Paragliding is a simple form of human flight and also an adventure sport that people all over the world compete or participate in for high-flying fun. Much like an eagle, paragliders can soar in flights which last several hours and cover many hundreds of miles. The longest paragliding duration is 11 hours and covered more than 310 miles! Since paragliders are light, some adventurers choose to hike way up in the mountains; meaning paragliders have flown off of nearly every major peak in the United States and Europe, including Mt. Everest. By taking advantage of thermal lifts, paraglider pilots can stay aloft for 3 or more hours, climb to elevations of 15,000 feet, and go cross-country.
Woot! As Leonardo da Vinci said, “For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.”
[bctt tweet=”Paragliding from around the world”]
Paragliders are easy to transport, easy to launch, and easy to land. And it offers humans a dream come true, the ability to fly and soar like an eagle. The glider is made of rip-stop nylon wing. The pilot sits in a harness which can be a comfortable as a lounge chair and actually uses the glider to fly like a bird like this photo of paragliding at Muriwai Beach, New Zealand. Photo #1 by Travis Wiens
Takeoff Sequence. Photo #31 by Mikel Ortega
iPhone capture – Paragliding on the beach. Photo #32 by Maurice
Takeoff Peak District National Park. Photo #33 by Dom Crossley
At Torrey Pines, San Diego. Photo #35 by Akshay
Indonesian world record paragliding attempt at Timbis in Bali. Photo #37 by Mj 1903
Paraglider jumping off a ramp at Tegelberg (1720 m), Schwangau, Germany. Photo #36 by Greg O’Beirne
Paraglider on air, above Neustift, Stubai Tal, Tirol, Austria. Photo #40 by Glg
Don Cesar, St Pete Beach sunset. Photo #41 by Andre Bulber
Paragliding has developed into a magnificent flying sport around the globe. The comfort and effortlessness of Paragliding are unfathomable. It is now feasible for a common man to encounter the rush of flying. This sport has gained global recognition.
This captivating activity has been a slice of tourism scene for a long while, which has seen an ascent in some of the colossal Paragliding areas. You can undoubtedly incorporate them in your vacations in India, and give an adrenaline burst to your outing arrangements.
Paragliding is most likely the nearest experience one can get to fly like a bird. In order to enjoy this sport, special training is needed, with basic security flying gears, for example,
A pair of strong bound boots.
Protective caps
A nylon Paragliding outfit
Image source
Billing: Situated in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Billing is the best Paragliding destination in India. While Bir serves as the landing field, Billing is where you take off. In addition, it is known for its regular thermal and ridge lifts techniques. This Paragliding site is ideal for a visit from March till June as the cool winds hold up to take you high in the sky.
Towerl Hill – Situated on the Mumbai-Pune highway close to Kamshet, Towerl Hill is situated at an elevation of 2900 feet over the sea level. One of the best spots for the game of Paragliding in India, Towerl Hill brags of a vast take off territory and great landing zones which are suited for both the expert and novice paragliders. While taking off in the open sky, you can easily gain heights of up to 2000 feet. The best season is from October to February.
Image source-flynirvana
Pavna is situated on the Mumbai-Pune highway, close to Kamshet. The take-off territory is large and clear while the landing is far from the hill as the base of the hill has fencing and a couple of electric posts. The Paragliding season begins in the middle of February till May.
Found 14 Km from Ponneri on the Vaniyambadi-Tirupattur Road and located halfway in the middle of Chennai and Bangalore. Three sites have been distinguished for adventure sports in particular Kottur, Muthanoor and Raneri. You can also go trekking, rock climbing and mountain biking in the slopes of Yelagiri.
When you get a hang of this sport, you will be addicted! It is the time to leave and experience the universe of flexibility, thrill and outright adventures with all the more flying sports like skydiving, parasailing, and even bungee jumping. For amateurs, have a go at a hot air balloon ride to comprehend what it is like to be up in the air.
Humans have always been fascinated by the mystery of flying. The first attempts to copy birds by building wings that could be flapped by attaching them to the arms failed through the years. The ultimate success came from a completely different approach only after these methods were abandoned.
