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Hot Air Balloon Festival Karnataka

Winter calls for steaming mugs of hot chocolate, cuddles under the blanket, and warmth all around! Pleasant weather and celebrations, good times with family and friends – the end of the year is a beautiful time! As the crisp autumn air slowly changes into winter chill, it brings nostalgia for the year gone by and anticipation for the year to come. 

It’s also the best time to plan a getaway and celebrate the year that has passed! With festivals and celebrations taking place almost everywhere in the country, you’re guaranteed a great time during this beautiful season! Are you still undecided about where to go this winter? Look no further, because we have a spectacular holiday plan in mind for you! Fancy bidding farewell to the year as you soar high above the clouds, with ancient monuments below, and the sunrise peeking through the clouds? Then the Hot Air Balloon Festival in 2019 is where you should be!

When and Where

Hot air ballon festival

Like each year, the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019 is a four-day event organised by Karnataka Tourism to promote aero sports in the state. It is usually held at the end of December with a possibility of being extended to January. The Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019 will take place across the beautiful locations of Hampi, Mysore, and Bidar, at the same time. The clear skies of winter are ideal for gliding with the wind in a hot air balloon. The balloon ride offers some of the most awe-inspiring views of heritage sites and beautiful forests in Karnataka! Numerous multi-colored balloons floating in the air oh-so-gently against the backdrop of orange skies are a sight to behold. 

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And did we mention how beautiful the state of Karnataka is? Who would say no to panoramic aerial views of its dense forests, magical reserves, ancient ruins, and spice and coffee plantations? Sounds good. right? If we were you, we’d sign up immediately for the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019!

Why You Should Try Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballon festival

At some point in our lives, we’ve all wished we could sprout wings and fly away! Sure, there’s always an airplane, but watching the skies is not nearly as fun when confined in a giant, pressurized metal tube. So imagine feeling the cold wind in your face as you gently, almost poetically rise upwards in a colorful balloon. The ground below disappears slowly, and before you know it, you’re flying above treetops with wisps of clouds floating by you. It’s no wonder why hot air ballooning is an adventure activity gaining immense popularity and fame in India. 

And to top it all, hot air balloon rides are totally safe. The Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019 happens in the right season when flying conditions are ideal. Certified operators and agencies conduct all the trips – they’re pros who know precisely what they’re doing. They adhere to strict safety protocols and ensure the number of passengers doesn’t exceed the prescribed weight limit. 

A hot air balloon ride is a great way to experience being out in the skies. It is a relaxed and peaceful experience that appeals to everyone. Not all of us have the stomach or spine for paragliding and skydiving. But a ride at the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019 is the perfect way to take flight and welcome the new year – an experience that will stay with you forever!

Experiences at the Festival

Hot air ballon festival

The Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019 is a four-day celebration that takes place at the end of December, sometimes extending to the first few days of January. Apart from serenely gliding across the skies, the festival also hosts several competitions and demonstrations. Adrenaline-seekers at the festival can also try out thrilling activities such as paragliding, bungee jumping, and ziplining!

The balloon rides usually take place early in the mornings and at sunset. These are the best times to glide over spectacular views of ancient temple ruins in Hampi or the grand palaces of Mysore. Early mornings and sunset also have the best wind conditions for flying. It also leaves you time in the afternoons to explore the beautiful village of Hampi on foot or a bike.

During the balloon festival in 2019, tourists will once again have the option to choose between a smaller balloon carrying up to six people, or a bigger one that can accommodate ten or more people on the same trip. We would recommend choosing the smaller balloon for a more personal and intimate flying experience! 

It is best not to wear thick, woolen clothes for the ride, even though you think the temperatures will drop. The gas propelling the balloon makes it quite warm on the flight. The trips last for over an hour, giving you ample time to take in the views and snap fantastic aerial shots of Karnataka! The sights are particularly spectacular during sunset when the orange hues of the sun bathe the entire horizon. Once you come back down to earth – both literally and metaphorically – wrap up the experience by shopping or eating at some of the local stalls.

We couldn’t think of a more beautiful way to celebrate the year past with close friends and family! 

When in Karnataka

The balloon festival in 2019 is the perfect excuse to plan an extended stay in Karnataka! Experience this beautiful state’s rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty – whether you’re attending the festival in Mysore, Hampi, or Bidar. If you’re attending the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019 in Mysore, don’t miss out on a visit to the majestic Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, and Jagmohan Palace! Try the mouth-watering Mysore Pak and Mysore Masala Dosa while you’re at it. Perhaps pick up a beautiful Mysore Silk Saree to add to your collection. A trip to Karnataka would be incomplete without exploring the spectacular ruins of Hampi! Cycling around the village is one of the best ways to experience it!

The hill-top city of Bidar is a treasure trove of history and heritage monuments such as the Bidar Fort. Other popular destinations here are Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple, and Basavakalyan.

Getting There

Best Way to Reach Hampi

By Air: The nearest airport to Hampi is the Belgaum airport, which is located at a distance of 270 km from the city. Bangalore airport is 300 km from Hampi. Travelers can take a bus or taxi to reach Hampi from the airport

By Train: There is no railway station in Hampi. Hospet which is 13 km from Hampi is the nearest railhead

By Road: Hampi is well-connected by road to Bangalore and other major cities of Karnataka. Regular KSRTC buses ply from Hospet to Hampi. If you would like to come by road, there are several buses, taxis or car-rental services available

Best Way to Reach Mysore

By Air: The nearest airport to Mysore is the new Bangalore International Airport, which is located at a distance of about 170 km. Bangalore is well-connected to all major cities in India. 

By Bus: Travelers can also take a bus from Kempegowda Bus Station in Majestic (near the Bangalore City Railway Station) to Mysore. You can choose from state transport buses or private tour operators. The bus journey from Bangalore to Mysore takes three hours.

By Train: Mysore is well-connected by train throughout the region. Several express trains cover the distance between Bangalore and Mysore in three hours. Some of the trains plying between the two are Tippu Express, Chamundi Express, Kaveri Express, and Mysore Express.

By Road/Self Drive: If you are driving to Mysore from Bangalore, take the Mysore Road (SH 17) till Mysore via Kengeri, Ramanagaram, and Mandya. Alternatively, you can take the route from Jayanagar, Bangalore, on the Kanakpura Road (NH 209) via Kanakapura, Malavalli, and Bannu. 

Best Way to Reach Bidar

The nearest airport to Bidar is located in Hyderabad. It is an international airport and connected to all the major cities.  Bidar is also connected by train to major cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. An excellent network of roads also connects it to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gulbarga, and Bijapur.

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