When I was young, all I wanted to do was, look at birds. My mother still complains that the only way to get me to eat was by taking me to a window and showing me the birds. I wanted to fly like them. I often imagined what it would feel like to soar through the skies. It didn’t make much sense then, but it does now. When I was 18, I asked for a 7-day course in paragliding as a gift from my parents, and the horror on their faces is something I will never forget. But I made an effort to convince them that it was safe if done carefully. It wasn’t easy, but three months, endless conversations and a screening of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara later, they were comfortable with the idea. And thus began my journey through the best places to paraglide in India.
When discussing places for paragliding in India, Bir Billing is the first name that pops up on every search. And that’s where I started too. And it is beautiful. But there are other spots in the country that deserve the same grandeur as Bir. India is a very naturally diverse country, and what that means for paragliding is that the options of the landscape are overwhelming. After my first flight, I felt an exhilarating sense of achievement, and I decided that paragliding was my happy place. Since then, I have been taking time out and travelling around India, crossing off the places one can paraglide in. In this journey, you can explore the off-beat locations for paragliding with me.
Table of Contents
Paragliding in India
India is a country that is blessed with a wide variety of landscapes. Beaches, forests, concrete jungles, lush greens, desserts and anything else you could possibly imagine. In a country like India, it would be a shame to limit your paragliding options. When deciding the next spot for my flight adventures, I consider elements like the panorama around me, weather, and accessibility. Interestingly, paragliding in India started in the late 1990s when some foreign pilots visited, and the natural conditions of India self- advertised themselves for paragliding. To define the variety offered by the Indian landscapes, I have divided the country into four regions: East, west, south and north.
Paragliding in Eastern India
1. Gangtok – Soar above the green side of the Himalayas
In the heart of Sikkim, you can fly high above the lush-green side of the Himalayas. This particular location makes it so easy to get lost in the greens below you. Everything looks like it is covered with an umbrella of leaves. You can choose between a medium fly or a high fly here. Both offer a different view. The medium fly gives you a zoomed-in view of the city, whereas the high fly offers a view of the snow-clad mountains. It is one of the best places to paraglide in India.
Best time to visit: March to June; September to November.
Cost: Starting from ₹2,000
Other things to do in Gangtok:
- Yak Safari – Take a closer look at the mountain animal.
- Lal Bazaar– Roam the market and satisfy the needs of the shopaholic in you.
- Teesta river– Let your adventure junkie loose with some river rafting.
- M.G. Marg– Take your tastebuds on a ride with the local cuisine.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Adventure zone Sikkim | Reshithang Sports Complex, Ranka Road, Gangtok, Sikkim | 95471 16119 |
| Sikkim Paragliding | 8HXW+77W, Ranka Road, Gangtok Reshithang, Ranka Rd, East, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim | 95640 74123 |
2. Shillong- Breathe the essence of paragliding
Meghalaya is on its way to becoming the hub of paragliding in India. The backdrop of brown hills imitates the bare body of nature of the east. Shillong is one of the best places to paraglide in India if you’re someone for whom paragliding is more than a one-time experience. A lot of paragliding competitions are hosted in Shillong.
Best time to visit: May, August and September
Cost: Starting from ₹2,000
Other things to do in Shillong:
- Enjoy the peace by boating in the Umiam Lake
- Take a stroll in the Mawphlang Sacred Forest
- Soak in the culture of the North-East in the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
- Explore the mysteries of Mawjimbuin Caves.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| NOMADS Adventure | Mawlai Nonglum, Block I, Shillong, Meghalaya 793017 | N/A |
| RC Marvel Adventure | Cham Cham, Meghalaya 793200 | N/A |
3. Kalimpong- Fly over the wilderness
A beautiful valley with a river cutting through the hills on two sides is a perfect way to inaugurate your paragliding journey. Paragliding in Kalimpong is serene and has a very rustic, colonial vibe. I booked a Savaari from Siliguri to Kalimpong and my driver suggested a visit to Deolo Park, and it was gorgeous. It is also a very good spot for budget-friendly places to paraglide in India.
