India is a land of experiences and with its diverse landscapes, cable car rides have played a role in transporting people to higher places for pilgrimage or sightseeing for many decades. A ropeway ride in a passenger cable car is exhilarating for the uninhibited views of the surroundings. We have curated a list of the 10 most amazing cable car rides one can take in India.
Auli, Uttarakhand
The Auli Ropeway, Asia's second longest, offers stunning Himalayan views over a 4 km stretch. Known as the Gondola locally, it connects the slopes of Auli with Joshimath (250km from Rishikesh), 3010 meters above sea level. Auli is popular as a skiing and paragliding destination, attracting many tourists. Enjoy a panoramic view of the snow peaks as the cable car journeys in about 20-25 minutes, ascending 1110 metres.
The Auli cable car offers views of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) organized skiing competitions. The cable car costs Rs. 1000 per person, while the chairlift charges Rs. 300 per person. The cabin accommodates 25 passengers or a total weight of 1950 kgs with an attendant. The chairlift includes a remote braking and storm warning system. Bookings can be made via the Auli Ropeway Booking website in advance.
Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
The aerial ropeway located at Hanuman Dhara in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, serves as the ideal way to reach this revered hilltop site. With profound mythological importance, Hanuman Dhara is associated with the tales from the Ramayana, notably where Hanuman extinguished the fire on his tail ignited by Ravana. The spring's water, believed to be created by Lord Ram for Hanuman upon his return from Lanka, is deemed to possess healing properties, highly sought after by devotees. This perpetual stream adds to the mystique of this sacred place. The ropeway provides pilgrims with respite, sparing them from a strenuous climb of 618 steps, delivering them to the hilltop in just 5 minutes. Operating from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the schedule may be subject to adjustments based on sunlight and weather conditions.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Said to be India's first cable car, built in 1968, the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car has been upgraded since then but its operation is irregular. The cable car's route extends from Singmari (about 3kms from Darjeeling Chowk Bazar) to Singla Bazar, in 45 minutes, across the valley of the Little Rangeet River, with intermediate stops at the Tukvar tea estate and Burnesbeg village. But later, its route was truncated and the cable car returned from Tukvar. When in operation, it is a popular attraction. Hence, be prepared to stand in long queues for a ride. Tickets cost Rs.260 for adults and Rs.130 for children between 3-8 years. Online booking is not available currently.
Gangtok, Sikkim
The ropeway begins at Deorali Bazar, conveniently located in Gangtok's center, accessible to most. Constructed in 2003, it links to the Tashiling Secretariat via the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. Riding the ropeway provides visitors with a panoramic view of Gangtok. It also helps ease city congestion by allowing people to travel between two parts of the city solely via the ropeway. Although the cable car only travels for a very short distance, on a clear day, it offers a pristine view of the Gangtok town below and the faraway mountains. Operated by Damodar Ropeways & Infra Ltd., the service operates between 9.30 AM to 6 PM every day, and can accommodate 24 persons at a time. Do note that bookings made online are valid only till 4.30 PM on the same day. Tickets can be booked on the official website of the operator.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg, in Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its meadows, which turn into an excellent ski ground in winter. The two-part cable car or Gulmarg Gondola as it is popularly known, runs from Gulmarg to Kungdoor and then from Kungdoor to Aparwath. You can buy tickets online but have to obtain the boarding pass from the designated counter 15 minutes prior to journey. The boarding passes are usually valid for three hours but if you board from 2-3 pm, the pass will be valid upto 5 pm. If you plan to ride both phases, you have to walk for a short distance. Gulmarg boosted winter tourism with a four-seater fixed grip Chairlift from Kongdori to Marry-Shoulder. Imported from Pomagalski, France, this chairlift accommodates 1000 passengers/skiers per hour. Operational since September 2011, it spans 1650 meters, rises 498 meters vertically, features variable speeds (1.5m for summer tourists, 2.5m for skiers), and includes 16 towers, with an in-house team trained for its operations.
Guwahati, Assam
A cable car spanning 1800 metres over the widest river in the country, the mighty Brahmaputra offers a thrilling experience, with endless views. A state-of-the-art twin track bicable cable car, serves as a vital link between South and North Guwahati, offering unparalleled scenic vistas above the river, promising to become a major draw for tourists. It marks India's longest ropeway project and was launched in 2020.
