Hot air balloon rides in Gurgaon

You know that phrase, ’swept off my feet’? Well, I found out what that really means, when my boyfriend and I went on an outta-this-world hot air balloon ride near Gurgaon!

On our first anniversary last week, he slipped me a red envelope with ‘Surprise!’ written on it, and it turned out to be an absolutely exclusive ride, just for the two of us in our own little private hot air balloon! I did some research and found out that this is the only of its kind in the city, arranged by Exciting Lives, a website that sells experiences like these — from paintball to spa treats to private jet parties.

My boyfriend and I booked our ‘flight’ beforehand (and crossed our fingers because it’s subject to good weather conditions), and set out at daybreak, all packed in our woolliest clothes (gets real chilly up in the clouds!). After an hour-long drive, we reached the balloon port, near Damdama Lake on the Gurgaon-Sohna Road, where our veteran pilot, the 70-something Captain Wason was waiting for us, with a most gorgeous sight: a massive balloon, attached to a waist-high basket, towering over us like a magnificent skyscraper, fuelled by the hot air gusts fired from a sophisticated overhead machine.

We climbed into the little basket along with our pilot (he’s been flying for 40 years now!), and soon we were slowly levitating off the ground. Next thing, whoosh, we’re towering over the tree tops! We held hands and watched the mundane world transform into an impressionist landscape: think mist settling on Damdama lake on one side, the sun shining through the clouds against the Aravalli hills on the other!

Now you tell me, is there a way more romantic and exhilarating for your new year to take off?

Hot air balloon rides are offered by www.excitinglives.com. Priced at Rs. 14,500 plus taxes.