Paragliding is a fascinating sport that provides a bird-like experience. The sport involves a pilot ready to launch from a hill or a mountain, harnessed with a balloon-shaped fabric winged with air. In Paragliding, the pilot controls the flight using the brakes and the toggles attached to the fabric. The weight of the person shifts according to the flow of the wind. It results in the ultimate smooth landing of the pilot to its designated area. Unlike the pilot, the beautiful thing about the Paraglider is that you don’t need an engine to stay in the air. India is one of the most beautiful places in the world for paragliding. If you want to explore those locations, check out this guide about the best places for Paragliding in India. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the beautiful skies together.
How To Do Paragliding:
For Paragliding, the first step is to take the parachute and then go to the hill where you start Paragliding. Parachute weights might range from 6 to 15 kilograms. All you need is a Paragliding wing to get up the hill.
As the paragliding pilot, you must take care to ensure that nothing, including trees or buildings, is blocking the field. The paragliding pilot should sprint down the slope; the wind will assist them, so there’s no need to run too quickly. In paragliding sports parachute is made to make takeoff and landing simpler.
Basic Equipment Needed For Paragliding:
A few essential pieces of equipment are required if you wish to do Paragliding that are:
- Wings: As you might expect, the first item is wings, which are composed of materials unique to the sport. Depending on the weather, different wing models should be employed.
- Ropes: These ropes, which are separated into suspension ropes and brake ropes, are made as delicately as possible. Despite their delicate appearance, the ropes can support a lot of weight.
- The harness: When paragliding, the harness serves as the pilot’s seat.
- Helmet: As a protection against any mishaps, you should wear a helmet when paragliding.
- Sunglasses: To shield your eyes from the sun, it’s a good idea to always have a pair on hand. These are some of the most needed equipment that one must have during Paragliding.
Paragliding In India Cost
The cost of Paragliding in India differs according to the areas and service providers. However, paragliding in India costs generally between 2000 to 8000 according to the data available on the internet. According to EaseMyTrip, the Average Cost of Paragliding in India is 1500 to 2000 INR meanwhile as per the Makemytrip the paragliding in India costs 2000 to 8000 INR per person.
Paragliding In India Best Places
Paragliding is a recreational and adventurous sport of flying through Paragliders. If we talk about Paragliding in India best places, then Uttarakhand comes in first place. Uttarakhand is the hub for Paragliding. Several amazing locations across this beautiful state provide the best Paragliding experience in India.
Below are the beautiful and mesmerizing destinations that provide the best Paragliding experience. Let’s explore it together.
1) Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand:
| Best Time To Visit | March to June, September to mid-October because of the clear and sunny weather |
| Popular Operators | Government of Uttarakhand Tourism |
| Estimated Cost | INR (6,000 to 10,000 for a 5-7 day course) |
The district of Pithoragarh is one of Uttarakhand’s natural wonders and the easternmost district of Kumaon. The four hills of Dhwaj, Chandak, Thal Kedar, and Kundar encircle the valley, which is positioned between Nepal and Tibet. Adventure activities, including paragliding, hand gliding, trekking, river rafting, canoeing, and more, are made possible by the special conditions. Pithoragarh offers it all: stunning scenery and an exciting adventure.
2) Nainital, Uttarakhand:
| Best Time To Visit | All seasons except the rainy season from July to August |
| Popular Operators | Skybird Adventures, Pathikworld Tours |
| Estimated Cost | INR (1500 to 5000) |
Nainital is a stunning resort town situated in the Himalayan foothills. One of the nicest spots to visit, which is roughly 2000 meters above sea level. Additionally, there are benefits to paragliding at such a location. One may get a bird’s-eye perspective of the stunning natural beauty of the city. .
One of the 64 Shakti Peeth, the stunning pear-shaped Lake Naini is regarded as one of the holiest locations on earth. Naukuchiyatal offers paragliding. One of the most divine experiences is paragliding through the fluffy clouds amid the stunning mountains of Naina, Deopatha, and Ayarpatha. So, if you want the best of both worlds, come here.
3) Panchgani, Maharashtra:
| Best Time To Visit | November to February because of the pleasant weather |
| Popular Operators | Ravine Hotels, Eco Camps |
| Estimated Cost | INR 1500 onwards |
Panchgani, a well-known hill station in Maharashtra’s Satara district, is among the greatest places to spend a weekend. At an elevation of roughly 1200 meters above sea level, the amazing hill station provides opportunities for adventure activities, with paragliding being a popular choice among the local tourists. Its splendor is enhanced by the year-round nice weather. It’s also interesting to note that, after the Tibetan plateau, the plateau area of the hills surrounding Panchgani is the second largest in Asia.
4) Nandi Hills, Karnataka:
| Best Time To Visit | Throughout the year, except for monsoons from July to September |
| Popular Operators | Karnataka State Tourism Development Centre |
| Estimated Cost | INR 1500 onwards |
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 sea level and has a lot of flat surfaces around hills for landing.
5) Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:
| Best Time To Visit | September to June |
| Popular Operators | Sky Riders Adventure |
| Estimated Cost | INR 1600 to 10,000 |
Mussoorie is one of the best places for Paragliding in India. Lakhamandal, on the Yamunotri Road, is around 60 km (2 hours) from Mussoorie, while the takeoff site is 20 km away.
