Experiencing the thrill of soaring freely like a bird in the expansive blue sky, while feeling the rush of adrenaline, is what makes paragliding truly exhilarating. This adventure sport offers a unique opportunity to fly high with vast stretches of nature below. Although paragliding wasn't widely known in India before, there has been a significant rise in its popularity over recent years, with more paragliding destinations emerging across the country.
Today, paragliding has garnered considerable attention and praise from both locals and tourists. If you're eager to conquer the skies and unleash your inner adventure seeker, we've compiled a list of popular paragliding spots for you to explore.
# PithoragarhPithoragarh, nestled in Uttarakhand, is a stunning valley situated between Tibet and Nepal. Surrounded by four hills—Chandak, Dhwaj, Kundar, and Thal Kedar—this picturesque location offers breathtaking views. The unique landscape is both calming and dramatic, providing an ideal setting for adventure sports such as hand gliding, paragliding, river rafting, canoeing, and trekking.
# Bir-BillingBir, a charming village in Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its excellent paragliding opportunities. The area's beautiful mountains, pleasant climate, and lush greenery create a perfect backdrop for this exhilarating sport. Bir is easily accessible from Dharamshala, which is about 70 km away. Known for hosting India's first paragliding world cup, Bir attracts both Indian and international adventurers who seek a blend of natural beauty and thrill.
# ManaliLocated in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a popular tourist destination set in the heart of the Himalayas. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5500 to 6000 feet above sea level, it’s a prime spot for paragliding. Various locations in Manali, such as Fatru Mountain, Solang Valley, Nagger Road, and Gulaba, offer thrilling paragliding experiences. Note that paragliding is not permitted during the monsoon season, but you can enjoy it year-round outside of this period.
# NainitalNainital, a picturesque hill station in the Himalayas, stands at 2000 meters above sea level and is an excellent location for paragliding. This activity not only provides a bird's-eye view of the scenic landscape but also lets you glide among the clouds over the beautiful Deopatha, Ayarpatha, and Naina hills, creating a magical experience.
# SatpuraSatpura, an emerging paragliding destination in Gujarat, caters to adventure enthusiasts. It is also home to the highest mono cable ropeway in India. Paragliding here involves launching from the impressive heights of Pavagadh hill in the Panchmahal district, with a professional instructor ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
# MussoorieFor those near Delhi, Mussoorie is an excellent choice for paragliding. Launching from a spot near Mussoorie Lake, you can enjoy flights extending to Dehradun city, reaching an altitude of about 2300 meters above sea level. Mussoorie is a popular destination for paragliding enthusiasts.
# KamshetLocated between Pune and Mumbai, Kamshet is renowned as a paragliding paradise. The experience of jumping from the Tower hills and taking in the bird's-eye view of the quaint Kamshet village makes it a memorable adventure.
# Silicon Valley and Nandi Hills, BangaloreSilicon Valley, located 20 km from Bangalore, offers paragliding opportunities at Hoskote Lake, where operators provide training for this sport. Nandi Hills, 65 km from Bangalore, also provides spectacular paragliding experiences at an altitude of 1478 meters, along with other adventure sports such as hang-gliding and para-jumping.
# YelagiriYelagiri, near Chennai, is a beautiful spot for paragliding, located about three hours from the city. At an altitude of 2200 meters, it offers ample open spaces for the sport. Additionally, Marina Beach in Chennai provides exciting parasailing activities each evening. Consider a trip to Chennai to enjoy both these adventurous experiences.
# SikkimSikkim is a major paragliding destination in India, ideal for an extravagant flying experience. Beyond paragliding, Sikkim is known for various other adventure sports and offers crash courses in paragliding for locals and tourists alike.