Hyderabad: The Hot Air Balloon Festival took off near the historic Golconda Fort on Friday, marking a new push for tourism in Telangana.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao flagged off the festival at the venue. He also undertook a hot air balloon ride as part of the launch. The Minister flew nearly 13 km during the ride. The flight lasted for about one-and-a-half hours. He later described the experience as memorable.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the festival blended culture with modern technology. He said the event supported the “Destination Telangana” branding initiative. According to him, the festival showcased the State’s heritage and adventure tourism potential.
Festival to promote tourism and employment
The Minister said the Hot Air Balloon Festival aimed to attract domestic and international tourists. He added that the initiative reflected the government’s focus on world-class tourism experiences.
Officials said the festival would help encourage private investment in the tourism sector. They also said it would generate employment opportunities at the local level. The event near Golconda Fort is expected to draw steady visitor interest in the coming days.
🎈 Hot Air Balloon Festival Takes Off at Golconda 🎈
The Hot Air Balloon Festival was spectacularly launched near the historic Golconda Fort, marking a new chapter in Telangana tourism. Hon’ble Tourism & Culture Minister Sri Jupally Krishna Rao @jupallyk_rao inaugurated the… pic.twitter.com/cZbFcMvqhq
— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) January 16, 2026