Introduction
If there is one thing that has been the core of human fancy since ages, it surely is flying. After tasting the heights in the aircraft developed by Wright brothers, many wished to take it to the next level and feel something closer to a bird’s flight! That’s when some crazy dreamer invented paragliding – a thrilling adventure sport that allows you to soar high, with the vast expanse of nature underneath. Read on to know about the places where one can enjoy paragliding in India.
10 Best Spots For Paragliding In India
For years, paragliding in India had not been a popular choice but the recent years have seen a tremendous increase in the number of paragliding sites in India. So, if you are looking to conquer the skies, here is a list of paragliding places in India to challenge the adventure junkie in you. Not just the list of places but also the details like how much paragliding in India costs. So read on!
- Bir Billing: Best Paragliding In India
- Manali: Paragliding In Himachal
- Mussoorie: Aerial View Of Doon Valley
- Kamshet: Bird Eye’s View Of Deccan Plateau
- Bangalore: Glide Over Silicon Valley
- Nainital: City Of Lakes
- Yelagiri: Lush Green Valleys
- Ranikhet: Spectacular Views
- Panchgani: Majestic Sunsets
- Shillong: North East Delight
1. Bir Billing: Best Paragliding In India
Bir Billing offers best paragliding in India. This is a small village in Himachal Pradesh, famed for hosting the first ever world cup for paragliding. Himachal, actually, is ‘the’ home to paragliding places in India. With a total of 11 best paragliding spots, this hilly state offers multiple options. Other places famous for paragliding in Himachal are Devidhar, Parvati Valley, Rohtang, and Bakhli.
Cost: INR 2,500 onwards
How To Reach: The nearest airport to Bir is in Dharamshala. You can also reach Bir from Delhi through Volvo and other buses
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2. Manali: Paragliding In Himachal
The other famous destination for paragliding in Himachal is Manali. Except for the monsoons season, you can try paragliding here anytime. Solang Valley and Marhi are two of the most popular spots for paragliding in Manali. Among the reasons which make Manali one of the most preferred paragliding places in India is the availability of the sport through the year except monsoon. This is one of the famous paragliding places in India.
Cost: Short flights at INR 600; Long flights start from INR 1,600
How To Reach: The nearest airport to Manali is in Bhuntar located at a distance of 50 Km. You can also reach Manali via train
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3. Mussoorie: Aerial View Of Doon Valley
If you are looking for spots for paragliding in India near Delhi then this is one great option. This well thronged destination in India, Mussoorie also hosts paragliding like every other hill station. From the take off point near Mussoorie Lake, one can fly till Dehradun on a long flight up to the height of 2300 metres above sea level.
Cost: From INR 2,000; normally long flights and expeditions take off from Mussoorie.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station and Aiport to Mussoorie is in Dehradun which is just a 1 hour drive away from Mussoorie
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4. Kamshet: Bird Eye’s View Of Deccan Plateau
For those looking for paragliding in Pune and Mumbai, Kamshet is a paraglider’s paradise. A leap from the Tower hills and the bird’s eye view of box shaped houses in the villages of Kamshet is a delight for lifetime. Head here on your next trip and experience flying like a bird. Do not miss this one as it is one of the most visited paragliding places in India.
Cost: From INR 2,500 INR
How To Reach: The nearest airports to Kamshet are Pune and Mumbai. Kamshet lies on the Pune – Mumbai express highway and can be easily reached from these cities by road. There are also trains from Ronavala available for reaching Kamshet
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5. Bangalore: Glide Over Silicon Valley
Besides streets full of gaming cafes, Silicon Valley has lately gained up on this adventure sport. Hoskote Lake, 20 km away from the main city, houses some operators who offer training for paragliding in Bangalore. At 65 km from the town, Nandi hills is another hub of paragliding which is at a height of 1478 m above sea level. A lot of people prefer going for paragliding in Nandi Hills, India. The adventurers can also go for para-jumping and hang-gliding.
Cost: From INR 1,500
How To Reach: The Bangalore International airport connects the city to other parts of India. Bangalore is also well connected to other Indian cities via road and rail.
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6. Nainital: City Of Lakes
So here is a complete package. The city famed for its lakes – Nainital – offers paragliding for the heights of up to 2000 meters. Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal are two locations where one can go for paragliding in Nainital. With the beautiful lakes underneath the flier, This hill station comes across as one of the best destinations for paragliding in India.
Cost: INR 1,600 onwards
How To Reach: The nearest aiport is Pantnagar, located at a distance of 65 Km. You can take a chartered plane to this airport. But the best way to reach Nainital is by road. You can also get there by train. Kathgodam is the nearest airport, 34 Km away.