6) Ranikhet, Uttarakhand:
| Best Time To Visit | September to March |
| Popular Operators | Wild Rift Adventures |
| Estimated Cost | INR 3000 onwards |
One of the best locations for Paragliding in Uttarakhand, Ranikhet has a lot to offer, particularly for novices, because of the remarkably serene and transparent atmosphere. The paragliding encampment is situated on the road to the Goluchina area, approximately 12 kilometers from the main town. With its stunning locations and secure paragliding camps, the site is simply great. The paragliding camp called Daan Kurhi in the local dialect, is situated on the edge of an oak woodland in a stunning location.
Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh:
Himachal Pradesh has always been a leading player in the Tourism industry of India, thanks to its adventure sports activities especially Paragliding. One can see the skies of Billing (Kangra), Solang (Manali), and Bandla (Bilaspur) over the cast with colorful butterflies. Below is the list of the best and most beautiful places for Paragliding in India in Himachal Pradesh:
1) Bir Billing:
- Best Time For Paragliding: March to May and September to November
- Cost: The cost of Paragliding in Bir Billing is 3500 per person
Situated in the scenic Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Bir Billing is a quaint town tucked in the Joginder Nagar valley. Bir is well-known across the world as a paragliding destination and is also regarded as a sanctuary for spiritual study and meditation. The town has a distinct mix of adventure and peace, influenced by Tibetan culture as a result of the arrival of a Tibetan community. Bir is a 70-kilometer day excursion from Dharamshala, and its lively marketplaces and monasteries demonstrate its diverse cultural heritage.
With Billing as the take-off location and Bir as the landing location, Bir is regarded as one of the best paragliding sites in the world. It provides an exciting elevation shift of about 800 meters.
2) Solang Valley:
- Best Time For Paragliding: September to October
- Cost: The cost of Paragliding in Solang Valley starts from 1000-3000 per person.
The Solang Valley is just 14 kilometers away from Manali. It is well-known for its adventure sports and stunning scenery. This charming valley is a well-liked location for trekking, paragliding, and zorbing in the summer and skiing in the winter. One of Himachal Pradesh’s most visited tourist spots, Solang Valley is encircled by verdant meadows and majestic snow-capped mountains. The Valley is a great place for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
The valley receives a huge number of tourists every year. Because the Solang Valley receives a lot of snow during the winter, skiing is a popular sport here.
3) Khajjiar:
- Best Time For Paragliding: Throughout the year
- Cost: The cost of Paragliding in Khajjiar starts from 1500-4000 per person
Known as the “mini-Switzerland of India,” Khajjiar is a little hamlet around 20 kilometers from Dalhousie, which is a lovely place to spend the day or night. The breathtaking grassy meadows of Khajjiar are a well-known feature of the place. Here, you can enjoy various adventure sports activities like horseback riding, zorbing, and paragliding.
Khajjiar is also well-known for its nine-hole golf course, which is surrounded by thick vegetation and a stunning setting. Due to excessive snowfall, the route to Khajjiar may occasionally be closed during the winter.
Best Paragliding Courses in India
Paragliding is an emerging and mesmerizing adventure experience. For this adventure, you have to learn the proper course to avoid any inconvenience. Many adventure camps offer the best courses for Paragliding in India.
For the Best Paragliding courses in India, consider Temple Pilots in Kamshet, Maharashtra, or Indus Paragliding in Kamshet. Both are renowned for their worldwide standards and skilled instructors, if you’re looking for the best paragliding training in India.
1) Paragliding Course In Temple Pilots, Kamshet (Maharashtra):
- Provides paragliding lessons that are internationally approved by the Aero Club of India, APPI, and IPPI-FAI.
- Renowned for being one of India’s top paragliding training schools, offering classes for novices and experts alike.
- Offers flying excursions and instruction at a number of places, such as Bir/Billing, Kamshet, and other places.
- Allows you to fly freely at local locations by offering a 20-day Independent Pilot License course that covers P1+P2 Basic + P2 Advance + P3.
- They are one of the world’s top international flight training schools.
3) aragliding Course at Indus Paragliding in Kamshet (Maharashtra):
- Provides paragliding instruction by the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association’s (BHPA) international standards.
- The courses are tailored to Indian conditions, guaranteeing a thrilling and safe educational experience.
- They are very interested in the establishment of the Paragliding Association of India (PAI), a national association for the sport.
- Offers a pilot course for P1 paragliding.
FAQ’s
1) What is the basic equipment needed for Paragliding In India?
The basic equipment needed for Paragliding in India are wings, ropes, harnesses, helmets, and sunglasses.
2) Which state is known as the Hub for Paragliding?
Uttarakhand is known as a hub for Paragliding and various adventurous activities.
3) List some of the best places for Paragliding In India?
Some of the best places for Paragliding In India are Pithoragarh, Nainital, Panchgani, Nandi Hills, Mussoorie and Ranikhet.
4) What is the starting cost of learning Paragliding In India?
The starting cost of learning Paragliding in India is INR 1500 to 10,000.
5) What is the best time to visit Solang Valley for Paragliding?
The best time to visit Solang Valley for Paragliding is September to October.
