Srinagar: Amid a huge influx of tourists to Kashmir, the tourism department has rolled out the first-ever hot air balloon rides at Zabarwan Park in Srinagar to woo and entertain tourists and local visitors.
The introduction of hot air ballooning is part of a series of new initiatives by the tourism department to attract more and more tourists and give them new means of entertainment and adventure. This year, the month of March has already made history by registering a record number of tourist arrivals, a first for the last 10 years. Srinagar Airport also marked March 28 as the historic day as more than 15,000 passenger arrivals and departures were recorded, the first time in the history of the airport. Interestingly, more than two lakh tourists also visited the famous tulip garden in Srinagar in the first 10 days.
Speaking to News Agency – Kashmir News Observer (KNO) exclusively, Kashmir Tourism Director GN Itoo said that for the first time they launched a hot air balloon for tourists and residents of the park Zabarwan. “About five years ago a routine balloon was introduced, but this time today we introduced the first hot air balloon for tourists as well as local visitors at Zabarwan Park,” he said. declared.
He said the hot balloon rises in the air and allows a person to enjoy the breathtaking view of Zabarwan Mountains and the famous Dal Lake. “This balloon has a capacity to accommodate four people at a time in addition to its captain. Certain safety measures and rules are mandatory,” he said, adding that in the first week, tourists and local customers would benefit big discounts for the use of the hot balloon.
When asked if the tourism department plans to introduce more such initiatives to attract more tourists, he said a hot balloon has been introduced to start with and if its trial continues successfully , others would be introduced. “I inaugurated it for the trial run and it was a great experience. If all goes well, we will soon have such a balloon in all major tourist destinations,” Itoo said.
He said, however, that for tourists, the tourism department plans to introduce paragliding to all famous tourist destinations that are suitable for tourist spots that are suitable for paragliding.
He urged tourists and locals to enjoy the hot air balloon ride at Zabarwan Park—(KNO)
