India

Tourists can now watch Udupi from above, flying on a helicopter

People in and around Udupi can now enjoy the view of the picturesque city from above, flying on a helicopter. Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat has inaugurated a 3 day heli-tour programme at Udupi on 11th January 2019.

The event was organized by the district administration in association with Mantra Tourism Development and Chipsan Aviation Company, to attract more tourists to the city.

The heli-tourism will be conducted for 3 days in Kundapur. The chopper trip route will include Udupi, Malpe fisheries port, St Mary’s, Hoode, Manipal and the surrounding areas.

Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat with other officials at the inaugural function of the heli-ride

Two packages are available for the flying enthusiasts-  jolly ride and the adventure ride. In jolly ride, the flyer can either select Udupi or Manipal. This will include 8 minutes of flight time. In adventure ride, the flight will be in Udupi or at St Mary’s. In this the flight time will be for 10 minutes and it will also include a bit of stunts. 6 passengers can flight on a single trip. The charge for the jolly ride is Rs 2,500 and for the adventure ride is Rs 3,000.  Children under the age of 2 years need not pay anything.

“There is a plan to start heli tourism permanently in Udupi and also there is an aim to expand this into religious tourism for visiting the various religious places and medical tourism for quick health services,” informed Sudesh Shetty, Mantra Toursim Development.

“Heli Tourism will prove beneficial in generating income as the entire coast is dotted with picturesque tourist spots” said MLA Raghupathi Bhat, while speaking to the media after launching Heli Tourism programme.

“Udupi should be made the headquarters and heli-tourism should be promoted in all the three districts,” added the MLA