For the first time, Delhiites will be able to experience the city from the sky as the capital launches its first hot-air balloon ride this weekend. Introduced by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the new attraction is part of the ongoing effort to turn the Yamuna riverfront into a lively, people-friendly public space.
The balloon rides will begin at Baansera Park, a green zone developed along the Yamuna floodplain near Sarai Kale Khan. Unlike long-distance balloon safaris seen in tourist towns, Delhi’s version is a tethered ride, meaning the balloon remains firmly anchored to the ground while gently lifting passengers to a height of around 100 to 150 feet.
From the top, visitors can expect clear views of the Yamuna, surrounding green stretches, and parts of the city skyline — a rare and refreshing sight in a city better known for its traffic and crowded streets.
A calm experience, not an adventure rush
Officials involved in the project say the idea is to offer a relaxed, family-friendly experience rather than a thrill ride. Each flight will last about 15 to 20 minutes, with space for up to four passengers at a time. Trained staff will manage operations, and safety checks will be carried out before every ascent.
The ticket price is expected to be around ₹3,000 per person, excluding taxes. Initially, tickets will be available at the site itself, with online booking options likely to be introduced later.
When and where
The rides will operate during morning and evening hours, when wind conditions are most suitable. Since ballooning depends heavily on weather, services may be paused on days with strong winds, poor visibility or heavy pollution.
Baansera Park is only the starting point. The DDA has plans to extend the hot-air balloon experience to other locations along the Yamuna floodplain, including Asita East Park, the Commonwealth Games Village area and the Yamuna Sports Complex, in the coming months.
A new chapter for urban leisure
Hot-air ballooning has long been associated with destinations like Jaipur and Pushkar, making its arrival in Delhi a notable shift in how the city is rethinking recreation. Officials see it as a way to encourage people to spend more time in open spaces and reconnect with the riverfront, which has been largely ignored for decades.
As Delhi continues to add parks, cycling tracks and walking zones along the Yamuna, the balloon ride adds a fresh dimension — quite literally — to the city’s leisure map.
For residents looking for something different this weekend, the experience promises a quiet moment above the noise, offering a gentle reminder that Delhi still has space to surprise.
