40 places to discover
Bhaderwah Valley is a broad Himalayan valley surrounding the town of Bhaderwah in Doda District, Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at about 1,613 metres elevation between the middle Himalayas, it is known as Chhota Kashmir for its meadows, forests, streams and snow-capped peaks. The valley is notable for its natural scenery, alpine meadows, trekking routes and cultural temples, and serves as a base for exploring nearby valleys and meadows.
Billing Takeoff Point is a paragliding launch site located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level in the Dhauladhar mountain range. Situated about 14 kilometers uphill from Bir village in Kangra district, it serves as one of the world's premier paragliding takeoff locations. The site offers panoramic Himalayan views and stable weather conditions suitable for tandem and solo paragliding flights.
Binh Huong Mountain is a grass-covered plateau in Vang Danh Ward, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Located about 10 km from central Uong Bi at an elevation of around 300-400 meters, it is known for its expansive meadows, seasonal tall grass and panoramic views over Uong Bi and surrounding hills. Popular for camping, photography and paragliding, it offers a natural open landscape distinct from nearby cultural sites such as Yen Tu.
Bukit Maras is a low coastal hill located in Kampung Maras, Batu Rakit, Kuala Nerus District, Terengganu, near Kuala Terengganu. Rising about 200 metres above sea level, it is known as a local hiking and viewpoint destination. The hill offers panoramic views of the South China Sea, Maras coastline, and Kuala Nerus town. Popular for sunrise hikes and paragliding, it features a marked jungle trail and open summit area frequented by residents and visitors for recreation and photography.
Chandak Hills is a scenic hilltop viewpoint located approximately 8 kilometers from Pithoragarh town in Uttarakhand. Situated at an elevation of around 2,000 meters, it offers panoramic views of the Soar Valley and snow-capped Himalayan peaks including the Panchachuli massif. The site features the Mostamanu Temple dedicated to the local deity Manu and serves as a popular spot for paragliding, hang gliding, trekking, and nature walks.
Chowara Beach is a serene and secluded sandy beach located on the Arabian Sea coast in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala. Situated approximately 8-9 kilometers south of Kovalam Beach, this tranquil coastal stretch is part of a traditional fishing hamlet known for its golden sands, coconut trees, and peaceful atmosphere. The beach offers visitors an escape from bustling city life with its relatively undeveloped shoreline and authentic fishing village character.
Deolo Hill is the highest point in Kalimpong, West Bengal, situated at about 1,704 metres northeast of the town centre. It is known for its expansive park and panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, surrounding valleys and the Teesta River. Developed as a recreational and viewpoint destination with gardens, viewpoints and a tourist lodge, it is a popular spot for sightseeing, photography and paragliding.
Kapkot is a town in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,150 meters on the banks of the Sarayu River. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Kapkot Tehsil and is widely recognized as the last motorable point for treks to the Pindari Glacier. Recently, it has emerged as a notable destination for adventure tourism, particularly paragliding, due to its favorable geography and scenic Himalayan surroundings.
Keri Beach, also known as Querim Beach, is the northernmost beach in Goa, located in Querim village near the Maharashtra border. Situated at the mouth of the Terekhol River, it features white sand backed by palm and casuarina trees with rocky outcrops. The beach is known for its serene environment, fishing activity, and views of the historic Terekhol Fort across the river. It remains less commercialized compared to other North Goan beaches.
Khajjiar Lake is a natural mid-altitude lake situated in Khajjiar, Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Located at approximately 1,920-1,951 meters above sea level, it is considered one of the oldest and largest natural lakes in the region. The lake is surrounded by dense deodar cedar forests and grassy meadows, earning Khajjiar the nickname 'Mini Switzerland of India'. The area features the historic 12th-century Khajji Nag Temple dedicated to the serpent deity.
Khau Pha Pass is one of the Four Great Mountain Passes of northern Vietnam, located on National Highway 32 between Van Chan and Mu Cang Chai in Lao Cai Province. Stretching about 30 km at 1,200-1,500 meters elevation, it is the longest pass in the region. Renowned for its winding road, mist-covered peaks and panoramic views over Mu Cang Chai's terraced rice fields, it is a major scenic stop for motorbike tours and paragliding.
Kondapochamma Sagar is a major reservoir located in the Siddipet district of Telangana, constructed as part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. It has a storage capacity of 15 TMC and a water spread area of 17.027 sq km. The reservoir provides irrigation to over 2.85 lakh acres across five districts and supplies drinking water to Hyderabad. It has become a popular scenic destination for visitors from Hyderabad, offering panoramic views of the vast water body and surrounding landscapes.
Langbiang Mountain is a prominent twin-peaked mountain located about 12 km north of Da Lat in Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province. Rising to 2,167 meters, it is the highest peak in the area and part of the Langbiang Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO. Known for panoramic views over Da Lat, Dankia Lake and surrounding forests, it is a popular destination for hiking, jeep tours and paragliding and a cultural symbol of the Central Highlands.
