Soaring to Sigiriya in a balloon

If you have ever dreaded the demanding climb to the top of Sigiriya, via a hot air balloon may very well prove the best alternative route to enjoying this UN World Heritage Site. Besides, ensconced in a wicker basket nearly 1000 metres up in the air - the swell of a massive balloon hanging over you - promises to send an adrenaline rush by itself.

Combining tourism with the sport of ballooning, the Sri Lanka Balloon Festival has long since proven its ability to draw visitors to the island. And now in its third incarnation, the bi-annual festival is determined to offer its guests an even richer, more exciting experience, say the organizers. With 22 balloons and 72 participants from all over the world, including UK, Ireland, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Italy, the festival will last a fortnight - from Friday, March 21 to Friday April 4.

Recognized as a national event by the Ministry of Tourism, the festival begins in Colombo with the 'Night Glow Musical Show’. Entrance is by invitation only, and the show will feature the balloons inflated, tethered and lit up. There will also be a static aircraft display. Together they should offer a memorable spectacle, a view the organizers intend to complement with an array of music, food and beverages.

The ballooning itself will begin on March 26 and continue till March 30 in Hambantota. Thereafter the Festival will move to Sigiriya from March 31 to April 1. Depending on weather conditions, the organizers hope to stage a show featuring the balloons flying in formation with two fixed wing aircraft.

But the balloons will have to face some competition. A ride on the Viceroy Express - a steam engine powered vintage luxury train - is also much in demand. Little touches like that have made the festival a destination for families wanting to tour the island, says Captain Anil Jayasinghe, one of the main organizers of the festival. In fact, the balloon festival's extended itinerary includes visits to several of Sri Lanka's most admired tourist destinations, including Horton Plains, Yala National Park, Kataragama Temple, Buduruwagala Temple Complex, Uda Walawe National Park, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

The Sri Lanka Balloon Festival is Captain Jayasinghe's brainchild. He is the head of the Ceylon Airship and Balloon Club (CABC) under whose auspices this event is held. With a small team made up of his wife and a few close friends, the CABC has managed to stage the last two festivals. Captain Jayasinghe said that despite the security situation, the international response to the festival has been heartening with several more balloonists participating in the 2008 event, than in previous years.

As Sri Lanka's pioneer balloonist, Captain Jayasinghe is well aware that even discounting the security angle, there are difficulties inherent to practising the sport here. Sri Lanka's tough terrain and comparative lack of infrastructure make it among the more demanding places to fly a hot air balloon, but he, like the visiting balloonists seems to relish the challenge. "Commercial flying is my bread and butter," he says, adding, "but ballooning is my jam."

The CABC hopes eventually to help Sri Lanka host the World Ballooning Championships, revealed Captain Jayasinghe. The competition, which is extremely popular, would prove a big tourist draw, and Sri Lanka could be a serious contender for the role of host country - not least because our own homegrown festival has become increasingly recognized on the international stage.

In the meantime, those wishing to attend the festival will find that package deals are available and cost around Rs. 10,000 per head. Rides for children can be arranged. A Romantic Rendezvous is also on offer, and with a price tag of Rs. 20,000 includes a champagne breakfast. Those who wish to know more may contact CABC at Want2know@srilankaballoons.com or visit the website itself at www.srilankaballoons.com.