Hyderabad added a new aerial attraction to its Sankranti celebrations as the three-day Hot Air Balloon Festival (January 16–18, 2026) kicked off near the historic Golconda Fort, with balloons lifting off from the Golf Club premises.
Minister Takes the First Ride, Calls It a “New Chapter”
Telangana Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao inaugurated the festival and also took a hot air balloon ride during the opening. According to reported details, he remained airborne for nearly 1.5 hours, covering about 13 km, with the ride starting near Golconda Golf Club and ending around the outskirts of Appajiguda.
What Visitors Are Getting: Sunrise Flights + Evening “Night Glow”
The festival format is designed as a two-part experience:
- Morning free-flying rides on the city’s outskirts/near Golconda, offering a longer aerial experience.
- Evening “night glow” / tethered experiences at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, positioned as a more family-friendly viewing-and-short-ride option.
Big Turnout, Bigger Visuals
Reports from the launch morning said nearly 18 balloons (carrying 7–8 passengers each) rose into the air, with about 50 people participating in rides including ticket-holders and VIPs.
Ticket Frenzy: Sold Out in Seconds
Demand spiked early. The Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) indicated that 330 tickets released for the three days sold out within seconds, and organisers were considering releasing additional tickets. Morning rides were priced at ₹2,000 + GST, while evening tethered rides were described as free with a nominal registration fee (₹15) on BookMyShow, as per TGTDC’s statement quoted in reports.
Safety and Eligibility: Advisory in Place
Organisers issued a detailed advisory for passengers. Rides were stated to be open to those aged 5 and above, with restrictions/strong discouragement for certain categories including pregnant women and those with recent surgeries or specific medical conditions, and a requirement that participants be fit enough for landing protocols.
Part of a Bigger “Sky Festival” Push
The balloon festival is part of Telangana’s broader Sankranti tourism calendar, alongside the International Kite & Sweet Festival (Jan 13–15) at Parade Grounds and a drone show at Gachibowli Stadium (Jan 16–17), positioning Hyderabad as a multi-venue “celebrate the sky” destination during the festive week.
By – Sonali