Must visit places for paragliding in India

Adrenaline junkies and adventure enthusiasts of the world would forever be up for heart pumping experiences up above in the sky or in the unfathomable deep of the waters or in the undulating landforms on the face of the earth. Because such adventurous souls abound, so too adventure sports thrive and survive. Indeed, there aren’t too many experiences that lend a thrill that can match up to the heart soaring daredevilry exhibited through adventure sports. One of such aerial adventure activities is paragliding which is indulged in all over the world at exotic locales and with stunning passion. Here’s rounding up the best such paragliding sites in India that will surely beckon every adventure junkie-

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh

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With its distinction of holding the first ever world cup for paragliding, there’s no doubt that Bir Billing takes the the top spot when it comes to the sport in India. A small village in the dreamy land of Himachal Pradesh that in fact houses 11 of such adventurous spots, Bir Billing is very aptly famed as the Paragliding Capital of India. Not just in the country, the Kangra locale also is the world’s second best paragliding site and is as picturesque a destination to be a worthwhile holiday detour as well. For some 2500 bucks, you can take off from Bir and land in Billing to have the ultimate paragliding experience of your lifetime.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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Another Himachali destination that takes the spot being among the best of places to go paragliding in India is the pretty resort town of Manali. The locational advantage that this famed holiday destination enjoys being perched at some 6000 feet above sea level makes it more than ideal for all your paragliding pursuits. Feeling the thrill of the very adventurous sport while partaking the enticing beauty that the frequented hill station is so famous for is indeed a double delight you need to be treating yourself to. Beware though of the monsoons, which is not the best of times to visit Manali for snowfall and certainly not for paragliding as well.

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

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Another hill station that also doubles up as an excellent paragliding spot in India is Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. In fact it is the elevational advantage of the hill stations that make them ideal for going paragliding about in their skies and Mussoorie is no exception. Whether yo want glide about for just a couple of minutes or remain in flight for an hours or so, you can pick your preference in Mussoorie.

Kamshet, Maharashtra

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A paragliding experience in Maharashtra’s Kamshet region is one that resides in a somewhat different appeal than what characterises other popular picks for the sport. A bird’s eye view of box shaped houses amidst the rustic charm makes for a really unique gliding sojourn that renders Kamshet a place of its own in the paragliding realm. Also a popular weekend getaway, the appeal of Kamshet sure is bolstered more by its advantageous proposition for the adventurous sport.

Nandi Hills, Karnataka

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Nandi Hills is a quiet and calm hill town some distance away from Bangalore that however comes alive with all those paragliding enthusiasts taking to the sky in full flight. Again a prime weekend getaway as well, the perfect climate and spectacular terrains of Nandi Hills work well toward pursuits of both touristry and adventurous ends.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand barges into the paragliding scene one more time with its resort town of Nainital. Within the misty confines of Nainital, Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal are the two places that make for among the best destinations to go paragliding in India. Whether it be mesmerising views of the famed lakes of Nainital or its encompassing natural beauty, going paragliding in this part of the country is truly an indulgence for the senses.

Satpura, Gujarat

One of the most interesting of places to go paragliding in India is Satpura, a region in the Indian state of Gujarat. While it indeed is the annual paragliding festival here that lends Satpura a distinctive appeal as an adventure hotspot, it also is the added thrill of flying over a terrain that supposedly had been an active volcano at some point of time in history! Imagine the high of adrenaline you get from hovering up above in the sky over a spot that is so terrifyingly enticing and you will know why exactly Satpura makes it to the list.

Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu

The hill station of Yelagiri in Tamil Nadu entices tourists not just on account of its cool and pristine presence. This naturally abundant place also counts high on the radar with all avenues of paragliding that it offers for adventurous souls forever willing to test their limits. Summers are the best time to visit Yelagiri, when you can seek respite from the scorching heat that characterise the other parts of the country as well as have the best ever shot at going paragliding. And with such natural gorgeousness in tow, you definitely wouldn’t be ever starved for amazement at Yelagiri.

Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand makes a leap once more into clear skies with its heavenly locale of Ranikhet. Located some 120 kilometers away from Rishikesh, Ranikhet is a hub of adventure activities anyway and with paragliding taking centerstage, the hill station becomes even more an enticing prospect for tourists. It indeed helps that Ranikhet is also one of the safest places to paraglide in India.

Leh, Ladakh

In a diversion from the bunch of hill stations and resort towns that usually double up as paragliding havens is the region of Leh in Ladakh. A name that has adventure seeping from its very soul, the undulating landscape of Leh makes for a paragliding adventure that sure is offbeat and therefore all the more memorable. Add to it the somewhat hard to access aspect about the region and you will be up for a double dose of adventure making its way to you. For sure paragliding on the roof of the world isn’t a thing you could be doing over and over again. So while you are still at exploring the staggering beauty of Leh- Ladakh, allow also your adventurous spirit a soar!

Panchgani, Maharashtra

Yet another hill station in Maharashtra makes the cut as a truly worthy paragliding locale. That distinction is coveted by the town of Panchgani that is anyway a very favored weekend getaway. Preferred by honeymooners because of its quaint romantic calm and equally a hit with adventure junkies, Panchgani’s paragliding avenues come surprisingly steeped in serenity and stupendity.

