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Sri Lanka Balloon Drive |
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Hot air ballooning is unique from all other forms
of flight in that there is little sensation of motion
or perception of height. Balloons travel with the wind
& at the same speed which makes for one of the magical
sensations of the flight. "Sensational tranquility"
is how many describe it! or as "surreal, peaceful
and quiet".
A Typical Flight:
A Hot Air balloon flight is made up of a total travel
experience of approx 4-hrs duration starting with the
preparation and inflation of the balloon, flight briefing,
takeoff, flight, landing & retrieval and return
to your hotel after a champagne breakfast. A typical
flight schedule is the early morning i.e. Sunrise, with
flights commence soon after dawn. The exact meeting
time varies depending on the season and will be nominated
when you make your reconfirmation call between 4 pm
and 5 pm the day prior to your flight. On the morning
of your flight you will receive a wake up call one hour
prior to the meeting time. This call is put through
ONLY if the weather is suitable for a flight. No call
- No flight! But you must be in reach of a telephone
or be able to be reached i.e. via your hotel. On the
assumption that Sunrise is at approx 0615hrs then the
following would apply as a typical flight.
|
Time |
Activity |
| 05:00 am |
Transfer from hotel to takeoff point,
where pickups are arranged this time will be confirmed
on booking. |
| 06:00 am
06:30 am
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Experience the fun of assisting the
pilot and crew in preparing the balloon for takeoff.
Our experienced crew will have you assist in getting
the 350,000 cu foot envelope ready for inflation which
is always as memorable as the journey in the air. Enjoy
the picturesque landscape at sunrise, just as nature
is awaking to greet the first rays of the new day and
your planned 60 minutes flying time. Breathe in the
wide-open spaces & the spectacular landmarks. |
| 07:30 am
08:00 am |
Landing. the eternal welcomes
and smiling faces of the local villagers plus the endeavors
of the retrieval by our ground crew together with the
pilot at his best on the controls, displaying
the finer techniques of landings and maneuvers
are all part of the flight experience. The final pack-up
of the envelope and equipment plus lots of laughs &
photos add to the memories. |
| 08:30 am
09:30 am |
Coming down to earth and
the reality of returning to life as seen from the ground
but retaining the perspective of that of a bird we head
for a deserving breakfast of champagne, fresh juices,
eggs & bacon, tropical fruits & a hot beverages
as you relax & look forward to the balance of your
day. |
| Your trip Includes: |
- Part of a 3 to 4-hour travel experience
- Approx. One hour flight +/- depending on conditions
- Breakfast
- Flight Hat or Polo Top
- Balloon Flight Certificate
- Breakfast:
Balloons include a post flight breakfast. Extra visitors
such as non flying family are welcome (Adults $5,
Children $3)
- In flight Photo:
Your pilot and flight assistant will take an in-flight
photo of you from our camera suspended from the balloon
canopy, this will ensure a most memorable picture
of YOU in the basket over the magnificent Sri Lankan
landscapec. framed and ready for you over breakfast
(A photo is usd$25ea. or $40 for 2)
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Luxury Ballooning
Item |
Time |
Activity |
| Extra Sleep In |
0530am |
Chauffeured private pickup at your hotel, with time
to spare taking you to the launch spot |
| Chauffeured vehicle transfers
Pre flight drinks |
0615am |
Arrive just in time to see your balloon inflate
& sip a pre-flight drink. Take off & experience
the fun & unique sensation of hot air ballooning
. Your balloon floats for a whole hour over the picturesque
landscape at sunrise, breathe in the wide-open spaces
and take in the best views with your binoculars. |
| 60 minute scenic Balloon Flight |
0630am |
Take in the unique views of landscapes, villages,
people and landmarks like Sigiriya Rock that can only
be fully appreciated from the air and only at the intimate
pace of a balloon flight.
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| 5 star resort & breakfast |
0830am |
Come back to earth and be whisked off by chauffeured
vehicle to your five star resort, to enjoy a private
3 course breakfast and a bottle of champagne to toast
your flight. |
| Bottle of Champagne |
0900am |
Enjoy a Hot Buffet and Champagne Breakfast |
| Flight hat
Balloon T-shirt
Flight Certificate |
Return - You decide |
Maybe a stroll after breakfast or even make a picnic
breakfast on route back to your hotel with a few more
photographs! The return transfer is available at your
disposal, please advise your driver when you wish to
depart for your hotel. |
| Complimentary in-flight photo |
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| Use of binoculars in-flight |
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| Expert Interpretive Commentary |
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Times approx & subject to change |
Flight Fees US$ per person
| Oct.-Dec.
Jan.-Apr. |
Blue Series |
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Luxury* |
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| Adults |
$230 |
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$550 |
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| * Double room 5-star resort excl. taxes
& vat |
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Cancellations:
- Weather:
The flights will only take place if the weather permits.
An early morning wake up call confirms your departure.
Visiting tourists will have their ticket fully refunded
in the event of a cancelled flight.
- Client / Agent:
Your ticket is fully refundable but only with a minimum
of three working days notice for two passengers and
five working days notice for three or more passengers.
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How to get there
How to get there :
From Colombo, take a 30-minute air taxi to Dambulla
(or a four-hour drive) and then a short drive to Sigiriya.
The balloon takes you over the ancient city of Sigiriya
and other historic sites such as Kandalama, Anuradha-pura
and Polonnaruwa, reaching altitudes of 600 meters. Air-time
is about one hour, but the whole trip is longer (three
to four hours), including transfers and setting up.
Balloon drives operating from Oct.-Dec and Jan.-Apr. |
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