Top 10 places for paragliding in India

‘If I were a bird, I would fly in the sky’ we all wished this once in our life. Paragliding is a way to turn this imagination into reality. This exhilarating adventure sport lets you to soar in the sky, free as a bird and makes you feel on top of the world. Above you is the boundless stretch of sky, the same can be said about the sea or lush green meadows down under! But you are neither touching the sky nor the water, rather you are enjoying the best of both worlds.

Moreover, paragliding can induce a heap of emotions when you are up in the sky free from all the worries and distractions as you live in the moment, soaking nature’s beauty and getting wonderstruck. Flying in pleasant weather over the countryside or mountains, you find unadulterated stimulation, with so much to be explored, so much to be seen and so many limits to be pushed. If you’re an adventure lover and want to see the world from a different perspective, it is all that you are searching for! In India, there are many picturesque destinations for paragliding that offer an unforgettable experience. Happy Gliding!

Here is the list of the top 10 paragliding places in India

1. Bir-Billing Bir is a beautiful village located in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for hosting the first-ever Paragliding World Cup. Bir is the landing point and Billing is the take-off point, which is known to be the highest paragliding point in Asia. The mesmerizing view, the beautiful mountains, the perfect weather make this spot worth visiting.

Therefore, this place is famous amongst paragliders not only in India but also in foreign countries. As this place is a hub of adventure-sports activities, you can do other multiple things in Bir-Billing apart from paragliding like Hang Gliding, Trekking, Camping, and River crossing. If you are really an adventure-seeker then this is the place you’ve been looking for.

How to reach

There is no direct flight or train to Bir. Dharamshala is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of about 70 km from Bir. The nearest railway station to Bir is Joginder Nagar(14 km).

When to visit

The best to visit Bir is the summers during the months of April to June. October and November are also ideal months for flying.

Cost

INR 2500 onwards

2. ManaliManali is a tourist town nestled in the mighty mountains of Himachal Pradesh. It lies in the north of Kullu valley which is often referred to as the ‘Valley of the Gods’. It is situated between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges and offers amazing views of lush green forests and green meadows. You can experience the charm and irresistible beauty of nature in its unadulterated form. Adventure travelers generally like to visit both these places together.

The location gives a wide range of exciting adventure activities like paragliding, camping, trekking, and river rafting to the adventure seekers. Places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass at a distance of 14 km and 51 km respectively shouldn’t be missed if you are planning a Kullu-Manali trip.

How to reach

The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport which is also known as Kullu-Manali airport situated about 50 m south of Manali.

When to visit

The best time to visit Kullu-Manali is the months from March to June. During this time the weather is pleasant and suited to enjoy the trip. However, you should avoid traveling here during the rainy season because of frequent landslides.

Cost

INR 1200 onwards

3. SanasarSanasar is a scenic cup-shaped meadow in Jammu. This place is so calm and serene, a perfect place for adventure, picnic, and relaxation. Flying over Majestic Himalayan Mountains and extensive flower-laden meadows gives you a breathtaking experience. Apart from the scenic view, this place has an echo point as well. You can enjoy hearing your words echoing through gigantic Himalayan along with exploring the sky.

Moreover, it offers its tourists a large variety of activities besides paragliding so that they can savor its beauty to the fullest. The major activities which can be done here include Boating, camping, trekking, horse riding, golfing, and hiking. No wonder, it is popular as Mini Gulmarg among people.

How to reach

This place is 19 km away from Patnitop. The nearest airport is Jammu Airport which is located at a distance of 120 km.

When to visit

You can enjoy the riveting beauty of this town all year round.

Cost

INR 1600 onwards

4. ShillongShillong, which literally means “Adobe of clouds”, is the capital city and hill station of Meghalaya. It is also referred to as Scotland of East because of its rolling hills around the town and its amazing combination of waterfalls and forests. Its wonderful atmosphere and mesmerizing view attract gliders to visit here to experience an adrenaline rush. A number of attractions including Umiam lake, Elephant falls, east Khasi hills, etc. make it a compelling tourist spot.

Paragliding in the scenic ambiance, Trekking at David Scott trail, Rock climbing, Camping at Khasi hills, and Dawki are major activities, Shillong is famous for.

How to reach

Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located at a distance of 105 km from Shillong.

When to visit

During the summer season.

Cost

INR 2000 onwards

5. Nandi Hills Nandi Hills in Karnataka is an ancient hill fortress. It is absolutely paradise to be in for a long refreshing escape to relieve stress from busy and hectic life. It is situated at the height of 1478 m above sea level. Tourists like to visit Nandi Hills to view the beauty of the astonishing sunrise above the clouds in the morning.

Apart from natural sceneries, this drop-dead gorgeous location offers various adventure activities and sports to fun-loving people such as paragliding in evergreen hills, trekking from foothills to the Nandi hilltop, rappelling, and camping to experience natural beauty closely.

How to reach

The nearest railway junction is Chikkaballapur Railway Station, situated at a distance of 9 km from Nandi hills. Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore is the nearest airport to Nandi hills.

When to visit

Between October to May. Besides that, you can enjoy its weather throughout the year.

Cost

INR 1500 onwards

6. YelagiriYelagiri is an appealing hill station of south Indian state Tamil Nadu. It serves as a perfect weekend destination from Chennai and Bangalore, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This green and vegetative region have its fair share of mango and jackfruit plantations. Apart from spectacular views and picturesque landscapes, this place is also known for stargazing. The glittering night sky and the beauty of the cosmos are guaranteed to take your breath away. 