Best time to visit: April to June and October
Cost: Starting from ₹2,000
Other things to do in Kalimpong:
- Explore wilderness at the Neora Valley National Park
- Interact with the spirit world at the Haunted Morgan House
- Go shopping at the Haat Bazaar.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Himalayan eagle paragliding | Science center, Dr. Graham Homes Near Delo Hill 100m ahead, Kalimpong, West Bengal 734301 | 89189 42617 |
| Kalimpong paragliding adventure society | Center, Road, near Deolo, Deolo, Homes St.And Graihms, West Bengal 734316 | 96351 12310 |
Paragliding in Western India
1. Kamshet- Ease yourself into paragliding
Amidst the hills of Maharashtra, you get to witness the duality of brown and green. Kamshet is one of the off-beat places to paraglide. The wind here is exquisite and feels even better after the humid temperatures of the place. It is also a very good destination if you plan to do a course to get certified in paragliding in India. It is one of the safer spots to try if you are feeling a little nervous.
Best time to visit: October to May
Cost: Starting from ₹1,200
Other things to do in Kamshet:
- Relax near the Pavana Lake
- Explore the oldest caves of Maharashtra, Bedsa Caves
- Soak in the beauty of Hemadpanti architecture at the Kondeshwar temple.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Paragliding mantra | House 12, Shikshak Socitey, near Railway Cabin, Kamshet, Maharashtra 410405 | 99231 54444 |
| Paragliding Lonavala Kamshet | Beside rangoli pure veg, Lonavla, Kamshet, Maharashtra 410405 | N/A |
2. Arambol- Let the water baby fly
Imagine the fun when you jump from a hill but look down to see the beach. Arambol in Goa offers the rare experience of simultaneously paragliding over the sea, the beach and the hills. One of my best paragliding memories is the taste of salty air while soaking in the sunset in Arambol. Paragliding in India is made more versatile by places like these.
Best time to visit: September to June
Cost: Starting from ₹1,200
Other things to do in Arambol:
- Visit the Open Books Library at Arambol and let the books take you to a land unknown
- Relax and soak in the view from the Arambol Mountain
- Experience a sense of calm at the Paliem Sweet Water Lake.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Rainbow paragliding in Goa | Bhatt, House No. 299 Baman, Arambol, Goa 403524 | 90168 16890 |
| Paragliding Goa | Beach, Arambol, Goa 403524 | 94047 11373 |
3. Jaipur- Enjoy the pop of colours
A very off-beat and underrated places to paraglide in India is Rajasthan. Here, you can paraglide over a desert. The desi browns remind you of your ethnicity and roots. The dash of colours that the people of Rajasthan bring to the landscape is jaw-dropping.
Best time to visit: September to February
Cost: Starting from ₹2,500
Other things to do in Jaipur:
- Spend time with the elephants and befriend the majestic animal
- Visit the Hawa Mahal to soak in some architectural beauty
- Visit the variety of art galleries and museums.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Wingmasters co. | House no: 37, K5 Scheme, Green Park, Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302021 | N/A |
| NTC Adventures | #360, Rajni Vihar, Ajmer Rd, Heerapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302021 | 75689 03231 |
4. Satpura- Be a true paragliding connoisseur
Paragliding in Satpura offers lush green backdrop with clear blue skies. It makes you feel like you’re on the sets of Koi Mil Gaya. The hidden treasure gives way to a hassle-free and peaceful holiday. If you plan a trip to Gujarat during December or January, don’t forget Satpura’s 26-day paragliding festival. The colours of the festival can make anyone fall in love with paragliding.
Best time to visit: November to March
Cost: Starting from ₹1,500
Other things to do in Satpura:
- Indulge yourself in the whimsy of bird watching.
