Ever seen the Taj Mahal from 3,000 feet above and from a distance of 500 metres?

Well, this could be your lifetime chance as the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is hosting a hot air balloon festival in the vicinity of the monument from 14-16 November.

More than 15 hot air balloons from across the global will fly tourist and adventure lovers for a fee. The festival has been envisaged to promote tourism in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The organizers Sky Waltz and the UP Tourism Department promise that the three-day extravaganza which will recreate the elegance of the Mughal era.

"The festival's itinerary has been tastefully pre-packaged to offer a glimpse of the rich culture and heritage of Agra, spiced with adventure and unique insider experiences - all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Taj," Sky Waltz business Manager Naveet Bali told IANS.

Since the area around the Taj is a no-fly zone—all clearances, approvals and permissions have been taken from the IAF, Archaeological survey of India, Agra district administration and the DGCA.

The gondolas of the balloons can accommodate the pilot and up to four passengers, each of whom would have to pay a fee of Rs.8,000 ($125) for the flight.

Bali further informed that the company has a foolproof safety record of flying hot-air balloons and all measures have been taken.
The festival has been divided in three parts - Taj Sky view, Agraban and Nightglow. Registrations would begin from 1 November.

In the first, the balloon rides will reveal the Taj in its hidden subtleties only when viewed from the unique vantage point from the hot air balloon.

In the second, the ride will be along the Red Fort and other important landmarks of the Mughal era.

The third will be held in the evenings - a lively night glow concert that will showcase the spectacular sight of the balloons lighting up the dark night.

The evenings will also be capped off with performances and entertainment from local and nationally recognized music and dance performers, officials of the tourism department informed.

Director General (DG) and Secretary Tourism Amrit Abhijat told IANS that the festival was a first of its kind and was a very serious and innovative effort to promote lifestyle tourism in the state.

Chief Minister of UP Akhilesh Yadav was expected to inaugurate the extravaganza. He is likely to take a ride in the hot air balloon as well.