Pushkar Hot Air Balloon Festival
Pushkar Hot Air Balloon Festival - The best time to indulge in ballooning is after sunrise when the winds are at the calmest.
The best time to go for ballooning in Pushkar is at the time of Pushkar Fair when the climate in Rajasthan is at its best offering. The half-hour ride in the sky of Pushkar is sure to send your adrenaline rushing while not being scary at all.
Winter months provide the most reliable conditions, but during summer it is better if the ride is taken early morning. The duration of ballooning flight can change at the pilots discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.
How to get there
By train: From Delhi to Ajmer by train and to Pushkar by road transport
By road: RSRTC buses run regularly from Delhi to Rajasthan.
Nearest Town: Ajmer
Exact Location: 11 km north west of Ajmer
Distance: Delhi “ Ajmer “ 389 km. Ajmer “ Pushkar : 11 km
Advisory
Physical fitness is of importance considering the walk through the paddocks during the hot air ballooning. The half hour ride is on foot, as there is no seating inside the gondola so it is advisable not to take children along.
Clothing should include sturdy shoes or boots plus sunglasses, gloves and a cap. Dont forget to bring an extra film for photography. When alone a balloon can rise upto 800 feet and above, while those in groups may be restricted to heights between 200 and 500 feet.
Other Information
The Pushkar fair takes place every year usually in November, depending on the cycle of the moon. In 2009, the official dates for the Pushkar Camel Fair are October 30 to November 2. Camel trading and other activities takes place over the 5 days leading up to the official start of the festival, after which time the focus shifts to heightened religious celebrations.