Ballooning
What is Ballooning ?
In ballooning, propane burners warm the air that is inside the balloon. The
huge nylon balloon, to which your basket is attached, is soon filled with hot
air. The logic here is simple. When you heat the air inside you go up, and when
you cool the air, you are back on the ground — hopefully without a thud! In
India, hot air ballooning as an adventure sport is quite new. However, it is
growing in popularity.
Where to go ?
Manali in Himachal Pradesh, Jakkur & Hoskote near Bangalore in Karnataka
are the hot spots for ballooning. The Manali to Solan ballooning trip takes 15
minutes and is popular with beginners. October–May is the best time for hot air
ballooning. Delhi hosts an annual ballooning jamboree, a ‘mela’ of sorts.
What you need to know ?
The Ballooning Club in India, which was set up in 1970 in Delhi, organises
international balloon festivals and demonstration flights annually. These events
draw large crowds of spectators as well. The rides over the royal Rajputana
desert and Pushkar sand dunes in Rajasthan are quite popular with tourists.
What you must carry ?
Most of the equipment required for ballooning is provided by the operator. Be
choosy about buying expensive equipment and always seek expert advice.
Ballooning : Do's and Don'ts
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Always begin under the guidance of an instructor. |
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Double check your gear before taking off. |
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Don’t venture out on a turbulent day. |
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Don’t go ballooning if you have a fear of heights or flying. |