TheMontgolfierbrothers came up with a new idea in1783. After a successful experiment of filling a silk bag with hot air which lifted meters off the ground, JosephandJacquesbuilt a larger, spherical bag. They filled it with hot air from a fire and sent some farm animals in the air in a basket hung beneath it. Shortly after, this the brothers launched a70-foothigh balloon that lifted to3000 feetand remained aloft for25 minutes, with two men aboard. This was the first human, carrying flight technology. After this accomplishment was widely publicised, the human-carrying balloon evolved quickly.
Hot air balloons, today are able to reach thousands of meters height, with21000 meters (69 000 feet) being the world record. Balloon flights and festivals are popular in various destinations around the world. We have selected 10 amazing locations around the world that are worth seeing from a birds-eye view.
Photograph found on www.ytravelblog.com
The best way to experience the ancient city ofBagan and its thousands of years temples is to get aboard on a hot air balloon and see it from the air. That´s the only way to really understand the size of one of the world´s greatest archaeological sites.Balloons Over Baganis a privately ownedBurmese, but British run company offering tours from mid-October to March off rainy season only.
Photograph found on dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com
Drift above the fascinating and breathtakingNapa Valleyvineyards and watch the sunrise from the basket early in the morning. There are many companies offering flights in the region. Established in1980Napa Valley Balloonsis Napa Valley’s oldest balloon company.
Photograph found on travelphotography.theplanetd.com
TheCerdanya Valleyis located in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia. From the air, you can discover one of the most impressive valleys inEuropeand its surrounding mountains theSierra del Cadí,theSierra del Moixeróand theTossa de Alp.Since it is very close to the French border there is also a chance to see the area if you choose a balloon flight fromSouthern France. Experience the dramatic scenery withBallooning Barcelonaan established name in the industry.
Photograph found on fascinating-places.blogspot.com
Cappadocia is one of the most popular spots in the world to try a hot air balloon. The reason behind it is the utterly unique and surreal landscape that you have never witnessed before in your lifetime. Gently drifting over that fairy chimneys, through the valleys over vineyards and orchards, the different colours of the landscape will leave you breathless. Once you are back on the ground discover one of the underground cities in the region inTurkey.
Photograph found on www.atablefortwo.com.au
Watch the sunlight up the ruggedMacDonnell Rangeson theAustralian Outback. What would be a better way to have an amazing view other than a scenic hot air balloon flight. There is a good chance that you will see the big red kangaroos in their natural habitat. With nearly 30 years experience, Outback BallooningisAustralia’s only balloon company specialising in remoteOutbackoperations.
Photograph found on bestplacesofinterest.com
JaipurinRajasthan,Indiais a real adventure destination – why not combine it with a once in a lifetime hot air balloon flight.Jaipuris often called the ´Pink City´has magnificent forts and palaces. On your ride, you will explore theAmber Fort,Jal Mahaland the aerial view ofJaipur. The company called Sky Waltzoffers an unforgettable experience through the sky.
Photograph found on www.99traveltips.com
Hot air balloon flights inKenya’sMasaiMara National Reserveis a truly enchanting experience. It is the northernmost part of the spectacularSerengeti-Mara ecosystem, home to the “Great Migration” and outstanding wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles.
Photograph found on thejigsawpuzzles.com
Château-d’Oexis a hot air balloon paradise. Every year in the last week ofJanuarythis part of theSwiss Alps provides the setting for the leading alpine ballooning event, the International Hot Air Balloon Week. The sky blooms with colour as hot-air balloons float over the snow peaks.Hot air ballooning is available all year round.
France, Dordogne (24), Perigord Noir, vallee de la Dordogne, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, le chateau medieval de Castelnaud qui abrite le Musee de la Guerre au Moyen-Age, vol de montgolfieres (vue aerienne) ww.photo-paramoteur.com
Combining a gastronomic experience with a hot air balloon trip is an ultimate choice.Burgundyis a wonderful area renowned for its fine wines and châteaux. It gives every tourist, a taste, of the soul ofFrance. Fly over the celebrated vineyards of the wine area, the spectacular medieval hilltop towns and villages of the Parc du Morvan Nature Reserve. Get in touch with the friendly and professional team of France Montgolfière Balloons,they offer trips throughoutFrance.
Photograph found on acouplecooks.com
Angkor Watis the world´s largest religious complex and archeological site located inCambodia. After you have seen it from the ground and wandered for hours between the walls of this magical complex why not see it from above. Be prepared for the crowds, though.Angkor Ballooningis the only balloon company offering daily trips depending on the weather conditions.