The adventure junkie lives for the adrenaline rush. If you are one of the brotherhood that’s bored to tears by trekking and sky-diving style holidays, it’s time to look at canyoning. Canyons are deep ravines lodged between cliffs, so expect to traverse limestone, granite and basalt rocks and cut across waterfalls and lakes. Prepare to blend walking, climbing, jumping, abseiling (controlled descent down a rope) and swimming. An optimum level of fitness and equipment like climbing gear, a wetsuit and a helmet are a must.

Check out these canyoning hotspots around the world.

Montenegro

The most famous canyon in Montenegro (bordered by Hungary and Romania) is the Nevidio canyon. About 115km from the Podgorico Airport, Nevidio translates to mean “a place that even God has not seen”. Outdoor Club Podgorico, an NGO that organises canyoning trips within Montenegro, will also take you to the Medjurec, Bogutovski and Skurda canyons. The best time to go canyoning is between June and September.

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The Outdoor Club Podgorico (www.montenegrocanyoning.net) that arranges the equipment and insurance cover, charges in the range of 80 Euros and 110 Euros (Rs 4,900 – Rs 6,700) per day. The Club Nevidio Canyoning (www.nevidiocany-oning.com) puts the price of a day-trip at 100 Euros (Rs 6,081) per person (in a minimum group of seven) that includes breakfast, lunch, equipment and experienced guides. A standard double room at Hotel Astoria (http://www.budva.astoriamontenegro.com) in Budva is priced at 110 Euros (Rs 6,700) per night for a couple. The rates include a la carte breakfast, taxes and free internet access.

New Zealand

Canyoning is a summer only (October to April) activity in New Zealand. Wanaka is the most popular location with canyons that score high on world standards for canyoning. Head for the Matukituki Valley, on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park— suitable for beginners and experts,

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Luxury Adventures New Zealand (www.luxuryadventures.co.nz) arranges holidays for independent travellers, not groups. It organises a 12-day trip with luxury accommodation across Wanaka, Queenstown and Kaikoura among others. It includes complimentary meals and activities like canyoning, walks along famous tracks, whale watching and kayaking. Shell out NZD 7,805 (Rs 2.58 lakh) for a couple, inclusive of taxes. You can also customise trips with Deep Canyon (www.deepcanyon.co.nz). Trips range between NZD 240 (Rs 7,950) and NZD 960 (Rs 31,812) per person, per day.

Jordan

Historic Jordan is literally brimming with canyons that lead down to the Dead Sea from the central plateau. Canyoning is relaxed at the Wadi bin Hamad and Wadi Ghuweir but the most challenging ones are the canyons of Wadi Hasa, Wadi Feid and Wadi Himara. Best time for canyoning is from April to October.

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Amman-based Terhaal EcoAdventure (www.terhaal.com) offers readymade packages of two and three days for canyoning at the Wadi Ghweir. They team it with exploring the Dana Nature Reserve, a stay at an eco lodge along with a bike ride in the Wadi Araba Desert for $231 (Rs 10,455) per person (for a group of six). Another outfit that tailor-makes trips is Tropical Desert (www.tropicaldeserttrips.com). While you are roughing it out during the day, by night you can pamper yourself with luxury stay at the Canyon Boutique Hotel (www.canyonboutiquehotel.com) in Amman. A standard room for two is priced at 100 Jordan Dinars (Rs 6,400) per night excluding taxes.

Mauritius

Canyoning in Mauritius is done mainly at its waterfalls. The Tamarin Falls on the central plateau, near the small village of Henrietta, is highly recommended. The canyoning circuit here also includes waterfalls such as the Exil Falls on the southern slopes of the island and the Chamarel Falls.

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A Curepipe (located on the central plateau of Mauritius) based outfit called Vertical World (www.verticalworldltd.com) offers a full-day canyoning trip to the Tamarind Falls at Mauritian Rupee 3,450 per person (Rs 5,135) and a full-day one to the Exil Falls at Mauritian Rupee 3,175 per person (Rs 4,726). They also arrange for low-cost accommodation but only on request. Meanwhile Mauritius Attractions (http://mauritiusattractions.com) has half-day canyoning trips to the Eau Bleue Nature Reserve at the Central South of Mauritius for two guests at 158 Euro (Rs 9,600).