Hyderabad Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 Concludes on January 18: How to Book, Cost and Venue

Hyderabad's skies are set to return to normal as the Hyderabad Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 heads into its final day on Saturday, January 18.

The three day spectacle, held as part of Sankranti celebrations, has drawn large crowds with its promise of panoramic views and vibrant night displays. The festival began near the historic Golconda Fort at the Golf Club premises and was formally inaugurated by State Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao.

As part of the opening ceremony, Jupally Krishna Rao himself took a hot air balloon ride from the Golconda Golf Club to the outskirts of Appajiguda, travelling nearly 13 kilometres in about one and a half hours. Speaking about the initiative, the minister said it marked "a new chapter in the state's tourism journey".

'Celebrate the Sky' event marks Sankranti festivities

Branded as the "Celebrate the Sky" event, the Hot Air Balloon Festival followed the Kite and Sweet Festival organised by Telangana Tourism at Parade Grounds between January 13 and 15. The balloon festival has also coincided with the two day Mega Drone Show at Gachibowli Stadium, which concludes today, making this week a packed calendar for residents and tourists alike.

The event has featured a mix of morning free flight balloon rides and evening tethered experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy Hyderabad's skyline from different vantage points. According to organisers, the festival has deployed 15 international standard balloons, PTI reported.

Ticket prices, timings and ride details

Visitors planning to attend the last day should note that morning balloon rides are priced at ₹2,000 per person. These rides last between 30 and 40 minutes, rise to an altitude of up to 4,500 feet and typically cover a distance of 8 to 10 kilometres.

Evening sessions include tethered rides and Night Glow Shows, which are more accessible, with spectator fees starting as low as ₹15. BookMyShow explains the tethered experience as one where "ropes are attached to the Balloon and the Balloon ascends up to 50 feet above the ground. Each Flight would last for approximately 7-10 minutes, with between 1-3 people on board each flight."

Venue, age limit and access details

The main venue for the festival is Parade Ground, Secunderabad. The event is open to participants aged five years and above.

Timings begin from 5:00 am onwards. The morning session runs from 5:30 am to 9:00 am, with take off from the Golconda Golf Club. The evening session is scheduled from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with the Night Glow experience held at Parade Grounds.

For those using public transport, the nearest metro station is JBS Parade Ground Station on the Blue and Green Lines.

Steps to book Hyderabad Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 tickets

• Step 1: Visit the official booking partner, BookMyShow.
• Step 2: Choose the preferred date and session, either the morning balloon ride or the evening Night Glow tethered experience.
• Step 3: Enter the required personal details and complete the payment process.
• Step 4: Take a printout of the booking confirmation and also keep a soft copy on your mobile phone for entry on the day of the event.

With the festival ending tomorrow, organisers are expecting a final rush of visitors keen to experience Hyderabad from the skies before the balloons are grounded.