Paragliding In Kerala: A Complete Guide To Fly High

Kerala, one of the most beautiful places in the world, is popular for its coconut tree-fringed shoreline, serene beaches, mesmerising backwaters, majestic Western Ghats, and lip-smacking Malayali cuisine, and has emerged as an international paragliding destination in the last few years. Vagamon, Munnar, and Varkala are three destinations in Kerala where one can soar like a bird and enjoy the aerial beauty of Kerala. If high altitudes lure you, try paragliding in Kerala.

About Tandem Paragliding

If you are looking for tandem paragliding in India, then Kerala is one of the best options. Kerala has tandem paragliding, which means you will indulge in paragliding under the supervision of an expert tandem paraglider pilot who will take care of the launch, flight and landing for you. If you are a beginner, tandem paragliding is the perfect option.

Why Try Paragliding in Kerala?

• Because it’s not every day you get to see Kerala from the sky. It’s peaceful and thrilling at the same time.
• Kerala has the perfect mix of beaches, hills, and cool winds, making it ideal for flying.
• Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who has always wanted to try something adventurous, paragliding here is safe, scenic, and surprisingly affordable.
• Also, let’s be honest— watching others fly while you stand on the ground is not fun. You’ve got to try it once!

3 Best Places For Paragliding In Kerala

 Here is the terrific list of paragliding spots in Kerala that you must check out before you leave for your vacation. Keep scrolling down and read along!

1. Vagamon

Vagamon is a high-altitude destination in God’s Own Country, located at the border of the Idukki and Kottayam districts in Kerala. This cosy little hill station is home to verdant meadows, tall pine forests, spectacular waterfalls, and lush tea estates. Vagamon has always been a trekker’s go-to place, and paragliding is a new adventure addition to this alluring place.

The greenery of this place is unmatched, and paragliding at Vagamon lets you fill your eyes with such blissful scenery. High in the air through the clouds and mist, paragliding at Vagamon gives you a bird’s view of the astounding valley below. Paragliding points in Vagamon, Kerala, are unique, as you take off and land at the same place.

Best time to visit Vagamon for paragliding:

• The ideal time for paragliding in Vagamon is during the cooler months from October to February, when the day temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius and nights are cold.
• During these months, chances of precipitation are bleak, and so, if you want to experience paragliding in Vagamon, winter is the best time.
• The second-best time is during the summer months of March to May.
• During these months, the day temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius, and nights are pleasant with temperatures dipping to 23 degrees Celsius.
• The skies of Vagamon are usually blue and clear during this part of the year, too.

Average cost of paragliding in Vagamon: INR 3,500 to 4,000per person. During promotional events like the VAGA festival, sponsored by the Kerala Tourism Department, one can even enjoy free paragliding.

Age restriction for paragliding: People aged 14 to 80 who are physically fit can paraglide in Vagamon.

How to reach Vagamon:

• Nearest railway station: Kottayam (75 km)
• Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (125 km)
• Nearest town: Erattupetta
• From here, one can hire a taxi or drive to Vagamon.

Tips for Vagamon paragliding:

• Strictly adhere to the guidelines of your pilot during tandem paragliding.
• Winters in Vagamon are too cold. Wear enough layers of woollen clothing —jackets, scarves, and shawls — to keep yourself warm and shield you from the nail-biting cold winds.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes or sneakers.

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2. Munnar

Located at 1600 metres above mean sea level, Munnar is a town perched on the Kannan Devan Hills, amidst the Western Ghats, in the Idukki district of Kerala. This sleepy little town of Munnar is a hotspot for adventure junkies who love to fly high and enjoy the beauty of the lush greenery below.

Paragliding here has been launched recently due to favourable wind conditions and thermal soaring. Paragliding happens from the starting point of Chithirapuram, and after enjoying a thrilling paragliding session, the landing is usually near the Munnar Engineering College.

Best time for paragliding in Munnar:

• The best time for paragliding in Munnar is during the cooler months from October to February, when the day temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius.
• Nights are nail-bitingly cold, with temperatures dipping into the single digits.
• During these months, rainfall is almost nonexistent, making this a perfect dry season for paragliding in Munnar.
• The second-best time is during the summer months from March to May.
• During these months, day temperatures are always below 30 degrees Celsius, and nights are pleasant, with mercury dipping to a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius.
• Rainfall in summer is scarce, so paragliding operations remain open well into May.
• Munnar receives heavy rainfall from June to September, and paragliding centres remain shut for safety reasons.

Average cost of paragliding in Munnar: starts INR 2,699 per person

Age restriction for paragliding in Munnar: People aged 14 to 60 who are physically fit can participate.

How to reach Munnar:

• Nearest railway station: Cochin / Ernakulam
• Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (125 km)
• Nearest town: Cochin / Aluva / Ernakulam
• Several buses and taxis ply between these cities and Munnar.

Tips for Munnar paragliding:

• Always follow the instructions of your pilot.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes or sneakers.
• Check that your safety gear is properly harnessed.

3. Varkala

Varkala is a spectacular tropical beach city near Trivandrum. While paragliding usually means flying high in the mountains, paragliding at a beach town is a delightful difference. This seaside paragliding destination starts from a helipad in the North Cliff, and as the pilot takes you on a bird-like journey above the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, you will be glided back to the helipad or sometimes to the beach.

Best time for paragliding in Varkala:

• The best season for flying on the cliffs of Varkala is from mid-December to the end of March.
• During this time, the weather is perfect, with no rainfall, thermal soaring, and ideal wind conditions for paragliding.
• However, during favourable wind conditions, you can also try paragliding from October to the end of April.

Average cost of paragliding in Varkala:₹3,000 to ₹3,500 per person for a 10–15 minute tandem flight. A longer, premium flight of 20–30 minutes can cost around ₹4,000 to ₹4,500.

Age restriction for paragliding: People from 14 to 60 years who are physically fit can indulge in paragliding at Varkala.

How to reach Varkala

• Nearest airport: Trivandrum (45 km)
• Nearest railway station: Varkala has a railway station with the station code VAK.
• Nearest town: Varkala is just 45 km from the main city of Trivandrum, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach by car.

Tips for Varkala paragliding:

• Always follow your pilot’s instructions during tandem paragliding.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Do not panic.

What to Wear And Carry?

• Comfortable T-shirt and jeans or track pants.
• Sports shoes (no slippers).
• Sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Light jacket if it’s cold.
• A water bottle and a small snack.

Tip: Avoid heavy food before the flight. You don’t want your stomach doing flips in the air.

Essential Safety Tips

• Kerala has certified pilots and follows proper safety rules.
  Before booking, check whether the operator is approved by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) or a similar body.
• Don’t fly if the weather looks rough or windy.
• Always listen to your pilot- they know what they’re doing.

Other Things to Do Nearby

• Vagamon: Visit pine forests, waterfalls, or go boating.
• Varkala: Chill on the beach, do yoga, or get an Ayurvedic massage.
• Munnar: Visit tea estates, spice gardens, or trek to nearby hills

Conclusion

Kerala isn’t just about calm backwaters or temple bells. It’s also about open skies, adventure, and that one magical moment when your feet leave the ground. We guess that you are already imagining flying like an eagle over the ravishing landscapes in God’s own country, while enjoying paragliding in Kerala. Plan a trip to Kerala with TravelTriangle and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Give your imagination a real form!

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Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Pexels and Pixabay.

Cover Image Credit: Yasin Gdu For Pexels

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Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.