Ski Resorts in India

India's ski resorts give adventurers an opportunity to soak up the picturesque beauty of the Himalayan massifs. Adventure lovers and travellers from all across the world arrive at these ski resorts to spend their holidays. Himachal Pradesh in northern India has the distinction of being one of the most frequented adventure destinations in the country. Equipped with all the modern facilities, the state of Himachal Pradesh features a number of ski resorts where advenbturers can have maximum fun during their skiing holidays.

Ski resorts of Himachal Pradesh are located in three major adventure zones – Kullu Valley, Rohtang and Narkanda. Whether a newbie or an adrenaline junkie, people of all abilities can indulge in the exciting sport of skiing in Himachal Pradesh. The slopes at these ski resorts cater to the requirement of adventurers of all capabilities.

Kullu Vally is situated at an easy striking distance Manali. The valley has become a favourite haunt of skiers from all across the globe. Not only that, the annual race competitions held at Solang in the Kullu Valley also attract a lot of travellers from far and wide.

Rohtang ski resort is also a much preferred destination for ski lovers. Adventurers can have a lot of fun sliding down these slopes while feating their eyes upon the Himalayan panorama at the same time.

Yet another popular ski resort, Narkanda is at 64 km from Shimla. While you slide down the wonderful slopes of Narkanda, you can also enjoy unforgettable glimpses of coniferous forests that remain distributed all around. Annual skiing competitions at Narkanda also attract a lot of crowd, including both locals as well as foreign nationals.

So if you are planning a skiing holiday in India, all you need to do is head straight to the state of Himachal Pradesh. Whichever ski resort in Himachal Pradesh you choose to go, it's a surety that you will have the time of your life.

Naldehra Golf Course

Naldehra Golf Course boasts of being one of the oldest golf courses in India, which was laid during the British Era in 1905. Golf Course at Naldehra was earlier known by the name of 'The British Old Golf Course', which was laid here by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The Viceroy was so much fascinated by the place that he named his daughter as Alexander Naldehra and used to come here to spend his leisure time. Golf Course at Naldehra is located at a distance of 22 km from Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.

Naldehra Golf Course is considered as one of the most challenging golf courses in the country because of undulations and treacherous slopes. Every hole on the golf course tests different facets of the player and Golfing at Naldehra is not an easy task. Golf Course at Naldehra is perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters above mean sea level. It has been laid on vast sloping glades covered by evergreen Deodar trees. It has been laid on 4,285 yard area on both sides of the road, which is used by the commuters to travel to Shimla. This golf course is par 68 with 18 holes having 16 Greens and 18 Tees. But initially it was designed as 9 hole golf course. As the need of adding diversity to the golf course was felt, it was relaid by adding few more Greens and Tees on the same natural topography of the site.

Naldehra Golf Course not only offers golfing lovers with various challenges but at the same time its location in the lap of nature, away from the hustle bustle of the city atmosphere, makes it more sought after destination.

Administration and maintenance of Naldehra Golf Course is taken care of by Himachal Tourism. Golf equipments are available here on hiring basis and golfing experience can be enjoyed here by paying fees. Every year golf tournaments are conducted here and participants from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi participate in the events. Golfing at Naldehra can be enjoyed throughout the year except in monsoon season and in the months of January and February, when it is covered with snow.

Hot Air Ballooning in India

Hot Air Ballooning is the best sport to have a bird's eye view of the world from a height where the birds usually fly. It also serves as one of the mediums to quench the thirst of touching the sky that too outside the steel frames.

The Balloon Club of India, which is located at Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi, is the main hub for hot air ballooning in India. Apart from New Delhi, Ballooning can also be enjoyed in Jaipur, Pushkar, Ranthambore in Rajasthan and in Bangalore, Guwahati, Manali and Dehradun. Ballooning season runs in the winter months from October to March in India.

Hot Air Ballooning is all about flying like a feather in the sky and experiencing the breathtaking view of the world from a peaceful and calm atmosphere away from the maddening crowds of the city. It is almost an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience, which is unmatchable. Ballooning in India offers the mesmerising views of both, hill stations of India as well as the golden deserts of Rajasthan. Though Ballooning is a new sport in India but it is attracting a number of adventure lovers from India and abroad alike.

The balloon is made up of rip stop Nylon with an average width of 50 feet and height of 70 feet, which is attached to a basket, made up of steel and resilient wicker, by steel ropes. Propane and Butane gas cylinders help the balloon to get airborne. Special permission is required before taking a balloon flight from Balloon Club of India, New Delhi.

Every year Balloon Mela or Balloon Festival is organised by The Balloon Club of India in the month of November. A large number of participants take part in various events of this Festival from India and abroad.

Raid-de-Himalaya Motor Rally

If you want to test your nerves in the rugged terrains of Himalayas, there is nothing better than Raid-de-Himalaya. It is considered as the world's most toughest motor rally passing from the harsh regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Raid-de-Himalaya is an adventure event in which both cars and motor cycles can participate.

The motor rally covers around 2,400 km distance in eight days and is organised every year generally in the month of October. Raid-de-Himalaya is flagged off from Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh passes through Manali, Kaza, Kargil, Patseo, Leh and Zanskar regions before culminating at Manali, the final destination. Participants have to pass through some of the highest mountain passes of the world like Tanglang La, which is 17,582 feet above sea level, Baralacha La, Nakee La and Kunjum La.

There are a total of two categories in this motor rally. The first one is 'X-treme Category', in which only the experienced professionals are allowed to participate because of the dangers on the route. The second category is 'Adventure Trail', which is for those participants who want to explore the beauty of the Himalayan region along with the family members or friends.

Magnificent view of snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, rivers and gurgling streams really makes this sport an everlasting experience. Raid-de-Himalaya is India's most arduous and adventurous motor sports event, which is conducted by Maruti Suzuki. Participating in this motor sports event is not a cake walk as the icy cold temperature of the Himalayan region in the month of October makes this sport more challenging.

One cannot imagine in dreams even of the terrains from where this rally passes until he visits the sights physically. Dirt and rocky roads, very sharp hairpin bends, steep climbs and weather conditions test the driving skills of the participants and the mechanical capability of the vehicles to the fullest.

Raid-de-Himalaya attracts huge number of motor sports adventure lovers from different parts of India and abroad. One can also find women participants in the motor rally.