Flight of Fancy

Howdy Mumbo Jojos,

My dream is to fly 
Over the rainbow so high 
My dream is to fly 
Over the rainbow so high 

-Yves Larock

Yves may not have written this song about his desire to fly but it fits that description perfectly. And if you have that desire too, I’m here to tell you how to fulfil it, right here in the city!

I know what you’re thinking. Flying, in Mumbai?  Well, yes. But not the kind of flying you’re imagining (I know we all loved Top Gun but there is no shortcut to becoming a pilot...YET). I’m talking about paragliding!

Paragliding is a thrilling and adrenalin-pumping sport in which a person can fly by maneuvering a hand glider. There are many types of paragliding but the ones available in Mumbai are mountain/hill paragliding and winching. These are classified according to the type of launch: from a hilltop using natural resources or from the ground using the wind and external support.  

Basic, intermediate and certification courses are all available. The basic course varies from a day to a three-day workshop. This is meant for people who want to try it out for fun. The intermediate course is longer and trains you to fly without supervision and earns you a novice level certificate. Although you don’t need a license to paraglide in India, you cannot fly everywhere. Thus a certification course gives permission to fly in specific locations. However, prerequisites for this are ownership of flying equipment and experience of completing at least 50 flights in the country.

The basic course can cost you anywhere between Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 9,500 depending on the duration and the institute.

Now I’m sure you’re dying to find out where it happens. The answer is: Space Apple, Virar! Well, it’s not technically Mumbai but it’s as close as can be. Virar is ideal as it has vast open lands, many different types of hills and favourable weather conditions in the morning and evening.

If you want to go away for the weekend and try it out, Nirvana Adventures, Kamshet (110 kms away) is the place.  Their package is inclusive of food and accommodation.

Although these institutes have licensed instructors, be sure to double check safety measures and ask questions in case of doubts.

Well, itching to try it out? Me too...come to think of it, I’m free this weekend :D

Well...that’s all for this QUINK folks...until next time...I believe I can fly :D

And remember to Quirk up!

-Master Blincca

Check out

Space Apple: www.spaceapple.com

Nirvana Adventures: www.flynirvana.com