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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.
So the next time you feel like taking wings and flying
high in the skies, think about a gliding adventure holiday
in India with us! We will offer you fantastic opportunities
that will literally sweep you off your feet!
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