Have you ever wondered what's it like to be a bird soaring through the skies? If you have, then it is time for you to try paragliding in Lonavala. Paragliding is an extreme adventure sport that is perfect for adrenaline junkies. While paragliding, you'll get to experience the thrill of flying at an altitude of 2000 feet while enjoying magnificent views of the Western Ghats, with the various hills and valleys.
Paragliding in Lonavala
Paragliding happens in the small village of Kamshet, located at a distance of 20 km from Lonavala. The village is surrounded by Sahyadris, offering magnificent views. The area also has the perfect conditions for paragliding, including strong winds and clear skies. Kamshet is the perfect destination for paragliding in Lonavala.
Pair your paragliding session with camping in Lonavala.
Getting there
For paragliding in Lonavala, you have to get to Kamshet which is located at a distance of 20 km from Lonavala. You can either reach there by road or rails.
If you're coming from Pune by train, then you can take a direct local to Kamshet. And if you're coming from Mumbai by train, then you can take a train to Lonavala and then a local to Kamshet.
Kamshet and Lonavala are both connected to Pune and Mumbai via a network of state and privately run bus services on a daily basis.
You can even drive to Kamshet as the road is scenic and fun. If you're getting your own car, then you can use the Mumbai-Pune expressway. However, since motorcycles are not allowed on the expressway, you can take the old Mumbai-Goa highway if you're coming on a motorcycle.
Pick-up point
The pick-up point for paragliding in Lonavala is Hotel Rangoli, located on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4). It is recommended that you opt for the pick-up instead of driving your own car to the take-off site as the road leading there is not well-maintained, and sometimes the take-off point may change due to weather conditions.
Paragliding in Lonavala: Itinerary
A tandem paragliding flight is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of flying and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Sahyadris. You don't need any sort of technical skills or equipment to book these tandem flights. These flight sessions last for about 10-15 min and cost around INR 3000 per person. Do note that weekend rates are higher. You can even rent a GoPro for an additional cost of INR 1000 per flight to record your experience.
Safety
The tour operator puts safety as their top priority and does not compromise on it. For the tandem paragliding flights, an experienced pilot will control the paraglider. These pilots are well trained and can handle the paraglider in all sorts of conditions. Additionally, you will also be strapped in with high-quality gear which are double-checked by the pilot before beginning the session.
Apart from this, paragliding also greatly depends on the weather conditions, and if they are not perfect then the pilot will either wait for them to be suitable or cancel the flight. Under no circumstances will the pilot commence the flight if the wind is not proper.
Paragliding is an extreme sport and hence, it does involve some risk but as long as all the safety standards are met and the pilot's instructions are followed, the activity is quite safe.
Too scared to paraglide? Check-out hot air ballooning in Lonavala.
Want to explore the various hills you see while paragliding? Check-out the treks in Lonavala that you can do while you're there. Explore other adventure activities in Lonavala, click here.
Paragliding in Lonavala Summary
- State: Maharashtra
- Nearest city: Lonavala
- Total days: 1
- Grade: Easy
- Max altitude: 2000 feet
- Season: October to May
- Avg temperature: 15 to 35 degree Celsius