


Kalimpong Paragliding (Tandem)
About
Delo Hill is Kalimpong's best spot for anyone who has ever wanted to actually fly. The take-off point sits at 1,600 metres, and from here, certified pilots of the Delo Paragliders Association have been running tandem flights since 2015 under West Bengal's Adventure Tourism Department. You get a short safety briefing, a harness, a helmet, and then a gentle jog down a slope until you're airborne. No prior experience needed at all.
There are two rides to choose from. The Classic Joyride keeps you in the air for 10 to 15 minutes at around 5,000 feet, landing at Homes Ground near Dr Graham's Homes School after a roughly 6 km glide. The Premium Joyride stretches to 20 to 30 minutes, taking you out over Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the Relli Valley before landing at Relli River ground near Relli Resort. From either flight, you get sweeping views of Kanchenjunga, Kalimpong town, the Teesta River, and the surrounding hill forests. Videography is available as an add-on if you want proof that it happened.
Getting There
Delo Hill sits about 6 km from Kalimpong town, roughly a 20 to 30 minute taxi or shared jeep ride up to the launch point. The Delo Paragliders Association office is near the Science Centre on the hill, with the actual take-off point just a 50-metre walk from the office.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri, about 78 km away, with taxis taking around 3 hours to Kalimpong. By train, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest major railhead, about 2 hours by road. Shared cabs from Siliguri to Kalimpong cover the roughly 66 km in 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Flights run daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, weather permitting. The best months are April to June and September to October. Skip the monsoon entirely. Wear comfortable layers, proper shoes, and avoid sandals since you'll need to jog a few steps for take-off.


