In May 2023 - On my Family Holiday to Turkey, we included Cappadocia specially to try the hot Air Balloon experience. The overall experience left me breathless. Embarking on a hot air balloon ride over the whimsical fairy chimneys and lunar-like terrain was like stepping into a surreal dream.
We were picked up from our hotel at an unearthly hour at 04:30 am in the morning, as it was still dark all around. As I had chosen a hotel up one of those mountains, I could see Hot Air Balloons being inflated far away and some already ready to take the skies. I had anticipated this moment for a long time, and headed for my own experience. We reached our Hot Air Balloon, which was already partly filled. I guess these guys must have been working for couple of hours already to get us to the position that the balloons were in now. As the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, I found myself standing amidst a fleet of gently swaying hot air balloons, eagerly awaiting my turn for liftoff.
The anticipation and excitement filled the air, mirroring the adrenaline coursing through my veins. With a burst of heat, in the morning when the temperatures around us was around 14 degrees and reasonably windy, our colorful balloon gracefully ascended, carrying us towards the skies of Cappadocia.
As we soared higher, the unique topography of Cappadocia unfurled beneath us like a canvas painted by nature's whimsy. The fairy chimneys, mushroom-shaped rock formations that stood sentinel over the valleys, appeared even more captivating from our elevated vantage point. It was as if we were floating amidst a fantasy world, where imagination and reality effortlessly intertwined.
Thankfully, it was not over windy, and we drifted serenely with the wind, we marveled at the surreal landscapes dotted with ancient cave dwellings, historic monasteries, and hidden troves carved into the soft tuff stone (the ones we had visited the previous evening using one of those Land rovers in the Sunset tour) . The distinctive cone-shaped fairy chimneys stretched as far as the eye could see, casting long shadows in the early morning light. The sheer tranquility and sense of freedom enveloped us, transporting us to a realm untouched by time.
As we glided through the sky, our experienced pilot skillfully maneuvered the hot air balloon, allowing us to witness the ever-changing panorama of Cappadocia. From panoramic views of the lush vineyards and picturesque valleys to the dramatic contours of the Rose Valley and the Devrent (Imagination) Valley, every twist and turn unraveled a new chapter in the region's captivating story.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring moment was when our balloons gently floated above the fairy chimneys at sunrise, casting their elongated shadows on the lunar-like landscape. The sky above us transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors, painting a breathtaking tableau of natural beauty that etched itself into my memory forever. A large number of balloons floated all around us, making the sky look full of balloons, just like the sky looks full of kites on a kite flying day.
As our hot air balloon descended, returning us to the embrace of the earth below safely and securely, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this experience. The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia had gifted me with a newfound perspective. It reminded me of the boundless wonders this world holds and the extraordinary adventures that await those who dare to look up and explore.
Chikmagalur is a hill station in Karnataka, a state in southwest India. To the north is Baba Budangiri, a mountain range in the Western Ghats, with 3 large caves said to be holy.
Wake up to the smell of tranquilizing coffee, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this misty land of hills and streams. Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg lives up to its name with luring amalgamation of history, luxury, adventure, mouth-watering cuisine. Located along the western ghats, this famous coffee-producing hill station is well-known for its jaw-dropping ravishing scenery and opulence.
Bekal is a town located south of Kasaragod town and north of Kanhangad on the State Highway 57. Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala state situated adjacent to the beach. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the historic Bekal Fort offers a view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers, which had huge cannons a couple centuries ago.
The three most popular tourist destinations in northwest India, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are together known as the “Golden Triangle.” All these three cities are well-connected by both road and rail. Each of them is located 200-250 kilometres from each other, thus forming an imaginary triangle on the map.
This imaginary triangle has been dubbed ‘golden’ for the abundance of cultural and historical splendours available in each of the three cities. By choosing this Golden Triangle Tourism Circuit, you will be able to explore the rich cultural heritage of incredible India.
Chikmagalur is a hill station in Karnataka, a state in southwest India. To the north is Baba Budangiri, a mountain range in the Western Ghats, with 3 large caves said to be holy.
Wake up to the smell of tranquilizing coffee, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this misty land of hills and streams. Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg lives up to its name with luring amalgamation of history, luxury, adventure, mouth-watering cuisine. Located along the western ghats, this famous coffee-producing hill station is well-known for its jaw-dropping ravishing scenery and opulence.
Bekal is a town located south of Kasaragod town and north of Kanhangad on the State Highway 57. Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala state situated adjacent to the beach. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the historic Bekal Fort offers a view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers, which had huge cannons a couple centuries ago.
When it comes to superlatives, Australia simply has no equals. On this ancient and spectacular continent, you can dive among the dazzling marine life of the world’s largest coral reef, explore its oldest living rainforests and most sacred rock formations, marvel at some of its rarest and most extraordinary animals, and engage with the descendants of its longest surviving culture.
Shrishti Tours &Travels was founded in 1997 by Mr.Rajat Bagaria. Today, with more than 25+ years of experience based on personal travel, planning for people and other roles, our team can deliver.
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Sometimes life takes you on a journey that changes everything that you thought you wanted
~ Melaina Rayne
When setting out on a journey do not see advice from someone who never left home
~ Rumi
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin
~ Tony Robbins
Big things have small beginnings
~ Prometheus
Its your road and yours alone, others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you
~ Rumi
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter
~ Izaak Walton
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Roads were made for journey's, not destinations
~ Confucius
The journey is the reward
~ Tao Expression
Its good to have an end to journey towards; but its the journey that matters, in the end
~ Ernest Hemingway
A journey taken in vain is not a wasted journey if you have learnt something
~ Anthony T Hincks
