Paragliding is a blend of skydiving and hang
gliding and also the best way to conquer your fear of heights.
Paragliding is the most simple form to fly and all you require is a
para glider. A paraglider is a non-motorized, foot-launched inflatable
wing, which is easy to transport, launch, and land. It is constructed
of rip-stop nylon or high stress polyester fabric. The pilot is
clipped into a harness and is in a comfortable sitting position. The
harness and the Paraglider attached by sturdy kevlar lines. The Para
gliders can fly in the air for hours with the help of the glider and
climb to altitudes, more than 10,000 feet high or opt for
cross-country flying adventure covering vast distances.
The essential equipment consists of a glider, which when inflated
offers resistance to the thermal currents and retards the rate of
descent, a harness that attaches the paraglider firmly and safely to
the pilot. It is so designed that it can be released quickly to
avoid injury, by dragging the pilot over the ground after landing.
A helmet and a reserve parachute are for the pilot's safety and a
variometer to gauge the ascent or descent of the glider. For those
who cannot afford the equipment cost or do not have the time to
learn flying, there is an alternative. One can sit along with an
experienced pilot in a Tandem Glider, a two-seater and while the
pilot maneuvers the glider, one can sit back and enjoy the thrill of
non-powered flying. Similar to any other adventure sport, there is a
risk factor involved in paragliding, but in recent years, improved
equipment and techniques have created an amazing safety record for
the sport.
Major Paragliding Sites In India:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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