SkyWaltz Balloon Safari

SkyWaltz is a hot-air balloon company with bases in Jaipur and the Delhi region, and it was the first fully licensed commercial balloon operator in India. It received authorisation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in January 2008 and has operated in Rajasthan since then, later adding branches in Udaipur and Lonavala in Maharashtra. By 2019 it had flown around 23,000 passengers. The company is a separate venture of E-Factor Adventure Tourism, headquartered in Noida.

A balloon flight gives a completely different view of the Jaipur region: rocky Aravalli ridges, farmland, villages and old forts and palaces seen from above as the sun comes up. SkyWaltz says its pilots are experienced commercial pilots, that its equipment is sourced from the UK and Europe, and that it follows internationally recognised safety standards and operating procedures.

Flights take place early in the morning, when winds are calm. When Outlook Traveller flew with SkyWaltz from Jaipur in 2014, the balloons were inflated before sunrise, passengers boarded just after 07:00 and the flight lasted about an hour, drifting over Samode Palace, its gardens and the surrounding hills before landing in a village field. That trip included light snacks, a first-flight certificate and pick-up and drop-off. Launch sites and inclusions can change, so check the current arrangements when you book.

Ballooning depends entirely on the weather, so flights may be cancelled at short notice for wind or poor visibility; build some flexibility into your plans and book an early day of your stay so there is time to reschedule. Expect an early pick-up from your hotel and a long morning. It is an expensive experience compared with most Jaipur activities, so it suits special occasions, couples and photographers. Check age and health requirements with the company before booking, and wear layers, as the desert morning is cool on the ground but warm near the burner.

SkyWaltz has also taken part in the Pushkar International Balloon Festival and organised a balloon festival in Agra in 2015. Hotels across Jaipur, including heritage properties such as Narain Niwas Palace, can arrange balloon rides, but booking directly through the company's website gives you the clearest picture of current flights and prices.