There must be hardly anyone who has not fantasized about flying in the sky, as free as a bird. Not just children, even adults fancy about. The mere thinking of flying up in the sky makes you feel wonderful. Well, as a human being you may never be able to make that fantasy into reality but you can experience flying and the only way to do is by paragliding. These days, paragliding has acquired a lot of fan following in India. That’s the reason there are many places in India that are suited for paragliding and has great infrastructure and facilities for the same. There are also associations of para gliders in many of these states, who you can approach.
Paragliding is just the right thing for an adventure enthusiast’s indulgence. Here are the top 10 places where you can let yourself free and enjoy paragliding and cherish the experience forever:
1. Himachal Pradesh
The state of Himachal Pradesh, with its beautiful climate and picturesque natural surroundings, is suited for all types of adventure sports. Bir Billing in the state is considered to be one of the best spots for paragliding. You should visit the place from March to June for a great experience. The ride can last for 30 minutes. You would take off from the base point in Billing which is at an altitude of 8000 feet above the sea level and land at Bir which is at an altitude of 4500 feet above the sea level. Bir Billing offers a thrilling paragliding experience.
Are you up for some amazing tandem para gliding experience? If you are a sky lover and would love to experience para gliding for the first time, then Manali has a very good spot too. Nestled amidst picturesque snow capped mountains and greenery, Manali offers a perfect combination of sky diving and hand gliding. Experience the adrenaline rush while you glide through the surreal Solang Valley in Malley.
2. Sikkim
Though a small north-eastern state of India, Sikkim is very popular for tourism. It is a relatively new entrant to paragliding activities but is fast gaining popularity as a growing paragliding destination in India. For paragliding enthusiasts, Sikkim should be a must-visit place in their itinerary. Take a jump from the cliffs of Gangtok at an altitude of 7000 feet above the sea level to experience the scenic mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga. The picturesque location will leave you wanting for more.
3. Uttarakhand
Surrounded by Tibet to the North and Nepal to the east, Uttarakhand is yet another place to enjoy nature and indulge in some of the most beautiful adventure sports. Head to Kunjapuri in Uttarakhand between September to May and indulge in a rib tickling paragliding activity. While you are flying up in the sky, enjoy the beauty of the surrounding peaks, including that of the Gangotri glacier. A heavenly experience by all accounts! Bedni Bugyal is another spot in Kumaon, Uttarakhand that is renowned for paragliding. Situated at an altitude of 3,354 m, it gives an amazing view of the Himalayan Mountains and thus gives you the absolutely perfect paragliding experience. Take to the sky with several paragliding locations in Uttarakhand, Naukutchiyatal in Nainital, Dayara Bugyal, Pratap Nagar, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Dhanaulti Ridge in Garhwal, and Pithoragarh that will leave you absolutely amazed.
4. Maharashtra
The state certainly makes up for adventure sports like paragliding by offering several locations that will leave you flabbergasted. Take in the view of the beautiful Pavana Lake, amazing forts in the area and loads of greenery while you paraglide from Pavana. Kamshet and Panchgani are other places in Maharashtra that offer some exciting paragliding opportunities at 1305 m above the sea level.
5. Karnataka
The very own hill station of Bangalore, Nandi Hills is a very popular paragliding destination in India. The paragliding above the 1,478 meters above sea level can take you to the Hebbal Lake, which is beauteous. Nandi Hills is also known as the hills of happiness. The Hills and valleys are also renowned for other adventure sports as well.
6. Tamil Nadu
Yelagiri is a beautiful hill station in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and there is even a club that provides the necessary facilities for paragliders. This is a reputed club that also hosts a paragliding festival annually in September. From the altitude of 2000 m, you can enjoy paragliding by taking in the view of the Yelagiri hills.
7. Meghalaya
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is fast becoming one of the hotspots for paragliders. The infrastructure available is also one of the best in the country for paragliders. The Meghalaya Paragliding Association in the state is quite active and constantly strives to better paragliding opportunities in the state. These days, it has become an attraction for tourists coming to Meghalaya.
8. Goa
Though Goa has many places for paragliding, the Arambol Beach is the best place. When it comes to professional paragliding, Goa is the preferred place and there are many professional paragliding activities in the state. It is also best for novices as you will get professional expertise to help you experience flying and enjoy breathtaking view of the scenic surroundings. The state is so popular for paragliding that you can often spot paragliders up in the sky in many places. Many foreigners take up paragliding in Goa quite enthusiastically.
9. Rajasthan
Head to the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan if you wish to experience a truly divine paragliding experience. The state has many avenues for paragliding, thus you can experience many strips when you visit Rajasthan. Different cities such as Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner and more offer paragliding opportunities.
10. Gujarat
The Pavagadh Hill situated an altitude of 800 m offer a great view with the historical city of Champaner and the hill station of Pavagadh. Though not that well-known, for paragliding enthusiasts, Gujarat is in the list of the popular paragliding destinations of India.
