Heli-tourism takes a wing in Udupi's coast

Udupi:Toursim in the coastal district got a further boost with the launch of heli-tourism. Deputy commissioner R Vishal on Monday inaugurated heli-tourism in the district, the first joy ride service of the coastal district at Adi Udupi. With the increase in foreign and domestic tourists to Karnataka every year and analysing the age and income profiles of tourists, the tourism department has long felt that there is immense potential for helitourism. At present joy rides are available for Rs 3,000 per head for 10 minutes. The helipad is at Adi Udupi, which is the centre for Udupi, Manipal and Malpe. The helicopter will fly within five nautical miles. For a further ride, the company will need to take special permission, which can be availed within 24 hours. In future this will be a regular service like heli-taxi and will include personal destinations. By road, if one visits Udupi, Kollur, Dharmasthala and Sringeri, it will take a day. A hel-taxi will just take a few hours. The government has identified three circuits to begin with where transport infrastructure is weak viz. Coastal, Heritage and Malnad circuits comprising major tourist and piligrim centres. Chipsan Aviation Services is providing the service with a helicopter, two pilots and three ground staffs. Depending on the demand, the service will be increased. The district administration is providing fire and emergency services. Narayan, director of Chipsan Aviation Services said, "The town has tremendous tourist potential. Udupi has enough pilgrim centers, including Kollur, Subramanya, Dharmasthala, Sringeri, and Murudeshwar. We have provisions to drop people based on the demand. Time can be used efficiently with this service. I am sure, we can generate business here locally." -TOI