Karnataka: Soon, heli-hop to tourist spots like Hampi, Kabini

BENGALURU: After luxury trains and hi-tech buses, tourists will soon be able to take choppers to reach some destinations in the state. Places like Hampi, Kabini and the Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal belt are likely to be part of the heli-tourism circuit.
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is making preparations to rope in helicopter service providers for the purpose.The service will mainly cater to foreign tourists and other prime category visitors.
KSTDC MD Kumar Pushkar said they recently invited expression of interest for the selection of helicopter service providers. “We will only play the role of facilitator. There will be no investment from the government. Heli-tourism companies will run the services,” he explained.
Pushkar said the demand for heli-tourism has been increasing across the world and they want Karnataka to catch up. “The idea is to pick up tourists near Kempegowda International Airport and take them on chopper rides to places like Kabini, Chikkamagaluru and Hampi,” he added.
When asked about helipads and other infrastructure required for the purpose, Pushkar said the state has around 50 helipads, mostly owned by the government. “Many are located in tourist destinations as well. Some star hotels near tourist hotspots also have helipads. Heli-tourism companies have to tie-up with these hotels to run the services. The companies will also be responsible for developing lounges and other facilities for tourists. We’ve held meetings with some firms and hotels and they’re open to the idea,” he added.
A copy of the EOI accessed by TOI shows the helicopter service provider may be an operator or aggregator. “We are planning to announce the names of selected applicants in the first week of February,” said a senior official from the corporation.
Karnataka offered helitourism to places like Hampi, Bheemeshwari and Coorg between 2008 and 2011. States like Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Rajasthan are running the service for years.