7 Scenic Spots For Hot Air Balloon Rides In India

Hot air ballooning affords a traveller the unmatched experience of seeing a place like it has never been seen before, the way a bird sees it. Ballooning in India isn’t just about rushing thru the air. No, it’s soaking in breathtaking views of historical sites and spectacular countryside. There are already a zillion things to see in the length and breadth of our desh. Imagine how much more there is to see by balloon!

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Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Picture yourself floating through fresh, crisp mountain air above thick pine forests, flocks of sheep, misty hills, snow-covered slopes and the Beas River, away from polluted environs, making new memories. Yup, that's what you can do in Manali in a balloon.

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Pushkar, Rajasthan

Different venue, different landscape... This time you are flying above golden sand dunes, ancient temples and the sparkling Pushkar Lake. If you time your ride for the fair, you’ll see the desert come alive with colour, music and magic. Great experience for honeymooners and adventure-seekers.

Pic: Kind courtesy Meeta/Wikimedia Commons

Hanuwantiya, Madhya Pradesh

What's in Hanuwantiya? A town on an island in Khandwa district. It's a chance to roam above gorgeous Indira Sagar Lake, known for its water festival or Jal Mahotsav. They now offer balloon rides that give you jaw-dropping views of shining waters and green islands below.

Pic: Kind courtesy Sumitsurai/Wikimedia Commons

Hyderabad, Telangana

Glide over the City of Pearls and take in aerial views of Hyderabad like never before! A hot air balloon ride is an op to drift peacefully over centuries of history -- spot the majestic Golconda Fort, the shimmering Hussain Sagar Lake and the stuffy grand old palaces tucked between modern high-rises.

Pic: Kind courtesy the Archive Team/Wikimedia Commons

Neemrana Fort, Rajasthan

Enter into a real-life fairy tale by opting for a balloon ride over this Rajasthani fort town. Flying above the stunning 15th-century Neemrana Fort and gazing out over the Aravalli Hills is a royal ride, as regal as it sounds.

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Dal Lake, Srinagar

Boating on Dal Lake is already a once-in-a-lifetime exeprience. Imagine how great it would be circle it in a balloon? You would be looking down at the gently swishing shikaras, the lines of elegant houseboats, the floating vegetable market, with the snow-capped peaks in the distance. What kind of peace and beauty would that be? Surely something that stays with you forever.  

Pic: Kind courtesy Paras.sharma98/Wikimedia Commons

Kankaria Lake, Gujarat

How about a serene morning ride or evening sunset drift over one of Ahmedabad’s serene lakes. As the sun rises, or sets, take in the city's many beautiful landmarks. Have a cup of chai afterwards and it will be a super memorable day.

Pic: Kind courtesy Mihir.nadkarni/Wikimedia Commons
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