The feeling of air rushing past your ears while you come soaring down to the ground, all the while taking in that breathtaking view; paragliding is not just about the adrenaline rush, it’s much much more than that. Even if for few moments, you get wings and fly like a bird.
This year, India is going to host the Airport Authority of India Paragliding World Cup in Himachal Pradesh. Starting from 24th of October, the paragliding destination of Bir-Billing will be home to paragliders from all over the world. With the highly endangered snow leopard as the mascot of the event, it is garnering international attention. So meanwhile let’s check out these amazing places in our country where you can go for paragliding.
1. Billing
Considered to be the best paragliding destination in India, Billing is nestled in the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. Along with Bir, a place 14 kilometre away from Billing, this popular paragliding destination is hosting the paragliding World Cup this year.
2. Manali
Imagine flying high up while taking in the breathtaking view of the Kullu valley. Because that’s exactly what you get in while paragliding in Manali, along with the view of the Himalayan range.
3. Nandi hills
Situated next to Bangalore in Karnataka, Nandi hills is known for its aesthetic beauty. It is also one of the go to destinations for paragliders in India.
4. Kunjapuri
Located inside the Shivalik range, Kunjagiri in Uttarakhand allows you to have a fabulous view of the mountains and the mesmerising sunrise and sunset while paragliding.
5. Pavana
The place near the Pavana dam in Maharashtra is an amazing place for paragliding. With views of the river Indrayani and the town of Kamshet, you’ll feel like Harry Potter riding Buckbeak while gliding over the Pavana dam.
6. Yelagiri
Located in the Vellore district, Yelagiri hills in Tamil Nadu is one of the best places for paragliding in South India.
7. Bedni bugyal
Bedni Bugyal is another place in Uttarakhand that can hypnotise you with its scenic beauty. You can get a good view of the Himalayan mountains while paragliding here.
8. Ranikhet
Situated in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is a popular tourist destination in general. But it is also famous for being a paragliding destination in India.
9. Goa
Goa has quite a few beaches where you can go for paragliding, like Anjuna and Arambol.
10. Kashmir
Paragliding is a recent addition to the list of adventure sports you could opt for in Kashmir, and I have to say, thank god the wait is over!
11. Aravalli hills
Though Rajasthan does have a few places for paragliding, the Aravalli range is probably the most sought after. And why should it be, considering the view you get from there?
12. Satpura range
The Satpura range in Gujarat is actually an outlier of the Aravalli range. Paragliding here allows you a view of the beautiful ranges along with the scenic beauty.
And while you’re high up in the sky, gliding down towards the earth, I swear it would make you feel infinite! 🙂