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Enjoy head over heels playing Zorb in Himachal
by Rajiv Kimta

      Solang (Himachal Pradesh): Many tourists are flocking to Solang valley in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy a novel adventure--Zorbing. Zorbing offers the fun of rolling down a slope in a large ball known as 'Zorb', made of plastic (PVC- Polyvinyl chloride). Zorbing is a relatively new sport in which a person is strapped inside a large sphere which is itself held inside a larger sphere by a cushion of air, and then rolled down a hill or along the ground. The sport can be enjoyed by people of all ages who don't mind being strapped inside an enormous clear plastic, air-cushioned ball. You are actually quite secure inside the inner capsule. The bigger outer transparent ball absorbs the violent bouncing of the large ball. As the ball rolls down a long slope, you spin around in a virtual anti-gravity form of weightlessness like an intoxicated space traveller. As you tumble head over heels, the build up of centrifugal force keeps you pressed hard against the plastic wall, so it's easy to 'go with the flow' and enjoy the revolving view outside. The rider is strapped inside the transparent inflatable ball and then pushed from a slope.

      Rolling down from a big slope makes it a thrilling experience for anyone. And, among many tourist children and youngsters in Himachal Pradesh, the latest phenomena of Zorbing has become a big hit, gaining a fast popularity everyday. While rolling, the Zorb can pick up a speed as high as 40 kilometres an hour. The exotic thrill of the sport and its combination with the pristine beauty of the valley makes it great mix of fun and adventure, which young enthusiasts enjoy wholeheartedly. "It was a very nice experience, everyone here coming should try this out. We had a great fun over here and we definitely like this riding. I suggest everyone coming here should definitely take this ride," said Lalit, a tourist. Though many people show hesitation initially, soon, they find it irresistible to avoid it as they spend some time as bystanders. They eventually find it to be a fun. "Initially, I was afraid of it when I watched how the ball rolls down. But just after giving it a try, it felt a very good experience. And then I encouraged all my friends and even they had a very nice time," said Neha, another tourist.

    Zorbing has gained popularity in many European countries. Zorbs or, the large plastic balls are mainly manufactured in New Zealand and to offer its taste to domestic tourists, the balls have been imported from there. Many tourists believe by promoting such novel activities can help boost the tourism in Himachal Pradesh. The World Travel and Tourism Council expects India to emerge as one of the three boom areas for tourism, even though India presently accounts for barely 0.4 percent of the global tourism market. Analysts say Indian tourism suffers mainly from poor marketing and its inability to exploit the potential of the country's snow- clad Himalayas , jungles, palaces and sun-soaked beaches. India spends 10.5 million dollars a year promoting itself globally.
-Sept 10,  2006

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