Hyderabad, Jan 16: The historic skyline of Golconda was transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors this morning as the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) officially launched the city’s first large-scale Hot Air Balloon Festival.

The three-day event, running from January 16 to 18, 2026, was inaugurated at the Hyderabad Golf Club, situated in the shadows of the majestic Golconda Fort. State Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao marked the occasion by taking the inaugural flight, spending nearly 90 minutes in the air and covering a distance of 13 kilometers before landing on the outskirts of Appajiguda.

The festival is part of the state’s broader Sankranti celebrations, aiming to position Telangana as a premier destination for adventure tourism. “This initiative marks a new chapter in our tourism journey,” said Minister Rao upon landing. “While our Kite and Sweet festivals celebrate our rich traditions, the Hot Air Balloon and Drone festivals showcase our future-oriented vision, blending heritage with modern technology.” The event features 15 international-standard balloons operated by expert pilots from across Europe and the globe.

Overwhelming Public Response

Public enthusiasm for the event has been unprecedented. Tickets for the morning rides, which were made available on platforms like BookMyShow, reportedly sold out within minutes of release. Due to the nature of ballooning, which is highly dependent on wind direction, morning takeoff locations for the remaining two days will be finalized daily, with Jalamandalii Park and Himayatsagar identified as tentative alternative sites.

For those who missed the morning slots, the Night Glow Balloon Shows at the Parade Grounds offer a more accessible spectacle. These evening sessions feature illuminated balloons rhythmically “glowing” against the night sky, creating a mesmerizing visual for thousands of spectators.

TGTDC Managing Director Kranthi Valluru emphasized that safety remains the top priority. All participating pilots are internationally certified, and each flight is subject to strict weather clearances. Vehicles are also stationed at various points to transport passengers back to the starting venue after their cross-country landings.

The festival concludes this Sunday, January 18, with officials expecting it to become an annual fixture in Hyderabad’s cultural calendar.