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land of rich heritage and culture, and colouful traditions

Up until the mid-90’s Kamshet was just another hick town, an unknown train station on the huge network of the Indian railways until Sanjay & Astrid stumbled upon it in a search for a piece of land away from the madding crowds of Mumbai. Their plan was to build a small getaway for themselves and their friends – a place to retreat to and enjoy nature.

Astrid had a dream. A dream in which her children had the chance to run barefoot, climb trees and hills, swim in the lakes and rivers and enjoy an unbridled childhood like she had. On the other hand, Sanjay discovered free flight, the plan evolved, and the dream expanded.

Today Kamshet is known to the world paragliding community as a Paragliding paradise in India, a flying holiday destination because of the massive task they undertook in developing infrastructure and popularizing the area as a PG and an adventure holiday destination.

Each year Sanjay & Astrid have the pleasure of hosting and introducing scores of pilots and nature lovers from all over the country and the world to the wonderful sport of paragliding. In the process they’ve had a positive impact on the lives of local community as well.

the natural beauty of kamshet

Kamshet is located in the Western Ghats (hills) off an ancient trade route that once linked the west coast to the hinterland. The hills along this route are dotted with ancient cave temples, medieval hill fortresses and colonial hill stations. Kamshet is a ‘dream come true’ for all those who love flying, freedom and nature. Superb scenery changes hues along with the seasons. No noise, no pollution, just hills, lakes and wondrous winds.

Kamshet offers you a glimpse into a simple sustainable lifestyle and a chance to meet warm, friendly village people. The small villages are still built in traditional style (mud, thatch & reed), the farmers still till their land with ancient plough and oxen and the bullock cart is still a reliable means of transport.

Nightlife in Kamshet

The weekend BBQ and pilot get together at Native Place is the big event of the week. The tandoori chicken, jacket potatoes and nans are a universal favourite. Chilling out on the terrace under a starry tropical sky is what we do to unwind after a tiring day at the site. When the queen of the night is blossoming, the gathering moves down onto the front porch steps.

Non-flyers and Other Activities

Each year we host a number of non-flyers, who enjoy Kamshet’s idyllic, peaceful surroundings as much as our pilots do. Children are welcome to come, stay and enjoy! Kids can have a gala time by simply being in the great outdoors with trees to climb, chickens and cows to watch and other children to play with. Our environment is polished and equipped to make our young visitors happy.

There is a wide range of activities including tandem flights for non-fliers, visiting remote villages, bird watching & nature trails, trekking, traditional style fishing, visits to ancient cave temples and forts or just relaxing on your terrace with a good book. When Stan is around (he is usually based here) yoga classes are available.

There are many beautiful spots to be discovered in the surroundings of Kamshet. Of particular interest are the Karla, Bhaja and Bhedsa caves, ancient Buddhist cave temples with exquisite carvings and magnificent statues of the Buddha.

The Native Place Guesthouse has a charm of its own. The hammocks under shady trees, pretty garden benches, nooks and corners to enjoy the view or to read a book. Our Garden Discovery cards will help you navigate the impressive range of birds, native trees, flowers and fragrant plants. If you are looking for a tour and a talk on permaculture – ask Astrid.

“The low hills, rocky terrain, with endless flatlands around seems to be sculpted specially for paragliding with every bend in the road revealing a new set of ridges just begging to be flown” – Hugh Miller, Cross-country, April / May 2000 issue.