I had always nurtured this notion that India does not have facilities for aerosports. I carried the impression that these are adventures of rich and people from developed countries were the privileged ones to enjoy such sports on earth. My friend Ravi, who is in Indian Airforce cleared my notions. It is he who introduced me to aerosports.

It all started two years back when I visited him in Bangalore. We were sitting in a restaurant when I jokingly passed a remark on him that he is among the blessed ones who can enjoy various sports on account of his profession. During my discussion with him, he revealed to me that civilians can also enjoy these sports as there are many clubs across the country that offer such facilities. He further added that one needs little bit of training to enjoy these sports. Suddenly his speech was interrupted by one of his friend who arrived on the scene and our discussion shifted.

After few days, on Saturday Ravi revealed to me that he had arranged Paragliding for me. I got that Ravi had taken my comments in restaurant seriously. My first experience with Para gliding was an absolute thrill though my fear from inside took some of the thrill out. But after this there was never looking back. I became addicted to the game and started looking for opportunities for aerosports.

In last two years I have enjoyed almost all aerosports in India. From my experience, I can say that the major aerosports that adventure lovers would love to indulge in India include - Ballooning, Para Gliding and Hang Gliding.

There are many government sports institutes and sports club in India that organize trainning course for para gliding, hangliding. Tourism organisations in various states of India also organize sports event and competitions to promote these air sports.

Hot Baloons!
Ballooning Club of India organizes international balloon festivals and demonstration flights annually. There are Ballooning clubs in Guwahati, Dehradun, Bangalore and Jaipur. The best places for balooning are Agra (U P), Pushkar, Beneshwar, and Nagaur in Rajasthan.

Glide Through
Paragliding sites are located in the Lahaul & Spiti, Arhaul-Anu near Rohru and Garhalla Talab in Chopal in Shimal district. The unique topography makes Garhwal an excellent destination for both experinced and beginner para gliders. Billing in Himachal is a renowned para gliding site. One can have panoramic views of the valley through paragliding. Solang makes a good beginner site in Para gliding. Joy rides as well as training courses are also available for para gliding in Garhwal.

Catch my hand!
Most Indian hand gliding sites have been highly rated and those in the lower regions of the Himalaya are among the best the world has. Hang gliding clubs in India are located at Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Shimla, Devlali and Bangalore.

Oh! how much pleasure, I had while trying the different aero sports. Surely, I had a blast!. In fact, another sport that I loved was Skiing, as a matter of fact, I have narrated my travel experience as well as experiences of some other explorers in the very next section.