Top 7 spots in India where you can try paragliding
Flying in an aircraft may be comfortable but paragliding is exhilarating! Nothing compares to the feeling of the wind caressing your face as you glide through it, gazing at the ground far below. It is the closest to growing wings and soaring like a bird!
Paragliding arrived in India in the 1990s when a few foreign pilots who were visiting Kullu started exploring the possibilities of flying in the valley. The sport soon created interest among locals and then spread to other areas of the country as India is naturally blessed with terrains which are suitable for paragliding. The most popular destinations where you can indulge in paragliding are listed below:
Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Known for taking paragliding to the next level as a sport by hosting the first ever paragliding world cup, the Bir-Billing region in Himachal Pradesh is a haven for adventure sports lovers. Situated at a height of around 2600 metres from the sea level, the place is a much-coveted destination for paragliding, open from October till June. The usual flight takes around 20-30 minutes and the cost of booking one starts at Rs. 2500.
Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
Yelagiri is a hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu, situated around 3 hours from the city of Chennai. The vast expanse of green and an altitude of 2200 metres offers the ideal conditions for paragliding. Yelagiri is home to a paragliding club, which provides professional coaches and equipment. The club also organises an annual paragliding event, which attracts paragliding enthusiasts from across the borders as well. The rates vary according to the duration of the flight. When you are at Yelagiri, stay with us at Yelagiri Marigold Ridge and have a fun filled vacation. Visit and plan your next getaway now!
Bedni Bugyal, Uttarakhand
The Himalayas are a visual treat and if you wish to get an aerial view, there is no place better than Bedni Bugyal in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. At an altitude of over 3350 metres above the sea level, this is one of the highest paragliding spots in India. The best time for paragliding in the region is in the months of September and May. Winter months make the aero sport dangerous due to heavy snow.
Arambol beach, Goa
Goa is famous for the best beaches and adventure sports and one of them is paragliding. The headland above the Sweetwater lake at Arambol is an ideal take-off point for paragliding. The view of the beach below adds an element of beauty to the adrenaline-rushing sport. Many independent operators work there and an average 10-minute flight costs around Rs. 2000. While you are there, you can stay at Goa Club Estadia or Goa Villagio for a merry and memorable experience.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Another beautiful hill station in the scenically endowed state of Himachal Pradesh is Manali. There are two places famous in Manali for paragliding- Solang and Marhi. Manali is a hot favourite among paragliding lovers as it offers a conducive season for the sport throughout the year except during monsoons. One can enjoy paragliding in Manali in the months of January to May and then again during the months of September till December. Stay with us at Manali – White Mist resort and enjoy impeccable services.
The charges depend on the length of flight and vary between Rs .600 to Rs. 1800.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is known as the land of lakes but Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal in Nainital are popular paragliding spots situated at an altitude of around 2000 metres. A bird’s eye view of the famous lake below and the mountains around it offers an unparalleled experience. The fare varies between Rs. 1500 to Rs. 5000, depending on the duration of the flight. Besides paragliding, many operators also offer packages which include camping and trekking as well. If you are an adventure enthusiast, these may be exactly what you are looking for! Are you planning a visit to Nainital? Book a stay at the Bhawanipur Greens resort. This beautiful resort gives you the perfect wake-up call to the scenic beauty of Nainital and offers a whole host of entertaining activities to do if you are not stuck staring out the window!
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, Mussoorie is a famous summer destination. The hill station offers paragliding from a spot very close to the Mussoorie Lake. Only long flights operate here as the conditions are not favourable for shorter ones and cost around Rs. 5000. The best time for paragliding in Mussourie is between the months of May and June. One can plan to spend some time in Mussoorie, near Dehra Dun, at our resort, Dancing Leaves.
If the list has tempted you to give paragliding a shot but your fear is holding you back, do not worry! All the destinations listed above give you the option of tandem paragliding, that is, paragliding along with a trained professional pilot who manoeuvres the flight while you simply enjoy the view!