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’ve never been hot air ballooning before, but it’s definitely on my list! I had heard quite a bit about going ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey, but not Goa! This would be such an incredible experience! I would love to pick a pilot’s brain about their favourite hot air ballooning experiences!
Whoa , I did not know that one can do hot air balloon ride in Goa as well. I am from India and hot air balloon ride is really picking up in Goa. I tried it in Agra during the Hot Air Balloon festival. It was my first experience and a memorable one at that.
What an awesome experience! I’ve never been in a hot air balloon but have always wanted to. Goa seems like the perfect place to do it!
I have always wanted to go in a hot air balloon! This looks like such an amazing experience.It’s good to know that you need to go in the morning/evening to catch the best views!
One of my bucket list items still! Missed our chance in Bagan and definitely been craving this experience since. And oh my, chocolate cake in the air?? Sign me up! Very useful tips – didn’t realise it would be warmer as I always thought it’d be more chill.
Now this is definitely one of those offbeat less heard things to do in Goa. Have witnessed sunsets from the beach but never from a hot air baloon. Another thing added to my goa bucket list.
Beautiful photos and so lovely to be part of fellow passengers celebrations. Interesting to learn about how the balloons ae landed too!
It was lovely to eat chocolate so high in the sky
Wow this sounds like an amazing experience! That’s reassuring! The view of Goa from way up high must’ve been incredible. I’ve never gone ballooning before and I would LOVE to even though I’m afraid of heights. Good to know that you don’t really feel it moving and that the landing is gentle.
It really was beautiful. I would highly recommend it. It really did not feel like you are moving.