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Mahabaleshwar is famous for its fancy viewpoints and cool climatic conditions and forms a great site for adventure sports such as paragliding. Nestling amidst the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, paragliding in Mahabaleshwar offers one an opportunity to soar over the firmament with great views of the lush valleys and hills beneath and experience the hill station. Paragliding in Mahabaleshwar provides you with a different dimension of being in tune with Mother Nature and adds a tingling sensation to your tour.
Levels Of Paragliding
1. First-Level Tandem And Solo Paragliding
Photo: JACLOU-DL / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
For people who want to experience flying without any technical training or knowledge, this could be the best option. Strapped into a harness with a professional pilot, the pilot controls everything from takeoff to landing, while you can simply enjoy the great views and pure enjoyment of flying. Most training programs teach the most important elements of ground handling, wind patterns, and how to comfortably do take-offs and landings in about 2 to 3 days.
Duration: 10 to 20 minutes
2. Intermediate Paragliding
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Intermediate paragliding is for those who have undergone a rather extensive training course and then garnered sufficient experience through solo flights. This rating allows the level of training of a pilot to do cross-country flying, often trying to fly longer distances using thermals and ridge lift to extend flight time.
Duration: 30 minutes
3. Advanced Paragliding
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Acrobatic or ‘acro’ paragliding is the most extreme form of flying, whereby experienced pilots pull mid-air stunts and precarious manoeuvres. This level requires immense concentration, skill, and very precise control over the glider, since pilots execute such tricks as loops, spirals, and flips at altitudes of thousands of feet above the ground.
Duration: 10 to 60 minutes
Popular Spots For Paragliding In Mahabaleshwar
A list of some of the best spots for paragliding in Mahabaleshwar is below, where one gets to experience flying high above the beautiful landscape.
1. Koyna Nagar
Photo: akluensner / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Probably one of the most beautiful sites for paragliding in Mahabaleshwar, Koyna Nagar lies about 40 km from Mahabaleshwar. Lying amidst lush greenery and close to the tranquil Koyna Dam, it provides one with a flying experience unlike any other. The takeoff point is at a high altitude, which makes for a longer flight duration to take in panoramic shots of the verdant landscape and the shimmering waters below. As you glide through the air, the experience is both exhilarating and tranquil, allowing you to connect with nature from a unique perspective.
Duration: 10 – 15 minutes
Level: Beginner
Cost: ₹2,500 – 4,000 per session
2. Panchgani
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Panchgani is known for its panoramic beauty and also as the paragliding spot, lying fairly close to Mahabaleshwar. The flight takeoff place is Table Land, the second-highest plateau in Asia, and thus viewed as an exciting takeoff point for your flying tour over the hills and valleys. The most exciting thing about paragliding at Panchgani is that flights are designed for different kinds of flying experiences, from novice to experienced. Whether you are seeking adventure or simply want to marvel at the breathtaking scenery, paragliding in Panchgani is an experience not to be missed.
Duration: 10 to 20 minutes
Level: Beginner to experienced
Cost: ₹2,000 – 3,500 per session
3. Bhira
Photo: Sunidhirajput / Wikimedia Commons
Bhira is a paragliding treasure, about 30 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. It faces some beautiful rolling hills and lovely valleys, while its flying site provides a stunning view of the surroundings. While flying in the air, the serenity of nature might be enjoyed with the thrill of flight. This area usually contains calm winds, which just aptly suit both beginners and experienced paragliders. Furthermore, the unspoiled beauty of Bhira, full of lush greenery and peaceful ambience, offers you an enthralling experience. It is a place for people who are looking for a rather secluded paragliding experience and one that isn’t too commercialised.
Duration: 15 – 25 minutes
Level: Moderate
Cost: ₹2,000 – 3,500 per session
4. Tapola
Photo: Jahoo Clouseau / Pexels / image For Representation Only
Tapola, about 25 km from the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar, has come to be known as the “Mini Kashmir” of Maharashtra. This place is renowned for its scenery and backwaters, and because of this very reason, it turns out to be an excellent site for paragliding. The takeoff site is set amidst beautiful views of the Koyna River, snuggled under the vast expanse of the Western Ghats. The place experiences right winds, hence ideal for flyers of any calibre. The experience further gets enhanced because of the picturesque surroundings, wherein one gets to do some nature gazing while getting the thrilling sensation of flying.
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Price: ₹2,500 – 4,000 per session
5. Lingmala Waterfall
Photo: Udaym 1985 / Wikimedia Commons
Lingmala Waterfall is a few kilometres away from Mahabaleshwar and is a beautiful natural sight, coupled with paragliding. First, naturally, the waterfall cascades down from an enormous top in an elaborate way of approximately 600 feet, creating a very pleasing background for your flight. The takeoff point near the waterfall comes packed with breathtaking views of the lush greenery and surrounding hills. The gentle winds of this region make the place feasible for beginners and experienced paragliders in equal measure. Apart from paragliding, visitors can enjoy different trekking trails to the waterfall, making it very apt for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Time: 10 – 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Price: ₹2,500 – 4,000
Best Time For Paragliding In Mahabaleshwar
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The best time to go paragliding in Mahabaleshwar falls in the dry season, starting from October onwards till June. During this time, the weather is clear and cool, suitable for paragliding. During the monsoon period starting from June until September, it is not advisable since heavy rain and strong winds are dangerous for paragliding in Mahabaleshwar. The most ideal time is from November to February, in the winter when the weather is most pleasant.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip
The cost of paragliding in Mahabaleshwar ranges between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 per session, depending on the location and how long the flying will take place. Prices depend upon the operator, and guided tours may have a little extra cost, providing more safety and expertise.
You can also choose paragliding in package offers, which usually start from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 with meals and accommodation with other adventure sports facilities. The prices for paragliding also depend on the season, provider, and packages.
Tips For Travellers:
- The monsoon that prevails between June and September may result in strong winds and rain, which signifies the dangers of paragliding.
- Wear proper safety gear, like helmets and harnesses. Most operators provide the equipment, but it always helps to verify oneself. Heed every safety caution for security during the flight.
- A good and reliable paragliding operator must be selected with enough experienced instructors. They take you through the whole process of paragliding, including all the safety measures one must take and flying techniques, especially for first-time flyers.
Paragliding in Mahabaleshwar is considered one of those perfect ways to enjoy breathtaking natural beauty. Flying high above the lush valleys and panoramic spots promises an unforgettable experience for both the amateur and experienced alike. With a host of popular flying spots, Mahabaleshwar is just the place you need to go paragliding. So gear up and plan your visit with TripXL and enjoy the serene glides to thrilling flights of Maharashtra.
Cover Photo: hj23kor / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
