The allure of floating high above the ground in a colorful hot air balloon, with panoramic vistas unfolding below, is a dream that many travelers cherish. India offers a plethora of enchanting landscapes to explore from the skies. Here's a curated list of the top 9 hot air balloon destinations in India, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience:
Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas.
Experience: Soar above the Himalayan peaks and immerse yourself in breathtaking views of this enchanting city. Hot air ballooning in Manali is a thrilling adventure sport, drawing tourists seeking a bird's-eye perspective.
Details: The balloon basket accommodates up to 5 people and is tethered by a rope. The ride lasts approximately 7 minutes, reaching an estimated height of 300 feet, with prices starting at Rs 1200 per person.
|
Year |
Manali Tourists |
Himachal Pradesh Tourists |
|
2019 |
30 lakh |
1.72 crore |
|
2020 |
7.70 lakh |
81% decrease |
|
2021 |
16.47 lakh |
56.37 lakhs |
Additionally, for the month of June:
|
Month |
Manali Visitors |
Shimla Visitors |
|
June |
1,64,578 |
87,153 |
Location: Chandor, situated in the vibrant state of Goa.
Experience: Witness the ethereal meeting of the sea and the sky from the lofty heights of a hot air balloon in Goa. Choose between sunrise and sunset rides for a captivating experience.
Details: The hot air balloon ride in Goa typically lasts about an hour and costs around Rs 14,000 per person.
Tourist Attraction: Chandor is a favored destination for tourists due to its rich Portuguese architecture and cultural heritage.
Goa's Popularity: Goa, where Chandor is located, holds the distinction of being India's most popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Historical Significance: Chandor served as the first capital of Goa and is nestled along the banks of the scenic Kushawati River. It is also known by the name Chandrapura.
Charming Village: Chandor is a quaint and charming village with a plethora of captivating stories to share.
Portuguese Architecture: For those eager to explore Portuguese architecture, Chandor is a significant stopover, showcasing remarkable historical influences.
Pushkar:
Experience: Glide over the vibrant Pushkar Fair and witness the bustling gathering at the fairground, complemented by scenic views of lakes, cattle, and sand dunes.
Jaipur:
Experience: Drift above the resplendent palaces, forts, and monuments of the Pink City, taking in a panoramic view that will leave you in awe.
Details: The best time to visit is between September and June, with rides reaching heights of up to 4000 feet. The hot air balloon ride in Jaipur costs around Rs 12,000 per person and lasts for 60 minutes.
Tourist Attraction: This vibrant city draws in more than 200,000 visitors annually, making it a popular destination for travelers. Many people include Pushkar as a day trip in their itineraries when visiting nearby cities like Jaipur or Jodhpur.
Pushkar Camel Fair: One of the standout events in Pushkar is the Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as the Pushkar Mela. It ranks among the world's largest cattle fairs and is celebrated for five days during the autumn season, typically falling between October and November. This remarkable event alone attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.
Tourism Trends: In 1998, Pushkar played host to around 1 million domestic and international tourists throughout the year, showcasing its growing popularity as a tourist destination. In 2019, the entire state of Rajasthan recorded an impressive 538.26 lakh (over 5.38 million) tourists, marking it as one of the most visited regions in that year.
Location: Kamshet, near Lonavla, Maharashtra.
Experience: Embark on a thrilling ride over lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, historic forts, and enjoy the sunrise or sunset from high above. Located just 100km away from Mumbai, Kamshet is a paradise for adventure seekers.
Details: The ride accommodates up to 9 people and costs about Rs 8,400 per person. The 60-minute-long hot air balloon ride in Maharashtra reaches a maximum height of 4000 feet.
Optimal Season: The best time to explore Kamshet is during the period from October to March, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities.
Paragliding Paradise: Kamshet is often referred to as the "paragliders' paradise" and has gained recognition for its thriving paragliding scene. It boasts numerous paragliding schools, making it an ideal place for beginners to learn the art of paragliding.
Shinde Wadi Hills: Shinde Wadi Hills stands out as the most popular take-off point for paragliding adventures in Kamshet, offering breathtaking aerial views of the region.
Training Hub: Kamshet plays a pivotal role in paragliding training, with more than 600 pilots receiving training here every year.
Year-Round Attraction: While the prime paragliding season is from October to March, Kamshet remains a favorite among tourists throughout the year, thanks to its scenic beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Location: Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal.
Experience: Revel in a romantic adventure, ideal for couples, with a stunning view of the Mughal Monument. The ride duration is about 15-20 minutes, reaching a height of only 500 meters.
Details: The cost is approximately Rs 500-Rs 750 per person, and the rides take place from October to March.
Visitor Numbers: The Taj Mahal continues to be an incredibly popular destination, drawing in a substantial number of visitors each year. It annually welcomes between 7 and 8 million visitors, with over 0.8 million of these being international tourists. It holds the distinction of being one of the most frequented sites in India.
Recent Data: In 2022, the Taj Mahal claimed the top spot as the most visited ticketed monument by domestic visitors, with approximately 3.3 million Indians exploring its grandeur.
