Ballooning

Ballooning has emerged as a favourite air sports in India in recent years. Contrary to hang gliding, ballooning or hot air ballooning is very safe and doesn't demand much physical fitness. You can relish breathtaking views of various landscapes while riding. If you want some thrill to add, you may try bungee jumping from the balloon. It shoots the adrenaline in blood for the serious adventurers. One hot air balloon fair is held in Delhi annually and other states are also thinking of the same to boost their adventure sports.

Major Ballooning Sites in India

This country, like leading ones, also has its own hot-air balloons. Ballooning Club of India organizes international balloon festivals and demonstration flights here annually. Guwahati, Dehradun, Bangalore and Jaipur also have their own Ballooning clubs.

» Balloon Ride Over The Taj
Some travel agents/tour operators are giving a new dimension to hot-air ballooning in India. These agencies operate joy flights on the balloon besides conducting interesting tours like balloon-cum-horse or camel safaris. A view of the magnificent Taj, with the Yamuna flowing by, is also being offered by them. This sight is not only an exciting but a thrilling experience.

» Ballooning in Rajasthan
Rippling sand dunes are ideal for ballooning buffs. People also can even travel short distances between towns or historic resorts in these hot air balloons. To coast over fairs as Pushkar, or Beneshwar or Nagaur in a hot-air balloon is of course the best attraction.

Ballooning Tips

You need not to be below or above of any specific age to enjoy hot-air ballooning, rather you are just expected to to be fit. The reason is that you should be capable of walking through paddocks after landing. No seats are there in the basket so you have no choice except standing for the whole duration of the flight, which may also exceed one hour, is unavoidable. You shouldn't take children along with you. The reason is that it may not be comfortable for other passengers. The basket is quiet small in size and your young children may often get restless while being in confined areas. The height of the walls is usually four feet high, which makes it very difficult for small children to see over, unless carried by any adult. It is advised that adults accompany children under 12 years.

Riders' clothing should be exactly the way you wear during a hiking trip including gloves and a cap, sturdy shoes or boots plus sunglasses. You should keep it in mind that it does not get any colder in balloon than on the ground. Keep an extra film always for photography. When you are alone, a balloon can rise even more than 800 feet. All of those in groups may be restricted to heights between 200 and 500 feet.

Balloons can move as fast as the wind blows, but high wind landings always demands skill and experience. The capacity of the passenger depends up on the size of the balloon. It usually varies from 2 in sport balloons and up to 12 people in passenger balloons. Balloon crew tracks the flight and it's usually there when the balloon lands.

Best Time for Ballooning

The most suitable time to enjoy Ballooning is after sunrise as the winds are their calmest now. The most reliable conditions are available in winter months but it's better to take off early in the morning during summer months. The pilot's discretion is final while deciding the duration of ballooning flight. It changes according to the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.

Major Ballooning Places in India

» Rishikesh
» Jim Corbett National Park
» Kaudiyala in Uttaranchal
» Pushkar during Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan
» Cauvery Fishing Camp, Karnataka
» Kabini River Lodge Camps, Karnataka
» Kali Wilderness Camp, Karnataka
» B.R. Hills Wildlife Adventure Resort, Karnataka
» Periyar National Park, Kerela