- Go for a canoe ride in the beautiful waters.
- Book yourself a 4✕4 car and go on a safari ride.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Satpura Adventure Park | Sunset Point, Governor Hill Trail, Saputara, 394720 | 79265 60166 |
| Satpura Paragliding | HQP2+9V7, Table Land Road, Saputara, Gujarat 394720 | N/A |
Paragliding in Southern India
1. Vagamon- a haven for first-timers
Sail among the clouds of Kerala in Vagamon. The wind of the sea filtered through the green of the hills is an experience that takes you closer to nirvana. The drive to the take-off points is the perfect backdrop to the nerves of a first-time glider. One should definitely add Vagamon to the list of places to paraglide in India.
Best time to visit: February to May
Cost: Starting from ₹3,000
Other things to do in Vagamon:
- Put on your earphones and take a stroll through the Vagamon Pine Forest
- Pack a basket and picnic at the Barren Hills
- Visit the Pattumalai Church.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Fly Vagamon Paragliding | Adventure park and paragliding point, Pine Valley Road, Vedikuzhi, Kolahalamedu, Kerala 685501 | 99618 78356 |
| Vagamon Paragliding | JWQC+4J, Vagamon, Kerala 685501 | N/A |
2. Yelagiri- strike it off your bucket list
Paragliding in Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most unexpectedly thrilling experiences I’ve had on my journey. Starting from Ramakrishna Mutt, you can enjoy paragliding in Yelagiri. This is the place that holds the annual paragliding festival, which is attended by people from all over the country. Start early in the morning and embark on a paragliding flight for 20–30 minutes. Feel mesmerised looking at the spectacular view below.
Best time to visit: November to February
Cost: Starting from ₹1,500
Other things to do in Yelagiri:
- Experience the nature and wildlife at Cloud Forest Entertainment Park
- Enjoy the water at Jalagamparai Falls
- Read a book by the Nilavoor Lake
- Savour various other adventure sports.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Adventure Sports Centre | HMC5+33J, Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu 635853 | N/A |
| Funvile Extreme Adventures | Yelagiri Hills, opposite to Golden nest Hotel, Athanavur, Tamil Nadu 635853 | 90032 02558 |
3. Munnar- fly over the lush greens of Kerala
This particular adventure has a special place for me in my heart. When I took flight in Munnar, and with the first wind, a whiff of tea filled my lungs. The tea addict in me found a haven. The panorama is filled with all possible shades of green as you are surrounded by tea and coffee plantations for as far as you can see.
Best time to visit: March to May
Cost: Starting from ₹2,500
Other things to do in Munnar:
- You can plan your stay at a tree house and cross that off your bucket list
- Dwell in the mystique of the Echo Point
- Watch the nature thrive at the Lakkam Waterfalls
- Visit the tea and coffee plantations.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Trackfinder Adventures | #3.pvt. Bus Stand Complex, near High Altitude Training Stadium, Munnar, Kerala 685612 | N/A |
| Southface Adventures Munnar | Munnar Near HRC Road, OLD AM ROAD,Mankulam-Munnar Trail, Kerala 685612 | 85901 22907 |
| Rudra Adventure | Munnar Near HRC Road, OLD AM ROAD, Mankulam-Munnar Trail, Kerala 685612 | 85901 22907 |
Paragliding in Northern India
1. Bir Billing – A paragliding paradise
Bir Billing provides adrenaline seekers with an opportunity to explore the Himalayas like never before. The most famous spot in Billing is its paragliding take-off point, which is the world’s second highest, towering at 8,000ft, offering panoramic views of the valley below. The approachable Dhauladhar range, one of the branches of the major outer Himalayas, is the beginning point here, where flat land ends, with the added benefit of convenient landing fields along the ridges. This is the base from which you can see the Himalayas but not the extremes. In addition, there is a large range of high mountains here, allowing you to hop from one crest to another.
