What time does the Dambulla balloon ride start.

Yes balloon flights require incredibly calm stable weather conditions which only occur right at dawn. You will generally be picked up from your hotel around 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM. The balloon takes off precisely as the sun begins to rise over the Kandalama lake illuminating the ancient Sigiriya rock in the distance. It is an early start but the completely silent magical flight makes the lack of sleep entirely worth it.