BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN INDIA

Bir Billing

The Bir region in India is recognized as a premier paragliding site, offering exceptional conditions for free flight.

• Flying Conditions: Bir allows for all-day flying, ...
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Billing

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Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort is located approximately 25 km from Pune on the Babadev Ghat road. You can reach it using Pune city transport buses. The take-off here can be tricky and is best suited for south-east winds. There is another challenging launch site in a nearby bowl for north-west winds. The area consists of a complex range of hills with winds coming from various directions. Flying is possible in December and January, but it is highly recommended to seek advice from local pilots before attempting to fly here. For more information, visit www.flynirvana.com. Sinhagad Fort is known for its rugged, brown rock formations, making it a challenging site to fly. Local pilots are available to provide necessary information and guidance. For additional details, images, and accommodation options, visit www.paragliding365.com.

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Bir Billing

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Bir Billing alternative

The launch site at an elevation of 2390 meters is highly frequented and offers excellent opportunities for cross-country (XC) paragliding. For more detailed information, please refer to the main launch site description. Region: India Site record: 100.1 km

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Billing High Ridge Toplanding

At an elevation of 2738 meters, this site in Bir, India, offers a unique experience for advanced paragliders. While it is not a traditional take-off point, it serves as a small but decent spot for top landing. This location is particularly useful for advanced pilots who need a place to land and relaunch after going over the back and being unable to return to the main launch site. The site record here is 40.9 km, showcasing its potential for long-distance flights. Various alternatives for intermediary landing and relaunch are available around this area, providing flexibility for pilots.

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Bir Billing Golf Course Red Temple

Bir, located in India, offers a take-off altitude of 2356 meters with a height difference of 940 meters. This site is regularly used and is known for its cross-country (XC) potential. Top landing is possible, and the landing area resembles a golf course when viewed from the air. The site record for distance is 76.0 km. For more details, you can check the provided link: [Bir Paragliding Site Record](http://picasaweb.google.com/koromikoroad/Travels#5262137274526959890).

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Bir Billing alternative 4

At an elevation of 2540 meters, this paragliding site is less frequently used, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter experience. The site is suitable for walk&fly enthusiasts, offering a rewarding hike before takeoff. For more details and flight logs, visit [Paragliding Forum](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/147821).

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Bijli Mahadev Kullu Valley

Bijli Mahadev is a Hindu temple located high above Kullu, offering stunning views over the valley and the nearby airport. The site generally allows for flights heading south across the valley, but under ideal conditions, you can also fly west and east. Be cautious of the brisk southern breeze, which can quickly lead to turbulence. For more information, visit: [Himalaya Air Stories](http://www.himalayair.com/stories.htm) [Kullu Sports](http://kullu.net/sports/a3002.html) Bijli Mahadev is situated northwest of Kullu town. To reach the temple, you need a 45-minute taxi ride followed by a 45-minute walk. Despite being a good site, it is rarely used due to its proximity to the airport and its distance from Manali, which is a more popular place to stay. This site is mentioned in Bob Drury's Himalayan stories. The best seasons to fly here are from May to June and from late September to the end of October. For more details, visit: [Adventure India](http://adventureindia.info/paragliding-sites-N.htm) Additional information, including flight area details, images, and accommodation options, can be found at: [Paragliding 365](http://www.paragliding365.com)

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Gari Wala Mata Temple Adi Himani Chimuda Hobbiton

This paragliding site in India, situated at an elevation of 2480 meters, is occasionally used but offers good cross-country (XC) flying opportunities. The site has a notable flight record of 72.9 kilometers.

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Magestic View

Located at an altitude of 2575 meters, this paragliding site in the Kangra region of India is ideal for hike-and-fly enthusiasts. Due to its challenging nature, it is rarely used, making it perfect for those seeking a more secluded experience. The site also offers the possibility of top landing for skilled pilots. The current site record stands at 29.6 km.

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Mangroli Trimath-where?

