Exact take-off locations cannot be predetermined as they are entirely dependent on wind direction, says Telangana Tourism Development Corporation MD.
Hyderabad will take to the skies with its first large-scale hot air balloon festival from January 16 to 18, offering long-distance morning flights and spectacular night glow shows. Organised by the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), the festival adds a vibrant new attraction to the city’s tourism calendar.
Speaking to The Hindu, TTDC Managing Director Valluru Kranthi said the festival, being held on this scale for the first time in Hyderabad, will feature 15 international-standard hot air balloons flown by foreign pilots who will bring their own registered balloons. The event will run for three days with flights planned in the mornings and evenings.
Morning flights will cover distances of approximately 8–10 kilometres, with each ride lasting 30–40 minutes and involving different take-off and landing points. “Exact take-off locations cannot be fixed in advance as they depend entirely on wind direction,” said Ms. Kranthi.
- Telangana Tourism has identified three tentative locations for the morning flights: the Hyderabad Golf Club near Golconda Fort, Jalamandalii Park near Gandipet, and an area near Himayatsagar. Owing to operational constraints, morning rides will be limited to around 30–40 passengers per day, she added.
- Evening events will be held exclusively at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad and will be open to the general public. These sessions will feature night glow balloons, where the balloons ascend and descend at the same location, creating illuminated visual displays. With multiple short flights possible, about 100–120 people can be accommodated each evening, translating to roughly 300–400 slots over the three days.
- Ms. Kranthi said booking mechanisms are being planned through online platforms such as BookMyShow or the District app. While morning slots will be managed separately, evening rides are likely to be priced at around ₹500 per person.
From 15 countries
- All pilots and balloons participating in the festival are from overseas, representing around 15 countries, mostly from Europe. The pilots hold valid licences.
