Paragliding in India: Where to Fly, Safety Tips, and Best Spots

When you think of paragliding, a lightweight, foot-launched flying sport using a fabric wing and harness. Also known as hang gliding**, it’s not just about the thrill—it’s about seeing India from a perspective most travelers never get. Unlike skydiving, which is over in seconds, paragliding lets you float for minutes, sometimes hours, gliding over valleys, rivers, and mountain ranges with nothing but air beneath you. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. And in India, it’s becoming one of the most accessible adventure sports for tourists and locals alike.

Paragliding in India doesn’t happen just anywhere—it needs the right mix of wind, elevation, and open space. That’s why places like Bir Billing, a village in Himachal Pradesh known as the paragliding capital of India dominate the scene. It’s not just popular—it’s professional. Pilots here launch from 2,500 meters and land over 15 kilometers away. Then there’s Kamshet, a hillside near Pune that’s become a training hub for beginners and pros. The Western Ghats offer steady thermals, making it perfect for learning. And if you’re looking for something more remote, Kotdwar in Uttarakhand gives you views of the Himalayas without the crowds. These aren’t random spots—they’re chosen because the wind behaves, the takeoff zones are safe, and the landing areas are clear.

Safety isn’t an afterthought here. India’s top paragliding operators follow international standards—certified instructors, tandem flights with dual controls, and gear checked daily. The fatality rate? Less than 0.1 per 10,000 flights, lower than many urban activities. Most accidents happen when people skip training or fly in bad weather. That’s why you’ll find every reputable site in India requires a briefing, a short ground school, and a tandem flight before solo attempts. You don’t need to be an athlete—just physically fit enough to run a few steps and follow simple instructions.

What makes paragliding in India special isn’t just the views—it’s the contrast. You launch from a dusty hillside, maybe past a temple or a farmer’s field, and suddenly you’re above clouds, silence, and peaks that haven’t changed in centuries. It’s not just a sport. It’s a way to feel the scale of this country—how vast, how wild, how beautiful it is when you stop walking and start floating.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve flown here—what they saw, what surprised them, and how to avoid the mistakes most first-timers make. Whether you’re planning your first flight or just curious about where to go, these posts give you the unfiltered truth—not marketing hype.