Eighty-six participants from 11 countries will vie for honours at the five-day paragliding competitions from March 19 for the International Top Landing Accuracy Cup in six categories as part of the International Paragliding Festival at Kolahalamedu in scenic Vagamon along the Western Ghats.

The March 19-23 mega event, which is being organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) under the State Tourism Department in collaboration with Orange Life Paragliding School.

The five-day International Paragliding Festival enjoys the official recognition of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which is the 1905-founded world governing body for air sports. The FAI and the Aero Club of India are also lending technical support while Fly Vagamon provides local coordination.

The competitions at the Vagamon Adventure Park in Kolahalamedu are held in the following categories: Paragliding Accuracy (Overall), Paragliding Accuracy (Women), Paragliding Accuracy (Team), Paragliding Accuracy (Indian Overall), Paragliding Accuracy (Indian Women) and Paragliding Accuracy (Junior).

Tourism Minister Shri P.A. Mohamed Riyas said Kerala has a significant place in the country's adventure tourism map. "The state has been fully exploiting its potential of adventure tourism in the last three years," he added, pointing out the new focus given to white-water kayaking, paragliding, surfing and mountain cycling. 

Tourism Secretary Shri K Biju said Kerala has come a long way in providing infrastructure with international facilities suitable for adventure tourism in prospective places. "The annual paragliding competition we hold in Vagamon is now internationally famous," he pointed out. 

Kerala Tourism Director Smt Sikha Surendran said Kerala's geographical advantages have benefited the state in developing its adventure tourism portfolio. "We have the sea, river, mountains and hills within a radius of just 60 km," she noted. 

"Vagamon is an ideal venue, which even the best paragliders across the world are eagerly waiting to explore. We are making efforts to find more such locations through the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society. The Tourism Department will provide all necessary support", she added.

Kolahalamedu, located seven km from Vagamon near Peerumedu, in Idukki district is among the best places for paragliding. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the place is particularly favourable for take-off and landing. Adding to its advantage are its cool climate, tea plantations, grasslands and the woods.