f you have always wondered what it means to soar like a bird, here is something you can try.

There are two organisations in Mumbai that organise paragliding courses.
 
The Western Paragliding Association operates out of Virar, a distant suburb, while Nirvana Adventures operates from Kamshet, 110 km from Mumbai.

WPA charges Rs 15,000 for 20 flights on their equipment, which includes training as well.
 
Once that is complete, you are expected to buy your own equipment and help out with the team to train new people. Second-hand paragliding equipment costs Rs 50,000, while a brand new glider costs a lakh.
 
"When people are just starting out, we discourage them from investing too much. Typically, four or five people pool in for one glider," says Sidney D'Souza, a trainer at WPA.

For more information, contact

Laksh Aviation Pvt Ltd
5, Siddhisadan
S V P Road
Borivali (West)
Mumbai -- 400 103

OR

Clubhouse
9 'A' Building
Sai Hill Nagar
Kopri
Virar (East)

Phones: (0)9819022353, (022) 28934803/ 39519152

e-mail: admin@westernparaglidingassociation.com

Web site: http://www.westernparaglidingassociation.com/

Nirvana Adventures
Astrid and Sanjay Rao
2/A Takshashila Apartments
Tagore Road
Santa Cruz (West)
Mumbai -- 400 054

Phones: (022) 26053724

Mobile: (0) 9821430798, (0) 9323708809

Telefax: (022) 26493110

Web site: http://www.nirvanaadventures.com/home/home.html

e-mail: info@nirvanaadventures.com