Lennox Head is a coastal village in Ballina Shire on the far north coast of New South Wales, between Ballina and Byron Bay. It is centred on Lennox Point headland and Seven Mile Beach and is recognised as a National Surfing Reserve. The area is notable for its surfing breaks, Pat Morton Lookout, tea-tree stained Lake Ainsworth, and coastal heath, attracting visitors for beach, nature and hang-gliding activities.
Matantimali Paragliding Hill is a hilltop paragliding site in Desa Matantimali, Kecamatan Marawola, Kabupaten Sigi, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, about 15 kilometers south of Palu city. Situated at approximately 700-800 meters above sea level, it overlooks the Palu Valley and Palu Bay. The hill is notable as a venue for regional and national paragliding championships and is known for panoramic valley views, reliable wind conditions for tandem flights, and sunset viewing.
Muzhappilangad Beach is a unique coastal attraction in the Kannur district of Kerala, renowned as Asia's longest drive-in beach. Stretching approximately 4 kilometers along the Malabar Coast, it features firm sand that allows visitors to legally drive vehicles directly on the shoreline. The beach is bordered by black rocks that protect it from strong ocean currents, making it a safe spot for swimming and water sports. It also serves as a significant birdwatching hotspot during the winter season.
Nandi Hills is a historic hill station in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka, about 60 km northeast of Bengaluru at an elevation of around 1,478 metres. Known for its fortified hilltop, ancient temples and panoramic sunrise views, it served as a summer retreat for Tipu Sultan and later the British. The site combines natural scenery, heritage structures and trekking routes, making it a popular day-trip destination from Bengaluru.
Nathatop is a snow-covered hill station located about 14 km from Batote in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, near Patnitop on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Situated at around 2,711 metres elevation, it is known for panoramic Himalayan views, pine forests and winter snow. Popular for paragliding, skiing and sightseeing, it serves as a day-trip destination from Patnitop and Batote with open meadows and viewpoints.
Naukuchiatal Lake, known as the 'Lake of Nine Corners,' is a freshwater lake situated at an elevation of 1,220 meters in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is the deepest lake in the region, surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests. The lake is renowned for its serene atmosphere, clear waters, and various adventure activities such as boating, paragliding, and birdwatching.
North Vanlaiphai Paragliding Destination is an adventure tourism site located at North Vanlaiphai village in Serchhip district, Mizoram. Situated on a hilltop offering panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys, it has been developed by Mizoram Tourism as a paragliding launch site. The destination is notable for tandem paragliding flights, scenic viewpoints, and its role in promoting aero sports tourism in Mizoram's southern region.
Papanasam Beach is a coastal beach in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, situated below dramatic red laterite cliffs along the Arabian Sea. The beach holds religious significance as its name means 'destroyer of sins', with visitors believing that bathing in its waters absolves sins. It features golden sands, cliffside cafes, and offers activities including swimming, surfing, and parasailing alongside spiritual pilgrimage traditions.
Patnitop is a hill station in Udhampur District of Jammu and Kashmir, located on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Batote at an elevation of about 2,024 metres. Surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests overlooking the Chenab basin and Pir Panjal range, it was developed as a hill resort with meadows, viewpoints and adventure facilities. It is known for its pleasant climate, snow in winter and year-round sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Phuong Hoang Mountain, also known as Phoenix Hill, is a grass-covered hill in Bac Son Ward, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Rising about 455 meters above sea level, it is notable for its expansive meadows, scattered pine trees and panoramic views over Uong Bi and surrounding lowlands. Popular among domestic travelers, the hill is known for seasonal color changes, sunrise and sunset viewpoints, and as a camping and paragliding site near Yen Tu.
Puncak Lawang is a hilltop viewpoint in Lawang, Matur District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia, situated at about 1,210 meters above sea level on the rim of the former Maninjau caldera. It overlooks Lake Maninjau and the surrounding hills, known for panoramic views, cool climate, and as a paragliding take-off site. The site features viewing platforms and is a popular stop along the route between Bukittinggi and Lake Maninjau.
Purandar Fort is a historic hill fort located near Saswad in Pune district, Maharashtra, standing at 1,374 meters above sea level. Dating back to the 11th century Yadava dynasty, it served as a strategic stronghold for the Maratha Empire and is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The fort comprises two levels, Machi and Balekilla, and currently functions partly as a National Cadet Corps training facility while remaining open to visitors for trekking and historical exploration.
Rainbow Beach is a coastal town in the Gympie Region of Queensland, Australia, located on the Cooloola Coast adjacent to Great Sandy National Park. It is renowned for its rainbow-coloured sand cliffs, the expansive Carlo Sand Blow, and as the southern gateway to K'gari (Fraser Island) via Inskip Point. The beach offers patrolled swimming, surfing and four-wheel driving, with views to Double Island Point and access to national park walking tracks.
