DARJEELING, : Paragliding kicked off at Kurseong today which many feel will give a much needed boost to tourism in the hill town. Started by Kurseong Aero Club and supported by Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the take-off point has been fixed at Chiso Pani in Lepcha Khet and the landing at Rohini.
“Interested individuals will need to pay Rs. 4,000 per person. The flight covers an aerial distance of about 800 meters and lasts around 10 minutes,” said Ritesh Rai of the Aero Club. Currently, there are four gliders and pilots with plans to add two to three more soon.
Rai assured that all safety measures have been thoroughly considered. “We will operate for about 30 days and then pause during the monsoon season,” he added. The paragliding equipment, sourced from Europe, was purchased from Himachal Pradesh. Rai is the only local pilot, while the other three pilots are from Himachal.
On the occasion, GTA Tourism chief coordinator Dawa Sherpa announced additional plans to boost tourism in Kurseong. “We are planning to introduce other activities like rock climbing and new trekking routes. Cycling has already started on NH 55. The ropeway project, which is still incomplete, will also be launched soon. Tourists can paraglide downhill and return via the ropeway,” he said. A committee, named Kurseong Tourism Development Society, has been formed to further promote tourism.
GTA chief executive Anit Thapa, present at the launch, highlighted the benefits for locals. “This will create employment opportunities. Locals can set up shops around the take-off and landing points, and vehicle owners can offer transport services to tourists," Thapa noted.
With Rohini already popular among weekend visitors from Siliguri, paragliding is expected to be an exciting new attraction.
M.K. Lama, a local from Rohini, said, "Activities like this will boost tourism here and offer more experiences for tourists staying in our homestays."