You read that right—India hosts hot air balloon rides, too! Although it won’t be as enchanting as Cappadocia, it would be a perfect day outing to enjoy with your loved ones. To elaborate further, Damdama Lake is situated in the Indian city of Haryana and is a man-made reservoir that was commissioned in 1947 to harvest rainwater. The lake, held by an embankment, is fed mainly by monsoon rain pouring into a trough at the base of the?Aravali hill range. The lake greets its visitors with a water level down to 20?ft (6.1?m). Eventually, during monsoon, the water level reaches up to 50?ft (15?m) – 70?ft (21?m). The lake is nearby to Delhi and would perfectly fit your India tour itinerary.
A Little Bit About Damdama Lake
The name “Damdama” literally translates to “a place to rest” which reflects its historical significance as a resting spot for travelers and traders. Moreover, the lake has been a part of the local culture since its inception and is maintained pristinely for its biodiversity. Damdama Lake is an important biodiversity area within the Northern Aravalli Leopard Wildlife Corridor stretching from Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, Rajasthan to Delhi. Active efforts by NGOs and government bodies are in place to preserve the lake and its unique flora and fauna from rampant development. Now when we talk about accessibility, Damdama Lake is easily accessible from the capital city Delhi and Gurugram. It is close to 40 km from Gurugram and can be reached by road which will take up to an hour at the most. Once you reach the lake you can plan your day by taking part in several adventurous activities hosted there. Some of the most popular activities hosted at Damdama Lake include boating, parasailing, kayaking, cycling, angling, rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, and valley crossing. And if you are a nature enthusiast then you are left gobsmacked with the scenic landscape that surrounds Damdama Lake. It is a birdwatcher’s haven with migratory and endemic birds like cranes, waterfowls, terns, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers, etc. So, make sure that you get to capture the natural beauty of Damdama Lake while visiting.
Hot-Air Balloon Ride at Damdama Lake
As you reach Damdama Lake you will be spoiled with several adventure sports choices and one of such, hot air ballooning will be discussed in detail here. Hot air balloon rides at Damdama Lake are hosted by companies like Wanderlust and Rock Sport Adventures who maintain the strictest of safety standards for the rides they host. Next, as you plan to take a hot-air balloon ride, your choice of organizer will pick you up from the hotel and drop you at the launch site. Afterward, once you are set to fly with the winds blowing over Damdama Lake, you will go up to an estimated height of 5,000 feet and the ride duration is about an hour. Keep in mind that the cost of a hot-air balloon ride varies depending on the organizer you choose to go for, and you should do prior bookings which will help plan the entire day.
Travel Tips to Keep in Mind
First things first, as mentioned earlier it is advisable to do prior bookings for hot-air balloon rides as it will ensure that the trip is seamless. Also, you need to be aware of the availability and slots according to your preference to have an unforgettable experience at Damdama Lake. After you are done with bookings, you can shift your focus towards what to wear and what “not” to wear while on your trip to Damdama Lake. Depending on the month and time of the year, the weather in and around Damdama Lake changes because of its hilly topography. If you are visiting during the summer months make sure that you are well-prepped to handle the heat since the temperature can rise to 45 degrees and more. You should plan your visit to Damdama Lake around the colder months, i.e. between October to March. As for clothing, layer up since it gets chilly as the ride goes up and for footwear go for closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort. Make sure that you avoid any kind of loose clothing or accessories that might get caught up in the hot-air balloon’s equipment.
Moving on to safety concerns, you will be introduced to a safety briefing by the hot-air balloon ride instructor right before the ride. Pay extremely close attention to the details, specifically regarding how to board and disembark safely. In general, hot-air balloon rides are safe but it’s essential to follow all safety protocols while onboard. Once up are up and above in the air you can take in the beautiful sight that lies beneath the balloon. You can capture scenic landscapes either on your smartphone or on your camera as it pleases you. Also, while you are up there do slather yourself with enough sunscreen as the UVA/UVB rays would be shining directly on you and it’s always preferable to sunproof yourself especially in a tropical country. And sunscreen is necessary so is remaining hydrated even while being high up in the sky! Make sure that you carry a water bottle along to quench your thirst and stay hydrated throughout the hot-air balloon ride.
Remember that all activities carry their own set of expectations and experiences which is why you should try to reach the launch location as early as possible. This will ensure that you complete your check-in process and enjoy the pre-flight activities. Meanwhile, you can practice some breathing exercises to calm your nerves before your hot-air balloon ride at Damdama Lake. Once the ride is on absorb in all the beauty that’s on display and create memories that will last you a lifetime. Once you are done with the hot-air balloon ride (which will take about 45 minutes to an hour) try to combine other sports activities into your plan. For example, you can follow up the ride with a boating excursion across the lake, take up a session of rock climbing or maybe just lay down and cool off in one of the picnic spots situated at Damdama Lake.
Closing Thoughts
For foreign tourists, a hot air balloon ride at Damdama Lake is more than just an adventure; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and experience the thrill of floating above one of Haryana’s most beautiful landscapes (which is just as exciting as it sounds). The way to Damdama Lake is beautiful as you will enjoy scenic views of lush greenery. Once you reach Damdama Lake, you can also enjoy elephant and camel rides. It is a complete hub of leisure for you as it offers a wide array of adventure activities, and boat rides and treats your hunger pangs as well. Whether you’re an adrenaline buff, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking for a unique way to celebrate a special occasion, or just curious enough, this experience is sure to leave you spellbound. So next time you visit Delhi, make sure to include a visit to Damdama Lake, in your travel diary.
