“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”

India is a land of infinite possibilities. And by infinite I literally mean infinite! There are some ways in which you can be flying like a bird like soaring away in a hot air balloon or parasailing, in which you are tied at the rear end of a boat using a rope or something, and then there is the ultimate feeling-like-a-bird sport which is paragliding. The pilot is supposed to sit in a harness which is suspended from a wing like structure and then you have just got to run off a cliff and viola! You are up in the air like an actual bird. Interesting much?! Or thinking that it is for the mad adrenaline junkies or the suicidal maniacs. To tell the truth, it is none of those things. People now are becoming aware of the fact that the rides are pretty safe and that there are other fail-safe options. If you manage to follow the rules and regulations of paragliding, then there are absolutely no chances of failing. The country of India provides a lot of amazing scope to the paragliding lovers. There are many places in the country where paragliding is taught as an adventure sport either as an expert (solo ride) or as some tourist attraction (tandem ride- with a pilot). But for once, you must let go of the fear that has been building in your heart for years and paragliding is all about facing your fears and overcoming them. So come, let us explore the most amazing places for paragliding in India.

1. Bir-Billing
   Set in the backdrop of the beautiful Himachal Pradesh, the little village of Bir is practically the paragliding capital of India. The beautiful mountains, the greenery, the weather, everything is just so perfect. And paragliding adds a dash of adventure to the tranquil atmosphere. It is a perfect place for adventure junkies as well as country lovers. Bir is the take off site and Billing, which is located at a distance of about 14 km from it, is the landing site. The nearest airport is Dharamshala, located at a distance of about 70 km from Bir. The Paragliding world cup took place for the first time in India at Bir-Billing in the year 2015.
   The best time to visit is between October and mid-June when there is no rains and weather is pleasant.
    

2. Manali
   One of the major tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a beautiful valley located in the heart of the Himalayas. The town is located at an altitude of about 5500 ft to 6000 ft above the sea level which makes it ideal for paragliding trips. The scenic beauty is further aggravated by the thrill factor of paragliding in the area. The areas of Solang Valley, Fatru Mountain, Gulaba, and Nagger Road are the places where paragliding takes place. 
   Best Time to Visit- between October and May.
    

3. Nainital
   This is again a beautiful resort town located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located at the height of about 2000m above the sea level, the picturesque place is one of the best places to go to. And paragliding in such a place has its perks too. One can view the beautiful city from a bird's level. The beautiful pear-shaped Lake, Naini lake, one of the 64 Shakti peeths of the country, is considered to be one of the holiest places in the world. Paragliding is offered at Naukuchiyatal. Paragliding among the fluffy clouds amidst the beautiful mountains of Naina, Deopatha and Ayarpatha hills is truly one of the heavenly feelings.
   Best Time to Visit- all season except the rainy season.
    

4. Pithoragarh
   The district of Pithoragarh, Kumaon's easternmost district is one of the many natural beauties of the state of Uttaranchal. The valley, wedged between Nepal and Tibet, is flanked by four hills- Dhwaj, Chandak, Thal Kedar, and Kundar. Being flanked by the hills gives an amazing view of the place, both dramatic and soothing. The unique conditions give ample scope of conducting adventure sports like paragliding, hand gliding, trekking, river rafting, canoeing, etc. One can enjoy the beautiful locales and get high on adventure, Pithoragarh has it all!
   Best Time to Visit - March to June and September to mid-October are the best months to visit, due to the clear weather and sunny outdoors.
    

5. Panchgani
   A famous hill station located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Panchgani is one of the best weekend getaways one could probably ever think of. With an altitude of about 1200 m above the sea level, the fantastic hill station opens doors for some adventure sports, paragliding being one of the favourites of the tourists who frequent the area. The weather is pleasant throughout the year which adds to its glory. It is also fascinating to know that the plateau region of the hills surrounding Panchgani is the second largest in Asia after the Tibetan plateau. Due to various favourable conditions like clear skies, perfect altitude, favourable winds, pleasant weather all the year round, Panchgani has become one of the hotspots of paragliding industry.
   Best Time to Visit - November to February because the weather is most pleasant during that time.
    

6. Ranikhet
   One of the best locations for paragliding, especially for beginners due to the amazingly calm and clear atmosphere, Ranikhet sure has a lot to offer. The camp site for paragliding is located nearly 12 km away from the main town, on the road to Goluchina areain the state of Uttarkhand. The place is simply wonderful, with the safe paragliding camps and amazing locales. The paragliding camp, locally known as Daan Kurhi, is located at a beautiful site at the edge of an oak forest.
   Best Time to Visit - September to March
    

7. Kamshet
   Located at a distance of about 45 km from the populous city of Pune in the state of Maharashtra, this beautiful retreat is a jerk into the past, the place reminds of a rustic setting, the real India, lost in the din of city life. The place is well suited for paragliding again due to the favourable weather conditions, amazing view and perfect wind conditions. It is well suited for beginners, in addition to being connected to the Pune- Mumbai expressway; this place is great for a weekend getaway.
   Best Time to Visit - from October to June
    

8. Shillong
   Situated at an average altitude of 1400 m, Shillong or Scotland of the East is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations of the North East. And to add to its already exciting locations and scintillating greenery all around, one can now go for paragliding too. The paragliding market is slowly but surely evolving in the cute little town, attracting travel and adventure enthusiasts equally. There are provisions of hydraulic payout winch system, which are connected by means of radio where the pilots are guided by flight supervisors. The heights of up to 700m can be achieved.
   Best Time to Visit - summers, when the skies are clear and the winds are just fine.
    

9. Gangtok
   A famous tourist attraction, the city is located in the small North Eastern state of Sikkim. The city holds a lot to show and paragliding is surely one of the major attractions for adventure seekers. The place has amazing landing ridges and is surely growing to be one of the major attractions of the state.
   Best Time to Visit – Summers
    

10. Nandi Hills
    Located at a small distance from Bangalore, the beautiful hill station is surely a treat to the eye. Paragliding in this area is particularly famous, one of the must do things while being in the area. The place is located at a height of about 1400 m above the sea level and has a lot of flat surfaces around hills for landing.
    Best Time to Visit - All the year round except in the months of July- September, when monsoons arrive.

So book your flight now and explore the adrenline feeling of paragliding!!!

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

              Written by - Evita Lopes