A few years ago when I did Paragliding…

 

 

If I had to talk of ‘Impact’, I would say ‘traveling to places near and far’ has had an amazing impact in my life. A few incidences and experiences have absolutely changed the course of my life. Among many such incidences, one such experience that I would love to talk about is below in the pictures. Lots on paragliding is here!

 

 

Today morning, I did a happy dance because I found something which I thought I had lost forever. While I was rummaging through my hard disk and looking for old stories and travel memories, I came across a folder that was hierarchically hidden under many folders. I almost squeaked in delight when I found some pictures of Manali and especially of the time when I had felt giddy and anxious and excited while flying like a bird. With the chooda in my hand, the pictures suggest that I was a few months old in my marriage. This was not a family trip but an outdoor excursion with my office colleagues. I  always wanted to blog about it but had no pictures. This ten minutes adventure had taken loads of courage in me to overcome the fear of uncertainty. Of course, I must thank my friends too who had done a lot of convincing. In the end I was elated to have done it despite having issues with heights.

 

 

Here are some pictures from flying to the landing on the ground….

 

 

 

 

A few confessions…

 

 

• I was too scared to let go off the land.
• The stories of failed flights and people hurting themselves while landing was on my mind.
• I was not comfortable trusting my guide
• I feared hitting a tree and the glider getting stuck.
• I was nervous to start and I almost gave up thrice before going for it.
• One of my travel experiences which had a deep impact on me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few realizations…

 

 

• Sometimes, its important to do things despite knowing that it can be adventurous/dangerous.
• Paragliding is challenging but thrilling.
• The view from the top is one of the best. 
• When you get a bird’s view to everything, you know how beautiful things are.
• Adrenaline rush, the sense of joy and freedom that comes with it is supreme.
• You have to do it once to know what the experience is like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few Records…

 

 

• Do you know that Gavin McClurg, 41 has his name in the record books for a 240-mile flight?
• He sailed at speeds of over 30mph at more than 18,000 ft.
• His wife is a paraglider pilot and she taught him the basics. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paragliding in India

 

 

• I did my first paragliding in Manali.
• Bir-Billing in the Dauladhar ,Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh hosted Paragliding World Cup in 2015
• The hosting ceremony was held at one of the Asia’s largest monastery, Sherbaling Monastery.
• 7th International Paragliding Festival was organized at Vagamon, Kerala from February 21st to March 1st 2015
• PAI Paragliding India XC League 2016 is happening at Panchgani during 9th to 13th Feb 2016

 

 

 

 

A few things to know

• By the time I did the landing, my head gear had become loose.
• Thus, a word of caution from my side, double check all the gear and the safety enhancements before doing any such activity.
• And as you see in the pictures, keep your legs straight in the air.
• Landing is crucial.
• One must remember all words of caution as given by the guide.

 

 

If we talk of the literal meaning of the word ‘Impact’, it is about having a strong effect on someone or something. This one experience infused confidence in me. 

 

 

Happy Traveling!!!

 

 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.