A
blend of skydiving and hang gliding, it's a mix of conquering your fear of
heights. Parasailing and Paragliding are almost same except that para
sailing is done on the beach and parachute is tied with a boat. But in
paragliding the launch site for the gliders generally involves gentle
hillsides. As paragliders do not have to withstand the stresses of free-fall
deployment. These are much lighter and aerodynamic and are designed to go up
other than down. Paragliding in India is fast becoming a much enjoyed
adventure sport and the country offers a number of paragliding sites where
you can indulge in the sport. Paragliding sites can not only be found in
northern India, but there are places even in western and southern India.
Beginners can also find a number of paragliding schools in India where they
can enroll themselves for short duration courses in paragliding.
Major Paragliding Sites in India
There is a good variety to welcome you if you are looking for paragliding
sites in India. States like Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal in northern
India offer more paragliding options than states located in the western or
southern India. Major paragliding sites in India are as follows.
Paragliding in
Himachal Pradesh
This hilly state has myriad paragliding locations including Billing which
is a renowned Paragliding site. You can check out the panoramic view of
Dhauladhar ranges from here. Solang is recognized as a a good beginner site
for this adventure sport. If you are searching a suitable site for hill
launching, then Bijli Mahadev has ideal conditions for thermal soaring. The
ridge site can easily be approached from Kullu and planes can land at
Bhuntar airport. You would find another popular site in Bandla ridge, which
is located very near Bilaspur at a height of 2, 600ft. Lahaul & Spiti,
Arhaul-Anu near Rohru and Garhalla Talab in Chopal in
Shimla district are
some other paragliding places Himachal Pradesh.
Paragliding in
Uttaranchal
Garhwal region of this north Indian state can be described as a paragliders
paradise, with Great Himalayas in North and plains of Terai region in South.
Its specific topography makes it an suitable destination for both
experienced and beginner para gliders. Vacationers may avail some other
training courses of paragliding in Garhwal. As joy rides are usually tandem
flights, these are accompanied by a trained flier. All of those who are new
to Paragliding and para sailing are asked to join the training courses.
Naukutchiyatal in
Nainital,
Dayara Bugyal, Pratap Nagar, Dhanolti Ridge in Garhwal and Bedni Bugyal in
Kumaon are some of the ideal gliding sites.
Paragliding in
Rajasthan
Open countryside of this colourful state also offers gliding opportunities
that can be described as remarkable. These may be organized in several
cities of Rajasthan with permission from civil aviation authorities. Many
runways and strips are available here.
Jaipur,
Jaisalmer,
Jodhpur,
Udaipur, Bikaner and Kota are
some of these locations.
Paragliding
in Maharashtra
Flying
in Maharashtra is centred almost entirely on Western Ghat hill range. It
runs in an almost unbroken line from Gujarat in North to Nilgiri Hills on
southern tip of the country. Flying may be centred on the affluent regions
around Pune and Mumbai, but huge potential is available elsewhere in the
state for pilots willing to explore more. Matheran, Deolali, Mahabaleshwar,
Singhgad and Panchgani are some of the popular flying areas, include the
hill stations and fort sights of Maharashtra.
Paragliding Places in India
If you are a paragliding freak, you must know the specific destinations
where you can enjoy the adventure sport of paragliding. Given below is a
list of paragliding places in India. First, see which part or state of India
you are headed and if there are any paragliding places there.
» Kullu, Billing, Lahual & Spiti, Solang (Himachal Pradesh)
» Dhanolti Ridge, Dayara Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal (Garhwal/ Kumaon)
» Naukutchiyatal (Uttaranchal)
» Matheran (Maharashtra)
» Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
Paragliding Courses in India
As the adventure sport of paragliding in catching up, India is coming up
with more and more paragliding schools where paragliding courses are being
offered for different levels and abilities. Basically, there are three
different levels of courses in paragliding are offered in these schools.
These include P1 Level Paragliding Course (for beginners), P2 Level
Paragliding Course (for novices) and P3 Level Paragliding Course (for
intermediate). On an average, these paragliding courses in India will cost
between $175.00 and $260 for a duration of 3-5 days.
Paragliding Schools in India
Some of the much known paragliding schools in India are as follows. Here,
you can enroll for short-term courses and learn the beginning of paragliding
in a matter of few days.
» Wings & Flights (Pune/Mumbai in Maharashtra)
» Western Paragliding Association (Mumbai in Maharashtra)
» PG Gurukul (Manali/Billing in Himachal Pradesh)
» R & R Aerosports (Delhi)
