Hot air balloons took off from the Hyderabad Golf Club located near the iconic Golconda Fort on Friday (January 16, 2026) morning. Around 40 passengers were carried in 18 hot air balloons. The passengers comprised mainly print and electronic media representatives along with a few social media influencers. This marks the beginning of the Telangana’s Hot Air Balloon Festival scheduled from January 16 to 18.Officials said that in the evening, 10 to 15 tethered balloons are expected to operate at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, accommodating approximately 130 to 133 visitors who have booked tickets online. “Unlike the free-flying balloons in the morning, these would be tethered and ascend to a limited height before descending back to the same spot,” a senior Tourism Department official added.The morning flights were part of the inaugural Hot Air Balloon Festival, which was launched at the Hyderabad Golf Club premises. Minister for Tourism and Culture Jupally Krishna Rao inaugurated the event and also took a ride. He spent nearly 1.5 hours in the air, covering a distance of about 13 kilometres. The flight began near the Hyderabad Golf Club and concluded at the outskirts of Appajiguda.Hot air balloons over Hyderabad’s high-rises on Friday (January 16, 2026) morning | Video Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT“The focus is on showcasing Telangana’s natural beauty and historical legacy to a global audience. Adventure tourism initiatives, such as hot air ballooning, play a key role in attracting both domestic and international tourists by offering more immersive and experiential travel opportunities,” the Minister added.Hot air balloons fly over Hyderabad’s high-rises on Friday (January 16, 2026) morning | Video Credit: BY ARRANGEMENTPublished - January 16, 2026 11:00 am IST