SRINAGAR: To woo and entertain tourists and locals, the Tourism department in Kashmir today rolled out the first hot air balloon rides at Zabarwan Park in Srinagar.
The introduction of the hot-air balloon is part of the tourism department’s series of new initiatives to attract more and more tourists and give them new means of entertainment and adventure.
Director of Tourism, Kashmir, G N Itoo said that for the first time, they have started hot-air balloons for tourists and locals in Zabarwan park. “Some five years ago, a routine balloon was introduced, but this time, we have introduced the first-ever hot-air balloon for tourists as well as local visitors at Zabarwan park today,” he said.
He said that the hot balloon goes up in the air and allows a person to enjoy the breath-taking view of the Zabarwan Mountains and the famous Dal Lake. “This balloon has a capacity of accommodating four persons at a time besides its Captain. There were certain safety measures and rules which are mandatory,” he said, adding in the first week, tourists and local guests would enjoy heavy discounts for using hot balloons.
Asked whether the tourism department is planning to introduce more such initiatives to attract more tourists, he said to begin with one hot-balloon has been introduced and if its trial goes on successfully, more will be introduced. “I inaugurated it for the trial run and it was a beautiful experience. If all goes well, we will have one such balloon at all the major tourist destinations soon,” Itoo said.
He, however, said that for tourists, the Tourism department was mulling introducing para-gliding at all famous tourist destinations that tourist spots that suit the para-gliding. He urged tourists and locals to enjoy the hot-air balloon trip at the Zabarwan park—(KNO)
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