Nirvana Paragliding: An Exhilarating Experience In Maharashtra

Silhouette of tandem paragliders flying above green and glowing horizon during sunset

Nirvana Paragliding is situated in Kamshet, a beautiful town a few hours’ drive from Mumbai and Pune. It is an apt place for thrill-seekers to experience the magic of flying over the lush Western Ghats, with the variegated and bright blue sky as the canvas and green valleys unfold below. It is a leading paragliding school providing full-time residential paragliding courses since 1997. It guarantees fun and safety with trained, certified instructors who ensure safety and also provide you with an experience that will always remain etched in your memory.

Quick Facts About Nirvana Paragliding

Location: Kamshet, Maharashtra
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Price: ₹ 2,500 onwards per person
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Mumbai and Pune
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport, 61 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kamshet railway station, 12 km
Best Time To Visit: October to May

Location

Uneven path paving through green lands of Tikona Fort Hills, surrounded by trees

Photo: Rahul Rajbhar / Wikimedia Commons

Nirvana Paragliding operates from Kamshet, within the Sahyadri mountain range, approximately 50 km from Pune and 100 km from Mumbai. It is situated near the Vadivali Lake in the Uksan village area of Lonavala. The roads connected are NH 48 Old Mumbai Pune Highway, Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Kamshet Lonavala Road. The nearby landmarks are Lakeview Cottage and Campaign, Kamshet Highland Glamping Resort, Nature Farm House Uksan Maval restaurant, and Solanki Estate.

How To Reach

Empty train tracks of Kamshet Railway station with a few passengers waiting near poles

Photo: Djknusper / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The nearest airport, if travelling from further away, is Pune International Airport, which is 60 km from Kamshet. You can hire a taxi from the airport to Kamshet or take a bus from there.

By Train: Kamshet railway station, 12 km from Nirvana Paragliding, falls on the local train route from Pune to Lonavala. From there, a short ride by an autorickshaw brings you right to the spot of paragliding.

By Road: Kamshet is accessible by a good road via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Depending on the traffic, the drive from Mumbai or Pune will take 2 to 3 hours. Buses and private taxis are also available.

Things To Do

1. Tandem Paragliding

Two people tandem paragliding in a clear blue sky with the pilot controlling the fly

Photo: JACLOU-DL / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The highlight of Nirvana paragliding or adventure is tandem paragliding. Tandem flights are meant for novices and first-timers. You fly with a highly experienced and certified flying instructor who controls the paraglider while you enjoy the view. The trip usually takes between 10 to 15 minutes, and the moments flying over the green-rich landscape of Kamshet are replete with magic. The higher ascent brings up views of both the Western Ghats and Pawna Lake, unfolding below a perfect spot with a picture-postcard backdrop. Tandem paragliding promises to be a good introductory style for the sport since, on your part, it needs minimum effort.

2. Learn Paragliding

A Paraglider landing on a mountain of Garda Italy with the instructor looking from behind

Photo: -Impresor- / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Fly Nirvana offers a range of paragliding courses for all skill levels. From first-time fliers to advanced solo flying classes, the courses are instructed by officials who concentrate on safety factors with the right flying techniques. A general course for beginners usually takes 3-5 days. It covers everything, from techniques of launching to interpretation of wind patterns. By the end of this course, trainees can confidently do solo flights under instructors’ supervision. Immersive learning not only introduces you to paragliding but also gives valuable insights into the physics behind this exhilarating sport.

Places To Visit Around Nirvana Paragliding

1. Pawna Lake

Camping tents set up along the shores of Pawna Lake with calm water and hills around

Photo: Anurag Singh / Wikimedia Commons/ Wikimedia Commons

Pawna Lake is a serene get-away spot, an hour’s drive away from the Nirvana Paragliding site. The tranquil lake and its picture-postcard surroundings make it the right place for camping or picnicking and for plain lazing around by the lake shores. The reflection of the surrounding hills on the water during sunrise and sunset is truly an enchanting view. You can also engage in different water sports, such as boating and kayaking. If one desires to stay overnight, then lakeside camping is the place to be at. You can enjoy the nights basking under the star-studded sky by the serene waters of Pawna Lake.

