Hot Air Ballooning in Sri Lanka

Where do balloon flights take place?

Balloon flights in Sri Lanka take off in the Cultural Triangle, in the dry zone of the north-central region. The usual area is around Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandalama and Habarana. The exact launch site changes from day to day, because the pilots choose it based on the wind direction and speed. That way, the balloon drifts over the most beautiful scenery and lands safely in an open field.

From the air, you may see:

• Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock rising above the forest
• Ancient tanks (reservoirs) such as Kandalama, shining in the early light
• Rice paddies, coconut groves and small villages waking up for the day
• Wild elephants, deer and birds, if you are lucky

The Cultural Triangle is also where you will find Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa and the elephant parks, so a flight fits easily into a classic Sri Lanka itinerary. See our Cultural Triangle page.

When is the season?

Balloon flights usually operate from about November to April, during the drier and calmer months in the Cultural Triangle. Within this season, the settled weather of February to April is often the most reliable. Outside the season, the winds are usually too strong for safe flying, and operators don't fly.

Even in season, every flight depends on the weather that morning. Pilots check the wind and conditions before take-off, and if conditions aren't right, the flight is cancelled or moved. Ask for the operator's weather-cancellation, rescheduling and refund terms in writing before booking. It is a good idea to plan your flight early in your stay in the Cultural Triangle, so you have a spare morning if it needs to move.

Read our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

What happens on the day

1. Early pickup

Your pickup is very early, usually between about 4:30 and 5:15 am, from your hotel in Sigiriya, Dambulla, Habarana or Kandalama. You are taken to the meeting point, where the crew checks the weather.

2. Inflation

As the sky begins to lighten, the crew lays out the balloon and fills it with air from large fans, then heats the air with burners. Watching the balloon rise from the ground is part of the fun.

3. Safety briefing

The pilot explains how to get in and out of the basket, where to stand, and the landing position you need to take.

4. The flight

You climb into the basket and lift off gently, usually just around sunrise. The flight lasts about an hour. The pilot controls the height, sometimes rising high for wide views and sometimes floating low over treetops and lakes. Because you move with the wind, there is almost no breeze in the basket, and it is surprisingly peaceful.

5. Landing and celebration

The pilot looks for an open field to land, and the ground crew follows by road. Landings are usually gentle, but can include a small bump. Some operators offer a drink or light breakfast after landing.

6. Return to your hotel

You are driven back to your hotel, usually by about 9 am, in time for breakfast and a full day of sightseeing.

Who can fly?

Most healthy adults and older children can fly. You need to be able to climb in and out of the basket and stand for about an hour. Ballooning is generally not recommended for:

• People who are pregnant
• People with heart conditions or serious back problems
• People with a strong fear of heights
• People who suffer badly from travel sickness

Operators set their own rules for children, so ask when you book. If you have any health concerns, check with your doctor first.

Is hot air ballooning safe?

Established operators use trained, experienced pilots and follow strict safety procedures. Pilots will not take off if the weather isn't suitable. To stay safe:

• Book with an established operator, not a cheap, unknown one.
• Listen carefully to the safety briefing and follow the pilot's instructions.
• Take the landing position when asked.
• Check that your travel insurance covers ballooning. Our tours do not include insurance.

How much does it cost?

Hot air ballooning is one of the more expensive activities in Sri Lanka, because each flight needs a pilot, a ground crew, a balloon and a chase vehicle. Prices depend on the operator, the season and whether you choose a shared or private basket. We can book your flight with a trusted operator and include it in your quote. See how to book.

What to wear and bring

• Comfortable clothes in layers. It can be cool at dawn, then warm quickly.
• Flat, closed shoes, as you may land in a field.
• A hat that won't blow away, though there is very little wind in the basket.
• A camera or phone with a strap, so you don't drop it.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for after sunrise.

Leave large bags at your hotel. There is little room in the basket.

Photography tips

• Shoot the inflation on the ground, with the burners glowing in the half-light.
• Point your camera towards the sunrise for silhouettes, then away from the sun for clear shots of the landscape.
• Look straight down for patterns of rice fields, lakes and treetops.
• Use a fast shutter speed. The basket is steady, but you are moving.
• Put the camera down for a while and just enjoy the view.

Combining ballooning with your trip

A balloon flight fits easily into two or three days in the Cultural Triangle. Here is a sample plan:

• Day 1: arrive in Sigiriya. In the late afternoon, climb Pidurangala Rock for sunset.
• Day 2: sunrise balloon flight, then breakfast. In the afternoon, take a jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla to see wild elephants. See safaris in Sri Lanka.
• Day 3: climb Sigiriya Rock early, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, then continue to Kandy or the coast.

If your flight is cancelled on Day 2, you can try again on Day 3. See our guide to three days in the Cultural Triangle, and our guides to getting from Colombo to Sigiriya, from Sigiriya to Ella and from Sigiriya to Trincomalee.

Ballooning for special occasions

A sunrise balloon flight is a popular way to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday or proposal. Some operators can arrange a private basket. Our honeymoon tour and luxury tour can include a flight, and our honeymoon ideas guide has more romantic experiences.

Other adventures in Sri Lanka

If you love the idea of seeing Sri Lanka from a new angle, you might also enjoy white-water rafting and canyoning in Kitulgala, kayaking on the island's rivers and lagoons, and hiking in the hill country. See our adventure page and our adventure tour.

Shared or private basket?

Most flights use a shared basket, carrying several passengers along with the pilot. It is a sociable experience, and there is still plenty of room to see out. Some operators also offer a private flight for two or for a small group, which costs more but feels more personal and is popular for proposals and anniversaries. Ask about basket sizes and availability when you book, as private flights are limited and sell out first in the busy months.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Booking the flight on your last morning. If the weather cancels it, you have no time to try again. Book it for your first full morning.
• Planning a flight out of season. Flights usually only run from about November to April.
• Wearing sandals. You may land in a field. Wear closed shoes.
• Forgetting insurance. Check that your policy covers ballooning.

Frequently asked questions