Best time to visit: March to June
Cost: Starting from ₹2,500
Other things to do in Bir:
- Check out the Sherbaling Monastery.
- Hike to Gunehar river pool.
- Witness the lives of the monks at Dzongsar Khyentse.
- Hike to Bangoru Waterfalls.
- Go on long walks & stumble upon quaint villages.
- Go mountain biking amidst dense forests in and around Bir
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Bir Billing Flying Adventures | 2PVG+Q83, Bus Stop Bir-Billing Rd, Bir, Bir, Himachal Pradesh 176077 | 94185 59847 |
| Golden Eagle Paragliding Club | Landing Site Road, Bir, Himachal Pradesh 176077 | 097361 83064 |
| Skylark School of Paragliding | Manu Bedi Tandem Paragliding Expert C/O Hotel Surya Classic Chaugan, Bir Billing Baijnath, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176077 | 098828 75337 |
2. Pithoragarh- the backdrop of colours of the nature
Spacious mountain hues of blue, green, white and brown melting into a portrait of perfection is the way to describe paragliding in Uttarakhand. The serene and poetic nature of the hidden paragliding gem brings you to your knees in respect for the creator.
Best time to visit: March to May; September and October
Cost: Starting from ₹2,000
Other things to do in Pithoragarh:
- Make a visit to the serene Namik Glacier.
- Take a trip down the history in the Pithoragarh Fort.
- Visit the various religious sites and temples.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| High on Himalayas Paragliding | Madkote road, near munsyari football ground, Munsyari, Uttarakhand 262554 | N/A |
| Badkhalek Pithoragarh Paragliding Landing Naren | H43X+442, Seri Barakot, Uttarakhand 262501 | N/A |
3. Rohtang La- Experience the OG
In the lap of Himachal Pradesh lies another beautiful paragliding destination. Rohtang La is the most classic example of what one can expect from a good paragliding experience. The green on one side and the white on the other give you a glimpse of the versatile weather conditions in India.
Best time to visit: May to October
Cost: Starting from ₹2,500
Other things to do in Rohtang La:
- For adventure lovers, Rohtang La has attractions like sledging, mountain biking and skiing.
- Listen to the bubbling sound of water at the mystical Nehru Kund.
- Enjoy the jaw-dropping sites of Gulaba.
Operators you can contact:
| Operator | Address | Contact number |
| Paragliding at Rohtang La | Highway, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175103 | N/A |
Pro tips for beginners in paragliding
- Research well about the places you want to try paragliding in. Make well-informed decisions, and do not be rushed by anyone.
- When looking for places to paraglide in India, make sure you go the extra mile by watching the available videos and go through the reviews when making a decision.
- Talk to a bunch of locals before booking a flight. The locals have the best idea of the experience and will be able to guide you best.
- Plan your trip in a way that you are able to enjoy all the things around the place. Do not leave any experience for the next time.
- Try to be surrounded by people you trust for your first flight. These should be people from who you can draw confidence and who care for you.
- Book a reliable cab to the starting point. Many people are not allowed to take their phones for the flight, or the areas do not have very good range. So, it is advisable to take a cab so that one doesn’t have to wait too long at the landing spot.
- Do not carry any valuable items while going on a flight. There will be nobody to take care of your belongings, and it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Plan your trip keeping the weather conditions in mind. Paragliding is a sport that is very heavily dependent on weather conditions. Check your weather app before booking your trip.
Where would you want to start your paragliding journey?
For a lot of people paragliding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. How one views the activity will be solely dependent on that one experience of it. So it is very important to choose with precision and take well-informed decisions. Take care of the smaller things when you’re going to paraglide, as these small decisions of how to reach your starting point, pick up from the landing point, and people around you, including your driver, can make or break your trip. To ensure the best paragliding experience in India, download Savaari Car Rental app for a hassle-free trip. India offers a wide range of experiences, choose the one that fits you.
Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by blogadmin
