Jaipur Sightseeing from Air: Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in Jaipur

What a thrill it would be to take the city-tour not on a car, not on boats or ships, not the train or airplane but a hot air balloon? At Jaipur, you could do just that. Combing the city's skyline for your favorite spots down on earth in the comfort and luxury of a private balloon ride will surely send thrills down the spine.

When did it launch?

Thanks to the Rajasthan Tourism Department for giving tourists a chance to enjoy unparalleled beauty, flying above it. As a matter of pride, this ride is counted in the world's 10 best hot air balloon rides. The air balloon ride in Jaipur was introduced in the year 2008, as an initiative by Rajasthan Tourism Board that also covered the Thar Desert. Since its launch, more than 2,000 passengers have garnered the unforgettable experience of this adventurous ride down their memory lanes.

Good preparation

Hot air balloons are one of its kind of a safari in India as of now. A great way to explore the city, there is a difference in the way these safaris start. You are picked at the hotel room and taken to the balloon ride site. As the balloon gets ready for the flight, the customer is served with light breakfast. Tour guides are experienced pilots who are further trained about the locations of interest.

These tours are arranged to give you a life-time experience and hence also come in different packages to suit each need, thus elevating the experience. The only hindrance could be the weather. These tours are conducted only in case of a clear sky and good wind. During rains and thunderstorms or heavy winds, the tours are not undertaken.

Who and where to operate

There are different tour operators arranging the bird's eye-view tour in Jaipur and adjacent cities like Pushkar, Neemrana, Ranthambore, and Udaipur. In Pushkar, tours are conducted during the Camel fair of Pushkar known as Pushkar Mela organized in October. At Jaipur, there are more locations from where the tours can be taken like Amber Fort, Shiv Vilas Hotel, Jal Mahal, and other points on Jaipur-Delhi road.

How long does it take?

Lasting one hour in the air, these guided balloon safaris cover pickup and drop to and fro hotel, balloon flight, refreshment, and the prized First Flight Certificate. Although it is an hour-long tour, it takes 3 hours including time for preparation, inflation, and launch. The fun of watching the balloon being inflated and prepared for flight is complimentary.

Start places

Samode Bagh and Palace and Madhogarh fort are some of the other places from where guided hot air balloon safari starts. There are few more depending upon the wind conditions.

The guided hot air balloon tours in Jaipur are provided by experienced operators. They are experts in planning, designing and organizing tours that are value for money and leave customers satisfied, and high on the experience. The operators are the ones who understand your requirements and have a specialist who is an expert in location and is your savior for knowledge, and any adverse conditions. They are trained for tourist's safety and handling situations in a win-win way.

Best time for balloon safari in Jaipur

Sep – Nov: 6:15 am to 4:00 pm

Dec-Mar: 6:45 am to 3:30 pm

April – June: 5:45 am. There are no flights in the evening.

Prices

Hot air balloon ride in Jaipur charges change from each tour operator. However, on average, for adults, it is INR 7,500 and for child INR 6,000 for one hour. A maximum of eight and a minimum of four people can take the Balloon tour at a time. Hot air balloons operate best around two hours before sunrise and two hours after sunset as the winds are weak. During these hours, the balloon smoothly glides from one place to the other and cruising over one view and another. It is a relaxing and exciting ride one that is cherished for a lifetime.

Tips

Since hot air balloon rides in Jaipur is one of the ten best rides across the globe, balloon safari in Jaipur is a must-have item in your itinerary, and maybe bucket-list too. A grand response to ballooning has paved the way for many other adventure activities, thus heightening the already incredible vacation experience.

The balloon goes to higher altitudes depending on the topography and weather of the location. The maximum that the hot air balloons are designed to reach is 1,200 feet from the ground. The take-off location and time are decided by the pilot depending on the wind direction and intensity, keeping the safety of passengers the prime concern. 5 years is the minimum age and 1.5 meters is the minimum height to board the balloon, while there is no upper age limit. Pregnant women, however, are not allowed to fly, keeping their safety in mind.