Hassan (Karnataka), October 4, 2017: Tourists visiting Shravanabelagola during next year’s Mahamasthakabhisheka from different parts of the country will be able to use the helicopter taxi service on affordable rates in Hassan district.
The district administration has planned to launch a ‘heli-ride’ service to provide the pilgrims glimpses of famous tourists spots including the forests of Westernghats, coffee estates of Sakaleshpura and sites like Beluru and Halebidu in the region.The move is aimed at boosting the tourism activities in the district.

The move is aimed at boosting the tourism activities in the district. Shravanabelagola Mahamasthakabhisheka, the anointing ceremony for the 57-feet monolithic statue of Bahubali will be held between February 7 and 25.
Lakhs of tourists and pilgrims are expected to visit the shrine to witness the gala event which is organised once in every 12 years.

Speaking to media, Varaprasad Reddy, special officer for the Shravanabelagola Mahamasthakabhisheka 2018, said all the modalities in this regard will be finalised soon.

“We are planning to launch affordable heli ride for tourists. We are planning to use the same service providers who had provided their services during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations,” he said.
The officer said that several affordable heli-ride packages have been planned to cater the needs and preferences of the pilgrims.”First one is allowing the tourists to have an aerial view of the Bahubali statue. But for this, we need to talk to the pontiff of Shravanabelagola. Other packages include Sakaleshpur forests, coffee estates, aerial view of Beluru, Halebidu and other heritage sites in the district,” he said.

“First one is allowing the tourists to have an aerial view of the Bahubali statue. But for this, we need to talk to the pontiff of Shravanabelagola. Other packages include Sakaleshpur forests, coffee estates, aerial view of Beluru, Halebidu and other heritage sites in the district,” he said.Tour operators

Tour operators too feel that such projects will definitely boost tourism activities in the district. – News Courtesy: The Times of India