Delhi's Skyline Gets New Attraction with Hot Air Balloons
The capital city is about to get a thrilling new addition to its recreational offerings as tethered hot air balloons prepare to take flight over the Yamuna floodplain this weekend. After successful trial runs completed by the Delhi Development Authority on Tuesday morning at Baansera, the city's first official hot air balloon service will become available to the public starting Saturday.
Safety First: How the Balloon Rides Will Operate
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena personally tested the new attraction, taking a trial ride to examine all safety measures. He described the project as an innovative approach to connecting people with the Yamuna's natural environment. Each flight will last between seven and twelve minutes, carrying visitors to heights of 100-150 feet while securely tethered to the ground.
The service will initially operate in two locations - Asita and Baansera - with plans to expand based on public response. Although morning and evening sessions of two and a half hours each were originally planned, the service will begin with just one session per day during the initial phase.
Safety remains the absolute priority for this new adventure offering. Licensed pilots have been hired to operate the balloons, and the agency running the facility has obtained proper certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for flying hot air balloons up to 200 feet. The balloon system uses four high-strength ropes, each capable of bearing several tonnes of weight, ensuring complete security for all passengers.
Practical Details and Pricing
Each balloon can accommodate four passengers along with the licensed pilot, with tickets priced at Rs 3,000 plus applicable taxes. According to Vinod Baharee of Air Safari, the company operating the service, the November to February period offers ideal ballooning conditions in north India.
Weather conditions will be closely monitored, and flights will be immediately halted if conditions become unsuitable, particularly during strong winds. The service currently uses smaller baskets accommodating three to four people besides the pilot, but larger baskets capable of carrying eight to ten people may be introduced later based on demand patterns.
Part of Yamuna Floodplain Revival Project
This exciting new attraction forms part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Yamuna floodplain and create more recreational spaces throughout Delhi. The transformation of these areas has been remarkable - Asita, which was once heavily encroached, has been converted into a beautifully landscaped green zone complete with restaurant facilities. Similarly, Baansera, previously used as a dumping ground for construction waste, has been redesigned as an attractive bamboo-themed park.
An official involved with the project expressed enthusiasm about how the balloons will complement these rejuvenated spaces, adding a quiet, uplifting charm to a riverfront that's being steadily restored for public enjoyment and ecological sustainability.
The introduction of hot air balloon rides represents a significant step in strengthening Delhi's eco-tourism and adventure sports offerings, providing residents and visitors alike with a unique perspective of the city while promoting environmental awareness and recreational diversity.
