Introduction: 

Jaipur, India’s Pink City, is the capital of the magnificent state of Rajasthan. Many huge forts and palaces dot the old city, and while they may have faded with time, they never cease to astonish visitors with their magnificent architecture and beauty. The city’s popularity as a tourist destination keeps growing steadily, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world throughout the year.

Many adventurous activities take place in this city, providing guests with an unforgettable travel experience. Hot air ballooning is one such wonderful adventurous activity in Jaipur. Read on to know more about hot air balloon Jaipur.

Locations to go on a hot air balloon, Jaipur

The hot air balloon activity takes place in several sites throughout Jaipur. Some popular destinations are Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Shiv Vilas, and the Delhi-Jaipur Road. Depending on the direction of the wind, the scene changes constantly. The pilot determines the take-off site primarily in consideration of the passenger’s safety.

As they glide over traditional local villages, stunning forts, breathtaking landscapes, and secret palaces, tourists have the opportunity to discover Jaipur from a unique perspective. The pristine and magnificent environment surrounding Samode Palace & Village is another second flying area.

How to reach Jaipur?

• Nearest Railway Station: The Jaipur Railway Station is located in the heart of Jaipur’s city center, and trains travel daily to and from all parts of India.
• Nearest Airport: Jaipur Airport is located 10 kilometers from the city center in the suburbs of Jaipur. Daily flights are accessible from India’s major cities.
• Nearest Bus Station: Jaipur’s primary bus station is Sindhi Camp. Buses to and from the adjacent metro cities run on a daily basis. The Yamuna highway connects Jaipur to Delhi at a distance of 272 kilometers.

Usual itinerary for hot air balloon, Jaipur

Early morning, soon before daybreak, ballooning in Jaipur starts. The operator picks you up in the early hours of the morning (ensure you know the time before you venture out of your Oyo Rooms) and transports you to the launch location, where you meet the pilot. The pilot gives you an overview of the activity and the safety measures before serving you some light refreshments.

After that, you get in the basket and watch the operator set up the balloon and progressively inflate it. The pilot throttles the gas once the balloon is filled, and you launch off into the deep blue sky. Once in the air, you’ll be greeted to a spectacular, foggy view of Jaipur, which features royal palaces, old forts, lakes, and the pink roofs of tiny dwellings, as well as the wide deserts and the Aravalli Range. It’s a breathtaking sight to witness such beautiful scenery.

You don’t have to worry about snacking since they’ll take care of it – once again, confirm with the operator. When you arrive at the hot air balloon Jaipur launch site, you will be offered refreshments such as coffee, tea, and cookies. They have a well-trained team to assist you throughout the experience.

The view is only enhanced as the sun rises beyond the horizon, coloring the sky scarlet before changing to a cerulean blue. After nearly an hour in the air, the pilot will search for a suitable landing place and park the balloon there. You’ll wait for the team to come once you’re on the ground. Then you may see them deflate and unload the balloon. After this, the operator will drop you off at the pick-up point.

Maximum height reached

Depending on the topography and weather of the site, the balloon reaches various altitudes. The ride reaches a maximum altitude of about 1200 feet above ground level.

Best timing to go on the ride

Rides are often scheduled two hours before sunrise and two hours after sunset. The hot air balloon may operate at these times since the winds are light, allowing for a smooth passage. The hot air balloon activity is usually scheduled at 5:30 a.m. from April to June (no evening rides will be done due to extreme heat), 6:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from September to November, and 6:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from December to March.

Duration of the ride

The ride is usually around an hour long. However, the entire time spent getting ready, inflating the balloon, and launching it is approximately 3 hours.

Number of people allowed

A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 riders are flown in a hot air balloon ride in  Jaipur.

Safety precautions

In India, hot air ballooning is one of the most popular adventure sports, and it is a relatively safe activity with very little risk. The balloons, as well as the operators, are qualified, and they adhere to the highest safety regulations to ensure maximum safety during the ballooning sessions. The pilots, too, are well-trained and skilled, and they are well-versed in the activity. They do a safety check of the balloon and the wind conditions before each ride, and if they find anything out of place or unfavorable, they will not take off. You won’t have to worry about anything because all of the safety regulations for ballooning are followed.

Covid-19 guidelines

The following covid-19 protocols will be followed during the hot air balloon ride, Jaipur.

1. Passengers will be obliged to wear a Face Mask at all times during their ride. Before boarding business cars and balloons, hand sanitizer and masks will be provided.
2. Before and after each ride, all equipment and the vehicle will be cleaned and sanitized.
3. One day before their balloon safari, all passengers must submit a Self-Declaration Form.
4. Prior to entering the balloon, passengers’ temperatures will be taken.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be worn by all team members at all times.

Health regulations and other guidelines to consider

• Ballooning is a non-strengthening activity that does not necessitate any form of preparation or fitness. This excursion is suitable for everyone of any age or fitness level. However, if you have any health difficulties, such as heart problems, you should first visit your doctor. Keep in mind that you’ll have to stand in the basket for around an hour.
• To board the balloon, you must be at least five years old and 1.5 meters tall. There are no age restrictions. The ride is suitable for people of all ages.
• Pregnant women are the only ones who are not allowed to fly for the sake of their child’s safety.
• Because the heated air in the balloon is around 100°C and the basket is quite warm, you should dress comfortably. People have a tendency to overdress and afterward regret it. Instead, opt for layers that can be readily removed.
• Don’t forget to bring your shades and hats.
• When ballooning, you should also wear boots because you may have to go across fields that have morning dew on them.

Cost for hot air balloon rides

Hot air balloon ride, Jaipur cost ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 15,000 per person. It largely depends on the service chosen. The overall itinerary of the tours, including the flying time, is identical. When you look at the return policies of the packages, you’ll notice a difference. If the ride is canceled due to adverse weather or wind conditions, usually, you will not be issued a refund for the budget packages.

The operator does, however, allow you to reschedule the ride for a day when the wind conditions are more favorable. In the case of the premium package, the operator will provide a refund if the ride is canceled due to adverse weather or wind conditions. The itinerary is identical except for the return policy.

Where to find hot air balloon rides?

There are many popular services in Jaipur that offer these rides at an affordable price with all the safety measures. Sky waltz balloon safari Jaipur price is quite reasonable, and they are one of the most reputed services. A balloon safari, which lasts about an hour and takes you above the huge forts and palaces, may be booked with this service. This ride is available from Shiv Vilas, Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, and the Delhi-Jaipur Road.

Sky Waltz Balloon Safari is Jaipur’s most reputable and safe hot air balloon provider. They are the first fully licensed commercial Hot Air Balloon operation in India, and they have received government approval. They have an international team of certified pilots from Europe, the United States, Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom.

Make sure you let the operator know which Oyo Rooms you are staying at. They will plan the itinerary and schedule accordingly.

Conclusion

You may have already visited Jaipur, strolling through palaces and streets and admiring the beauty of the city from rooftop cafés, forts, and hilltop attractions. A hot air balloon ride in Jaipur will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appreciate the city’s grandeur from above. From a unique vantage point, see the Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, challenging routes, terrains, grand monuments, sandy stretches, hidden nooks and spots, mountains, and traditional local communities. Getting a bird’s eye view of the entire city and its inhabitants from above is a truly thrilling experience.

OYO