Mangroli, with an elevation of 1500 meters, is located just 10 kilometers from Bir. This site is known by various names, including the 'front' or 'small' ridge, and more formally as Trimath (the old take-off) or Mangroli (the new take-off). It is the lower ridge visible from Billing. Mangroli is renowned for its thermo-dynamic conditions, making it an excellent alternative when Billing is not favorable due to inversions or overdevelopment. For more information about this flying site, including details, images, and accommodations, visit www.paragliding365.com. For additional details, you can also check: http://adventureindia.info/paragliding-sites-N.htm

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Vagamon Kerala

Vagamon, located in the hills of Kolahalamedu, is 4 km (2.5 miles) from Vagamon town. This site is part of South India's second-highest peak, Amruthamedu, and features a 10 km long ridge with an elevation difference of 3,000 feet from top to bottom. The site experiences steady winds from the southwest throughout the season, which starts in September and offers excellent flying conditions until January, and again from March to May. Vagamon enjoys a cool climate for most of the year. The site is at an altitude of 1,112 meters (3,040 feet) above mean sea level, with wind predominantly coming from the southwest. It offers opportunities for both cross-country (XC) and ridge soaring. The launch pads are grassy and easily accessible. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately a three-hour drive away. The nearest railway station is in Kottayam, 65 km away. There are plenty of buses connecting Vagamon with other parts of Kerala. The site is also close to the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady. For more information, you can visit: - [Paragliding Kerala - Info](http://www.paraglidingkerala.com/index.php?page=62) - [Paragliding Kerala - Photos](http://www.paraglidingkerala.com/index.php?page=51) - [Paragliding Kerala - Videos](http://www.paraglidingkerala.com/index.php?page=50) - [YouTube Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeUmgZsR-fE&feature=related) Vagamon is a hilltop resort near Palai in the Idukki District of Kerala, India. The area is known for its cool climate, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 23 degrees Celsius. It is situated 1,100 meters above sea level. The region is surrounded by three hills: Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill, and Kurisumala. The landscape includes tea estates, grasslands, meadows, mist, and shola forests, adding to the charm of the environment. Vagamon is at the fringe of the Western Ghats, and the lower foothills reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. Traveling by the hill highway offers exhilarating experiences with deep valleys and magnificent views. For local contacts, you can reach out to Vinil Thomas through [Paragliding Kerala](http://www.paraglidingkerala.com). Tourism in Vagamon includes walks, one restaurant, and plenty of hotels. The area is also ideal for cycling or motorcycling, with the possibility of carrying your glider. Anil Menon, a local architect and paragliding enthusiast, can provide more information. You can contact him at anilmenon@vsnl.com.

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Chamunda Mandir

At an elevation of 2443 meters, this paragliding site offers a unique experience for those looking to explore new heights. Although it appears to be less frequented, it provides an excellent opportunity for cross-country (XC) flights. For more details and to see flight logs from this location, visit [this link](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/528610).

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Top land above Manali Kullu Valley

Located in the Manali region of India, this paragliding site offers an impressive altitude of 3434 meters. With only one flight logged, it is primarily known for cross-country (XC) flying. The site boasts an excellent and expansive area for top landing, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to fly back to Billing rather than taking a taxi. For more details, you can visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).

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Rajgundha

This site, situated at an elevation of 2665 meters, is infrequently used for paragliding. The take-off area details are not provided. For more information, please visit ParaglidingEarth.

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Bekhali Kullu Valley

Bekhali, located directly above Kullu on the road to Manali, offers a variety of launch options depending on how high you can ascend in the thin air. The site is situated at an altitude of 1974 meters with a height difference of 800 meters. Cross-country flights are possible, with the site record being 37.5 km. The best season to fly here is from October to December. For more details, visit: [Himalayair](http://www.himalayair.com/) [Kullu Sports](http://kullu.net/sports/a3002.html) Beckli is another flying site in the Kullu region, located in a valley on the western side and accessible via a road. British pilot Steve Reed resides here and frequently hosts visitors from the paragliding community. The site is particularly recommended for morning flights towards the southeast. For more information, visit: [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com)

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Triund Campsite

Triund, Upper Dharamsala is a beautiful paragliding site located in India. It is accessible via a pleasant 3-hour walk from McLeodGanj in Upper Dharamsala. At Triund, you will find a chai-stall and a rest-house, making it an excellent spot for an overnight stay. There are also take-off points lower down the hill near 'Magic View Cafe'. Landing options around Dharamsala are limited. Pilots generally use either the parade ground of the army camp at ForsythGanj or the Sports Stadium in lower Dharamsala. For more information, including flight area details, images, and accommodation options, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com).

