Category : Aero-adventure sport
Major Sites : Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan
Best Season : Throughout the Year
About Ballooning
Before the invention of air planes, hot air balloons were used by people to
traverse long distances using the air route. Hot air balloons became quite
popular after its first ever flight in 1783. With the advent of air travel
technology and the invention of the modern air planes, hot air balloons took
a back seat for almost a century as these were considered slow and unsafe.
However, drastic improvements in the safety features and their promotion as
a thrilling and exciting adventure sports option have revived these ancient
machines in the last few decades. The joy of flying freely in the open air
and the exhilarating views on offer continue to lure many a adventure sports
enthusiasts in trying a hand at the sport. A trained pilot under suitable
weather and wind conditions can easily maneuver his balloon to over 20,000
feet above the sea level.
India has been a most favored ballooning destination, offering umpteen
exciting ballooning sites spread across the country. A number of people have
been taking up to the sport and have even went on to represent the country
in events held on the international stage.
Major Ballooning Sites in India
Considering the rising popularity of ballooning in the country, the
Ballooning Club of India has taken several major steps in promoting the
sport, such as providing modern facilities to the sports lovers, organizing
festivals and demonstration flights etc. Ballooning clubs are situated in
most of the major cities including Guwahati, Bangalore, Dehradun and Jaipur.
Ballooning in Himachal Pradesh
The ideal geographical conditions and picturesque views on offer at
Himachal Pradesh have contributed a lot in popularising it as one of the
most favored destinations for adventure sports enthusiasts.
Ballooning in Rajasthan
The mile long stretches of golden sands in the Thar desert look even more
stunning from hundreds of feet above. The entire state of Rajasthan houses
picturesque environs, historical monuments and other structures which can be
viewed while traversing in a hot air balloon. Another exciting option is to
move over the sites of traditional festivals such as Pushkar fair, Baneshwar
or Nagaur and watch the festivities.
Ballooning Tips
- Ballooning is an exciting sport which can be enjoyed by all people.
However, one has to be physically fit as it requires standing for the
entire duration of the flight (the baskets do no have seats) and walking
after landing.
- Precaution has to be taken while selecting the time for the flight.
Try to choose a time when the winds are at their calmest to avoid
disruption in flight due to strong winds.
- Be sure to take along a trained pilot, one who can manoeuver the
balloon even in strong winds.
- Passenger capacity in a balloon ranges from 2 in a normal one to 12
in large passenger balloons.
Ballooning Regions in India
- Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Baneshwar, Rajasthan
- Pushkar, Rajasthan
- Nagaur, Rajasthan
