Paragliding at Kamshet in Pune, India

Paragliding at Kamshet, Pune, India

After White Water Rafting at dandeli, Paragliding was my second attempt at an adventure sport, and swear, those were some of the few moments i ve thoroughly enjoyed.

It was Vivek's idea that all of us should get into some sort of rejuvenating activity especially after a hectic last quarter and year end, successful though, rather than just lazing around clumsily. We all agreed and on 28th April, 07 we started our jaunt, to take off......i mean for Paragliding.

We were all thrilled with the idea of being some 1000-1200 ft above the ground.

The team of "Wanna be Paragliders" consisted of 7 i.e. (L - R) Vivek, Avinash, Kunal (I), Girish, Anish, Toj, Kamlendra (Center).

We started at arnd 9 a.m. and reached at abt 12 - 12.215p.m., it was a smooth drive till we were on the expressway, but we had to exit the expressway at the khandala exit, from where kamshet is arnd 13kms, and a bumpy ride all throughout i must say.........

After reaching Nirvana (the Guest House), we just lazed arnd for a while, had lunch that was filling, light, delicious and very much homely with a choice of Veg and Non-Veg. At abt 3.30 we had to drive for another 30mins to the site / cliff where the paragliding is conducted. Again, it was a bumpy drive, though a small jaunt and back.

We had to park our cars, walk about 2 kms under the scorching heat, climb for another 20 mins and there we were on the launchpad, phew!

All us of us were now eagerly waiting to put on the gears, and get airborne.

The take-off was not that smooth for all of us. You need to move alongside the direction of the wind and in sync with the guide (or the paraglider in true sense), so that the wind bubble lifts the glider and makes you airborne. Well, just before takeoff our very own Mr. Avinash Tiwary (urf Bullet) would take his seat instead of running in sync with the guide and thus had his backside dragged on the ground because of the strong wind, no scratches i guess.

Tiwari's 'TAKEOFF TRAUMA'

Same with me, I had to move around on the cliff for almost 5 mins before a wind bubble helped us to fly. I now wonder, do i need a Glider to fly, guess m light enough to fly on my own and if i fall from the launchpad it would defy Newton's Law of Gravity.

In a Nutshell, it's a breathtaking experience to be at such a height enjoying the breeze, fighting the wind, especially when your guide makes the glider swirl against the strong wind.........awesome and thrilling experience!!!

More Pics

Ready for the Takeoff

Perfect Bliss

The Climb

Grounded.....finally

For all those who wish to enjoy Paragliding..........Niravana Adventures at Kamshet, Pune is one of the best sites for Paragliding in Maharashtra. If you wish to fly solo they conduct Paragliding courses that would make you adept for Paragliding.

To know more about Paragliding sites in India, simply google for it.......enough content for Paragliding sites in India.

All the best and hope you 'll enjoy Paragliding as much as i did.