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
In Haridwar, you have a choice of two cable car rides - one up to the Mansa Devi Temple and the other to the Chandi Devi Temple. The rides are for a few minutes only but the queue to board can be long due to pilgrims. Run by a private operator, tickets for both rides can be booked online as well as on the spot.
Kailashgiri, Andhra Pradesh
Located in Vishakhapatnam, the Kailashgiri Hill is a very popular tourist attraction. At the top, you will find a sprawling garden with two huge idols of Shiva and Parvati smiling benignly at the visitors. From the viewpoint, you can see the town's beach lapped by the gentle waves. You can drive uphill or take the cable car that runs from a point near the Appu Ghar junction and terminates at the Telescope viewpoint on the hilltop.
Maihar, Madhya Pradesh
Maihar, the home of the legendary musician Ustad Allauddin Khan and the birthplace of the Maihar gharana of classical music, is about 42 km from Satna and nearly 160 km from Jabalpur. Renowned as the dwelling of Sharda Devi and an esteemed Shakti Peeth, Maihar holds mythological significance as the alleged place where goddess Parvati's necklace fell. The Maa Sharda Temple draws a multitude of devotees, both locals and foreigners, flocking especially during Navratri to offer prayers. A cable car service aids pilgrims by ferrying them effortlessly to the hilltop, bypassing the strenuous ascent of 1200 steep steps. With a capacity for 4 passengers, the cable car operates from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with timings subject to variations based on sunlight, weather, and the temple's sandhya aarti. Tickets can be obtained via tele-ticketing at 1800.891.3898 or online .
Malampuzha, Kerala
Malampuzha, nestled in Kerala's Palakkad district, captivates tourists with its dam and amusement park, but its standout feature is the Passenger Ropeway. Commissioned in 1991, it offers a thrilling 20-minute sky ride at a height of 60 ft., granting unparalleled panoramic views of the lush landscapes safeguarded by the grand dam. Spanning 626 meters, the ropeway bridge links both sides of the park, treating visitors to an aerial spectacle showcasing the monumental Yakshi sculpture by renowned artist Kanai Kunhiraman. The cable car operates from 10 am-6 pm. Tickets can be booked online via https://udankhatola.com/
Pavagadh, Gujarat
The Pavagadh hill rises at one end of Champaner town (about 45 km away from Vadodara) and together they form a Unesco World Heritage Site. At the top of the hill is a temple dedicated to goddess Mahakali. Pilgrims seeking blessings have two options to reach the temple: either climb 2000 steps spanning around 800 meters in height or opt for the Udan Khatola cable cars. The 763-meter-long ropeway features enclosed cabins, each accommodating up to 6 people. Starting from Maachi, the ropeway journey offers visitors a scenic view of the surrounding hills and forests, adding to the experience of the pilgrimage.
Pushkar, Rajasthan
The Savitri Mata Ropeway, perched above Pushkar Lake, offers a panoramic view of the town and holds significant religious importance. A visit to the Savitri Mata Temple is considered integral to the pilgrimage, complementing the Brahma temple visit. Beyond religious motives, the temple allures visitors with its breathtaking vistas. This passenger ropeway system makes the pilgrimage accessible, saving devotees from an arduous climb of over 1100 steps. It allows quick access to the holy site in under 6 minutes, covering a 720-meter distance. Ticket prices vary based on age and ability, ranging from Rs 125 for differently-abled individuals to Rs 165 for children above 3 years, with different rates for specific routes. The cabin accommodates up to 6 people, operating between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, subject to weather conditions.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
One of the newer cable cars to go operational, it travels from Tawang Monastery to Gyangyong Ani Gonpa, covering a distance of a little more than a kilometre in 20 minutes. The cable car, at 11000 feet above sea level, is one of the highest in the world and offers breathtaking views. Monks and children below 10 years pay a reduced rate. The ropeway does not operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Note: Before you plan to take a cable car ride, check with the local tourism authorities if the cable cars are well maintained and safe, if they are operational at the time of your visit and if there is any restriction on the age of accompanying children. Most cable cars take in four to six people so, if you are a large group, decide beforehand how to split the group. Be careful while getting in and getting off the cable cars.