The fascination of flying in the skies like a free bird has appealed to the human mind since times immemorial. It is this thought that led to development of not only the world’s fastest means of transport, namely the airplane, but also a variety of adrenaline pumping ariel sports including skydiving and paragliding. Although paragliding has been enjoyed by people in other parts of the world for quite a few decades now, in India the sport was introduced only in beginning of the last decade of the 20th century. Since then the popularity of paragliding in India as an ultimate fun and adventure activity has been constantly growing.
Given the diverse natural beauty of India, it is not surprising that the activity can be enjoyed at several destinations across the country. Discussed below are the best destinations where adventure enthusiasts can enjoy this adventure sport in India.
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Bir Billing
The small village of Bir Billing, located in the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh is renowned as a great paragliding destination. It is in fact ranked second best in the whole world in terms of offering an exceptional paragliding experience to adventure enthusiasts. Situated at a height of around 2600m above sea level, the fun of paragliding in Bir Billing can be enjoyed only between the months of March and July. The activity lasts for a period of 30 minutes, during which time the participants can soar in the skies and take in the amazing beauty of the landscapes stretched far underneath them.
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Manali
Manali is well known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and also as a hub of different adventure activities, primarily trekking. However, most people are unaware of the fact that they can also enjoy the fun and thrill of paragliding in Manali. In fact, it is one of the few destinations where the activity can be enjoyed almost all year around, except for the monsoon season. The adrenaline rush that the gliders experience as the roam high above the snow peaked mountains and lush green valleys, which are covered with a white spread of snow in the winters is difficult to express in words.
Difficulty : Easy To Moderate
Capacity : 20 Seats
Max Altitude : 2,050 m (6,730 ft)
Highlights Here : Paragliding, Trekking, Cycling, Camping, Lake, Dam
Places to Visit in Manali : Hidimba Devi Temple, Solang, Rohtang Pass, Bhrigu Lake, Pandoh Dam, Manali Sanctuary, Beas River, Hamta Pass and Great Himalayan National Park
Bedni Bugyal
The hill state of Uttarakhand boasts of multiple destinations where adventure enthusiasts can take part in the activity of paragliding. Of these Bedini Bugyal is definitely the most popular one frequented by gliding enthusiasts of all age groups. Situated at a height of 3,354m above sea level, this alpine Himalayan meadow is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The flyers are left enchanted by the beautiful views of lofty mountain peaks, vast green fields and lush green meadows rolling beneath their eyes. The best time to enjoy paragliding in Uttarakhand, especially in Bendi Bugyal is between the months of September and May.
Paragliding Because Some Birds Are Not Meant To Be Caged
Difficulty : Easy To Moderate
Capacity : 20 Seats
Max Altitude : 3,354 m (11,004 ft)
Highlights Here : Paragliding, Trekking, Camping, Lake
Places to Visit in Bedini Bugyal : Bedini Bugyal falls, Roopkund, Vaitarani, Trisul and Nanda Ghunti
Nainital
Nainital is more famous for its several beautiful lakes and water bodies, which further enhance the fun of paragliding in this picturesque town of Uttarakhand. The activity is particularly carried out at the locations of Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal, which are considered to be amongst the best paragliding destinations within the country. The visitors intending to enjoy paragliding in Nainital often dazed by the bird’s eye view of the scenic spread of green landscape dotted with glistering blue water bodies. The destination is best to carry out paragliding activities up to a height of 2000m, and proves to be a truly enthralling experience for adventure seekers.
Difficulty : Easy To Moderate
Capacity : 20 Seats
Max Altitude : 2,084 metres (6,837 ft)
Highlights Here : Paragliding, Trekking, Camping, Lake
Places to Visit in Nainital : Nainital Lake, Sat Tal, Mall Road, Tibetan Market, Thandi Road, High Altitude Zoo, Cave Garden
Sanasar
The remote town of Sanasar located near the hill town of Panipat in Jammu is considered to be one of the best places to enjoy paragliding. The area features cup shaped fields which are surrounded by hills on all sides creating an amazing view for the paragliders. The best time to enjoy the thrilling activity of paragliding in Sanasar is in the months of May-June and September- October. Apart from the panoramic view, the cool and refreshing environment of the area motivates the gliders to make most of the unique opportunity to enjoy the freedom of flying in the skies in a relatively free manner.
Difficulty : Easy To Moderate
Capacity : 20 Seats
Max Altitude : 2,050 metres
Highlights Here : Paragliding, Trekking, Camping, Lake
Places to Visit in Sanasar : Shanta Ridge, Shank Pal Temple, Panchari valley
Darjeeling
The beautiful town of Darjeeling, which is quite famous for its vast tea estates, also doubles up as a wonderful paragliding destination. Even though the hill town has started offering this adventure sports activity only a few years back, it is fast becoming a popular choice amongst professional gliders. The unique landscape of the region ensures that the experience of paragliding in Darjeeling proves nothing less than magical for the participants. The activity offers the gliders with one of the best panoramic views of the earth below, which is dotted with mountains, hills, rivers, lush greenery and much more, adding great value to the activity.
Difficulty : Easy To Moderate
Capacity : 20 Seats
Max Altitude : 6,700 ft (2,042.2 m)
Trek Highlights Here : Paragliding, Trekking, Camping, Lake
Places to Visit in Darjeeling : Kangchenjunga, Tea Garden, zoo-geographic zone, Lloyd’s Botanical Garden, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Kamshet
The small town of Kamshet is located at a small distance from the Mumbai Pune highway and is known as one of the best destinations to enjoy paragliding near Mumbai. Situated amidst the Shayadri range, this little town offers a topography that is suitable for enjoying a great gliding experience.
The exciting experience makes the flyers forget their worries and enjoy the picturesque view of the majestic landscape gliding below them. Most flyers experience a sense of freedom and natural calm descending on them as they soar in the skies taking in the amazing sights and the reveling the peace and calm at such high altitudes.
Each of the above destinations provides the necessary training and equipment for ensuring a safe and enjoyable paragliding activity. There are often several operators providing the activity at each destination, enabling the participants to choose the one that meets their requirements.
Difficulty : Easy To Moderate
Capacity : 20 Seats
Max Altitude : 670 m (2,200 ft)
Trek Highlights Here : Paragliding, Lakes, Caves, Temples
Distance From Mumbai : 110 KMs
Distance From Pune : 45 KMs
