Raft down the streams & rivers of Rishikesh this monsoon

Paragliding fun
Region: Yelegiri (TN); Bir & Billing (HP)

What & how: A Paraglider gets into action mode once air enters the canopy and inflates it. This is what gives it its aerodynamic shape. You may have heard or experienced the session where instructors move up on to a high hill or mountain top where wind strength is good. That’s done because it is here on top where the paraglider is laid out on the ground on a gentle slope, whilst facing into the wind. The pilot is connected to the paraglider with a special harness. The paraglider is then pulled gently into the wind, which causes the canopy to inflate. The pilot then takes a few brisk steps into the wind and floats gently up into the air.

Parasailing is different from paragliding

Region: Beach resort destinations such as Goa & Andamans

What & how: Parasailing is often misunderstood as paragliding. It is also called parascending or parakiting. Used as a recreational spot at leading beach resorts, which overlooks the sea, this sport is quite a bit hit with tourists due to its quick-to-learn methods. Parasail is connected with the passenger and is then towed behind a speed boat. Many recreation agencies offer opportunities of recording the entire parasailing session making it more momentous. There may be an age limit for parasailing so it’s best to check if kids can participate in the parasailing session. It’s essential to understand that while kids may love it, they must try it only when eligible and under trained supervision.



Rafting down the steams & rivers

Region: Kundalika River; Teesta and Brahmaputra River & in the Ganges at Rishikesh

What & how: Rafting is a high-adrenaline sport where a group of people securely take positions on an inflated boat and then go navigating a river. It is here where you hear of ‘Grades’(outside of the school days). These ‘grades’ of navigational difficulty are arrived at according to the presence of rapids. Ask anyone who has gone rafting and they will claim it to be tremendously fun activity. It can drain down your energy levels but will up your enthusiasm levels for sure. Always to be done under professional guidance, with the right training, you must ensure that appropriate equipment is used. The sport’s popularity is high as non- swimmers and those with no prior experience can also join swimmers and go rafting. India is a big hotspot of river rafting. Try it!

Have you tried ‘body-surfing’? It’s great fun

Region: Riverfront, especially the Ganges

What & how: Body-surfing is an easy sport where you can go riding a river with just a life jacket on. No! You don’t sit in a boat or go rowing, you just jump straight into the river (where it is calmer and the instructor guides ahead). Many groups of tourists and families indulge in Body-surfing where there are children accompanying the adults. It’s easy to understand and great fun.

Yes! You can go hot-air ballooning in India

Region: Jaipur (Rajasthan); Agra (UP) & Lonavala (Maharashtra)

What & how: Some call it romantic, others find it a smart way to capture the landscapes with a bird’s eye view. Hot air ballooning is a recreational activity, which attracts many tourists to fly on a hot air balloon. A wicker basket or gondola is attached to the hot air balloon and flights take place when the weather is good. If you are wondering about the flame, it is propane gas and it is well-controlled by the pilot. Once up, you will admire the ground below and glide softly akin to a lack of a feeling of movement. The balloon is dependent on the direction of the winds.



It’s interesting to know that about the way hot air ballooning was first used for military signalling purposes by the Chinese. The rest of the world followed. In fact, Vijaypat Singhania from India holds a record in his hot air ballooning pursuit.

In India, when you book a hot-air balloon ride, try not to book a non-refundable ticket as the weather change could affect the balloon’s take off schedule. Many agencies try to make the entire experience really special with complimentary snack session over a glass of fresh juice, wine or champagne toast upon landing. Legend has it that early French aeronauts carried champagne to appease angry or frightened spectators at the landing site. Along with the champagne, a popular toast among balloonists is: ‘Soft winds and gentle landings’