Timings: Open 24 hrs.
Entry Fee: Free; charges may be levied for water sports

2. Lonavala And Khandala

People walking on the road of Lonavala Hills and Rajmachi Fort visible at a distance

Photo: Mukundvg1942 / Wikimedia Commons

The two famous hill stations are situated around 20 km away from Kamshet and are perfect places to visit either before or after your paragliding event. These two hill stations are famous due to the misty mountains, beautiful viewpoints, and charming weather. A few of the famous spots are Tiger’s Leap, Lion’s Point, Bhushi Dam, and Karla Caves. The breeze adds to the intensity of scenic vistas, making it perfect for all nature lovers. Do not miss a trial of the famous local sweet of Lonavala called chikki, which is made of jaggery and peanuts.

Timings: Open 24 x 7
Entry Fee: Free

3. Bhaja Caves

Tourists at the entrance of the ancient rock-cut architecture of Bhaja caves in Maharashtra

Photo: Balkrishn1112 / Wikimedia Commons

If you are fascinated by history and archaeology, then Bhaja Caves must also be on your itinerary after visiting Nirvana paragliding. These ancient rock-cut caves date back to the 2nd century BC and are located near Kamshet. They give a dizzy insight into Buddhist architecture. The caves house intricately carved stupas and viharas that stand as testimony to the craftsmanship of ancient Indian artisans. A short trek away, the caves are a must-see, and the panoramic view across the surrounding valley is worth the effort. Such historical wonders are an excellent way of mixing adventure with a bit of cultural exploration.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 25 per head

4. Tikona Fort

A narrow pathway to the Tikona Fort hidden in greenery with other hills covered in mist

Photo: Rahul Rajbhar / Wikimedia Commons

The triangular-shaped hill fort is situated near Pawna Lake and is famous among people for trekking. It offers great views of the region around and was constructed under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1657, with Lohagad, Visapur, Tung, and Korigard being the other forts. The trek is easy and suitable for beginners, making it an ideal choice for people who want more outdoor action after Nirvana Paragliding. The panoramic view of Pawna Lake, along with Sahyadri hilltops, is a breathtaking sight from the hilltop.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: ₹50/Person

5. Shinde Wadi Hills

Vast plateau near Nanaghat caves in the Western Ghats surrounded by hills covered in mist

Photo: rohit gowaikar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One place that is close to Kamshet and is catching paragliding admiration is Shinde Wadi Hills, offering easy winds with a serene backdrop. After Nirvana Paragliding, if you want more thrills, there is a different kind of flying at ShindeWadi, with equally breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. This place is ideal for early morning flights when the air is still calm, and the sky displays fair visibility. After paragliding, you can take a stroll through the surrounding countryside and note the natural beauty of this particular part of the country.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free

Other Factors To Consider

Tents set on the grassy terrain campsite of Bhoj Gadi, surrounded by clouds and mountains

Photo: Yadusharon / Wikimedia Commons

  • Best Time To Visit: The best flying season for paragliding in Nirvana is between October and May. The weather is nice during these months, with steady winds giving sufficient flying conditions. The monsoon season, June to September, is best avoided as heavy rain rules out paragliding while strong winds interfere with flying conditions.
  • Safety Tips: Paragliding is a safe activity if it is performed under the guidance of experienced instructors. Always make sure that the operator is certified and that the equipment has been properly checked before your flight. Wear comfortable clothes and secure footwear as you have to run at takeoff and landing. Also, make sure you are attentive to all instructions given by your guide.
  • Cost And Expenses: At Nirvana Paragliding, a tandem flight starts at ₹2,500 per person. The longer flights or special packages have a higher price. Courses in flying paragliders are provided for interested people at extra costs. Kamshet has budget-friendly homestays and hotels, and dining out is also moderately priced, with local eateries serving authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.

Nirvana Paragliding offers the best adventure experience due to the exceptional scenarios in Maharashtra. The high-altitude hills and open fields provide just the right launch points for the paragliders, while the expansive sky offers breathtaking views of verdant valleys below flights. Plan your weekend gateway with TripXL and enjoy the panoramic views of the stunning Sahyadri ranges.

Cover Photo: Balakrishnan Raman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

No previous experience is needed to go tandem paragliding, as you'll be flying with a certified instructor.
The native guesthouse is the accommodation option at Nirvana Paragliding School. It offers dorms included in the courses, individual rooms, and two-man tents for couples at a different cost.
A tandem flight lasts about 10-15 minutes, but the solo ones stay longer in the air, depending on the weather.
Nirvana paragliding offers three main sites: Tower Hill, Shelar, and Shinde Hill.
Yes, you can take your camera equipment, which is properly attached and handled well. The pilot or guides also offer to take photos for you at an additional cost.

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