Tamil Nadu may soon get a hot air balloon safari park

COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu may soon be home to south India’s first hot air balloon adventure park. The Tamil Nadu Balloon Adventures (TNIBF) has launched the trial phase of the balloon safari in Pollachi. It will be conducted in Madurai and Tiruvannamalai, as well. A permanent hot air balloon flight operations hub and aviation park will be established in one of these three places based on the outcome of the trial phase.

The trial is being held on the campus of the Pollachi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Poosaripatti. It started on Jan 4 and will conclude on Jan 26. Following this, the trial will be held in Madurai from Jan 30 to Feb 22. It will be held in Tiruvannamalai from Feb 26 to March 29.

Benedict Savio, founder of Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, said, “The trial phase will evaluate operational feasibility, safety standards, visitor response and long-term scalability. The balloon safari initiative aims at introducing hot air ballooning as a safe, sustainable, and experiential adventure tourism product, aligned with the vision of Tamil Nadu Tourism to diversify tourism offerings and enhance high-value visitor experiences. Once the study is completed, a permanent balloon safari will be set up, converting this into an active tourism destination at least for six to seven months from September to March. However, ballooning is completely weather-dependent.”

He said three trail destinations have been carefully chosen for their scenic beauty, cultural significance and strong tourism appeal, offering visitors a unique aerial experience of Tamil Nadu’s diverse landscapes and heritage.

Benedict added, “Once this turns into a permanent set-up, it will be the only kind in south India. There is one in Jaipur. Once established, it will be a major leap in tourism in Tamil Nadu. The trial is being supported by the TN tourism department.”

The TNIBF is scheduled to conduct its annual balloon festival at Jallikattu Grounds in Coimbatore from Jan 15 to 18. The festival will showcase hot air balloons from various countries, featuring a spectacular display of diverse hot air balloons and mini hot air balloons in unique shapes, vibrant colours, and stunning designs. Carnival timings are between 4 pm and 9.30 pm, and the hot air balloon show is from 5.30pm onwards.