Renault’s Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain crosses the finish line to win the Malaysian GP 2005 at Sepang; (above) Nick Heidfeld of Williams-BMW takes a corner as the crowd watches during the Malaysian GP 2005 at the Sepang International Circuit

You’ve often taken a shopping vacation ? just think of all those trips trailing after the ladies lugging shopping bags in Singapore and Bangkok. Going snorkelling and diving with the kids off a pristine coastline is also nothing new to you ? you’ve done the Goa, Lakshwadeep and the Bali thing. As for adventure sports, what more could the world hold after the excitement of bungee jumping in New Zealand? Well, here’s something for your jaded palate, moreover, an activity that doesn’t involve your expending too much energy, besides what you’ll need to scream yourself hoarse.

Sports travel is distinctly on the rise in India ? and not just for cricket matches in Pakistan (most of which falls under the unorganised category of travel). Veteran Indian travellers are taking to it in a major way, packing their bags for events as far flung and varied as Wimbledon, the French Open, the Golf Dubai Desert Classic, the Spanish La Liga, sundry skiing competitions and the biggest draw ? Formula One racing.

Take the upcoming Grand Prix event on the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia (March 17-March 19), for instance. A number of tour operators in India have been formulating packages for this event over the last few years. The Malaysian championship has the dual advantage of being a bona fide Grand Prix event in a nearby country to which air travel is becoming ridiculously cheaper by the day.

SOTC-Kuoni Travels, one of India’s largest tour operators, created a special division under ‘special interest tours’ called Sport Abroad three years ago and has regularly been taking Indian Formula One enthusiasts to various international circuits, the Malaysian one being one of the most popular. While sports tourism has always been big abroad, India being largely a one-sport country has been slightly late in catching on to this. But today, SOTC believes the Indian traveller is fast becoming one of the most mature in the world, and while general interest tours are drawing in an ever-growing section of the prosperous middle class, there are more sophisticated tourists whose demands are more specific. “Eight Sport Abroad offices around India conceptualise and sell sports packages to fanatics,” informs Sripriya Mozumdar, GM, marketing services of SOTC-Kuoni.

The number of people travelling to the Formula One Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix has been steadily on the rise. While the first year, there were about 400 enthusiasts, the number jumped to about 1,800 the next and this year, bookings are indicating a bumper response for the package.

SOTC is not the only company reaping the benefit from this newfound passion. Several tour operators in the metros have also caught on to the trend and are offering competitively priced packages. Jagadish Air Travels in Bangalore is one such company. “Bangaloreans have a huge passion for Formula One racing, evident from the number of people crowding events at pubs to watch these races. We thought it would be a good idea to take people there in person. With low air-fare costs, the packages are affordable,” says a spokesperson for Jagadish Air Travels. At Rs 31,500 per head, the 3-nights 4-days package includes return air fare, accommodation at a 3-star hotel, airport pick-up and drop, and of course, a pass to the racing stand at Sepang.

That Bangaloreans are crazy about racing is a well-known fact. Perhaps they take a cue from the jet-set crowd of the IT city that’s famous for frequenting and enlivening the Formula One races at Monte Carlo, Monaco. Beer baron Vijay Mallya and friends from the fashion frat make it to the tiny principality in Europe each year for this event. Says Manoviraj Khosla, fashion designer and part of Mallya’s entourage, “Being at a Formula One event has to be one of the most exciting moments in anyone’s life. The spirit of Monte Carlo really comes alive during the F1 races. It’s so totally living the high life. You watch the races, and you party hard. It’s one huge merry-go-round with all-night soirees aboard private yachts. The atmosphere is electrifying.”

While Monte Carlo might be out of the average traveller’s reach, Malaysia certainly isn’t. The usual suspects are young men eager to get a thrill from speed, but SOTC says about a quarter of the people it sends out to the Malaysian Grand Prix are women. The glamour factor associated with F1 racing may account for this, perhaps. The other big chunk of tourists opting for this comes from corporate groups offering incentive schemes for dealers and other business associates. Companies are also enthusiastic about sports holiday packages for their employees, clients and customers. “The interest in international sports tourism is rising among Indian travellers as the concept of customisation gives lot of freedom to the individual tourist and corporate travellers as well,” says Mozumdar.

The enthusiasts going on these tours are distinctly different from the average leisure crowd say tour operators. They are generally not interested in shopping or sightseeing, are much more focused on what they’ve come for and ready to follow strict schedules. Malaysia Tourism is also eager to get more sports tourists. The country actively promotes sporting events other than the F1, like the International Superbike Championship, the Solar Car tour and the Motorcycle Grand Prix.

So the next time you’re planning a holiday, don’t forget to check up on the international sports calendar. A package that satisfies your need for speed, takes care of all the worries of organising a trip and is customised to suit your requirements might just be out there.

My favourite holiday

Kaushiki Desikan,
singer

Among the many places I’ve had the good fortune of visiting, Hawaii remains at the very top on my list. I went there in 2000 after a three-and-a-half-month tour of the US, and it was a welcome break. I was with my father, Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty and we visited Hawaii University to attend a workshop and seminar. After the seminar, there was a concert at which I performed. We were in Hawaii for five days and a better time I’ve never had!

Everything about Hawaii reminded me of home — the balmy weather, the beautiful hibiscus flowers and the warm, welcoming people. Hawaii is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western sensibilities. Being one of the states of America, Hawaii has a certain Western edge to it. At the same time, the people there take great pride in their native customs and traditions.

I didn’t have much time to go sightseeing, but I remember having such a great time on the campus that I didn’t really feel like venturing out.

Route map

• The mercury is rising early this year and it’s already time to think about a place to chill out in the hills. So, you might have more than one reason to visit the serene Ananda in the Himalayas. This luxury destination spa that combines ancient healing principles with top-rated comfort and service standards, has recently been voted among the best globally. The spa has just been declared first-runner up in the Best Overseas Lifestyle Destination Spa category in a Conde Naste Traveller survey. It notched up high marks in different criteria including ambience, décor, environment friendliness, service, comfort, restaurants and leisure facilities.

The spa’s latest two-night packages go from Rs 18,000 to Rs 24,000 (depending on single or double occupancy). This includes accommodation, with breakfast and dinner. Also, thrown in are hydrotherapy facilities that include jacuzzi, steam, sauna and a hydro foot bath. There’s daily yoga, meditation, pranayam and Vedanta classes and a trek to the Kunjapuri temple that offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. You can also opt for spa treatments (though at an extra cost). For more: www.anandaspa.com.