This is why Pollachi is the hot air ballooning hub
This picturesque spot in Pollachi witnesses the eighth edition of the three-day Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival.
The carnival featured hot air balloons from around the world.
Twelve hot air balloons from Brazil, Thailand, Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, France, Vietnam, Spain, USA and UK participated in the festival.
The balloons were parked on Pollachi Main Road, Right at Kongu City, Achipatti.
It’s More Than Just a Balloon Festival, Includes Kids Carnival and Music Festival
45 minutes from Coimbatore, the open space in Pollachi makes it a favorable location
What is the hot-air balloon ride like?
The wicker basket, which is attached to the hot air balloon, is powered by a blast of flame from its propane burner
On festivals these colorful travel balloons can accommodate maximum two passengers on board.
The passenger safari ride can carry up to eight passengers.
A hot air balloon is similar to an aircraft.
It is made by aircraft manufacturing companies with permission from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Airport and ATC clearance is mandatory.
And the location should be 40 kms away from the airport.
Similar to an aircraft, each balloon has a tail number, and the pilots are basically the pilots of the aircraft.
Pilots say flying requires perfect weather, supported by a professional on-ground team.
The festival also plans to educate people about how hot air ballooning serves as an alternative to entertainment with no borders.
Read the full article here: Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival begins in Pollachi
Reporting: K. Jeshi
Voiceover: Kanishka Balachandran
Production: Renu Cyriac
Video: M. Periyasamy