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7. Yelagiri: Lush Green Valleys
If you are looking for paragliding in Chennai, Yelagiri is the place to head to. At a driving distance of 3 hours from the city, Yelagiri offers paragliding from a height of 2200 meters and has a vast clearing of natural expanse. Marina Beach also offers parasailing every day in the evening. Exciting, no? Plan a trip soon to experience both of these activities. Indeed one of the great paragliding places in India.
Cost: From INR 1,200
How To Reach: The nearest railway station toYelagiri is at Jolarpettai and is located at a distance of 21 Km
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8. Ranikhet: Spectacular Views
Rafting and Rishikesh have become synonymous in recent years. Young adventure seekers throng to this holy hill station for its famous white water rafting. However, for those who are looking for paragliding in Rishikesh, Ranikhet at a distance of 120 kms is a perfect option. Various operators offer a range of parasailing and paragliding activities, here. Plan a long weekend here, and experience both these activities. Paragliding in India cost is not that expensive, so don’t worry about the money and get set to experience the best at the famous paragliding places in India.
Cost: From INR 3,200
How To Reach: The nearest railway station to Ranikhet is Kathgodam, located at a distance of 101 Km
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9. Panchgani: Majestic Sunsets
Panchgani, a town near the famous pilgrimage of Mahabaleshwar,is commonly frequented by honeymooners. Paragliding from the Horizon point gives you a bird’s eye view of the temple town as well as the serene scenes of the quaint hills. Planning a trip already? Head to Panchgani soon and enjoy a flight in the sky.
Cost: INR 2,000 onwards
How To Reach: Panchgani can be reached via rail, road and airways. But the best way is railways with the nearest station being in Pune, 96 Km away. The remaining distance can be covered by road in a taxi
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10. Shillong: North East Delight
Scotland of the East, Shillong in Meghalya offers one of the best sites to paraglide in India. The city is beautiful and one can enjoy panaromic views while paragliding. The lush green environs make for amazing views from high up in the sky. And if you like adventure then a trip to Shillong would be one memorable affair for you! Plan a vacay soon.
Cost: INR 2,000 onwards
How To Reach: The best way to reach Shillong is by road. There are regular buses available from Guwahati to Shillong
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Do’s And Don’ts For Paragliding
Do’s
- Check the weather before the flight to make sure it is clear
- Paraglide empty stomach
- Wear helmet and double-check the safety equipments like harness an parachute
- Wear comfortable and light clothes
- Be mentally prepared for a free-flying experience and relax
Don’ts
- Do not panic
- Do not fly when in strong winds or rain
- Do not forget to fasten all your harness straps
- Do not take children below 18 years
- Do not cross the weight-limit
Frequently Asked Questions About Paragliding In India
How much does paragliding cost in India? If you are renting then paragliding cost in India will range between INR 1800 to INR 3000 for a session of 30 minutes. You can always check the prices and compare them online. Is paragliding legal in India? Yes but you need to follow the given guidelines before trying this activity. If not then you are putting your life at risk. Which state is most noted for paragliding in India? There are many states in India that offer paragliding but above all Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are visited quite often for paragliding experiences. Is there any weight limit for paragliding? Yes, the weight limit will be determined by the paragliders. In general, the weight for a single paraglider should not be more than 120 kgs. Which are the best places for paragliding in India? Manali, Bir Billing, Kamshet in Maharashtra, Sanasar in Rajasthan, Gangtok, Panchgani, Rohtang La, Nandi Hills in Bangalore, Kanjapuri in the Himalayan range, and many places in North and South India offer paragliding activities. What is the typical duration of paragliding in India? The average duration to paraglide is 8 to 30 minutes. This depends on the weather conditions as well as the strength of the wind. You can paraglide for as long as 2-3 hours once you are trained and gain experience and cover a few kilometers getting a bird’s eye view of scenic landscapes. What types of paragliding are available in Manali? Short, medium and high flights are available in Manali. Short flights are for beginners and last for 2-3 minutes. A high flight lasts up to 30 minutes. What clothes to wear for paragliding? Long-sleeved clothes that are loose and comfortable. Long pants, sunblock, hats, running shoes, and drinking water are the things you need for paragliding. What is the cost and duration of expedition flights in Mussoorie? They last for 3 nights and 4 days. You can visit breathtaking locations on the Himalayas in these flights. Flying and night camping is provided. They cost up to 45,000 per person approximately. One hour flight at a height of nearly 8000 feet is taken from different places in the region. How safe is paragliding in India? Paragliding is very safe in India if you do it at the right place, follow safety protocols, check equipment beforehand, and opt for an experienced guide.