Ballooning

What is Ballooning ?

In ballooning, propane burners warm the air that is inside the balloon. The huge nylon balloon, to which your basket is attached, is soon filled with hot air. The logic here is simple. When you heat the air inside you go up, and when you cool the air, you are back on the ground — hopefully without a thud! In India, hot air ballooning as an adventure sport is quite new. However, it is growing in popularity.

Where to go ?

Manali in Himachal Pradesh, Jakkur & Hoskote near Bangalore in Karnataka are the hot spots for ballooning. The Manali to Solan ballooning trip takes 15 minutes and is popular with beginners. October–May is the best time for hot air ballooning. Delhi hosts an annual ballooning jamboree, a ‘mela’ of sorts.

What you need to know ?

The Ballooning Club in India, which was set up in 1970 in Delhi, organises international balloon festivals and demonstration flights annually. These events draw large crowds of spectators as well. The rides over the royal Rajputana desert and Pushkar sand dunes in Rajasthan are quite popular with tourists.

What you must carry ?

Most of the equipment required for ballooning is provided by the operator. Be choosy about buying expensive equipment and always seek expert advice.

Ballooning : Do's and Don'ts