Although this place has so much to offer in terms of relaxation and scenic views, the average altitude of about 1110.6 Meters makes the place great for lots of adventure activities such as Trekking, Paragliding, Rock Climbing, and Rappelling. You can enjoy paragliding throughout the year here because of favorable climate conditions and pleasant weather. The highest point in Yelagiri is the Swami Malai Hills which is an amazing trekking and camping spot for adventure lovers. The forest views of this marvelous hill station will make your paragliding sessions even more thrilling and memorable.

How to reach

The nearest airport is Bengaluru Airport which is located at a distance of 192 km northwest of the hill station. Jolarpettai Junction is the nearest railhead from Yelagiri.

When to visit

Throughout the year but if you want to see its Summer Festival, then May and June is the time to go.

Cost

INR 1200 onwards

7. GangtokThe Capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is a hill resort nestled in the majestic Eastern Himalayas and home to an endless list of luxuries. It is known for its stunning charm and striking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. The multiple sight-seeing natural spots, serene lakes, appealing valleys, beautiful Buddhist monasteries, and varieties of cuisines gather nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.

Nothing matches the thrill of paragliding in the clouds over the Kanchenjunga Mountains and heavenly villages enclosed in verdant greenery. Besides that, you can also do other exciting activities like river rafting on the Teesta River, trekking, picnic at the Seven Sisters waterfalls, take a Yak Safari to the serene Tsomgo Lake, and enjoy the sunset at Tashi viewpoint.

How to reach 

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station which is located 148 km from Gangtok. The nearest airport is located at a distance of 124 km from the Bagdodara airport.

When to visit

The ideal time to plan a tour of Gangtok is between the months of March to June and September to November. 

Cost

INR 1800 onwards

8. KamshetKamshet is a captivating hill station situated in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is situated at a distance of 16 km from the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. It is a breathtakingly bewitching place and has a number of small villages that are built in the traditional style - with mud, thatch, and reeds. There are several attractions in the station which are worth seeing such as the Kondeshwar temple, beautiful Lakes, the sunflower fields, and its huge collection of caves like Bhairi caves and Bedse caves. 

Apart from all this, Kamshet is best known for its paragliding experience over the Pawna Lake and gliding schools for beginners. Being just 100ft to 200ft above the ground, the Shinde Wadi Hills is a popular paragliding take-off point. However, it is also known for its delightful sunrise and sunset view. As a result, its serene charm and blissful views appeal the tourists to spend a day adoring its enthralling beauty.

How to reach  

The closest airbase to Kamshet is Pune Airport. Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is the international airbase for this town. It has its own railway station Kamshet Railway Station. 

When to visit

The best time to visit Kamshet is from October to May.

Cost

INR 2500 onwards

9. Mussoorie Mussoorie, dubbed as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ is tucked away at the steps of the Garhwal Hills of Himalayas. This fascinating hill resort falls under the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. The town presents a fairyland atmosphere and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges to the tourists. This lovely little hill station is a perfect getaway for all those seeking recess from the scorching heat. Major highlights of Mussoorie include Gun Hill Point, Kempty falls, Lal Tibba, Camel’s Back Road, Company Garden, Mussoorie Lake, and Jharipani falls which attract wanderers to adore the captivating beauty of this town.

Additionally, this magnificent hill station offers some of the best adventure sports to adrenaline junkies such as biking tours, zip-lining, hiking, and camping options, trekking, and mountain climbing. Mussoorie stands as a unique paragliding destination as it provides enormous paragliding opportunities for professionals as well as amateurs and jaw-dropping views of lush green Mussoorie hills.

How to reach

The nearest railway station to Mussoorie is Dehradun Railway station which is located at a distance of 36 km from the hill station. The nearest airport to Mussoorie is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located at a distance of about 60 km.

When to visit

The best time to visit Mussoorie is during summers, between the months of April and June. If you are a photography enthusiast, do visit this town during the months of July to September to capture the awe-inspiring sights.

Cost

INR 2000 onwards

10. VagamonVagamon is a lovely offbeat hill station located in the Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala, amidst dense vegetation and beautiful surroundings. The grassy hills, velvet lawns, meadows, pine forests, waterfalls, orchid gardens, and overall mysticism of the place offer the nature lovers eternal bliss and enough opportunities to explore it to their hearts’ content. Vagamon was listed in National Geographic Traveler’s ‘50 most attractive places to visit in India’ because of its striking beauty.

This charming place still remains untouched by any modern influences and is pure and serene. Visitors love traveling across the series of three famous hills- Thangal, Murugan, and Kurisumala. These are the representation of three main religions people follow in Kerala and are an ultimate example of the communal harmony prevalent in the place. 

Apart from the scenic beauty, Vagamon is widely popular for activities like rock mountaineering, paragliding, boating, and trekking. This place provides you the opportunity to enjoy exquisite views from the high above and feel the adrenaline rush with paragliding over Kerala's rich and green flora.

How to reach

The nearest airports are Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport at a distance of 98.4 km and 192.4 km respectively. Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest station to Vagamon which is located 64 km away.

When to visit

The best time to visit Vagamon is during summers (March to May) or winter (December to February).

Cost

INR 3500 onwards