If gravity didn’t hold us in its clutches, human ingenuity would have long conquered and colonized the skies. Not that it is a far reality anymore, but till the time technology actually lets us soar the skies like birds, the adventurous aero-sport of gliding is the next best thrill! Gliding is one of the most exciting activities that lets you experience the freedom of unstinted flight and a bird’s eye view of the world!
However, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind before you opt for a gliding adventure holiday in India. Gliding is not safe for acrophobics (people who are afraid of heights) and people suffering from high or low blood pressures. People who are over weight are also not advised to try gliding, for the adventure sport of gliding requires one to be mentally and physically absolutely fit. These guidelines are common for the participation in any of the in high-altitude games and adventure aero sports.
Gliding is a perilous sport in the sense that the risk involved in gliding is high. The glider is alone aloft in the air, and should any medical complication o technical fault develop, he only has himself and his training to rely on to save himself from crashing to the ground. Yet, despite these risks, the popularity of gliding as an adventure option has not diminished.
The equipment required for gliding is a hang-glider, which is an unwieldy and bulky apparatus that needs about half an hour to be set up, and an equal amount of time to be folded up! The glider needs to be fully aware of how to control and navigate it should there be an unexpected buffeting wind, and even then it is possible for any number of technical complexities to arise.
Some of the best routes for cross-country flights in India will have you heading for Billing (8,500 feet) in Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh, or Dharamkot (11,800 feet), which is situated near Dharamshala. Gliding in Dharamkot can be clubbed with a two-kilometer long trekking expedition as well. Some areas in Sikkim are also fast developing as hand gliding spots, as are places in Kallahatti near Ooty, where it is possible to combine the activity with some wildlife and nature treks. There are also places near Goa, Trivandrum, Orissa, hills of Uttar Pradesh, the Northeastern states, especially Manipur, and many other places in India where there are good hand gliding spots.
Something worthy of being mentioned is that Billing is renowned the world over for having the distinction of organizing first every paragliding competition according to the rules of Federation Aeronautique International. Its topography makes it the most suited venue for future world paragliding championships.
Another form of aero sport guide that is popular with adventure sport lovers in India is Parasailing. In this sport, you are attached to a parachute that takes to the air with as few as three four steps. You soar to several feet above the ground level. It is easy to learn how to parasail and can be indulged in along with the entire family during an adventure sport vacation.
Para gliding is another form of aero-adventure that requires some basic training. Parachutes are used to glide in the glorious heights here, and this sport can be great fun. The thrill of it can be best experienced on the slopes of the Solang valley near Manali, Nilgiri hills in the south, the Eastern Himalayas in the Darjeeling/Gangtok area, Auli in Uttar Pradesh, and Sansar in Jammu & Kashmir.
Since India has such a varied topography and varying climatic zones, it is possible to engage in aero-sport adventures any time of the year. Though no special government permit is usually required for this activity, there are some restricted areas for which prior permission from the embassy, counsel, or high commission of India should be taken.