Shillong, Meghalaya

If you fancy going paragliding in the north eastern region of India, then Shillong in Meghalaya is just the perfect pick for you. Famed as the Scotland of the East, you can instantly decipher the beauty that remains on offer in this northeastern hinterland of the country. Lush greenery and sparkling waters beneath means that your paragliding adventure won’t just be catering to your adrenaline rush, it is as satiating of your deep love for nature. Offbeat in it being only an emerging destination for the sport in this part of the world, Shillong will mesmerise you to no end with its offerings.

Gangtok, Sikkim

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Shillong however isn’t the only north eastern destination that harbours scope for paragliding enthusiasts. Equally prominent is Gangtok, capital of the state of Sikkim in being a picturesque spectacle as well as an adventure haven. With amazing landing ridges and the magnificent Himalayas in tow, you can well imagine the delight that a paragliding detour in Sikkim will treat you to.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Significant in being the only place in India where you can go paragliding anytime of the year, Jodhpur in Rajasthan sure makes for an unexpected entry into the list. Famed as the Blue City of India, Jodhpur is every adventurer’s haven being wonderful host to a wide number of extreme sports to seek thrill in. Also known as the Sun City for its exuberance and spirit, Jodhpur indeed stands true to its epithet with the ample scope for paragliding it seeks to let adrenaline junkies explore to the fullest.

Vagamon, Kerala

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On first sight, the images conjured up by the mention of the Keralaite region of Vagamon might be resplendent more in the mystics and the charm than it would be in the allure of adventure. But in hosting the Kerala International Paragliding Championship more than a decade back in its stunning green confines, Vagamon sure is no stranger to being an adventure hotspot.

Kunjapuri, Uttarakhand

Even when Uttarakhand abounds in the list of places to go paragliding in India, there remains a relatively lesser heard of locale in the place that is also resplendent in all the blues that paragliding commands. Sitting majestically at the peak of the Shivalik range and also besotted with the magic of the majestic Himalayas, paragliding in Kunjapuri comes also characterised by amazing sunset and sunrise views that make your adventure experience one of unbounded beauty as well.

Kalimpong, West Bengal

In the infinite mainland of nature that the state of West Bengal guards, it is the region of Kalimpong that holds a place of its own. Soaring above the pristinity of the greens, Kalimpong beckons with a thrill that is unique but remains as enticing as the verdant bliss that nature grants. Tucked in the foothills of the magnificent Himalayas and perched on a ride above the Teesta river, the paragliding ambits in Kalimpong surpass the mere aesthetics to dwell also as much in mystics, in charm and of course in surges and surges of excited exhilaration!

Arambol, Goa

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The zest and exuberance that characterise the forever party favorite destination of Goa also make it an ideal destination to go paragliding in India. Over Goa’s famed Arambol beach, you can glide along like a bird in the sky with rocky expanses and sandy sights unfolding in an offbeat sight before your eyes. Of course there also would be waters and greens in tow while the fresh sea breeze will make your paragliding experience an altogether diversified adventurous detour.

Sanasar, Jammu

With a view that encompasses the pristinity of the snow clad Himalayas and the conifer dotted slopes, paragliding in Jammu’s Sanasar isn’t just about adventure in the air, it’s also as much about mystic magic of the meanderings. A serene slope resort that beckons with enchanting meadows and clear blue skies, you can well imagine the level of enthrallment a paragliding detour to Sanasar will reward you with.

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Paragliding over the city of Bhopal will grant you with views that speak of fortresses and the buzzing urban life. But also with abounding greenery and it being one of the many lake cities of India, trying out the aerial sport here will mean that you also would not miss out on the standard blues and greens not to mention the high of adventure that will have you completely besotted. Needless to say, among the offbeat yet worthy paragliding destinations in India, Bhopal indeed deserves a mention.

Serchhip, Mizoram

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Host to the Paragliding Accuracy World Cup 2020, Serchhip in the tropical state of Mizoram also is a prime destination for the sport in India. One of the most suitable location for going paragliding in the country and also the only paragliding spot in Mizoram, Serchhip however remains relatively lesser known among tourists and adventure enthusiasts. Also with tremendous natural beauty on offer, Serchhip however should rank high on your radar to embark along on your next touristry pursuit.

Pavagadh Hill, Gujarat

A religious site alright, the Pavagadh Hill region of Gujarat also comes with quite some hints of adventure. In being also one of the foremost places to go paragliding in India, this destination remains seated in an all encompassing allure that the underlying landscape beholds. Also housing a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with legendary references galore, this place nestled within the Aravalli ranges make for an adventure haven in the midst of natural and historical bounty.

Indrunag, Himachal Pradesh

Rounding off the list of paragliding destinations in India is the popular Himachali region of Indrunag. A small plateau in Dharamshala of the state, Indrunag’s paragliding pursuits will bless you with views of the snow clad Dhauladhar range as well an overview of the picturesque high altitude cricket stadium that the region houses.