Hot Air Ballooning in India
 Photo by : hibru in flickr |
If you simply want to enjoy the experience of flying, there's nothing quite like hot air ballooning. Many people describe flying in a hot air balloon as one of the most serene, enjoyable activities they've ever experienced. Hot air balloons are also an ingenious application of basic scientific principles. You'll be amazed by the beautiful simplicity of these early flying machines! Floating in a hot air balloon feels as if you're suspended in the wind. The earth appears to be turning below. A mere whisper of wind tells you that the balloon has changed direction, moving with the breezes through the azure blue sky.
The best time to indulge in ballooning is after sunrise when the winds are their calmest. Winter months provide the most reliable conditions, but during summer months its better take of early in the morning. The duration of ballooning flight can change at the pilot's discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.
An ace balloonist and the force behind professional ballooning in India is Major Mukesh Kumar Yadav who has flown his balloon from various points across the Himalayas, taking it to a height of 26,000 feet at an air show in Bangalore and has represented India at a ballooning competition in Japan.
The best time to indulge in balooning is after sunrise when the winds are their calmest. Winter months provide the most reliable conditions, but during summer months its better take of early in the morning. The duration of ballooning flight can change at the pilot's discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.
Clothing should be exactly the way you wear during a hiking trip that includes sturdy shoes or boots plus sunglasses, gloves and a cap. Rememeber, it does not get any colder in the balloon than on the ground. Always bring an extra film for photography. When alone a balloon can rise upto 800 feet and above, while those in groups may be restricted to heights between 200 and 500 feet.
A balloon can move as fast as the wind blows, but high wind landings always require skill and experience. The passenger capacity depends on the size of the balloon, but usually it varies from 2 in sport balloons and up to 12 people in passenger balloons. The balloon crew tracks the flight and are usually there when the balloon lands.
Agra, UP
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Baneshwar, Rajasthan
Nagaur, Rajasthan
Safety Requirements
Before launching, pilots find out about climate and wind conditions in the area. Cautious pilots only fly when the weather is close to ideal -- when skies are clear and wind conditions are normal. Storms are extremely hazardous for hot air balloons, because of the danger of a lightning strike. Even rain is a problem, because it decreases visibility and damages the balloon. And while you need a nice wind current to have a good flight, very strong winds could easily wreck the balloon.The best time to indulge in ballooning is after sunrise when the winds are their calmest. Winter months provide the most reliable conditions, but during summer months its better take of early in the morning. The duration of ballooning flight can change at the pilot's discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.
About Ballooning
The first ever hot-air balloon 1783. However, with the advent of air planes, flights 'by lighter-tan-air' machines went out of fashion until it was revived in the last century as an adventure sport.Ballooning Joy rides on the balloons can be had for a fee by the enthusiasts. The view from the top, according to the experience of some who have travelled up and down, is nothing but exhilerating.An ace balloonist and the force behind professional ballooning in India is Major Mukesh Kumar Yadav who has flown his balloon from various points across the Himalayas, taking it to a height of 26,000 feet at an air show in Bangalore and has represented India at a ballooning competition in Japan.
Ballooning Tips
There's no age barrier to enjoy hot-air ballooning, but a you have to be fit, as you may have to walk through paddocks after landing.There are no seats in the basket - therefore, standing for the duration of the flight, about on hour is unavoidable. Its best not to take children along with you, reason being the comfort and enjoyment of other passengers. The size of the basket is quiet small and young children often get restless when in confined areas. The walls of the baskets are usually four feet high, and small children would have difficulty in seeing over, unless carried by an adult. Adults should accompany children under 12 years.The best time to indulge in balooning is after sunrise when the winds are their calmest. Winter months provide the most reliable conditions, but during summer months its better take of early in the morning. The duration of ballooning flight can change at the pilot's discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.
Clothing should be exactly the way you wear during a hiking trip that includes sturdy shoes or boots plus sunglasses, gloves and a cap. Rememeber, it does not get any colder in the balloon than on the ground. Always bring an extra film for photography. When alone a balloon can rise upto 800 feet and above, while those in groups may be restricted to heights between 200 and 500 feet.
A balloon can move as fast as the wind blows, but high wind landings always require skill and experience. The passenger capacity depends on the size of the balloon, but usually it varies from 2 in sport balloons and up to 12 people in passenger balloons. The balloon crew tracks the flight and are usually there when the balloon lands.