You must have seen your favorite actors riding in a hot air balloon in many movies. Haven’t you imagined yourself at their place at some point or the other? Riding in a hot air balloon is a fantasy ride as standing in that beautiful place; you rise up in the sky and aim to touch the sky. You get to view the beautiful surroundings around and find places that are waiting to welcome you. It is like floating in thin air leaving all your worries down on the earth.
Another advantage is that riding in a hot air balloon can be tried by anyone who is considered fit. Unlike paragliding and bungee jumping, this is relatively safe and the ride is quite comfortable.
Here are the top 10 hot air ballooning destinations of India where you can enjoy a thrilling, beautiful and amazing balloon ride and be with nature like you have never been before
1. Pushkar
One of the most popular ballooning rides is during the famous Pushkar Mela. Hovering around the large number of cattle and the opportunity to land among them is surely as exciting as it can be. You can also get the views of temples, sand dunes, beautiful lakes and other places during your ride. Generally, there are two slots for ballooning and that are during early morning and at around four in the evening
2. Jaipur
Jaipur is a beautiful place to behold. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of not just Rajasthan but of the world. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the ancient palaces, forts, and the beautiful landscape of the place. As you hover around, imagine the life of the kings and queens who have lived here. You can get exclusive flights as well. A hot air balloon ride over Jaipur is something that you will cherish for a long time.
3. Uttar Pradesh
The advantage of a hot air balloon ride in Uttar Pradesh is that you can fly above the beautiful Taj Mahal and get a view of the majestic Mughal monuments. Honeymooners or couples can take this flight and fly over the monument of love and experience love in its purest form, as Shahjahan and Mumtaz had for each other.
4. Goa
Goa with its natural beauty is a haven for hot air balloon rides. The lovely beaches, the serene climate and the breathtaking nature add to the fun. To experience sunrise or sunset on a balloon is something that everyone should experience at some point or the other. You can have a full hour for riding and the cost will depend on the place and the kind of ride you opt for.
5. Delhi
When it comes to flying around history, Delhi and NCR are perfect. Of course, there are numerous places that you can view from the balloon such as monuments, gardens, majestic buildings and more. September to March is the suitable time for hot air balloon rides in Delhi. It is absolutely a thrill to catch the capital of India from far above.
6. Manali
Of course, Manali is famous as a tourist place and that’s why a hot air balloon ride over Manali makes it all the more a beautiful experience. Such a ride is like those dream rides where you are flying around picturesque locations just like an angel. The beautiful landscape that includes amazing rivers, majestic mountains, deep valleys, greenery and the fresh air all makes a balloon ride in Manali a must experience.
7. Darjeeling
The balloon ride in Darjeeling is at around 300 ft and it usually takes place in the evenings. The suitable time is from October to May as the weather is clear during this period. As you view the picturesque Darjeeling from the sky, you will really admit that nature is indeed a miracle and that we should cherish it.
8. Lonavala
This is one of the best places in Maharashtra to enjoy hot air balloon ride. Morning and evening are the times to enjoy a balloon ride in Lonavala, as you get to experience the beautiful sunrise and sunset in the region.
9. Bhopal
To enjoy the city of lakes, that is Bhopal, in Madhya Pradesh, a hot air balloon ride is the perfect way. Though it has only recently started it, it is fast becoming popular as one of the best places to enjoy hot air balloon rides.
10. Karnataka
The historical monuments and the renowned Hampi areas are best viewed from a hot air balloon. You can reach a height of 500 m and enjoy a ride that is not only inspiring with the sight of India’s ancient heritage but is also enchanting to just see the skill of human hands in the form of these historical places
