Ever tried floating with the clouds? If not, then experience this adventure at the best hot air balloon destinations in India.
Imagine the golden glow of the sun warming your face and the cool wind caressing your face on a hot air balloon safari in India. The best destinations in India for hot air balloon rides in India provide a gliding experience through the sky in the massive floating basket. No matter where you reside, you can always try this family-friendly adventure sport with your near or dear ones from the Western Ghats of India to the Aravali Hills of North India. We have camped up with the 10 best hot air balloon rides in India. Give it a read!
Here are the list of 10 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in India:
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Goa
- Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Delhi
- Hampi, Karnataka
- Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Mojoland in Murthal
In the last few years, hot air balloons in India have become one of the unique ways to cruise the skies with your near or dear ones! With the advent of adventure tourism and exciting thrill-seekers, you can now find plenty of destinations in India for hot air balloon rides that personify why experiences in India are unique and worthy for all types of travelers. So, if you want to indulge in some unique adventure sports near you, let’s dive right into the list of the 9 best places for hot air balloon rides in India.
1. Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Is Jaipur Worth The Hype: Yes! Catching a birds-eye view of the Pink City on a hot air balloon is one of the best things to do in Jaipur.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 45 to 60 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: March to October
- Average Height: 1200 ft – 5000 ft (approx.)
Rajasthan is magnificent, Rajasthan is captivating, and its capital Jaipur provides a hot air ballooning experience over the picturesque Aravalis, magnificent forts. Around 50 (approx.) International travelers indulge in hot air balloon safari in Jaipur every day, which shows it is worth all the hype.
You get to enjoy the 360-degree views of the capital of Rajasthan, which is the royal experience to cherish in the ‘Land of Maharajas.’ If you are on your honeymoon, it would be very romantic to propose to your beloved one at an altitude of 1200 ft (approx.) amidst the golden hues of sunset. Return home with everlasting memories of Rajasthan, whether with family or your sweetheart.
- Flying Location: Near Amer Fort, 5 kilometers (approx.)
- Activity Timings: 8 AM to 6 AM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Jaipur: 6000 INR (approx.) for children and 12,000 INR (approx.) for adults.
2. Goa
- Is Goa Worth The Hype: Yes! Witnessing glistening golden sandy beaches from 900 ft (approx.) above would be a gala vacation experience.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 30 to 45 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: March to October
- Average Height: 900-4000 ft (approx.)
Experiencing a magical hot air balloon ride over the sea in Goa is one of the best things to do in summer and winter. You will love enjoying the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea while perching yourself in a cozy hot air colorful balloon. You will get a chance to cruise in the sky with your friends or family, or sweetheart in a spacious luxury basket. Before the activity, satiate your hunger with light onsite refreshments included in the hot air ballooning package.
Get your camera ready for perfect sea cliff shots. Inside the hot air balloon basket, up to 10 people can accommodate in one ride. Note that the cost of a private hot air balloon ride is whooping! Take your kids or parents on a hot air balloon ride in Goa beyond beaches.
- Flying Location: South Goa, 60 kilometers (approx.) from Dabolim Airport
- Activity Timings: 6:30 AM to 6 AM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Goa: 12,000 INR (approx.), and private ride cost starts at 55,000 INR (approx.) to 95,000 INR (approx.).
3. Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Is Lonavala Worth The Hype: Absolutely! You will feel delighted when you fly, getting close to Sahyadri Mountains, enrolled with lush greenery.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 45 to 60 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: March to October
- Average Height: 800 ft – 4000 ft (approx.)
Mumbaikars are in retreat because Lonavala is a weekend getaway from Mumbai and is a base for a hot air balloon ride near Mumbai. You can make your childhood dreams come true while sitting in a colorful handwoven basket and watching the world go by under you! You can plan this activity after sunrise and before sunset.
Mother nature has braced the Sahyadri Mountains and its nearby areas with mystical beauty, best observed during the day and before dusk! So, when are you planning to float with the clouds in the serenity of the tranquil lakes, lush green valleys, and mountains of Lonavala?
- Flying Location: Lonavala, 90 kilometers (approx.) from Mumbai.
- Activity Timings: 6:15 AM to 4 PM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Lonavala, Maharashtra: 9,800 INR (approx.) – 15,000 INR (approx.)
4. Delhi
- Is Delhi Worth The Hype: Yes! You can waltz through the cloud with the balloon safari and witness villages, forts, and lakes from soaring heights.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 45 to 60 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: March to October
- Average Height: 800 ft – 5000 ft (approx.)
Escape the buzz of Delhi with your family and cruise the skies secludedly. Sunrise or sunset balloons floating around the weekend getaway destinations like Neemrana and Dam Dama Lake is a fun-filled family holiday experience. A handful of certified hot air balloon companies run hot air balloon rides around Delhi and Haryana region.
The hot air balloon ride cost depends on how long you want to stay in the sky or a private cruising or general ride with fellow travelers. Sky Waltz and Tiger Balloon Safari are government-approved hot air safari companies. When are you planning to float in the blue skies?
- Flying Locations: Neemrana, Manesar, Sohna Village, and Damdama Lake
- Activity Timings: 6:15 AM to 5.30 PM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride near Delhi: 8,000 INR (approx.) – 15,000 INR (approx.)
5. Hampi, Karnataka
- Is Hampi Worth The Hype: Yes! The rich history of Hampi and its boulders are best seen while you soar up in the sky up to 500 ft (approx.).
- For How Long Ride will Last: 45 to 60 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: March to October
- Average Height: 500 ft – 4000 ft (approx.)
