Paragliding in India
Paragliding as an adventure sport was introduced in India in 1991-92 when a team of foreign pilots decided to explore flying possibilities in the Kullu Valley. Since then, it has seen a tremendous rise in popularity. In the last few years, numerous places have mushroomed all over India.
From the mountains in the north to soaring over the Rajasthan desert. From the hills of Karnataka to the coastal regions and hill stations of Maharashtra, there are plenty of great places in India for you to kit up and fly like a bird.
What is paragliding?
It is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders, using lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure.
It is the closest you can get to the feeling of flying like a bird. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing comprising a large number of interconnected baffled cells. Once in the air, a pilot is able to maintain and even gain altitude using lifting air currents and thermals. If you’re not trained or licensed, you can still go on tandem flights.
What is tandem paragliding?
For an unlicensed, inexperienced adventurer, a certified instructor will take you up. The paraglider is equipped with two harnesses, so the instructor is strapped in behind, and controls the aircraft. You’ll be seated in front, in your own harness, and have to do nothing except sit back and enjoy the ride.
What is solo paragliding?
If you want, you can even bring your own car via the Mumbai-Pune expressway. And if you're getting your own bike, then take the old Mumbai-Pune highway (NH4) as two-wheelers are not allowed on the expressway.
A number of courses are available in the country. For instance, Indus Paragliding offers an elementary pilot course of four days which has you undertake 8-10 solo flights under complete guidance. You learn everything there is to know about taking-off, landing, handling the glider and a number of air and ground techniques.
Courses for paragliding in India might be or might not be licensed. You can check with the tour operators about the same. In any case, all such courses grant you the eventual freedom to fly in the skies like a mighty bird, all on your own, upping the adventure quotient.
Paragliding in India: The Himalayas
The Himalayas are rife with ideal flying places, thanks to the high hills and mountains, and the long valleys that direct the winds upwards. The best and most popular place in India is Bir Billing in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Bir Billing has an altitude of 8500 ft and is surrounded by beautiful tea gardens. Solang Valley and Marhi are two of the other most prominent spots in Manali. Here you can do tandem paragliding, expedition paragliding and trans-Himalayan paragliding flights. Flying is possible throughout the year except during the monsoon.
Another great place is Nainital as paragliders take off from 6500 ft up and fly over Nainital’s famous lakes, Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal. You can soak in the crisp mountain air as it gently caresses you, and get views of the spectacular landscape below.
Bedni Bugyal is a Himalayan Alpine meadow in Uttarakhand and is pretty as a postcard. From here, you’ll get breath-taking views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and meadows, which makes it a dream destination for high flyers.
Paragliding in India: Maharashtra
Taking flight over the rolling landscape of Kamshet is an unforgettable experience. The weather and wind conditions here are favourable almost all year round, and there’s plenty to look at below. The green landscape dotted with hills, lakes, and with railway tracks running across. Let the pilot do the work while you enjoy the ride, without a care in the world.
Other places for paragliding in India
Kerala, or God’s own country as it is better known, is legendary for its natural beauty. Criss-crossed with sparking rivulets, the land also features dense forests with high waterfalls and emerald green fields.
At nearly 6,000 ft above sea level lies Vagamon, a hill station that is ideal for paragliders. The paragliding Grand Prix is held here during September and it brings together paragliders from across the world. Nandi Hills, 65 km outside Bangalore is the perfect terrain for flying. These hills attract a lot of adventure enthusiasts from Silicon Valley, especially those interested in light aviation.