Have you ever dreamt of flying like a bird, unhinged and free? Does the spirit of Icharus inspire you? If so, then paragliding is the adventure sport you are looking for. Fortunately, there are places in India that offer this experience at very reasonable prices.

Nainital

Nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand at an altitude of about 8,000 feet, is a small lake district called Nainital, touted by the British as the most beautiful hamlet in India. This region is home to a surprisingly large number of lakes. Picture a network of ridges in scenic valleys, interspersed with ravines and lakes that receive annual snowfall and you have the Nainital district. If you need more reasons to visit the place, here is one. Nainital tourism also offers hill paragliding in one its lake towns, Bhimtal.

Paragliding in Bhimtal

Near the town of Bhimtal, which has a beautiful lake with an island, lies a network of lakes called Naukuchiyatal. It is actually a series of interconnected lakes; the name Naukuchiyatal means that there were actually nine interconnected lakes in the hamlet. However, due to erosion and human involvement some of the lakes have drained completely. It still is a very scenic place with a very deep and clean network of lakes.

It is in this town that paragliding happens. Paragliding is a comparatively new practice, especially in India. Something about paragliding. As the name suggests, the glider is a wing quite unlike the parachute. It enables you to glide gently instead of just descending. Maneuvering a glider is actually quite simple. You need to run along a slope to launch yourself and then you’re free to ride the winds. Remember, when you’re standing in the edge you don’t look down, until you’re ready. The best part, you will have an efficiently trained pilot to steer you. It is perfectly safe. The glider generally flies at a speed of 30 to 40 kmph. Another fact about Kumaon Himalayas, they are always windy. The contraption has two harnesses to bind you securely, the steering is done by an experienced pilot and you feel the wind in your hair and the beautiful Himalayan sunshine on your face. What can be a more liberating experience than flying free? When you land, the pilot finds a gentle slope to gently descend, and then you get a ride back on a bike on very well maintained and scenic mountain road.

Paragliding requires little to no athletic ability, all you need is a will to fly. Bhimtal offers you the chance to fly at your whim. So start packing!! Bhimtal, here we come!