Ramakkalmedu is a scenic hill station and hamlet in the Idukki district of Kerala, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet in the Western Ghats. Known as one of Asia's windiest places, it offers panoramic views of Tamil Nadu villages and features unique rock formations, wind farms, and the iconic Kuravan-Kurathi twin statue. The site holds mythological significance linked to Lord Rama and serves as a popular destination for trekking, photography, and nature appreciation.
Rex Lookout is a roadside coastal viewpoint on the Captain Cook Highway at Wangetti in the Shire of Douglas, Queensland, between Cairns and Port Douglas. Perched on a headland above the Coral Sea, it offers panoramic views of Trinity Bay, Double Island and the coastline. The site is notable as a popular hang-gliding and paragliding launch point and as a convenient scenic stop for travellers on the coastal drive.
Sanasar Lake is a small natural lake located in the meadows of Sanasar, about 20 km west of Patnitop near Batote in Ramban District, Jammu and Kashmir. Set at around 2,050 metres amid coniferous forests and grassy meadows, it is the centrepiece of the Sanasar hill station. The lake is known for its scenic setting, boating, and as part of the adventure tourism area developed by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism.
Sanasar Meadow is a high-altitude grassland located about 19 km west of Batote in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir. Comprising two small villages, Sana and Sar, it forms a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by coniferous forests and Himalayan ranges. Developed by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, it is known for its tranquil lake, adventure activities and panoramic views, serving as a quieter alternative to nearby Patnitop.
Solang Ropeway is a gondola lift system located in Solang Valley, Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, approximately 14 km northwest of Manali. It transports visitors from the base station at 2483 m to the top station at 2873 m near Mt. Phatru, covering roughly 1.3 km with a transit time of about 8-10 minutes one way. The ropeway provides access to panoramic Himalayan views and serves as a gateway for seasonal snow activities and adventure sports.
Solang Valley is a side valley located at the top of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, approximately 14 km northwest of Manali. Situated at an altitude of roughly 2,590 meters, it is renowned for its summer and winter sports conditions. The valley serves as a major hub for adventure activities including skiing, paragliding, zorbing, and trekking. It derives its name from the nearby Solang village and offers views of snow-capped peaks and lush green slopes.
Table Land is a vast volcanic plateau located in Panchgani, Maharashtra, recognized as one of the largest mountain plateaus in Asia. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,387 meters, this 95-acre laterite rock formation offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri Hills and Krishna Valley. The site is renowned for its flat terrain, sunrise and sunset vistas, and availability of horse riding. It serves as a significant natural landmark and popular tourist destination within the Western Ghats region.
Vagamon is a serene hill station located on the border of Idukki and Kottayam districts in Kerala, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters in the Western Ghats. Known for its cool climate, rolling meadows, pine forests, and tea plantations, it offers a tranquil escape with opportunities for adventure activities like paragliding and trekking. The area is culturally significant for its religious diversity, featuring sacred hills associated with Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
Vagamon Meadows, also known as Barren Hills or Mottakkunnu, is a collection of rolling grass-covered meadows spread over a large area in Vagamon, Kerala. Located at approximately 1,100 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats, these vast meadows are characterized by their changing seasonal appearance and scenic beauty. The site is popular for picnics, nature walks, photography, and adventure activities including paragliding and trekking.
Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is a coastal destination in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. It is distinguished by dramatic red laterite cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea, a unique geological feature known as the Varkala Formation. The beach holds religious significance for Hindu pilgrims who believe bathing in its waters absolves sins. Visitors can enjoy cliff walks, water sports, Ayurvedic treatments, and sunset views.
Varkala Cliff is a unique red laterite coastal promontory in southern Kerala, recognized as a National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India. Formed during the Miocene-Pliocene era, these cliffs rise dramatically above Papanasam Beach along the Arabian Sea. The cliffside features a vibrant promenade lined with cafes, shops, and yoga centers, offering panoramic ocean views and sunset vistas.
West Cape Howe National Park is a coastal national park located about 30 kilometres west of Albany in Western Australia's Great Southern region. Covering 3,517 hectares, it encompasses rugged granite headlands, windswept heathlands and isolated sandy beaches including Shelley Beach. It contains Torbay Head, the southernmost point of Western Australia, and is renowned for dramatic cliffs, wildflower displays, hang-gliding launch sites and four-wheel-drive tracks offering scenic coastal views.
Windmill Viewpoint is a hilltop viewpoint in Rawai at the southern tip of Phuket, between Ya Nui Beach and Nai Harn Beach near Promthep Cape. Named for the large white wind turbines on the hill, it offers panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, coastline and offshore islands. The open viewing platform is a well-known spot for sunset viewing and photography and is freely accessible to visitors throughout the day.
Yelagiri Hills is a hill station in Tirupattur District, Tamil Nadu, situated at about 1,110 metres above sea level in the Eastern Ghats. Spread over 14 hamlets, it is known for its pleasant climate, orchards, rose gardens and valleys surrounded by forested slopes. The destination is notable for Punganoor Lake, viewpoints, trekking trails and adventure sports, and is accessed via a ghat road with 14 hairpin bends.