Hot air balloon ride at Jakkur

Going past the Jakkur aerodrome this weekend, one could see a huge air balloon rising from the ground, fed with flames and being held onto by a dozen people. 

Hot air balloon ride at Jakkur

A little away were excited shrieks of children, their parents and onlookers who waited patiently for more than half a day for a short ride on the balloon. 

Piloting the brick-red air balloon, emblazoned with Royal Challengers Bangalore RCB logo is Rita Yadav, India’s first qualified air balloon pilot. 

Aero Adventures

"We may not take to the air this weekend as rains and winds are expected,’’ she had said two days ago. But sporting a pair of jeans and tees, she waited patiently like many enthusiasts who wanted a ride for the better part of Saturday till the weather finally cleared late in the evening for VT-RCB to take to the air. 

The tethered ride on the balloon reaches up to a maximum of 100 feet up in the air or is equivalent to standing on the balcony of a 12-storyed building.

Kids enjoy hot air balloon ride

The first to take to the air were friends Pooja and Priyanka. ``Initially, we were scared of the flames licking the balloon just a few feet above our heads. But, we got used to it and got busy clicking pictures. It was a good experience getting off the ground and we really enjoyed the ride,’’ says Pooja once firmly back on terra firma. Priyanka’s only regret was that they forgot to pose for a photograph when inside the balloon. 

Six-year-old Cheeku too was waiting to get into the `basket’ for a long time. And, so were his parents. Calling themselves Aero Adventures, Yadav and her partner Sheetal, who are based in Madhya Pradesh, travel around the country with their air balloon.

Aero Adventures has an Air Operator Permit, which is renewed every year and complies with all DGCA rules and regulations. Sheetal adds that they follow stringent international safety norms. 

For the adventurous, the rules are simple: Wear comfortable clothing and women should avoid sarees, skirts and heels. 

 The air balloon rides are offered on May 8, 14, 15, 20 and 21 at Jakkur aerodrome, north Bangalore. The cost per adult is Rs 1,999 and children under 10 Rs 1.499. Each ride is between five to eight minutes. 

 The event is scheduled for 4.30 pm. Have a great flight! 

For boarding passes contact +919342263017 and +919980645854.