Preferred Seasons: The majority of tourists prefer to visit the Taj Mahal during the cooler months of October, November, and February, taking advantage of milder weather conditions to fully appreciate this architectural masterpiece.
Location: The historic town of Hampi, Karnataka.
Experience: Soar above the ancient ruins, temples, and caves of Hampi, taking in the view of this cultural heritage from a height of 500 meters over the West Coast of India.
Details: The cost of the hot air balloon ride in Karnataka ranges from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 per person and is gaining popularity as an adventurous recreational sport.
Annual Tourist Influx: Hampi annually entices over 1.7 million tourists, a significant portion of whom are international visitors. The number of foreign tourists experienced a decline in recent years, with only 17,949 recorded in the 2018-19 period. In contrast, domestic travelers surged, reaching 6,31,991 visitors last year.
UNESCO World Heritage: Hampi holds the prestigious status of being a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its historical and architectural significance.
Cultural Celebrations: The village proudly hosts the annual Hampi Utsava, also known as the "Vijaya Festival," a tradition dating back to the Vijayanagara reign. Additionally, the Purandara Festival is celebrated each year during January-February, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.
Adventure Activities: Beyond its historical monuments, Hampi allures many foreign tourists with thrilling activities such as rock climbing and water sports. The Tungabhadra River near Hampi provides opportunities for swimming, adding to the area's appeal for adventure seekers.
Location: The bustling national capital, Delhi.
Experience: Gain a bird's-eye view of the city's iconic landmarks and monuments, offering a unique perspective for families seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Details: Depending on the weather, the ride is organized either from Damdama Lake, Sohna, or Neemrana during the months from September to March. The one-hour duration ride starts from Rs 9,000 per person.
Prominent Tourist Destination: Delhi, the capital city of India, holds a prominent position as one of the most frequented places in the country, attracting a vast number of both domestic and foreign tourists.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs):In 2021, Delhi recorded approximately 6.06 lakh foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), accounting for nearly 39.70% of the total foreign tourists visiting India during that year. This underscores Delhi's significance as a prime destination for international travelers.
Domestic Tourist Footfall: Alongside its appeal to foreign tourists, Delhi also witnessed a substantial number of domestic tourists in 2021, with around 1.06 crore visitors exploring the city's myriad attractions.
Delhi's cultural, historical, and contemporary significance, along with its diverse range of experiences, continues to make it a magnet for tourists from around the world and within India.
Location: The charming hill town of Darjeeling.
Experience: Ascend 300 feet into the skies with Darjeeling's hot air balloon ride, offering a thrilling view of the town and its breathtaking surroundings.
Details: The cost of a single ride is usually around Rs 1500 per person, with an estimated duration of about 45 minutes. The rides take place between October and May from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Tourist Attraction: Darjeeling, located in West Bengal, is a highly sought-after tourist destination, drawing in a significant number of visitors each year. It boasts about 600,000 Indian tourists and 30,000 foreign nationals who choose to explore its picturesque landscapes.
Iconic Railway: One of the region's most iconic attractions is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the "Darjeeling Toy Train." This narrow gauge train route extends from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and is renowned for providing passengers with breathtaking mountain vistas while passing through charming villages.
Historical Retreat: Darjeeling has a rich historical background as a favored summer retreat for the British during the colonial era. The climate in Darjeeling was ideal for cultivating tea, which was a beloved beverage of the British, adding to the region's allure.
Darjeeling's combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance make it an alluring destination for tourists, both from India and abroad.
Bhopal:
Experience: Enjoy a 2-hour adventure ride over the picturesque lakes of Bhopal, complete with pick-up and drop-off services for a hassle-free experience.
Established in 1968, Bandhavgarh National Park received 176,051 visitors during the same period.
Experience: Embark on the country's first hot air balloon wildlife safari, where you might spot tigers, leopards, Indian sloth bears, and a diverse array of wildlife during your exhilarating ride.
Details: The hot air balloon ride in Bhopal starts at Jeet Stadium, with costs starting from Rs 15,000 per person. This includes pick-up and drop-off, refreshments, flight certificates, insurance, and a 1-hour duration ride.
Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal: In the year 2021-2022, Van Vihar National Park, located in the state capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, welcomed a substantial number of visitors, totaling 698,802.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, a part of Bandhavgarh National Park, recorded 20,591 visitors.
Overall Tourism Figures: According to data from the MP Forest Department, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across Madhya Pradesh collectively hosted 26,91,797 tourists in the same year. This figure encompasses 11,74,405 tourists who explored tiger reserves, including a notable count of 55,773 foreign tourists.
Madhya Pradesh's rich biodiversity and protected areas continue to captivate a diverse range of tourists, contributing to its status as a prominent wildlife tourism destination in India.
Discover the beauty of India from a unique perspective by taking to the skies in a hot air balloon. These remarkable destinations promise unforgettable experiences and breathtaking views that will linger in your memory forever.
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