Samikshaa Baaliyan
A Dream soaring above Cappadocia: My hot Air Balloon Adventure
Samikshaa Baaliyan
After years of visualising and planning, I was determined to tick off a couple of my bucket-list of 100 must-have experiences this year. One item that had been on my mind for as long as I could remember was hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia.
The thought of seeing the sunrise over those crazy landscapes from up in the sky gets me really excited! It’s this awesome place with amazing rock formations, and April-May is the best time to go because the weather is just right.
Travelling with my mother was a first for me. Taking the lead, I planned everything meticulously, even booking our day tours in advance—something I’d never done before. Surprisingly, sharing this adventure with strangers turned out to be a delight. As we journeyed to picturesque spots, I found myself engrossed in conversations with fellow travellers from all over the world. Each encounter offered a glimpse into a different life, enriching our shared exploration with diverse perspectives and stories. Our passage through Turkey was like a vibrant tapestry woven with unforgettable moments. From the eye-catching terraces of Pamukkale to the majestic domes of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, each destination left a lasting impression on us. Exploring the colourful streets of Balat in Istanbul added another layer of charm to our trip.
But the highlight, undoubtedly, was soaring above Cappadocia’s surreal countryside in a hot-air balloon. As the day of my flight approached, I could barely contain my excitement. The anticipation of finally fulfilling this long-held wish propelled me forward, and when the hour arrived, I knew it would be a memory I would always cherish.
The balloon ride ( Approx. INR 18,000/- ) itself was an early-morning adventure that began at 4:00 am. Despite the early hour, everything was seamlessly organised, starting with a light breakfast before heading to the launch site. Witnessing the balloons being prepared was a sight to behold, and once airborne, the restful flight allowed us to fully appreciate the breathtaking views in every direction.
Each balloon accommodates 32 passengers, with 16 on each side, alongside the pilot and equipment in the centre. Once aloft, the hour-long journey seems to pass in the blink of an eye. The flight is remarkably smooth, devoid of any turbulence, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the stunning vistas below. While the urge to capture every moment through the lens is strong, I found that truly savouring the experience outweighed the need to constantly click away. With approximately 150 balloons dotting the sky simultaneously, the scene is nothing short of magical.
And as we soared 4,000 feet above the stunning topography, we were treated to an awe-inspiring sight: the ‘morning kiss’. This term, used to describe the few seconds when two balloons meet and touch each other in the sky, took on a whole new meaning as we witnessed it firsthand.
From our lofty vantage point, we could see the ground beneath us dotted with people who had gathered to witness the spectacle. Waving to them as we floated by, I felt a profound connection from up above, realising that despite the distance, we were all sharing in this magical moment together. Upon landing, the celebration begins with a toast of non-alcoholic champagne and the presentation of certificates—a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable few hours. Despite the early start, by approximately 7:30 am, you’re back at your hotel, the entire journey spanning just three hours.
For anyone planning a trip to Turkey, I highly recommend adding a hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia to your itinerary. It’s an experience that defies description, offering a sense of wonder and adventure that you’ll treasure forever.
Fun Facts
Did you know that in Turkish, the bird we commonly refer to as “turkey” is called Hindi? It’s a fascinating twist, considering that the bird was originally brought to Turkey from India, leading to the adoption of a name that resonated with its origins. So, while the rest of the world refers to the bird as “turkey,” in Turkey, it’s known as Hindi.
Another interesting connection between Turkey and India lies in the word Baharat, which refers to spices in Turkish. It turns out that many of these spices were initially imported from India, prompting the Turks to name them Baharat. As an Indian in another country, it’s a source of pride to see these cultural links reflected in everyday life.
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