24 Fascinating Cable Car Retreats in India
Taking a cable car ride is undoubtedly one of the finest ways to explore a city. It enhances the travel experience and provides incredible vistas of nature’s beauty. India stands as a prominent market for ropeways, with numerous hill stations equipped with efficient cable car systems to improve transportation facilities. Ropeways, alongside skiers, also aid devotees in reaching hilltop temples like Ambaji, Karni Mata, and Chandi Devi comfortably. Let’s explore some of the top-notch ropeways and their locations in India.
Auli Cable Car
Besides skiing, the primary highlight in Auli is the 4-kilometer-long cable car, connecting Joshimath to Auli and providing breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. The ropeway’s lowest tower stands at 1906 meters above mean sea level (MSL), while the highest tower reaches 3016 meters. Taking just 15 minutes to complete a ride at a speed of 5 meters per second, it offers the perfect start to an exhilarating Auli trip. Additionally, visitors can enjoy chair-lift and ski-lift facilities, available at an approximate cost of Rs 400 for a round trip.
Manali Ropeway
Located approximately 15 kilometers from Manali, Solang Valley serves as the winter sports hub of Himachal Pradesh. The prominent attraction here is the Manali Ropeway, providing visitors with awe-inspiring views. This majestic ride commences from Solang Valley and culminates at Mt. Phatru, offering a memorable experience at an elevation of 3200 meters.
Mussoorie Cable Car
Regarded as one of India’s finest ropeways, this cable car ride offers a magnificent and awe-inspiring view. The ropeway commences from the midway of the Mall and ascends to Gun Hill (2530m). On clear days, the breathtaking vistas include several peaks, notably Bandarpunch. The best time to embark on this ride is approximately an hour before sunset, providing a stunning view of the sun descending below the horizon. The cable car ride charges range between Rs 50 and Rs 100.
Gangtok Ropeway
One of the prime tourist attractions in Gangtok city, this ropeway draws visitors from all around. Spanning a length of 1 kilometer, the journey commences from Deorali market and consists of three stations along the entire stretch: Deorali, Namnang, and Tashiling. From the cable car, one can relish breathtaking views of the majestic Kanchenjunga snow peak, picturesque valleys, and a river flowing at an impressive 3500 feet below.
Raigad Ropeway
The Raigad Ropeway serves as a vital transportation mode to reach the historic Raigad Fort. Positioned atop a hill, the fort holds immense importance in Indian history, being the chosen capital by the revered Shivaji Maharaj upon his coronation as the King of the Maratha Kingdom. The ropeway ascent spans 420 meters, covering a rope length of 760 meters. The ride costs Rs. 286 for adults and Rs. 143 for children.
Gulmarg Gondola
Introducing Asia’s largest cable car venture, the Gulmarg Gondola, which links Gulmarg resort to the towering Aparwath Peak standing at 4200m. This remarkable two-stage ropeway commences with the first stage transporting passengers from Gulmarg resort to the Kongdori station (3747m) nestled in the Kongdori Valley. The second stage consists of a chair car ride, ferrying skiers up to the majestic Aparwath Peak from the Kongdori station. Each Gondola cabin accommodates up to 6 people, and the ticket prices are approximately Rs 600 for the first stage and Rs 800 for the second stage.
Dhuandhar Falls & Ropeway
The Ropeway in Jabalpur, stretching over the magnificent Dhuandhar Falls, offers the finest vantage point to behold the panoramic beauty of the waterfall. Covering a distance of 1140 meters, this ropeway creates a direct link between the main entry point and the picturesque waterfall, affectionately known as ‘Bandar Kodini’ situated amidst the Narmada River. The ride costs Rs. 55 per person for a round trip.
Rajgir Ropeway
Located in the picturesque city of Rajgir, Bihar, the Rajgir Ropeway attracts numerous tourists with its charm. Situated approximately 5km south of the town, it carries visitors to the summit of Ratnagiri Hill, offering breathtaking views of the 40m-high Vishwashanti Stupa. This unique ropeway is designed for a single person, providing an exclusive and exhilarating experience for each rider.
Darjeeling Ropeway
The Darjeeling Ropeway, also referred to as the Rangeet Valley Cable Car project, connects Singamari and Singla Bazaar. Spanning from an altitude of 7000ft to 800ft, it offers riders a captivating bird’s eye perspective of the lush forests, majestic mountain ridges, cascading waterfalls, meandering rivers, verdant valleys, and picturesque tea gardens. Originating with a single cable car in 1968, this ropeway has since expanded to accommodate around 16 cars, providing a delightful and scenic experience for visitors.
Glenmorgan Ropeway
The Glenmorgan Ropeway, situated in Tamil Nadu’s scenic Ooty, stands as a prominent tourist destination. Spanning over 3 kilometers, this ropeway offers a captivating two-stage journey, commencing from a power house in Singara and concluding near the German Point in Glenmorgan. The hour-long ride treats visitors to breathtaking views of the picturesque tea estates and the enchanting surroundings, making it an unforgettable experience.
Srisailam Ropeway
The Srisailam ropeway provides a stunning vista of mountains, rivers, and lush green forests that envelop its surroundings. Srisailam is a revered pilgrimage site, renowned for the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Despite its short duration of approximately 5 minutes for the ascent and descent, the cable car ride offers an awe-inspiring view that leaves visitors in awe of the breathtaking scenery below.
