Paragliding
Long-wished to fly high across the vast expanse of Sri Lanka? Try paragliding! One of the famous recreational and adventure sports in Sri Lanka, paragliding is the art of flying lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft, without any rigid structure. Take a bird’s eye view of Sri Lanka as you float in the air like a bird. The mountainous regions offer the best experience of paragliding in Sri Lanka while the captivating aerial sights offer you a great thrill.
Paragliding In Sri Lanka: Flight Types
There are two main actions in paragliding – launching and landing. The wing is aligned with the airstream through running or pulling, and then the wing rises over the pilot to carry the passenger. After a certain safety period, the pilot sits back into his harness. This process is carried out during all the three major types of paragliding with slight modifications.
1. Soaring
This is the kind of paragliding which is done with the help of wind. In soaring, the wind is directed upwards through a fixed object or dune. The air lift helps the pilot to fly up in the air during this type of paragliding. The flight takes place across the slope and the air provides for the lift. Major contributors in soaring are steady wind and skillful pilot. Sky Club in Bentota and Makuldeniya Ridge are a few places to take part in this activity.
2. Cross-Country Flying
The art of moving from one thermal to the immediate next thermal is known as cross-country flying. From Colombo to Kamshet and Nuwara Eliya, you can indulge in this activity in Sri Lanka. Choice of thermal is not arbitrary in case of this type. The thermal is recognized by the significant land features. This is done at large by the professional or the pilot. Another important factor in cross-country type of paragliding is identification of cumulus (pile) cloud. The presence of cumulus clouds decide where the air is humid and eventually forms the cumulus clouds. It is suggested to have good knowledge of flying regulations, air law and aviation maps for cross-country flying.
3 Paragliding Places In Sri Lanka
Paragliding is an exciting sport that is done in specific places. While there are so many places to try paragliding all over the world, Ella in Sri Lanka is one of the best places for trying this activity.
1. Ella Adventure Park
The quaint tropical island of Ella is blessed with an array of stunning landscapes. Ella, referring to waterfall in Sinahelse, is a beautiful village located against the backdrop of various waterfalls which are trickling down the rugged terrain. As it is seated in the southern ridge of the Central highlands, it enjoys a salubrious climate for most parts of the year.
Paragliding in Sri Lanka exclusively takes place in Ella. It is a prime location for hundreds of foreign visitors. Ella Adventure Park, situated in the outer region of Ella, hosts the paragliding sports. The average flight time for intermediate level is usually 25 minutes. An average pilot is assigned for the adventure. Ella Adventure Park is the only provider of paragliding in the island as of now. Although paragliding is conducted over the Makaldeniya ridge, yet it is a rare occurrence.
2. Nuwara Eliya
The central mountainous region of Eliya make up for a great spot in Sri Lanka. Cross-country paragliding can be easily done here. You can take up paragliding from central mountain region to the south of Nuwara Eliya. There are hotels and other accommodations to stay nearby. Enjoy the stunning vistas from up above during this activity. The terrains and favourable environmental conditions are often the main factors that work in benefit for adventure lovers.
3. Makuldeniya
There are two types of paragliding that take place in the Makuldeniya ridge. However, soaring is done at large by a number of travelers who visit Sri Lanka. Professional paragliders offer guidance during the activity. At present, most of the paragliding activities are carried out just above the ridge of Makuldeniya. This also offer a paraglider the chance to soak in the panoramic vistas of the nearby areas.