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Odisha is a peaceful state on the eastern coast of India known for its cultural heritage, famous temples and thrilling adventure sports. Paragliding in Odisha comes with witnessing mesmerising views of the coastal region and hills. It caters for the needs of both experienced flyers and freshers who want to immerse in this bliss. Paragliding in Odisha promises an experience that takes you through the heights of Odisha’s natural wonders. By paragliding at numerous sites in Odisha, experiencers have an escape into the skies from the city’s shore.
Location For Paragliding In Odisha
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There are multiple places in Odisha ideal for paragliding like Barunei Hills, Gopalpur and Daringbadi. Barunei Hills is a good picnic spot as well as an important destination for trekking amidst the hills. The height of the paragliding activity varies according to the place but certainly happens from 100 to 400 metres above the ground. Paragliding at Deomali Hills and Kundali Hills offers beautiful views of the Eastern Ghats and requires some time for trekking too.
Suggested Read: Camping In Odisha For A Chance To Cherish A Blend Of Natural Beauty And Wildlife
How To Reach
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Paragliding in Odisha is indeed an aerial adventure. The state has many spots which have been considered ideal for paragliding which are easily accessible.
Paragliding At Barunei Hills: Reach the nearest airport of Biju Patnaik International Airport or get down at the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. Hire a taxi from either of them and reach Barunei Hills which is just 27 kilometres away.
Paragliding At Gopalpur: The nearest airport to Gopalpur is the Berhampur Airport. The nearest railway station is also the Berhampur Railway Station which is 10 kilometres away. Visitors can get down at either of these places and take a taxi to Gopalpur Beach for paragliding.
Paragliding In Daringbadi: You can reach Daringbadi via bus or private taxis. You can fly to Berhampur Airport or get down at Berhampur Railway Station. Hire a taxi or take a bus to Daringbadi which takes almost two hours to reach.
Places To Visit After Paragliding In Odisha
Located on the eastern coast of India, the state has numerous places to visit. The places range from ancient temples to natural beauty spots.
1. Nandankanan Zoological Park
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
This zoo is one of the famous zoos in Odisha. It is not only a zoo but a botanical garden too. It is home to the very famous white tigers and a diverse range of flora and fauna which await visitors to be explored. The zoo also has a white tiger safari. A visit to Nandankanan Zoological Park requires a booking which can be done offline or online. There is also a botanical garden which has multiple satellite gardens. Each garden has different species of plants like cacti, bonsai and philodendrons.
Location: Nandankanan Zoological Park, Nandankanan Road, Near Police Station, Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Time To Spend: 2 – 3 hours
Suggested Read: Explore The Top Wildlife Sanctuaries In Odisha With Rich Biodiversity
2. Jagannath Temple
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Jagannath Temple lies in Puri and is one of the must-visit destinations in Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus in the entire country. The temple is very famous for its annual Rath Yatra. This temple is of more importance to those of the Vaishnava Traditions. It is believed that the temple has been plundered and invaded eighteen times since it was built by the king of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The offerings to the deity are made six times a day.
Location: Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
Time To Spend: 30 minutes to 1 hour
3. Udayagiri Caves
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Udayagiri Caves and Khandagiri Caves hold strong historical and archaeological positions in the state of Odisha. It is located near the city of Bhubaneswar on two adjacent hills. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has considered Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves as a must-visit place of Indian Heritage. The caves offer peaceful surroundings and used to be a residential place for many Jain monks. The entire place is divided into several caves, each having a distinct characteristic and uniqueness to showcase.
Location: Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030
Time To Spend: 1 – 2 hours
Suggested Read: Explore Offbeat Places In Odisha For A Peaceful Getaway
4. Daringbadi
Daringbadi is a hill station in the state of Odisha and is also known as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’. The hill station is 915 metres above sea level and is a popular tourist destination and a chosen site for both locals and visitors. Visitors are exposed to excellent scenic views of the terrain and rolling hills in the surrounding area. There is a small waterfall and stream called the ‘Lovers Point’. The place produces excellent organic turmeric and prominently showcases ginger harvesting. Paragliding is also considered an important activity to do in Daringbadi in Odisha.
Location: Daringbadi, Kandhamal District, Odisha 762104
Time To Spend: Entire day or even overnight
5. Chilika Lake
Photo: Subhadeep Dishant / Unsplash
Chilika Lake is a lagoon in Odisha which is renowned for its beauty. It is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second-largest lagoon in the entire world. The lake later flows into the Bay of Bengal. The lake covers an area of 1100 kilometres and has been listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a boat ride in the pleasant waters of the lake or simply relax by the shores of the lake. The bird-watching activity is a must at the shores of this lake especially in the migratory season to witness an array of migrant bird species.
Location: Chilika Lake, Odisha, India
Time To Spend: 1 hour
Suggested Read: Best Beaches In Odisha You Must Check Out On Your Next Trip
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to perform paragliding in Odisha is during the winter season. The months of October to March. There are clear skies and better visibility as compared to the monsoon months as being a coastal state, it witnesses heavy rainfall. October to March has stable winds which are necessary for a safe and enjoyable trip. The temperatures are also cooler and milder as compared to the summer months of April to May when the excessive heat causes hindrance while paragliding.
Where To Stay
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The paragliding sites have multiple resorts and hotels to stay. When in the area of Gopalpur, have a hassle-free stay at Mayfair Palm Resort, Pramod Lands End Resort and Gopalpur Palm Resort. Daringbadi also has an array of options to stay including the Deers Eco Home and Resort, Hotel Snowview and Hotel Utopia. If visitors are paragliding at Barunei Hills, they shall plan their stay at Jungle Paradise Resort, Hotel Landmark or Hotel Galaxy Inn.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Odisha For A Perfect Getaway In Nature’s Lap
Where To Eat
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The three major paragliding sites in Odisha including the Barunei Hills, Daringbadi and Gopalpur have multiple options which serve both local and international cuisines. Maa Barunei Hotel, Hotel Old Barunei and Iceberg Restaurant are a few of the best restaurants in Barunei Hills. To taste the best cuisine when in Gopalpur, visit Yummies Restaurant, Lagongrill Restaurant and LightHouse Bar for the best times. Daringbadi has multiple options for restaurants too such as Parijat Restaurant, Utopia Restaurant and New Hotel Moonlight.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip
Different paragliding spots in Odisha have different costs. Some spots are elevated whereas some lie in the city outskirts. Costs also vary concerning the distance covered and time for a particular flight. In Bhubaneswar, the paragliding cost per person is ₹ 3000 to ₹ 5000 with the minimum distance covered.
Tips For Travellers
- Always know that the activity will be performed with the assistance and guidance of an experienced individual or a certified instructor and it is important to listen to what they mention about safety.
- It is prohibited to carry any sharp substance or object like knives, matchsticks, lighters or pins. Inflammable substances are not allowed either.
- Paragliders should avoid eating heavy meals or drinking liquids a few minutes before the flight. There should be a gap of 30 to 45 minutes before having meals and performing the activity.
- Paragliders should dress comfortably and avoid loose and open clothes that might cause hindrances while paragliding down the region.
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Odisha Where You Can Take A Dive Into Adventure At This Coastal State
There is an unmatched experience for all those seeking thrill in the state of Odisha. Because of the state’s proximity to the seashore and the strategic location of multiple cities on the coast, paragliding in Odisha promises a unique experience. Paragliding in Odisha is for all the experiencers including beginners and profound practitioners who always appreciate the beauty of the region. Plan a trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Paul_Henri / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
