Delhi has officially entered the era of urban aerial adventures with the launch of its first-ever hot air balloon service. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) recently inaugurated this unique attraction, marking a significant addition to the capital's recreational landscape. The service, which began operations from Asita East Park, promises residents and tourists a breathtaking new perspective of the city.
A Bird's-Eye View of the Capital
The experience involves tethered balloon ascents that gracefully climb to heights between 100 and 150 feet. From this vantage point, riders are treated to sweeping panoramic views of the rejuvenated Yamuna floodplains, the expanding city skyline, and vast stretches of green spaces. On a clear day, landmarks such as Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery, and the Akshardham Temple are clearly visible, creating a memorable visual tapestry of Delhi's heritage and modernity.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who oversaw the successful trial runs, hailed the initiative as a "first-ever kind of experience for Delhiites." He took to social media platform X to announce the successful trials at DDA’s Baansera Park. In his post, he emphasized that the rides, to be operated by qualified professionals, meet the highest standards of safety parameters. He stated that this move is a step towards making Delhi a more vibrant city with world-class infrastructure and enhanced recreational amenities.
Operational Details and Pricing
The balloon rides are now open to the public. Initially, operations will run for four hours daily, with the potential for extension based on public demand. Each flight lasts approximately 7 to 12 minutes. The cost for this unique experience is set at INR 3,000 plus GST per person.
The balloons can accommodate different group sizes. Depending on the basket, they can carry 3 to 5 riders plus the pilot, or up to 8 to 10 people in larger configurations. The enthusiastic response on the opening day saw participation not only from Delhi residents but also from visitors traveling from across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Phased Rollout Across Key Locations
The launch at Asita East Park is just the beginning of a broader rollout plan. The DDA has confirmed that operations will soon commence at other approved locations along the Yamuna riverfront in the coming days. The next sites to become operational include:
- Baansera Park
- Yamuna Sports Complex at Surajmal Vihar
- Commonwealth Games Village Sports Complex
A DDA official noted that while Asita is the first functional site, Baansera Park will follow suit within the next few days. The initiative is part of a phased plan developed after conducting successful trial flights. The aim is to establish this as a regular leisure feature, giving people a novel way to experience the capital from the skies.
With this launch, Delhi joins the select group of global cities offering curated urban ballooning experiences. It represents a fresh fusion of adventure tourism and city sightseeing, set to become a major draw for both locals seeking a new weekend activity and tourists looking for an unforgettable memory of India's historic capital.