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Tata Bana

This paragliding site offers an elevation range between 2470 and 2523 meters. While it is occasionally used, it does provide opportunities for cross-country (XC) flights. For more detailed flight logs and experiences from other pilots, you can visit [this link](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/698312).

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Magic View Cafe

Magic View Cafe is located in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, a prime destination for adventure tourism in India. The site is approximately 400 km north of Delhi. The sun usually shines all day, providing excellent flying conditions. To reach Magic View Cafe, you need to hike for about 2 hours from McLeodGanj in Upper Dharamsala. This effort is rewarded with a stunning flying site. For more details about the flying area, including images and accommodation options, visit www.paragliding365.com. Nearby, the Dharamsala flying site offers a unique experience. Starting from a cafe, you descend to a landing spot by the river. This route is challenging and not for the faint-hearted. For additional information on the Dharamsala flying site, including images and accommodation options, visit www.paragliding365.com.

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Yelagiri

Yelagiri Hills, located in Tamil Nadu, India, is renowned as one of the top paragliding destinations in South India. This small hill station offers a salubrious climate year-round and is easily accessible from Chennai and Bangalore. The journey includes a scenic drive with 14 hairpin bends, offering panoramic views of the Javadi hills and stunning sunsets over the hills of Andhra Pradesh. The primary launch site at Yelagiri is situated at an elevation of 1111 meters, with a take-off point 500 meters above ground level. The ridge extends for 8 kilometers, providing ample opportunities for soaring. The site supports launches in NW, SW, and SE wind directions. Flying Season: - **March/April:** Light winds from the E/SE, light midday thermals. Overdevelopment and thundershowers start mid-April. - **May/June:** Medium to strong winds from the S/SW/W, not flyable during south winds. Thermals are medium to strong, with a high chance of overdevelopment and thundershowers. - **July/August:** Medium to strong winds from the SW/W/WNW, with medium to strong thermals. Overdevelopment and scattered thundershowers are common. - **September:** Light to medium winds from the W/SW, with medium thermals. Scattered thundershowers. - **October:** Pleasant weather with W/SW winds, flyable until the start of the North East monsoon around October 15th. Scattered thundershowers. - **November/December:** Monsoon rains with winds from the N/NE, no flying. - **January/February:** NE winds, no flying. Landing: Official landing sites are yet to be established, so landing in any bare field is acceptable. Avoid cultivated fields. To return to the launch site, head to the village of Pooneri at the base of Yelagiri on the west side and catch a bus to Attanavoor. For landings on the E/SE side, head to Tirupattur, then to Pooneri or Attanavoor directly. Important: Pilots must register with the Yelagiri Paragliding Club (YPC) at the tourist office near Attanavoor before flying. A minimum P3 level flying experience is required. For more information on flying sites, YPC, and YASA, visit the office or contact ypc.birds@gmail.com for membership renewal. Accommodation: Yelagiri offers a range of accommodations from budget to luxury. Government-run Yatri Nivas caters to budget travelers, while various private resorts offer different comfort levels and tariffs. Weather Hazards: Avoid flying during the SW (June, July, August) and NE (December, January) monsoon seasons. Flight Regulation: Follow the rules set by YASA (YPC). Contact the Yelagiri Paragliding Club for more information before flying. Mr. Sudhakar can be reached at +91 4179245333 (Landline) or +91 9786958374 (Mobile). Paragliding Events: Yelagiri hosts paragliding festivals, attracting pilots from around the world. The local community is enthusiastic about paragliding, and the area has been identified for other adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. How to Get to Yelagiri: - **By Road:** From Chennai, take NH 4 towards Bangalore, switch to NH 46 before Vellore, and follow signs to Yelagiri. From Bangalore, take NH 7 to Krishnagiri, then NH 46 towards Chennai, and follow signs to Yelagiri. From Salem, take NH 7 to Dharmapuri, continue towards Chennai, and follow signs to Yelagiri. - **By Rail:** Take a train to Jolarpettai, then a local bus or taxi for a 45-minute ride to Attanavoor. - **By Air:** The nearest airports are in Chennai and Bangalore, followed by a train or car journey. For more information, visit [YASA](http://www.yasa.co.in) and [Yelagiri Trips](http://www.yelagiritrips.com/yelagiriparagliding2010.html).

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