The first hot air balloon ride was seen in Paris, in the year 1783; ever since 1950s this technology has become a popular way to enjoy aerial rides. The hot air balloon has the heated air and beneath it, a gondola or wicket is suspended that carries passengers from one place to another.
The heated air within makes it buoyant and it can fly only within the atmospheric limits, unlike the gas balloon. If you are an adventurist, do not miss this ride and choose any of the following destinations that provide mesmeric hot air balloon rides.
The exhilarating experience of being in the air safely and comfortably and viewing the most spectacular landscapes is indeed hard to resist, thus read on the destinations below and choose the perfect one for you –
1. Masai Mara, Kenya
Hot air balloon rides are exceptionally popular activities at the Masai Mara National Reserve. You can have a grand look on the wildlife below – the gathering of gazelles, zebras, and other wild beasts would be a treat to your eyes. These trips are conducted every year from July to October.
2. Cappadocia, Turkey
If you are in Turkey, then a hot air balloon ride in this semi-arid region of Cappadocia is a worth act. You get to see ethereal natural sites, tall, conical rock formations all concentrated at the Monks Valley and around. You will also be able to explore the Bronze Age homes created by the troglodytes (cave dwellers) that were later used as homes by early Christians. There is a 100 metre deep Ihlara Canyon with numerous rocky churches.
3. Albuquerque, USA
The most populous city in New Mexico, Albuquerque is a high altitude Travel destination for hot air balloon rides. You can witness the awe-inspiring city life from above and the natural boundaries that envelope around. Thousands of balloons float in the clear sky in every October, celebrating the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta along with fireworks and concerts. However, the hot air balloon rides for passengers have its part of excitement.
4. Luxor, Egypt
Egypt, a dreamland for travellers who love nature and desert lands. Luxor is often known as the “world’s largest open air museum” – now its evident why we keep this place in the top list for hot air balloon rides. The temple complexes ruins at Karnak and Luxor is worth a view. Just opposite the River Nile, you can see the huge temples, tombs, and monuments of the West Bank Necropolis. To catch a glimpse of the Valley of the Kings and the Queens, a balloon ride in this modern city should be atop your “to do” list in Egypt.
5. Serengeti, Tanzania
Lying in northern Tanzania, Serengeti is the largest geographical area in the world that is home to a vast number of terrestrial mammal migrations. It is included in the list of Seven Natural Wonders of Africa; with a hot air balloon ride in this zone, you can have a glance at the breathtaking wildlife below. It has one of the largest lion population and around 70 other larger mammal species. The landscape comprises swamps, riverine forests, grasslands, kopjes and woodlands. Expect to see zebras, gazelles, buffalos and many more wild beasts.
Apart from the above mentioned Holidays destinations, there are many more places that give you a wonderful hot air balloon ride like the Napa Valley, Wadi Rum, Bagan in Myanmar, Queenstown in New Zealand and others.
