Paragliding in India

Paragliding is the simplest form of human flight. Paragliding in India, holds a special lure for the foreign tourist. There are a wide range of flying conditions and sites that cater for the beginner through intermediate to advanced pilots. Whether it is the laminar sea breezes of Goa, to the more thermic flying conditions of the Western Ghats or whether it is the tiny bumps in the grounds, to the table top land at Panchgani or the peaks in the Himalayas, they are all here in one country. India has the longest flying season extending from September to March with some flying possible even in the off-season.

No one can resist the temptation of indulging in the celestial recreation. You've always wanted to be a bird. For a long time, mankind has dreamed of flying high and soaring through the sky like a bird. So try your hand at skimming meters high above the mountain, enjoy the bird's eye view of the world.

Certain things must be taken into account while going for a gliding in India. The acrophobics (people who are afraid of heights) cannot take to it. Same with the case with the people with high or low blood pressure. It is also advisable for over weight persons not to resort this thrilling adventure. You will have to be mentally and physically fully fit. These are the common guidelines, which must be followed in any of the high-altitude games and adventure sports.

The risk involved in the gliding is undoubtedly very high. This makes it one of the most perilous sports. In case any medical complication or technical fault, the glider can get no help when he is aloft in the air. But these risks have not deterred people from going for gliding. On the contrary, the popularity of this adventurous sport has increased in geometrical progression. A glider will need a hand-glider, which is a heavy and large apparatus. It takes about half an hour to be set up, and same amount of time to be folded up. You need to know how to control and navigate it in case of unexpected buffeting wind.

Some of the best destinations for gliding in India are Billing (8,500 feet) in Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh, Kallahatti near Ooty and some areas of the states of Sikkim, Goa, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Northeastern states. Billing has the unique distinction of organizing the very first paragliding competition according to the rules of Federation Aeronautique International. It is an ideal destination for all levels of gliders. The main reason for this is the suitability of its topography and climate to this adventure sport.

Parasailing is another form of aero sport which is acquiring great popularity among the adventure sport lovers in India. In this sport you are harnessed into a parachute which takes you into the air to enjoy the beauties of coastline beaches and cliffs from above. It's a pleasant activity for those who do not dare to ski or glide. The aero-adventure sport of paragliding also requires some basic training. A great fun, this sport takes you to the glorious heights with the help of parachutes. The thrill of this paragliding can be enjoyed on the slopes of the Solang valley near Manali, Nilgiri hills in the South India, the Eastern Himalayas in the Darjeeling/Gangtok area, Auli in Uttranchal, and Sansar in Jammu & Kashmir.

Due to its varied topography and varying climatic zones, India can offer all conceivable forms of adventure sports. You can enjoy these sports all round the year. Usually you don't need any special government permit, There are certain restricted areas where it is mandatory to obtain prior permission from the embassy, counsel, or high commission of India.

So whenever you wish to experience flight in its purest form, drifting over the amazing landscapes, think of an adventure holiday in India.

Equipments Required

Equipments essential for Paragliding include a glider, that can resist the thermal currents, a harness which binds the Para-glider safely with the pilot. The glider should be designed in such a way that it can be released quickly after landing of the pilot. Other equipments requires are a helmet, a reserve parachute and a variometer to gauge the ascent or descent of the glider. Those who cannot afford the equipment or do not have the time to get the gliding training, they can enjoy the aero sport in a Tandem Glider with an experienced pilot. Ask for Tour

Para-Glider

The Para-Glider is the main equipment of the Paragliding. A para-glider is a non-motorized, foot-launched inflatable wing, that can be easily launch, turn and land. It is made up of rip-stop nylon or high stress polyesters. The pilot remain attached to the para-glider with a harness by a sturdy Kevlar nines. The pilot is clipped into a harness in a comfortable sitting position. Gliders can fly high up to the heights more than 10,000 ft or can cover long distances with the help of the glider.

Paragliding - A Fascinating Aerosport

Paragliding - A Fascinating Aerosport The fascinating sport of Paragliding, is one of the most popular aero sports all over the world. A large number of people across the world enjoy this sport, as it is convenient and safe medium of soaring high in the air. Paragliding is the latest aero sport, whose origin goes back to1940s, but it expended rapidly after 1980s. The adventure sport is a blend of skydiving and hand gliding, but a para-glider is different from a hand-glider or a parachute. A para-glider is much lighter, easy to open and it take a short time to glide, as there is no any need to jump from a helicopter or plane. Paragliding is somewhat similar to Para Sailing, the only difference is that Para Sailing is done on the beach while the launch sides for Para Gliding are gentle hill sides. One needs some basic training and strong determination to successfully glide high in the air.

Major Paragliding Sites In India

The Himalayan mountain ranges in India are world famous as they offer enough Para gliding opportunities. The lofty peaks of these mountains, sprawling from north to east are considered amongst the best gliding sites of the world. Some of the famous Para gliding sites in India include :

Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh

Billing in Himachal is a renowned Paragliding site and to check out the panoramic views of the Dhauladhar ranges. Solang makes a good beginner site in Paragliding. Bijli Mahadev is an excellent site for hill launching and has ideal conditions for thermal soaring. This ridge site can be approached fom Kullu and landing can be made at the Bhuntar airport. Another popular site in Bandla ridge, near Bilaspur at a height of 2, 600ft. Some other paragliding sites are located in the Trans-Himalayan region of Himachal, that is Lahaul & Spiti, Arhaul-Anu near Rohru and Garhalla Talab in Chopal in Shimal district.
More Details for Himachal Pradesh

Paragliding in Uttaranchal

Garhwal makes para gliders paradise, with the Great Himalayas in North and the plains of Terai region in the south. The unique topography makes Garhwal an excellent destination for both experienced and beginner para gliders. Joy rides as well as training courses are also available for Paragliding in Garhwal. While joy rides are usually tandem flights, accompanied by a trained flier, training are for those who are new to paragliding and para sailing. Some ideal gliding sites include Naukutchiyatal in Nainital, Dayara Bugyal, Pratap Nagar, Dhanolti Ridge in Garhwal and Bedni Bugyal in Kumaon.
More Details for Uttarakhand

Paragliding in Rajasthan

The open countryside of Rajasthan also offers gliding opportunities that can prove remarkable, and with permission from civil aviation authorities, these may be organized in several cities of Rajasthan where there are runways and strips available. These include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Kota.
More Details for Rajasthan

Paragliding in Maharashtra

The flying in Maharashtra is almost entirely on the Western Ghat hill range, which run in an almost unbroken line from Gujarat in the north, to the Nilgiri Hills on the southern tip of India. Flying tends to be centered on the affluent region around Mumbai and Pune, but there is plenty of potential elsewhere in the state for pilots who are prepared to explore. Popular flying areas, include the hill stations and fort sights of Maharashtra: Matheran, Deolali, Mahabaleshwar, Singhgad and Panchgani.
More Details for Maharashtra

Para Gliding Essentials

One needs to be physically fit and should know how to fly a glider. Beginners should be aware about the basics of paragliding, including launching, turning and landing.

Do not try so many stunts, as it is an aero sport, and you may come across unavoidable circumstances.

Always remain mentally alert to cope with the adverse conditions as well as hurdle of paragliding.

Paragliding Places in India

Billing, HP

Kullu, HP

Solang, HP

Lahaul & Spiti, HP

Naukutchiyatal, Nainital

Dayara Bugyal, Garhwal

Dhanolti Ridge, Garhwal

Bedni Bugyal, Kumaon

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Bikaner, Rajasthan

Matheran, Maharashtra