he skies above Hyderabad are lighting up with colour as the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 launches a three‑day aerial celebration from January 16 to 18. The event — part of Telangana’s Sankranti festivities — is drawing locals, visitors and adventure lovers keen to experience panoramic views and vibrant night‑time spectacles.
A Grand Sky Festival Returns
Organised by the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), the festival features around 18 hot air balloons — many piloted by internationally certified professionals — rising from launch points such as the Golf Club near Golconda Fort in the mornings. Early sessions offer scenic flights over Hyderabad’s historic and urban landscapes, while the evenings light up with tethered balloons and “Night Glow” shows at Parade Ground in Secunderabad.
The festival was inaugurated with a flight by Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who took part in a balloon ride that covered nearly 13 kilometres over the city — a symbolic moment meant to herald a new chapter for tourism in the state.
Ticket Prices and Booking
Balloon rides and event attendance have proven highly popular, and many tickets sold out quickly through online platforms such as BookMyShow.
Ticket overview:
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Morning Balloon Ride: Around ₹2,000 per person plus GST. These flights offer extended aerial experiences lasting approximately 30–40 minutes, reaching up to around 4,500 feet and covering several kilometres.
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Evening Tethered Experiences & Night Glow Shows: These shorter, ground‑tethered balloon experiences — perfect for spectators — have nominal fees, with some tickets as low as ₹15 for participants watching the illuminated displays.
Booking: Tickets could be reserved through online booking partners like BookMyShow. Prospective attendees choose dates and preferred sessions, make payments, and receive confirmations digitally before attending.
What to Expect at the Festival
Morning Sessions:
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Balloons ascend at first light, offering scenic flights and striking aerial views.
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Wind and weather conditions influence launch sites on subsequent days.
Evening Attractions:
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Night Glow Balloon Shows — tethered balloons lit against dusk skies — are family‑friendly and visually captivating.
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Cultural and interactive elements enhance the festive atmosphere.
