Floating Above the World: Where in India one can get Magic Hot Air Balloon Rides

Magic Hot Air Balloon Rides

Floating Above the World: Where in India one can get Magic Hot Air Balloon Rides

How about gliding quietly over ancient fortresses, green hills, or yellow deserts whilst the sun is setting the sky on fire with shades of orange and pink? No big engines. No windows. Only the open sky and the panoramic view of 360 degree. It is called the magic of hot air balloon ride, the experience of traveling that will become the story you will keep on repeating.

India, the country of diverse landscape and culture, has a couple of secret places where hot air ballooning will make your holiday amazing to simply unforgettable. Be it a romantic getaway, an item on your bucket list or simply the desire to experience a new perspective of looking at the world, these locations provide you with a once in a lifetime opportunity of viewing India, literally above the rest of the world.

And, when you are already looking up a flight ticket, when you are already planning your flight booking or searching a cheap flight to your next holiday destination, why not take it one step further, into the sky?

These are the best destinations in India where you can have enchanted hot air balloon rides:

1. Jaipur, Rajasthan: Royal Aerial Perspectives

Jaipur, Rajasthan Royal Aerial Perspectives

The Pink City is well known by its royal architecture, lively bazaars and magnificent palaces- but just imagine all that aerial! Hot air balloon ride Jaipur offers you a panoramic view of the Amber Fort, Jal Mahal and the Aravalli hills that enclose the city. 

The delicate morning light illuminates the sandstone buildings whilst you are drifting lightly with the wind.

Best time: October to April

Ride Tip: Flights in the early morning have the best visibility and the least winds.

Closest airport: Jaipur International Airport (JAI) -find a cheap flight ticket well in advance to get good deals.

2. Pushkar, Rajasthan: Tour Over the Desert & Camels

Pushkar, Rajasthan Tour Over the Desert & Camels

Then you may have heard of Pushkar, perhaps in connection with the well-known camel fair, but also in the field of hot air ballooning it is a fast-growing star. In November (the month of the fair), the sand is crammed with hundreds of camels, traders and brightly-coloured tents, a scene that looks unreal when viewed form the air. The serene desert scenery is just as enchanted without the festival period, comprising golden dunes and a sacred lake.

Better time: October to March

Ride Tip: Make a reservation when you are attending during the fair- the rides fill up quickly!

Closest airport: Kishangarh Airport (KQH) or Jaipur (JAI) – book your flights respectively.

3. Lonavala, Maharashtra: Cloudy Hills and Rainy Magic

Lonavala, Maharashtra Cloudy Hills and Rainy Magic
Lonavala is a green hill station between Mumbai and Pune, having rolling hills, waterfalls, and misty valleys. Balloon rides are available here which is an experience in itself, particularly in the post-monsoon season when the Sahyadris are at their most green. You will be hovering over hill tops, forts and the glistening Pawna Lake.

Better time: October to May

Ride Tip:romantic weekend away.

Closest airport: Pune Airport (PNQ) or Mumbai (BOM) – look at off-peak hour flights to get offers.

4. Hampi, Karnataka: A Journey Amongst Rubble and Boulders

Hampi, Karnataka A Journey Amongst Rubble and Boulders

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is already a feast to the eyes even when viewed from the ground. But out of the sky? It is a surreal labyrinth of prehistoric temples, enormous boulders, banana plantations and meandering rivers. It is a spiritual and historical destination that offers you a different point of view.

Best time: November to February

Ride Tip: Flights in the morning provide enchanted golden light over the ruins.

Closest airport: Hubli Airport (HBX) or Bellary (BEP) – make sure to book your flight ticket well in advance- especially during the festive season.

5. Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Taj Mahal Early Morning

Agra, Uttar Pradesh Taj Mahal Early Morning
This is the main one. Hot Air Ballooning Agra experience provides a spectacular bird view of the Taj Mahal. Imagine the marble statue with the first light of the day, enveloped in mist and silence of early morning. Rides in and around Taj are seasonal and require clearance but it is worth every moment of planning.

Best time: November to March

Ride Tip: Bookings: Ballooning over heritage buildings is subject to government approvals so it is advisable to check beforehand.

Cl closest airport: Agra Airport (AGR) or Delhi (DEL) – get HappyEasyGo to find low fare flights.

6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Across the Holy Ganges

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Across the Holy Ganges

Rishikesh, already known as an adventure sports destination, with river rafting and bungee jumping, is now developing as a hot air ballooning destination. Drifting up the Ganges, seeing the foothills of the Himalayas and ashrams situated along the banks of the river is both exciting and peaceful.

Better time: September to May

Ride Tip: An early morning ride in Rishikesh can be an experience of spiritual boost- literally.

Closest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) – search flights in the beginning of the season.

HappyEasyGo: Plan Your Sky-High Adventure.

It is not an everyday occurrence to take a hot air balloon ride and some planning is involved. And the simple way to do it is this:

Early flight ticket booking: The majority of these ballooning destinations are seasonal in terms of traffic. It is economical and less stressful when you book your flight early.

Look at the local weather: Balloon flights are weather permitting. Rides can be re-booked in case of high winds or rain.

Package your Bookings: Pack your flight booking with hotel offers on HappyEasyGo and get more money saved.

Keep an eye on local festivals: Be it the Pushkar Fair or Hampi Utsav, timing your ride with local festivals is a great idea as it adds an additional flavour to it.

Why Ballooning is the New Travel Trend

Ok, a flight will also help you to travel between cities, but a hot air balloon makes you see the land in a totally new way. It is slow, quiet, and completely breath taking. In an ever fast world, ballooning teaches you to slow down, relax and exhale.

A balloon ride is a heartful experience to India, whether you are travelling alone, on a honeymoon or simply crossing some adventures off your list.

Next time you are browsing through the flight booking websites, contemplating a last-minute getaway, then ask yourself: why fly when you can float?

Let HappyEasyGo bring you up- up in the air that is.

Are you ready to fly over it?

Get your flight ticket, pack your bags and allow the winds to take you to the most enchanted skies of India. As some adventures commence only when you start touching the skies.

HappyEasyGo, your trip is our concern.