This paragliding school in Kamshet is an exciting weekend getaway

Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Kamshet is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Located about 100 km to 200 km from Mumbai and Pune respectively, this serene hill station is one of the most sought-after destinations by paragliding enthusiasts. 

In the heart of this district lies Govitri, a quaint village, home to OrangeLife Adventures, a renowned paragliding school founded by Vijay Soni, who is one of the top paragliding cross country pilots in India. 

I chose Kamshet for my paragliding school because of its ideal flying conditions and its status as a major paragliding hub in India.

Says Soni, “I chose Kamshet for my paragliding school because of its ideal flying conditions and its status as a major paragliding hub in India. The challenging conditions here make it a great training ground. Once you master flying in Kamshet, you can fly anywhere in the world.” 

“It is also easily accessible by road, making travel convenient for students. Our facility in Govitri village, right by the water, offers one of the best spots in Kamshet for rest and recovery,” he adds.

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Vijay’s journey

Soni has been a passionate paramotoring champion for over three decades. From winning the first Indian XC Paramotor Competition in 2001 to representing India globally, his accolades include international championship titles and record-breaking flights. Soni also features in the Limca Book of Records as the first Indian to complete a maiden FAI triangle 100 km+ flight in the country. 

With an aim to nurture future pilots and elevate India’s presence in global paragliding, Soni founded Orange Life Paragliding in 2017. “My main aim is to increase India’s representation in international paragliding events,” says Soni. 

He believes that currently India’s representation in international paragliding competitions is growing but still has a long way to go when compared to countries with a stronger paragliding culture, like France or Switzerland. 

Soni adds, “While we have skilled pilots, participation and recognition at the highest levels–such as World Cups and World Championships–are still limited. Being the Commissioner of Paragliding under the Aero Club of India (ACI), I assume this should speed up. With the right support and infrastructure, I believe India can make a significant mark on the global paragliding scene.”

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Orange Life Adventures

Orange Life offers different paragliding courses,  from basic to advanced, ranging between five to 15 days, for people of varied skill levels. Those simply seeking an adventurous getaway have other options to choose from. For instance, Tandem Rides with experienced pilots to witness breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. 

Another offering of this school is its homestay which serves as a peaceful getaway from the bustling city life. Speaking of its speciality, Soni mentions the unique village-like vibe the homestay offers. The property, situated close to the Uksan lake, also has several attractions for tourists nearby. These include the ancient 2nd century Bedse, Bhaja and Karla Buddhist caves as well as the Kondeshwar Temple. 

As Vijay Soni continues to inspire and train future pilots, Orange Life Adventures remains a must-visit for those looking to explore the skies and embrace the beauty of the Western Ghats.

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The lead image at the top shows an aerial view of the Orange Life campus. (Photo Courtesy: Vijay Soni)