Hampi was the capital of the Vijaynagar Empire in the 14th century, home to UNESCO Heritage Temples and historical ruins. Besides its historical splendor, the allure of a hot air balloon ride in Hampi is surprising! The Karnataka Tourism Department arranges a hot air balloon festival annually in Hampi and Mysore for 4 days (approx.).
If you plan to visit Hampi between December to January, confirm the festival date attended by foreigners and locals with full enthusiasm. You will have the chance to admire the ruins of Hampi above the clouds like a drone view. Keep your cameras ready!
- Flying Locations: Mysore, Hampi
- Activity Timings: 6:15 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Hampi: 10.000 INR (approx.) -12,000 INR (approx.)
6. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Is Agra Worth The Hype: Indeed! Overlooking the utterly spectacular Taj Mahal over 500 ft (approx.) with your beloved beside you is worth all the hype.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 15 to 20 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: March to October
- Average Height: 500 ft – 4000 ft (approx.)
Agra is synonymous with one of the most Googled monuments – the Taj Mahal also called the ‘symbol of love. Imagine witnessing the historic splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage Site while gliding in the sky. Shah Jahan built the eternal monument of Love for his beloved wife, – Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal is the same place where the Queen is buried.
You will feel the butterfly in your stomach when you observe the marble beauty of the wondrous Taj Mahal on a hot air balloon safari with your special one. If you live in and around Delhi and the NCR region, plan to visit Agra in early summer or winter for this family-friendly adventure sport.
- Flying Locations: Nearby Taj Mahal, 500 m (approx.) away
- Activity Timings: 6:15 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Agra: 500 INR (approx.), 1000 INR (approx.)
7. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Is Jaisalmer Worth The Hype: Yes! The golden sand dunes, forts, palaces, and havelis will be your scenery on a hot air balloon excursion in Jaisalmer.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 15 to 20 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: March to October
- Average Height: 500 ft – 4000 ft (approx.)
This town of Rajasthan is rich in culture and heritage, and a hot air balloon ride here will give you a sneak peek of Rajasthan from its height. The Government approved hot air balloon safari operators to conduct ballooning activity over the shimmering lakes and majestic forts. You can enjoy the air safari in two shifts – morning or evening. If you plan to visit Jaisalmer on a weekend getaway from Delhi, hot air ballooning in Jaisalmer is one of the best things to do with your loved ones. Did we mention sunset and sunshine are the best time for mesmerizing Instagram-worthy pictures?
- Flying Locations: Nearby Taj Mahal, 500 m (approx.) away
- Activity Timings: 6:15 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Jaisalmer: 6000 INR (approx.) for children and 12,000 INR (approx.) for adults.
8. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Is Rishikesh Worth The Hype: Yes! From the basket of the balloon, you can grasp the views of lush greenery and snow-capped mountains.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 15 to 60 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: March to October
- Average Height: 500 ft – 2000 ft (approx.)
Seeing the foothills of the Himalayas from the basket of the colorful hot air balloon as the sun rises or sets is worth remembering. Embark on a hot air balloon safari in the ‘Yoga Capital of India’ beyond the usual river rafting adventure. Take your binoculars and video cameras to capture the splendor of Shivalik Valley from the staggering heights.
The scenery here on balloon safari is straight out of the movie scene because lush green valleys and the snow-capped Himalayas look so graceful and leaves no stone unturned to mesmerize the guests. The balloon basket provides panoramic views of the Holy Ganges and its surroundings.
- Flying Locations: 32 kilometers (approx.) from Laxman Jhula
- Activity Timings: 5:30 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Rishikesh: 2500 INR (approx.) for a shorter duration and 12,000 INR (approx.) for a longer duration.
9. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Is Manali Worth The Hype: Yes! The spectacular valleys are embraced with pine, oak, and deodar forests. The balloons are attached with rope for extra safety purposes in the hills.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 15 to 30 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: May to July and October to December
- Average Height: 900 ft – 4000 ft (approx.)
India’s honeymoon capital, Manali, is also one of the best places for a hot air balloon ride in India because of its topography. Manali is sandwiched between Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar peaks, giving guests the amazing experience inside the hot air balloon basket while embracing the lush green valleys and the snow-capped Himalayas. A hot air balloon safari in Manali resembles jumping out of an airplane. So make sure you don’t miss these adventure sports on the Himachal holidays.
- Activity Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Manali: 700 INR (approx.) for a shorter duration and 1500 INR (approx.) for a longer duration.
10. Mojoland in Murthal
- Is Mojoland in Murthal Worth The Hype: Yes! Unlock the thrill of floating in the air after relishing a mouthwatering meal at Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba.
- For How Long Ride will Last: 15 to 30 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time for Activity: May to July and October to December
- Average Height: 900 ft – 3000 ft (approx.)
The next time you visit Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba in Murthal to satiate your cravings with its delicious ‘Parathas,’ don’t forget to visit Mojoland, which is just 15 min (approx.) drive away! Mojoland is an adventure park for adrenaline souls where water and hot air balloon rides in India are best enjoyed near Delhi.
- Flying Locations: Nearby Mojoland in Murthal, 6 kilometers (approx.) from Amrik Sukhdev
- Activity Timings: 10:30 AM to 7 PM (approx.)
- Average Cost of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Mojoland: 700 INR (approx.) for a shorter duration and 1500 INR (approx.) for a longer duration.
So, when are you putting your heads in the clouds for the adventure of the lifetime? Pick any of these places for a hot air balloon ride in India for your next upcoming adventure.