Minister Jupally Krishna Rao inaugurates the event, undertakes an aerial ride
HYDERABAD, JANUARY 16, 2026: The Hot Air Balloon Festival was launched grandly near the historic Golconda Fort at the Golf Club premises in Hyderabad on Friday, adding a new attraction to Telangana’s expanding tourism calendar. Minister for Tourism and Culture Jupally Krishna Rao formally inaugurated the festival and later undertook a hot air balloon ride as part of the opening celebrations.
The Minister spent nearly one-and-a-half hours in the air, covering a distance of about 13 kilometres. The ride began near the Golconda Golf Club and concluded at the outskirts of Appajiguda, offering sweeping aerial views of Hyderabad and its surrounding landscapes.
Describing the experience as “truly memorable,” Mr. Jupally Krishna Rao said the initiative marked a new chapter in the State’s tourism journey.
Highlighting Telangana’s dual focus on heritage and innovation, the Minister said that while the International Kite and Sweet Festival reflects the State’s rich culture, traditions and hospitality, events such as the Hot Air Balloon and Drone Festivals showcase modern technology and a future-oriented vision. He noted that this convergence of culture and technology was key to positioning Telangana as a contemporary tourism destination.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening the “Destination Telangana” brand, Mr. Rao said the focus was on taking the State’s natural beauty and historical legacy to a global audience. Adventure tourism initiatives, he added, would play a significant role in attracting both domestic and international tourists by offering immersive and experiential travel opportunities.
The Minister said the State’s new tourism policy aims to accelerate growth in the sector by attracting private investment and promoting public-private partnerships to develop world-class infrastructure and quality services. These efforts, he said, would also generate employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local youth.
“The balloons rising into the sky today symbolise Telangana tourism reaching new global heights,” Mr. Jupally Krishna Rao said, expressing confidence that such initiatives would help place the State among the country’s leading tourism destinations.
Inviting families, youth and children to take part in the festival, the Minister said the event was designed to offer lasting memories for visitors and encouraged the public to actively participate in the celebrations.
Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Kranthi Valluri and officials of the Tourism Department were present at the inaugural ceremony.
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