About Ballooning
The first ever hot-air balloon 1783. However, with the advent of air planes, flights 'by lighter-tan-air' machines went out of fashion until it was revived in the last century as an adventure sport. Joy rides on the balloons can be had for a fee by the enthusiasts. The view from the top, according to the experience of some who have travelled up and down, is nothing but exhilerating.

An ace balloonist and the force behind professional ballooning in India is Major Mukesh Kumar Yadav who has flown his balloon from various points across the Himalayas, taking it to a height of 26,000 feet at an air show in Bangalore and has represented India at a ballooning competition in Japan.

Ballooning Tips
There's no age barrier to enjoy hot-air ballooning, but a you have to be fit, as you may have to walk through paddocks after landing.There are no seats in the basket - therefore, standing for the duration of the flight, about on hour is unavoidable. Its best not to take children along with you, reason being the comfort and enjoyment of other passengers. The size of the basket is quiet small and young children often get restless when in confined areas. The walls of the baskets are usually four feet high, and small children would have difficulty in seeing over, unless carried by an adult. Adults should accompany children under 12 years.

The best time to indulge in balooning is after sunrise when the winds are their calmest. Winter months provide the most reliable conditions, but during summer months its better take of early in the morning. The duration of ballooning flight can change at the pilot's discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.

Clothing should be exactly the way you wear during a hiking trip that includes sturdy shoes or boots plus sunglasses, gloves and a cap. Rememeber, it does not get any colder in the balloon than on the ground. Always bring an extra film for photography. When alone a balloon can rise upto 800 feet and above, while those in groups may be restricted to heights between 200 and 500 feet.

A balloon can move as fast as the wind blows, but high wind landings always require skill and experience. The passenger capacity depends on the size of the balloon, but usually it varies from 2 in sport balloons and up to 12 people in passenger balloons. The balloon crew tracks the flight and are usually there when the balloon lands.

Major Ballooning Sites In India
India also has its own hot-air balloons and the Ballooning Club of India organizes international balloon festivals and demonstration flights annually. There are Ballooning clubs in Guwahati, Dehradun, Bangalore and Jaipur.

Balloon Ride Over The Taj Mahal:
Hot-air ballooning in India is being given a new dimension by some travel agents/tour operators. They not only operate joy flights on the balloon but also conduct interesting tours like balloon-cum-horse or camel safaris. They also offer a view of the Taj Mahal from a balloon, with the Yamuna flowing by. The sight is not only an exciting but a thrilling experience.

Ballooning In Rajasthan:
The undulating sand dunes are ideal for ballooning buffs. People can even travel short distances between towns or historic resorts in these hot air balloons. The best attraction, of course, is to coast over fairs as Pushkar, or Beneshwar or Nagaur in a hot-air balloon.

Ballooning Places in India:

• Agra, UP
• Pushkar, Rajasthan
• Beneshwar, Rajasthan
• Nagaur, Rajasthan