Explore the Best Ropeways in India

India is a magical land containing diverse landscapes, architectural marvels, intriguing history, and rich mythology. Together they weave a web of unique destinations accompanied by legendary stories that enchant their way into your heart. Ropeway is one such fascinating element of this fascinating land of mysteries. It saves the travel time between two locations while offering amazing spectacles.

What are the Ropeways?

Ropeways are actually small cars running on cables suspended in the air. These cable cars are known locally as gondolas. They lift the passengers in air at a particular height and transport them between two locations. They are especially popular in mountainous regions where people want to avoid uphill strenuous hiking. The car has the functionality of an enclosed chamber providing protection but cars can be replaced with open chairs adding to the thrill.

Let’s explore the 10 most famous ropeways in India.

Jakhu Ropeway, Shimla

In 2017, the government of Shimla inaugurated the Jakhu Ropeway. It serves as an alternate mode of transportation that is easy and fast. Jagson International Limited developed it to carry individuals to the Jakhu temple. The temple is a popular religious site in Shimla that worships Lord Hanuman. The one-way ride requires a minimum of 6-8 minutes to cover approximately 2-4 km distance. It saves the steep climb of 300 steps and the travel time of 40 minutes to 1 hour to the temple. The gondola carries 6 passengers in a cable car at a cost of Rs. 470 and Rs. 400 for adults and children (3-12 years), respectively, with no charges for children below 3 years. It offers the enthralling view of the city and its towering mountains with forests present beneath. The gondola ride has turned into a popular adventure sport in Shimla.

Auli Ropeway, Uttarakhand

Auli ropeway in Uttarakhand is the highest in Asia at 3100 meters above sea level. It connects the hill station of Auli to Joshimath, spanning 4 km of distance in 20-25 minutes. It offers both- a cable car and a chair lift. The cable car costs Rs.1000 per person, while chair lift is cheaper at Rs.300. The cable car can carry at least 25 passengers at a time. Moreover, it also has a remote braking system and a storm warning system as safety measures. It provides the astonishing sights of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamet peaks. The same state also has ropeways to famous pilgrim sites Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi in the city of Haridwar.

Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh

The Chitrakoot is a popular location owing to its ties to the Ramayana. The Chitrakoot ropeway travels to Hanuman Dhara. The legends believe that Lord Hanuman extinguished the fire on his tail, started by Ravana, at this very location. In fact, Lord Rama created a water spring for the same. Devotees believe that the water of this spring has healing properties. The gondola bypasses the climb of 618 steps in a 5 minute trip charging only Rs. 160 for a two –way journey.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

The Rangeet Valley ropeway in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is India’s first ropeway. constructed in 1968. It covers the 8 km distance from Sigmari to Singla Bazar. The scenic ride of 45 minutes across the Rangeet river also provides the breathtaking visuals of the lush green tea gardens from an altitude of 7000 ft. The gondola halts at Tukvar tea estate and Barnesbeg village. One can roam around, rest, and stretch their body at these fascinating locations. The ticket is affordable at the rate of Rs.260 for adults and Rs.130 for children. However, online ticket booking facility is not available and it has long queues.

Gangtok, Sikkim

The Deorali ropeway traverses between Deorali Bazar and Tashiling Secretariat at 6200 ft. through the State Legislative Assembly. The presence of Deorali Bazar in the city center provides an easy access to the ropeway. It was built in 2003 and is currently managed by Damodar Ropeway & Infra Ltd. Although online tickets are available, the tickets are valid till 4:30 pm only. The ticket has low prices of Rs.50 for adults and Rs.30 for kids below 6 years. With a capacity of 24 passengers, it takes you on a tour of the city for 15-20 minutes.

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

In addition to the Vaishno Devi ropeway in the state, the Gulmarg ropeway is also famous. It was constructed in 2011 and comprises a two-part cable car. The one part of the cable car transports passengers from Gulmarg to Kungdoor, and the second part is the journey between Kungdoor and Aparwath. It extends for a total distance of 5 km. It offers the stunning visual of meadows and mountains. These meadows transform into ski ground in winters giving a fascinating view. Both offline and online booking systems are available. However, an offline boarding pass needs to be taken at least 15 minutes before boarding.

Guwahati, Assam

It’s the longest ropeway in India, covering a stretch of almost 1.8 km in 8 minutes. It consists of a bicable car and a twin track that connects northern and southern regions of Guwahati by linking Panbazar and Rajadwar village. This was built on the Brahmaputra River and launched in 2020. It charges a minimal fee of Rs.100 for a one-way journey and half the price for children below 12 years and senior citizens above 60 years. It provides an overview of Umananda temple, the river, and the city.

Kailasagiri, Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has two ropeways-one at Visakhapatnam and the other at Srisailam. The Visakhapatnam ropeway carries you to the hilltop of Kailasagiri Hill that boasts the 40 ft. tall idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The enchanting view of the beach and the city from the gondola enthralls you. It incurs a cost of Rs.100 for adults and Rs.80 for kids for a 15-20 minute trip.

Malampuzha, Kerala

Malampuzha is a tourist destination 10 km distant from the Palakkad town in Kerala. The place contains an amusement park and a dam. The ropeway at a height of 60 ft. connects the two sides of the park. The project began in 1991 to expand up to 626 meters. The 20 minute trip offers the view of the dam and the Yakshi sculpture. People have renamed it as “Udan Khatola”.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

It is the highest ropeway in the world at 11000 ft. that travels between Tawang Monastery and Gyangyong Ani Gonpa. Built in 2010. It is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance. The general public pays a fare of Rs.100 whereas monks and children can travel at a discounted price of Rs.25. It provides the charming views of the mountains and villages in the 20-minute journey.

The Best Ropeway in India

Among so many options, the Jakhu ropeway stands out. It integrates international-level safety measures and has continuous monitoring by CCTV cameras. It offers the magnificent sights of the city, the forest of oak and deodar trees, and the Shivalik ranges. Passengers can also experience the divine through the 108 ft. tall statue of Lord Hanuman visible from the ropeway. The ropeway is well-maintained and has the facility of online and offline booking. Additionally, it is present in Shimla- the famous tourist destination. Along with the ropeway, one can visit the numerous destinations scattered around it.

Conclusion

Ropeways are fun and thrilling rides while immersing you in the natural beauty. It cuts short the time of the tiresome journey to a destination. The Jakhu ropeway is one such adventurous ride that takes you through the picturesque valley of Shimla. You have the forest laid beneath your feet, the city stretched out in front, and mountains standing tall in the backdrop.

FAQs

Where to get Jakhu Ropeway from?

The ropeway is located in Shimla. It is accessible from the Ridge. The ropeway entry point is a 0.5 km walk from the Ridge.

What are the charges of Jakhu ropeway?

The gondola ride charges Rs.470 and Rs.400 for adults and children (3-12 years) for a round trip. One can also board the gondola at half price for a one-way journey.

How are the facilities at the Jakhu ropeway?

The facilities include a small canteen and washrooms. They are all well-maintained and kept neat and clean.

How long is the Jakhu ropeway ride?

The gondola travels a distance of 2-4 km in 6-8 minutes which might take 40 minutes by car and 1-2 hours by foot.