lying is generally associated with speed.

But just in case you want the option of experiencing the view from the sky at an unhurried pace, you may opt for hot air ballooning.

Now, Isan Sky Master Ltd offers a three-week training programme that will involve eight hours of flying and theory classes on air regulation, meteorology and navigation in the capital.

Students will also get an overview of hot air balloon operations, like ground handling and other technicalities like how the gas is charged.

After the course, students need to sit for a test, organised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, to qualify as hot air balloon pilots.

The course, which costs over Rs 1 lakh, is expensive, but it is steeper to purchase a hot air balloon at Rs 20 lakh for the pleasure of piloting one's own sky vehicle!

The best option left is weekend ballooning.

Isan Master organises cross-country ballooning safaris between its Meerut air base and Tigris, a village in UP, 40 km away.

Here, after a two-hour journey (your travel time will depend on the speed of the wind).

You will land on a 3 km long river beach.

Watch river dolphins over champagne as the clouds drift by.

Cost: Rs 25,000 for three people.

Contact: Sangeeta Singh

C-123 Defence Colony

Call: 098103 72327