Soaring over the enchanting landscapes of Sigiriya and Habarana is an unforgettable experience. The Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride offers aerial views of iconic landmarks and serene natural beauty during a 1-hour flight. With daily operations from November to May, this adventure includes a champagne tasting and convenient pickup service. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking vistas or a unique perspective, this balloon ride promises an unparalleled adventure.
Key Points
- The Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride offers a 1-hour aerial flight over the serene landscapes of Dambulla, providing breathtaking views of forests, lakes, villages, and the Sigiriya Rock.
- The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, with a morning take-off scheduled at 6:00 a.m., and is available daily from November to May, weather permitting.
- The balloons can accommodate up to 26 passengers, and the launch site is the picturesque Kandalama Lake, conveniently located near Dambulla and Sigiriya.
- Pricing starts from $275.00 per person, with early booking discounts and a "Reserve now & pay later" option, and free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
- Recommended items for the experience include a camera, comfortable clothing, warm layers, and binoculars, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with certain medical conditions.
Overview of the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
As a sunrise hot air balloon ride, this exhilarating experience takes visitors on a 1-hour aerial journey over the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka.
Launching from Kandalama Lake in Dambulla, the balloons soar above forests, lakes, villages, the Dambulla Golden Temple, and the iconic Sigiriya Rock.
Balloons soar above forests, lakes, villages, the Dambulla Golden Temple, and the iconic Sigiriya Rock, launching from Kandalama Lake in Dambulla.
Accommodating up to 26 passengers per balloon, the tour operates daily from November to May, weather permitting, with a morning take-off at 6:00 a.m.
After the flight, guests enjoy a champagne tasting before being transported back to their starting point.
Activity Duration and Seasonal Availability
The sunrise hot air balloon ride experience lasts approximately 4 hours, with the actual balloon flight itself taking 1 hour.
The activity is available daily from November to May, weather permitting. Passengers can expect to take off around 6:00 a.m. each morning, with the launch site located at Kandalama Lake in Dambulla.
The balloons can accommodate up to 26 passengers per flight, offering aerial views of the surrounding forests, lakes, villages, Dambulla Golden Temple, and the iconic Sigiriya Rock formation during the one-hour airborne experience.
Balloon Capacity and Launch Site
The balloons used for the sunrise hot air balloon ride over Sri Lanka can accommodate up to 26 passengers per flight.
The launch site for this adventure is the serene Kandalama Lake in Dambulla:
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Launched from the shores of the picturesque Kandalama Lake
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Offering unobstructed views of the surrounding forests, villages, and landmarks
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Conveniently located near popular destinations like Dambulla and Sigiriya
With the capacity to lift two dozen passengers at a time, this hot air balloon experience provides an intimate and exclusive aerial tour over the stunning landscapes of central Sri Lanka.
Pricing, Reservations, and Cancellation Policy
Pricing for the sunrise hot air balloon ride over Sri Lanka starts from $275.00 per person, with an early booking discount of up to 10% available.
Reservations can be made with a "reserve now & pay later" option. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Early booking is recommended due to high demand.
The experience is available daily from November to May, subject to suitable weather conditions.
Pickup service is free within Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Habarana, while taxi is recommended for other locations. Comprehensive insurance is included in the package.
More Great Tours NearbyPickup Locations and Transportation
For the convenience of guests, the hot air balloon experience offers free pickup service within the nearby areas of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Habarana.
For other locations, such as:
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Negombo
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Colombo
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Anuradhapura
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Polonnaruwa
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Trincomalee
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Kurunegala
A taxi is recommended.
After the 20-minute drive to the launch site at Dambulla’s Kandalama Lake, passengers enjoy a 15-minute breakfast and safety briefing before taking to the skies for the 1-hour balloon flight.
Itinerary and Inclusions
After the 20-minute drive to the launch site at Dambulla’s Kandalama Lake, the hot air balloon experience kicks off with a 15-minute breakfast and safety briefing.
Then, passengers board the 26-passenger balloon and soar over forests, lakes, and villages for an hour-long flight.
Once back on the ground, a 10-minute champagne tasting celebrates the adventure.
The package includes hotel transfers, breakfast, water, champagne, juice, and cake, as well as a personalized flight certificate and insurance.
However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with certain medical conditions.
Recommendations and Important Information
What should travelers bring to make the most of their hot air balloon ride over Sri Lanka? To capture the breathtaking aerial views, it’s recommended to bring a camera.
Travelers should bring a camera to capture the breathtaking aerial views on a hot air balloon ride over Sri Lanka.
Plus, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes will ensure a pleasant experience, especially during the champagne tasting after the flight.
Other essentials include:
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Hair ties to keep hair from blowing in the wind
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Binoculars for a closer look at the stunning landscapes below
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Warm clothing as temperatures can drop during the early morning hours
The weather policy allows for full refunds in case of cancellations due to unsuitable flying conditions.
Customer Reviews and Suitability
According to customer reviews, the hot air balloon ride over Sri Lanka boasts an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Praised for its breathtaking aerial views and top-notch organization, the experience is well-suited for special occasions, romantic getaways, and family adventures.
However, it’s crucial to note that the ride isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, including pregnancy and heart problems.
Guests are advised to dress comfortably and bring essential items like cameras and binoculars.
With free cancellation and excellent customer service, this sunrise balloon adventure is a must-try for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka.
Common Questions
Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary or Add Extra Activities?
Yes, customers can customize their itinerary or add extra activities prior to the balloon ride for an additional fee. Options include cultural tours, safari excursions, and more to enhance the overall experience.
How Stable and Safe Is the Hot Air Balloon During the Flight?
The hot air balloon is highly stable and safe during the flight. It’s equipped with modern safety features, and the experienced pilot ensures a smooth, controlled ascent and descent. Passengers can enjoy the scenic aerial views with confidence in their safety.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Passengers?
There’s no minimum age requirement, but the activity’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with heart problems or pre-existing medical conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Balloon Ride?
Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the balloon ride. The experience includes a pre-flight breakfast, cold water onboard, and celebratory champagne, juice, and cake after the flight.
Is There an Option to Extend the Flight Time or Do a Second Round?
The balloon ride has a fixed 1-hour flight time. There’s no option to extend or do a second round. However, the company can accommodate special requests for longer flights subject to availability and additional costs.
The Sum Up
The Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride over Sigiriya and Habarana offers an unparalleled aerial perspective of Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes. With convenient pickup services and a champagne tasting, this 1-hour flight is a must-do for any traveler seeking a unique and breathtaking experience. Operating during the peak season, it’s an unforgettable way to start the day and witness the region’s iconic landmarks from above.
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