From time immemorial, man has always dreamt of soaring in the sky, free as a bird, unrestricted in his motion and feelings while bonding with nature. Being in touch with the air and the scenery around has always dreamt to fly. It is from this basic imagination and fear of unknown which has translated a wonderful flying sport of paragliding. Paragliding has now made it possible for the common man to experience the thrill of flying.
Paragliding is a relatively new sport in India and especially so in Kerala. Paragliding is one of the newest and hottest adventure sports that finds increasing takers year by year owing to its sheer thrill. Paragliding as a competitive sports item got recognition in the country only recently.
One finds unadulterated thrill in flying mid-air, with so much to be explored, so much to be seen, so many limits to be pushed and so many challenges to be made. Paragliders report that they ‘feel alive ‘during the course of their adventure activity. Tourists have vouched the fact that hovering over the Indian landscapes, defined by mesmerizing colours and nature’s vibrancy, is to be experienced to be believed.
Paragliding has become as popular airborne adventure activity and has catapulted it into the other sporting leagues such as scuba diving, wind surfing, rafting, trekking, mountain climbing, biking, skiing and many other adrenaline pumping land and water adventure sports.
In Kerala, Vagamon has been identified as the hotspot for paragliding as the weather is known to be fickle, was till recently only an offbeat tourism destination for travellers from the State. Thanks to this marvellous adventurous sport Vagamon has found a place in the international tourism map .
The Paragliding adventure site of Vagamon is situated at the hills of Kolahalamedu, 4 kms from Vagamon, forming part of south India‘s second highest peak namely the Amruthamedu. There is a 10 km long ridge of 3,000 feet in height from top to bottom. This site has steady winds blowing in the south western direction throughout the season. The paragliding season starts from September and offers great flying conditions until January and again, from March to May. Vagamon boasts of a cool climate during most part of the year.
Through paragliding, man has been able to fulfil his dream as sport allows him to enjoy a similar feeling as he would have had if he had wings. So when are you taking the wings to soar like a bird.
