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Paragliding in India has gained immense popularity in recent years, attracting adventure seekers from around the globe. Paragliding involves a pilot sitting in a harness attached to a wing-like structure, taking off from a cliff and gliding through the air. While some may perceive it as risky, paragliding is safe when proper guidelines are followed, offering both excitement and security. With its diverse landscapes ranging from the towering Himalayas to the vast plateaus, India offers a wide range of paragliding experiences. Here’s a guide to the best paragliding destinations in India, for your next adventure trip.
Best Spots For Paragliding In India
Listed below are the top 10 spots for paragliding in India, offering thrilling experiences for you to soar across breathtaking landscapes:
1. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Arun Kashyap / Unsplash
With favourable wind conditions and long flight durations, Bir Billing is widely recognised as the top destination for paragliding. The takeoff point is at Billing, while the landing happens in Bir, creating an ideal altitude difference for a smooth and extended glide. Beyond paragliding, the area offers plenty to explore. Visitors can spend time at Tibetan monasteries, walk through tea gardens, or take on trekking trails that wind through the surrounding landscape.
Nearby Attractions: Palpung Sherabling Monastery, Baijnath Temple, Barot Valley
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is a well-known destination for paragliding, drawing adventure seekers eager to experience flying over vast mountain landscapes. The main takeoff points, Solang Valley and Marhi provide excellent conditions for a smooth flight. Beyond paragliding, visitors can explore a range of outdoor activities. Adventure enthusiasts can also indulge in skiing, river rafting, and trekking in the surrounding areas, making Manali a perfect destination for outdoor lovers.
Nearby Attractions: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Photo: birgl / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Mussoorie offers a striking aerial view of the Doon Valley, making it a popular place for paragliding in India. The takeoff point at George Everest Peak, standing at 2,580 metres (8,465 feet) above sea level, provides excellent paragliding conditions. Beyond paragliding, Mussoorie has plenty to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore trekking trails, visit historic sites, and experience the natural beauty of the region at their own pace.
Nearby Attractions: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Mall Road
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
4. Kamshet, Maharashtra
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located near Pune, Kamshet is a well-known spot for paragliding over the Deccan Plateau. With steady wind conditions and an open landscape, it provides for a smooth flying experience. The region’s hills and wide fields create ideal takeoff and landing zones respectively, making it a popular choice for the sport. Beyond paragliding, visitors can explore ancient caves and visit local markets to experience the area’s culture.
Nearby Attractions: Bhaja Caves, Pawna Lake, Karla Caves
Nearest Airport: Pune Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station
5. Bangalore, Karnataka
Photo: Daniel Reche / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Nandi Hills is one of the most popular spots near the city of Bangalore. Early morning flights are especially popular, as they offer clear skies and calm air for a steady glide. For those looking for a weekend adventure without a long trip, Nandi Hills is a convenient option. Along with paragliding, visitors can explore ancient forts, go on scenic hikes, or simply take a break from the city’s fast pace.
Nearby Attractions: Nandi Hills, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore
Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore Railway Station
6. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Photo: JACLOU-DL / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Nainital, often called the ‘City of Lakes,’ offers paragliding with wide, open views of the surrounding hills and water bodies. The takeoff point in Bhimtal provides enough altitude for a smooth flight, allowing paragliders to glide over the lake and take in the landscape from above. Beyond paragliding, visitors can go boating on the lakes, explore trekking trails, or take a cable car ride to a high vantage point of the town.
Nearby Attractions: Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
7. Panchgani, Maharashtra
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Paragliding in Panchgani offers a chance to soar over the Krishna River Valley, with open landscapes providing the right conditions for a steady flight. Late afternoon flights are especially sought after, as the shifting light enhances the view from above. Beyond flying, Panchgani has plenty to explore. The town is known for its strawberry farms, where visitors can taste fresh produce straight from the fields.
Nearby Attractions: Table Land, Sydney Point, Parsi Point
Nearest Airport: Pune Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Satara Railway Station
8. Shillong, Meghalaya
Photo: Paul_Henri / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Shillong offers a lesser-known but exciting paragliding experience, with takeoff points that provide wide, open views of the hills and valleys below. On clear days, the sky stretches endlessly, making Shillong one of the best Indian paragliding places. Shillong has a rich cultural scene to explore beyond paragliding. Visitors can spend time walking through lively streets, visiting traditional Khasi villages, or exploring nearby waterfalls and natural trails.
Nearby Attractions: Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyons
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
9. Gangtok, Sikkim
Photo: TheOtherKev / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Paragliding in Gangtok gives flyers a chance to glide over the Himalayas with a clear view of the Teesta River below. Both short- and long-duration flights are available, catering to different skill levels of the paragliders. For those looking to explore beyond paragliding, Gangtok has plenty of adventure options. Trekking routes wind through the surrounding hills, river rafting on the Teesta offers a fast-paced challenge, and the ropeway provides a different aerial perspective of the city and its landscape.
Nearby Attractions: Nathula Pass, MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
10. Satpura, Madhya Pradesh
Photo: pasja1000 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Paragliding over Satpura offers an experience unlike most other locations, as the launch sites overlook an ancient volcanic landscape. The mix of rocky cliffs, open plateaus, and dense forests creates an interesting flight path, where gliders can see dramatic changes in terrain from above. The steady winds and elevation provide enough lift for a smooth, controlled descent. Visitors can also explore Satpura’s wildlife reserves, which are home to a variety of animals, including leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Nearby Attractions: Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi, Bee Falls
Nearest Airport: Raja Bhoj Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Pipariya Railway Station
Paragliding in India offers a chance to experience flight over a variety of Indian landscapes, from the snow-covered peaks of Himachal Pradesh to the open skies above Shillong’s lakes and hills. Each location provides a different experience, making every paragliding flight an adventure of its own. Plan a trip with TripXL and experience the unmatched freedom of flight.
Cover Photo: Juliette G. / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
