Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning is unique from all other forms of flight as there is little sensation of motion or perception of height. Balloons travel with the wind & at the same speed, which makes for one of the magical sensations of the flight. “Sensational tranquility” … is how many describe it whilst others as “surreal, peaceful and quiet”.

Floating at heights of 500 to 2000 feet on average, this feeling of peace and tranquility is apparent from the extent of sighs & smiles as the earth seems to slowly descend & rotate below you whilst the views rapidly expand.

After the excitement of the takeoff (and its preparations with the inflation of the balloon), within moments you are at ease & in awe of the lofty spectacle while you effortlessly drift over the treetops, wildlife, lakes & rivers, cultural sites, local urban homesteads & landmarks like Sigiriya Rock.

Ballooning adds an intimacy with the landscape & people that most guests volunteer as “an experience of a lifetime” whilst floating over the Sri Lankan countryside in gentle, panoramic harmony with nature. Apart from the occasional burst of the burners there is little to disturb the unusual noiseless environment.

Your Typical Hot Air Balloon Flight

Hot-air balloon flight is a complete morning travel experience starting with your arrival at our meeting point (Kandalama Hotel) in the heart of the Cultural Triangle shortly before sunrise. From here we transfer you to the takeoff point normally at the edge of the Kandalama Tank (Lake) just meters from the hotel. The preparation and inflation of the balloon, flight briefing, takeoff, the flight, landing & retrieval plus return to your hotel after a champagne breakfast is, in all, about 3-4 hrs. You’ll be back at your hotel in time generally by 8:30-9:00am

A typical Hot Air Balloon flight is scheduled for take-off commencing soon after dawn to take advantage of the cool morning atmosphere and view the landscape also waking to a new day. The exact start time varies depending on the season and will be nominated when you make your reconfirmation call between 4 pm and 5 pm the day prior to your flight. Generally the arrival time at the launching point is 0630am.

On the morning of your Hot Air Balloon flight you will receive a wake-up call one hour prior to the meeting time. This call is put through ONLY if the weather is suitable for a flight. Cancellations are rare! No call – No flight! But you must be in reach of a telephone or be able to be reached i.e. via your hotel.

On the assumption that Sunrise is at approx 0700hrs then the following would apply as a typical flight.