Free flight is always a dream of people of all ages and that makes them travel in aircraft or try flying sports like paragliding. If you also get fascinated by paragliding and want to fly in the open air with wings attached to you, then there are all possible equipment and infrastructure to provide security and to support you well to try this sport. Many sites in India are considered heavens for paragliding enthusiasts. Amateurs can try this sport at these sites through the help of trained instructors, while professionals can go for it on their own. Check out which sites are the best for you to try taking a flight.
Kamshet
Located at a distance of 12 km from Khandala, this hilly area of Khamshet is one of the best locations in India for paragliding. In fact, people from all over the world come to enjoy this sport at Khamshet, which they consider a dream paragliding location. It is easy to travel to this site by road or train that can be boarded from Mumbai or Pune. The scenic view of hills and rich green fields is amazing in Khamshet. The weather is usually pleasant and suitable for paragliding throughout the year.
The best time to try this sport is from October to May. You can take a dive from the tower hill at this site. This location has appropriate wind speeds for paragliding. At Western Ghats location, people of all skill levels can try paragliding. However, professionals would find the place much more appealing, as they plunge from a high altitude. Khamshet is also a great site for people to be trained in paragliding.
Billing or Bir
Based in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Valley, this small site is a great landing platform. The paragliding location at this site is at an elevation more than 2,500 meters. The site is popular for its ridge lift techniques that help in increasing your flight. It also keeps hosting various paragliding competitions in which enthusiastic pilots come to participate from every corner of the world. Nice cool winds at this place support your flight during March to early June. Later during the year, you may also visit this place for paragliding between September and November. Bir is located about 70 km away from Mandi. However, you can catch flights from Dharamshala to reach this site easily.
Solang Nala
This place is at a distance of about 14 km from Manali. Based at an altitude of 8,135 meters, Solang Nala provides ideal conditions for paragliding. This site offers tandem flights for amateurs, while professionals can go for solo flights too. Based in the Kullu Valley, Solang Nala should preferably be visited between May and September. This is the time when winds blow fairly and conditions are apt for paragliding.
The Himalayas
The Himalayan mountain range is an inspirational site for people seeking ultimate adventure. Various sites in the Himalayas are very suitable for sports like paragliding. Some of these include the Kullu Valley, Kangra Valley, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Nainital and Uttaranchal. Anybody from an amateur to a professional in paragliding can try his/her hands at this site. The undefined beauty of the Himalayas and the climate of this region are reasons sufficient for this destination to become a popular site for adventure travelers.
Panchgani
It is a naturally beautiful hill station that is not far away from Pune. The site of Panchgani is also quite famous for paragliding. This place become more suitable for the sport after the monsoons get over and it is lush green all around. Pilots usually go on long flights of about 80 to 100 km when the conditions are apt for flights.
Goa
Goa is not only famous for its beaches and resorts, but also for its leisure flights. Arambole and Anjuna beaches are popular spots where paragliding can be done during the winter season. Thus, visitors generally come to this place in February and March. After these months, the heat becomes unbearable. Thus, one cannot simply go and fly.
Kerala
In Kerala, pilots take a plunge from sites that are thousands of feet above the ground. A famous flying site in Kerala is the hill station of Munnar. This place has some very high peaks from where you can go paragliding. Along with that, you also keep enjoying the tea gardens that are part of the beautiful landscape of Munnar. Another famous site is Vagamon, which also hosts paragliding competitions for enthusiasts. Its International Vagamon Flying Festival attracts thousands of pilots from all over the world.
Pawana
Located on the highway to Khamshet, Pawana is one of the best places for paragliding. As this site faces Pawana Lake, you can enjoy beautiful scenery while flying high up in the sky. Beginners in paragliding get a good opportunity to learn the sport at this site, while professionals can go on their own flight.