As the sun rises over Goa, I too am rising up high in the sky. I’m taking an early morning flight in a hot air balloon which is one way to watch the sun rise on another glorious day in Goa, India. There is truly no better way to see the sights than to go ballooning in Goa.
This is my first experience of a hot air balloon flight. Having experienced a few other ways to see the world from up in the sky such as in a tiny plane, skydiving and bungee jumping, I have to admit it is the most comfortable way to travel. Tiger Balloon Safaris offer safe, affordable experiences for Ballooning in Goa, as well as throughout India complying with DGCA approved standards and provides insurance for their passengers.
The day started at the take off spot in North Goa. I watched as the balloon was inflated, a fire show of blues, reds and oranges in the dawn light. The balloon quickly filled with the help of big fans and we scrambled into our allocated compartments, eight of us in total plus the pilot. Next thing I know we are in the air ballooning in Goa.
So where am I heading? Well only the wind knows as a hot air balloon flies only where it is blown. The pilot only has control of the altitude making it quite an adventure as the ground team chases the balloon with which they remain in contact by radio.
The hot air balloon flight is so smooth, in fact I would have doubted we were even moving until I looked down and could see the ground below passing us by. As we flew over villages, villagers shouted and waved at us making for a wonderful bird’s eye view of life as a local.
As an additional bonus for ballooning in Goa, a couple were celebrating their anniversary so we had a delicious chocolate cake at 2000ft. With a little bit of notice Tiger Balloon Safaris can arrange the perfect celebration.
So what goes up, must come down! After choosing the perfect place to land the hot air balloon, we skimmed the trees to slow us down. This added an extra sense of excitement to the ride. The pilot and the team guided the balloon to a gentle stop. It was great to see everyone work as a team. I have to say they did a great job to give us a gentle landing.
And afterwards we had chai, coffee, water and biscuits whilst chatting further with the pilot, an experienced balloonist. It was a wonderful start to a day.
Have you been hot air ballooning in Goa? If not, would you like to take this trip? Please comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe (It’s free!) to my blog for more posts like this and interesting travel tips.
Tips for Hot Air Ballooning in Goa
Weather – Hot air balloon rides are dependent on the weather. However this season only two flights have been cancelled due to the stable conditions in Goa. The season runs October to May but chartered flights can be arranged out of season. Rain, high wind or poor visibility due to fog can cause the ride to be cancelled. Tiger Balloon Safaris will only fly if the conditions are right but if your balloon ride is cancelled then they will arrange a reschedule to fit best with you.
Clothes – As you are flying at wind speed, the temperature is not cold whilst on the hot air balloon ride. With additional heat from the burners, it is actually warmer than on the ground. Wear sensible outdoor clothes and flat shoes.
Who can fly – Everyone. Well nearly everyone. All Tiger Balloon Safaris ask is that you are fit enough to climb in and out the basket and stand for over an hour, are over the age of 8 years old and exceeding 1.4 metres (3’8″) in height. Children under the age of 16 years old have to be accompanied by an adult. Passengers cannot exceed the weight of 18 stone (114kg) due to operational requirements.
Timings – The hot air balloon rides take place in the early morning and early evening to take the opportunity to see the sunrise and sunset.
Price – Adult: INR 12,000 per person, Child 9 to 12 years: INR 10,000 per child, Child 6 to 8 years: INR 8,000 per child
Contact – www.hotairballooninginindia.com | tigerballoonsafaris@gmail.com | Telephone: Abhishek +91-09999742000
I have been to Goa so many times but never been on a hot air balloon. I know what I am going to do next time I am there. Your pictures look great.!
Thanks for your comment. You really must try this. It was brilliant.
I am jealous of this flight as I have never been ballooning. I never imagined that the heat from the burners would keep you warm. I’m impressed with the reflection photograph you took from above, it looks so close but it must be from quite high up?
It really was quite high but it didn’t feel it. It just goes to show how big the balloon is. You have to get yourself in a balloon 🙂
I have to say, hot air ballooning is a little bit of a scary idea to me. But after seeing the beautiful views you took in, I think I could conquer my fear of falling out of the sky – especially if someone distracted me with cake!
The cake was a lovely addition 🙂 It wasn’t scary at all. So gentle. You really should try it 🙂
What an amazing experience! I also love how you captured everything, I once did a balloon ride and didn’t get such fun pictures, that is for sure. Must be a beautiful place to see from the sky. Amazing.
Thanks Naomi. I think the other passengers wondered why I was hanging out of the basket 🙂
What a wonderful experience gliding above such a beautiful place for a sunrise. Now that sounds very much like a bucket list item to me. I’ve heard lovely things about Goa and when I finally get there, this is something I will definitely do.
Goa is wonderful. It has so much to offer. The hot air balloon ride was a great experience
Such an adventure not knowing where the wind will blow you in Goa! Happy you had a gentle landing too! I did this in the Czech Republic and was a bit unnerved as the captain seemed to be getting quite worried in Czech, but we landed fine so all’s well, haha.
It is never good having a worried pilot haha
wow that must have been a unique experience! i d love to do that as well, i just saved it for upcoming travels. goa must be an experience of a lifetime…
I’ve heard about the beaches in Goa but never heard about hot air ballooning. Sounds very adventurous! Maybe I need to do another trip to India soon!
So much to do in Goa, kayaking, trekking and cycling as well as canyoning. I must say this was one of the highlights.