Trip to Taj Mahal and Air Safari in Agra

Everyone knows about Taj Mahal, but few are aware of Helium Balloon Safari or Air Safari (Agra) which offers an adventure activity. Air Safari was launched in March 2013 by Oswal Group in Agra. The main motto of this partial airborne expedition was to shed off the tiredness and monotonous feeling.

The journey to Taj Mahal, and Air Safari, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India was planned a week before 20th October 2013. A total of 4 family members were on this outing. We took our WagonR and hired a driver for the day.

10 Basic Facts - Agra Air Safari

1. Website: http://www.airsafari.in
2. Commencement: January 16, 2013
3. Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
4. Landmark: About 3 Km drive from Taj Mahal, On Fatehabad Road
5. Hours: 6:00 am - 7:00 pm
6. Helium Balloon can go up to 250 ft. height
7. Best experienced and enjoyed during sunrise and sunset
8. Air safari photographer charges Rs 100 to Rs 150 per photo
9. Parking area available 
10. Carry some ID proof with you

We were supposed to leave home at 0500 Hrs for agra sightseeing, but were 30 minutes late. Then, we had to stop midway for morning tea and light food at Sagar Ratna Restaurant. This increased the overall travel time and we reached Taj Mahal at 1000 Hrs. If we had traveled non-stop, the expected driving time would have been just around 2 to 2 (1/2) hours at the average speed of 80 Km per hour. Anyways, we took tickets and entered the white marble mausoleum at 1030 Hrs. At 1130 Hrs, myself and my companion started roaming around the monument. We completed wandering of this “UNESCO World Heritage Site” in just about 30 minutes and promised ourselves not to visit the place again, ever in our life.

We left this so called "crown of palaces" at around 1245 Hrs and started search for “Air Safari” spot, which was said to be just 2 to 2.5 Km from Taj Mahal. Soon we reached the place at 1320 Hrs and booked instant tickets for myself and my better half. We took a 10 minutes ride in the helium balloon, that took us at about 250 feet vertically. The experience was breathtaking and exciting. Everyone should experience this at at least once in their life. This attraction of air safari Agra was the most unforgettable experience for me and as its memory, their official photographer clicked a few pics (the cost was INR 500 for 5 pictures OR INR 150 for 1 picture). We selected just 1 pic from the lot.

In their premises, there is a theater as well which has a small park, where we decided to have our lunch picnic. All of us had lunch there and left Agra at around 1430 Hrs. We reached Delhi at about 1700 Hrs but traffic jam from Ashram to Lajpat Nagar made sure that we kept foot in our home at 1800 Hrs.

Reviews on Air Safari, Agra, UP, India

Air Safari Agra, Uttar Pradesh offers Helium Balloon Flights. The helium balloon is tied to the ground. It will take you at the maximum height of 250 feet, from where you can get a very nice view of the entire Agra city, including Taj Mahal. If the wind is blowing, then your excitement and experience will quadruple, as the helium balloon will sway from one side to another. The air safari Agra cost is INR 500 per head, whereas sunset & sunrise ride cost INR 750 per head. If you are an adventure lover, then Air Safari in Agra, India is the place to be in.

Recommendation: Try this adventure at least once. You will definitely be thrilled and acquire a breathtaking experience. Keep some identity proof and cash with you.

Reviews on Taj Mahal - A Commercial Place

With all the Taj Mahal history and photos on Internet, anyone would be lured into visiting this white marble construction. But, I would recommend not to visit the place, if you are expecting something good. The place is fully commercialized. Just on entering the parking lot, you will be surrounded by e-rickshaws and camel cart driver to take their ride till the entry gate. They charge INR 40 to 50 per rickshaw/cart, whereas the government rate is INR 5 per person in an e-rickshaw.

Recommendation: The distance of parking and entry gates of Taj Mahal is not too much. If you are young, energetic and have little bit of time on your side, I recommend taking a walk till the ticket counter. Its about 1 Km walk only.

At the ticket counter, you will be flooded by the cameramen. They will ask you to hire them and they will  promise to give you the urgent photos on leaving the place. Don't be fooled by them, Hiring them is not a  good option and a complete waste of money as well as time, since they take extra time in providing you the photos. Long Live Agra Tourism....

Recommendation: Carry your own digicam and click the pics yourself. Save your money, time and frustration of running behind them for getting your pics.