Temples in the Clouds

Temples in the Clouds is a story of a challenging paragliding safari by Sir James Mallinson and Enrico Patuzzi in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas.

Both these friends, one from the UK and the other from Italy, are lovers of India and are fascinated by Hindu Mythology. The Dhauladhar range of mountains within the foothills of the Himalayas, are home to many centres of Mother Goddess worship situated in different temples. One such ancient temple is the temple of the Goddess Himani Chamunda Devi situated at a height of 2500 meters and requiring a full days climb to reach it from the bottom of the Kangra valley.

The Goddess Chamunda Devi is a manifestation of the wrathful form of the Goddess Durga. Because of the relative inaccessibility of the temple, cloistered as it is, within the mountains, getting there by road is in itself a feat of endurance. Getting there by paraglider is an even greater test of skill, endurance, faith and commitment. It is these qualities that are tested as both Mallinson and Patuzzi are repeatedly thwarted in their quest to reach their destination.

Ultimately, faith prevails and they are successful in landing within the precincts of the temple. Their journey has been completed; their skill tested; their endurance stretched and their faith reinforced.

The film has some amazing aerial visuals shot with cameras strapped on the bodies of the paragliders. It is an unusual personal human interest journey of two friends and their quest to succeed in flying to the temple of Himani Chamunda.

Series Title: Temples in the Clouds
Channel – Travel Channel (UK), RAI (Italy)
Format – Digi Beta
Duration: 1 X 55 Minutes
Language: English