaway, far from the reach of modern civilisation, perhaps somewhere in a lonely chalet high up in the hills. For others, it is a family outing at a beach resort. For nature lovers, it is a time of leisurely walks in the woods, and evenings spent sipping whiskey in a camp. For yet others, a vacation is a way of celebrating life and living it to the full, even if it means treading the fine, sharp edges that make sensory experience so much more exciting and enriching.

Adventure is an age-old fascination. The early explorers sought adventure in long voyages of discovery. Kings went tiger-hunting. Valiant knights indulged in dangerous duels. Today, with technological advance, adventure is much more accessible and risk-free. So much so that complicated joyrides at adventure parks promise the shriek of your life. But for those seeking a genuine adrenaline rush, an adventure tour is the best thing to happen. Relaxing, rejuvenating and thrilling, it is the ultimate high.

Adventure sports include everything from paragliding to river rafting to bungee jumping. Each is thrilling in its own way. You can also opt for a combination of many such sports during your adventure holiday. Be sure to contact the right tour operator and sports organiser in advance to enjoy a customised holiday punctuated with just the right thrills.

Even climbing a tree or a mountain is an adventure in itself; or going on the trail of your favourite animal in a grand safari. One can make and star in one's own adventure. But readymade holiday packages ensure that you see the best of the world within the time you have to spare, without making any major mistakes that might get you lost in the wild or land you in a deep ravine.

Adventure tourism picking up, tour operators too have set up base in the coldest of mountains (for ice sports) and the most dangerous of valleys (for hiking expeditions). They not only provide guidance and materials required for your particular adventure, but also make your holiday a memorable one.