Aero Sports in India: Exploring the Skies
India, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the towering Himalayas to serene coastal regions, offers a thriving playground for aero sports enthusiasts. From the rugged terrains of the North to the pristine islands, the country presents numerous possibilities for adventure seekers looking to take flight. Here's a detailed overview of aero sports in India, categorized by difficulty levels, locations, and the thrilling experiences they offer.
Types of Aero Sports in India

Paragliding (Difficulty): Beginner to Advanced
Experience the thrill of flying with a parachute-like glider, taking in panoramic views from high altitudes.
Top Locations:
- Himachal Pradesh - Bir Billing (World's 2nd best paragliding site)
- Uttarakhand - Mussoorie, Pithoragarh
- Maharashtra - Kamshet (near Pune)
- Tamil Nadu - Yelagiri Hills
- Sikkim - Gangtok
- Arunachal Pradesh - Tawang, Ziro
Hang Gliding (Difficulty): Intermediate to Advanced
Hang gliding allows you to soar like a bird, riding air currents and enjoying breathtaking views.
Top Locations:
- Himachal Pradesh - Bir Billing, Manali
- Maharashtra - Satara
- Tamil Nadu - Nilgiri Hills
- North East - Shillong, Meghalaya
Paramotoring (Powered Paragliding) (Difficulty): Beginner to Intermediate
Flying with a powered paraglider, giving you more control and a longer flying experience.
Top Locations:
- Goa - Arambol, Calangute Beach
- Rajasthan - Jaipur, Jaisalmer
- Kerala - Kovalam Beach
- Madhya Pradesh - Pachmarhi

Skydiving (Difficulty): Advanced
Experience the ultimate thrill of free-fall from a plane with tandem or solo jumps.
Top Locations:
- Mysore, Karnataka - Best for tandem and solo jumps
- Dhana, Madhya Pradesh - Popular among skydiving enthusiasts
- Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh - Skydiving training programs
- Narnaul, Haryana - Best for tandem and solo jumps
- Pondicherry - Tandem jumps
Hot Air Ballooning (Difficulty): Beginner
Enjoy a peaceful and scenic ride over some of the most beautiful landscapes India has to offer.
Top Locations:
- Rajasthan - Jaipur, Pushkar
- Maharashtra - Lonavala
- Goa - Balloon rides over beaches
Base Jumping & Wingsuit Flying (Difficulty): Expert
For the extreme adventurer, jump off cliffs or soar through the sky in a wingsuit.
Top Locations:
- Himalayas - Leh, Himachal Pradesh
- Western Ghats - Specific cliffs near Satara
- Meghalaya - Unique vertical cliffs for extreme jumps
Microlight Flying (Difficulty): Beginner to Intermediate
Fly a small, lightweight aircraft for an exhilarating experience in the sky.
Top Locations:
- Bangalore, Karnataka - Jakkur Aerodrome
- Pune, Maharashtra - Hadapsar Gliding Center
- Mysore, Karnataka - Chamundi Hills region
Gliding (Difficulty): Beginner to Advanced
Soar gracefully through the air using a glider, guided by the wind.
Top Locations:
- Pune, Maharashtra - Hadapsar Gliding Center
- Karnataka - Bangalore (Jakkur)
- Himachal Pradesh - Kangra Valley
Heli-Skiing & Aerial Adventure Flying (Difficulty): Advanced
Experience skiing in remote locations accessible only by helicopter.
Top Locations:
- Himachal Pradesh - Gulmarg, Manali
- Uttarakhand - Auli
- North East - Sikkim (newly emerging as a hub)
Aero Modeling & Drone Flying (Difficulty): Beginner to Advanced
Control model planes or fly drones for both recreational and professional purposes.
Top Locations:
- Major metro cities - Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai
- Himachal Pradesh - Bir Billing (for drone enthusiasts)
- Goa - Beaches for FPV flying

India's Unique Aero Sports Destinations
North & Himalayas
- Best For: Paragliding, Hang Gliding, Heli-Skiing, Base Jumping
- Top Locations: Bir Billing, Manali, Leh, Auli, Pithoragarh
North-East India
- Best For: Paragliding, Base Jumping, Wingsuit Flying
- Top Locations: Shillong, Tawang, Gangtok, Ziro Valley
Western India
- Best For: Hot Air Ballooning, Paramotoring, Skydiving
- Top Locations: Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Lonavala, Gujarat (Kutch mb-4)
Southern India
- Best For: Skydiving, Microlight Flying, Paragliding
- Top Locations: Mysore, Bangalore, Kodaikanal, Yelagiri
Islands (Andaman & Lakshadweep)
- Best For: Paramotoring, Microlight Flying
- Top Locations: Havelock Island, Neil Island