Anisha Choudhary, student of Saksham Sanchar Foundation shared her personal experience of paragliding at the Nandi Hills.
Close your eyes for a minute and imagine yourself flying in the sky. When you look down there is a mesmerizing view of heavenly nature. You can hear nothing but cool breeze rushing past you. Everything around you is calm and serene. And amidst this is your thumping heart, adrenaline rushing into your veins. A thrilling experience you can have nowhere but in the sky.
Now, ofcourse technology has not yet reached at a stage where humans can actually fly on their own. But you can still experience flying via paragliding.
Sharing a little personal experience for people who are afraid of heights
Fear of heights in scientific language acrophobia is found commonly among many people. Last year I went on a trip with my cousins. And while everybody did paraglide, I was just standing down there filming their videos. While in the hotel everybody spoke of their thrilling experience, I was their sitting silently. The reason behind that? MY FEAR OF HEIGHTS.
But then I decided to confront my fear and in my recent visit to Bengaluru I did paragliding. That was the time when I realised, why each of my cousins eyes were wide with astonishment after doing the activity. It was an electrifying experience! And believe me paragliding is something that will transform your fear into a lifetime experience. So don’t let your inner fear rob you of this exhilarating experience.
Paragliding at Nandi Hills
My first ever paragliding experience was at Nandi hills and now if I ever want to paraglide again, I will visit Nandi hills again.
Nandi Hills, located about 60 kilometres from Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka, is a picturesque hill station. Perched at an altitude of 1,478 meters above sea level, this popular getaway offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The hills are named after the ancient Nandi temple situated at the top, dedicated to Nandi, the bull that serves as the mount of Lord Shiva.
When to visit
The best time for paragliding is from November to February when there is a clear sky and cool pleasant temperatures. You should avoid going during monsoon season for activities like paragliding at the hills.
How to reach
By Air:The nearest airport to Nandi Hills is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use a car rental service to reach Nandi Hills.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Nandi Hills is Chikkaballapur Railway Station, which is around 9 km away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nandi Hills.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from Bangalore to Nandi Hills. You can take a bus from Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station to Nandi Hills.
By Car: You can also drive to Nandi Hills from nearby cities or towns. The roads leading to Nandi Hills are generally in good condition, and the drive offers beautiful views.
Where to stay
Although paragliding is the main tourist attraction but cycling, bird gazing, Shri Yoganandeeshwara Swamy Temple, Tipu’sdropand the breathtaking sunset and sunrise are also major highlights of this place this is why I would recommend you to have a 2 day/1 night trip to this hill station.
There are many resorts and hotels located in Nandi hills. Here are some best rated once:
- Mulberry Shades
- Stay at Nandi
- Viewtopia
- Happy Retreats
- Discovery village
About paragliding
- The cost for the activity ranges from 2500 INR to 4500 INR
- You can book on the spot or can do advance booking with sites like universal adventures or thrillophilia.
- The ride duration ranges from 10 to 15 minutes but the time slot may very as the activity entirely depends on whether conditions
- The height for paragliding ranges from 4500 to 4850 feet above sea level.
Instructions
- Individuals weighing below 30 kg and above 85 kg are not allowed to paraglide.
- Children below 10 are also not allowed to paraglide.
- For video during the activity, you can bring your own go pro or you can pay 500 INR extra for the video services.
- Cardiac patients or people with existing health concerns are strictly advised to not participate.
- It is advisable to wear comfy clothes like t-shirt and tracks or shorts. Avoid anything with drapes and skirts or any other clothing that can cause inconvenience.
Overall, Paragliding in Nandi Hills is an absolute must-try. It’s pure exhilaration, with stunning landscapes and the thrill of flight. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned flyers, the experience is safe and professionally guided. For a fun, unforgettable adventure that gets your heart racing, Nandi Hills is the place to be. Don’t miss out!