SHIMLA: Tiny hill town of Junga is gearing up for the Shimla Flying Festival, set to start from October 12 to 15, 2023 that promises an experience of a lifetime in the vicinity of the Queen of the Hills of Himachal Pradesh.
The festival promises an adrenaline-packed experience, as paragliding pilots from India and abroad are set to head to Shimla showcasing their skills against the backdrop of Junga's scenic beauty.
Arun Rawat, the Managing Director of The Glide in Junga, believes the festival will not only thrill participants but also boost tourism, offering visitors a blend of heritage, adventure, spirituality, and nature. Enthusiasts are already flocking to Junga, sharing their awe-inspiring paragliding experiences.
As the festival approaches, thrill-seekers are already flocking to Junga to take part in the adventure of a lifetime.
Riya, a student from Srinagar Medical College, described her first-time paragliding experience as incredible, and her classmate Sandeep Joshi echoed her sentiments, expressing immense joy in soaring through the skies.
They both encouraged paragliding enthusiasts to join the Shimla Flying Festival to learn the art and savour the festival's atmosphere.
Safety is paramount, with visitors like Shriram highlighting the excellent measures in place. Paragliding enthusiasts can not only enjoy thrilling flights but also gain valuable knowledge about the sport.
Moreover, such festivals contribute significantly to the local economy, generating employment opportunities. Junga, with its accessibility and beauty, is poised to become another paragliding hotspot like Bir-Billing, Indrasen, Solang-Rohtang and others.
Backed by the District Administration Shimla and Tourism Development Corporation, this unique festival will focus on accuracy in paragliding, a first for Junga. Contestants can compete for Solo and in-tandem flights showcasing this skills in the air.
Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Aditya Negi, sees the festival as a chance to revive tourism after recent setbacks.
He encourages tourists to join the festival, enjoy paragliding competitions, and appreciate Junga's scenic beauty.
Junga's historical significance adds another layer of charm. Once the capital of Keonthal state, Junga has a beautiful temple dedicated to Junga Devta, the local deity.
With excellent road connectivity, Junga is easily accessible from Shimla, Kufri, Kandaghat, and Chail. Dense pine and deodar forests offer nature enthusiasts a plethora of trails and scenic spots.
Junga also serves as a spiritual tourism circuit with its temples and monasteries, adding a unique dimension to the tourist experience.
For those ready to take flight, registration for the festival is available on The Glide Inn Junga's official website, mobile number, or email address. The fee is Rs 5500.
Apart from paragliding, the festival will feature a student band competition, cultural presentations, self-help group exhibitions, food stalls, and Himachali Dham. A special souvenir will commemorate this unforgettable event.
As the festival nears, excitement soars in Junga, promising an unforgettable experience for all who dare to take flight in the Queen of the Hills.