Malampuzha Udan Khatola
The Udan Khatola at Malampuzha Gardens stands as a unique ropeway, the first of its kind in South India. With 64 two-seater chairs and clear glass walls, it offers passengers an unhindered view of the surrounding landscape. In a 20-minute journey, the ropeway elevates visitors to a height of 60 feet above the ground, providing mesmerizing aerial perspectives of the gardens and the reservoir below.
Pavagadh Ropeway
Also recognized as the “Maa Mahakali ka Udankhatola,” this ropeway serves as a swift means for devotees to reach the Kalika Mata Temple in Pavagadh, Gujarat. It spares them the effort of climbing stairs to the temple, making it immensely popular among pilgrims. The cable car efficiently transports devotees from the mountain’s base at Machi to the temple in a mere six-minute journey, offering a seamless and time-saving experience for worshippers.
Chandi Devi Ropeway
True to its name, the ropeway leads to the revered Maa Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar. Among Haridwar’s three significant temples, the Chandi temple holds great importance, along with the Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple. At the base of the hill, tickets for the ropeway can be purchased, and it is advisable to opt for a round trip ticket, as it is more cost-effective than a one-way ticket. For those intending to visit both the Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi Temples, combo tickets are also available, offering a convenient and economical option.
Dongargarh Ropeway
The purpose of this ropeway is to provide devotees with a convenient means to reach Maa Bambleshwari Temple, situated atop a hill in Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh. It stands as the sole ropeway travel system in the state of Chhattisgarh. Apart from its practicality, the ropeway also offers a magnificent view from the hilltop, further attracting devotees who seek the blessings of Bamleshwari Devi.
Salkanpur Ropeway
TThe Salkanpur Ropeway links the Salkanpur Devi Temple to the base of the hill. This significant Hindu shrine is situated atop a hillock in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, and the cable car serves as the most convenient way to access it. Riding the cable car not only provides a smooth journey but also treats visitors to a stunning view of the lush surrounding forest.
Karni Mata Ropeway
Referred to as the Udaipur Ropeway, this cable car project serves as a link between Karni Mata Mandir and Doodh Talai. Karni Mata is a prominent Hindu temple in Udaipur, attracting a substantial number of tourists. To facilitate devotees in reaching the shrine conveniently and expeditiously, this ropeway system was established, providing a seamless and efficient transportation option.
Ropeway to Mansa Devi
Providing great convenience to the devotees, this ropeway transports a significant number of pilgrims daily. The revered Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, holds immense popularity and is perched atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills. The cable car’s glass windows offer a splendid panoramic view of the city, allowing passengers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery during their journey.
Naina Devi Ropeway
The cable car project was established with the primary aim of providing convenience to the devotees visiting Maa Naina Devi Temple. The temple is located in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, atop a hill. As the ropeway ascends, it offers an incredible view of the surrounding hills and the picturesque Gobind Sagar Lake, adding to the breathtaking experience of the pilgrims.
Ropeway at Jivdani Temple
The ropeway system was implemented with the primary purpose of providing convenient and swift access to Jivdani Temple for the devotees. Situated in Virar, North Mumbai, the temple holds significant fame and is positioned atop one of the hills in the Satpura range. For a round trip on the ropeway, the cost amounts to approximately Rs. 150, while the return ticket alone is priced at just Rs. 50. This affordable and efficient transportation option allows pilgrims to easily visit the revered temple and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Satpura hills during their journey.
Ambaji Ropeway
The Ambaji Ropeway system provides a comfortable and enjoyable journey to the renowned temple of Goddess Durga, situated in Gujarat. The cable cars operate between Giri Taleti and the Ambaji temple. During this ropeway trip from Gabber Hill, passengers get the opportunity to witness numerous beautiful sightseeing spots, and the ride offers magnificent aerial views, adding to the overall experience. It’s a delightful way for devotees and tourists alike to reach the sacred temple and relish the scenic charm of the region from above.
Ropeway in Deoghar
The Ropeway at Trikuta Hills in Deoghar is popularly known as Gagan Khatola. This aerial transportation system facilitates passengers in reaching the top of the peak from the base of Trikut and vice versa. Each cable car takes approximately 10 minutes to complete the journey, accommodating 4 people in a single car. Currently, there are around 25 cable cars in operation, providing a smooth and efficient travel experience for visitors. The cost of the ride is Rs 50, making it an affordable option for pilgrims and tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of Trikuta Hills from above.
Parwanoo Ropeway
The Parwanoo ropeway, also referred to as Timber Trail, is located approximately 35 kilometers from Chandigarh city. Stretching across two hills, this cable car operates at an altitude of around 5000 feet, providing an awe-inspiring view of the encompassing mountain ranges and the meandering Kaushalya River flowing between the two hills. The panoramic vistas from the cable car offer an indescribable experience, making it a captivating and memorable journey for visitors to savor the beauty of the natural landscape from great heights.
Saputara Ropeway
The Saputara ropeway, situated in the Dang district of Gujarat, links Governor’s Hill to the mountain’s base. Its starting point is at Vaity Resort, and it concludes its journey at Sunset Point. The cable car ride takes approximately 15 minutes, providing passengers with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Saputara’s scenic beauty. To initiate a ride, a minimum of twelve passengers is required, ensuring a collective and enjoyable experience for everyone. The cost of a ticket for this ropeway adventure is Rs 40, making it an affordable and captivating way to explore the picturesque landscape of Saputara from an elevated perspective.