The picturesque district of Chikkamagaluru, often hailed as the 'Land of Coffee', is gearing up to offer tourists a breathtaking new perspective this holiday season. The district administration has announced the launch of a special 18-day heli-tourism initiative, allowing visitors to witness the region's stunning landscapes from the sky during Christmas and New Year.
Soaring Above the Coffee Estates: Tour Details Unveiled
Organised to showcase the natural splendour of the region from an unparalleled vantage point, the helicopter tours will commence on December 20 and run through January 6. The rides, priced at Rs 4,500 per passenger, will offer a six-minute aerial spectacle. Operations will be daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with a strict cap of 156 passengers per day to manage the experience. Slots are allotted purely on a first-come, first-served basis, and online booking is already active.
Assistant Director for Tourism, MR Lohith, confirmed that three helipads have been constructed to facilitate the service. The itinerary is spread across key locations:
- December 20: Mudigere
- December 21 & 22: Chikkamagaluru
- December 23: Mudigere
- December 24: Chikkamagaluru
- December 25: Kalasa
- December 26 to January 6: Chikkamagaluru
A Bird's-Eye View of Scenic Sectors
The tour is designed to highlight distinct vistas in different sectors. In the Mudigere sector, passengers will gaze upon expansive coffee plantations, dense forests, serene valleys, and glimpses of rural life. The tour also promises distant views of the famed Kudremukh National Park and the Baba Budangiri Hills.
When operating from the Kalasa sector, the helicopter will provide a panoramic view of Kalasa town itself, its winding rivers, lush valleys, surrounding hills, and the majestic waterfalls dotting the Kalasa-Kudremukh belt, all set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats.
Safety, Regulations, and Boosting Festive Tourism
The district administration has emphasised that all flights will adhere strictly to permitted routes, with careful consideration given to weather conditions and the well-being of local wildlife. This initiative is a strategic move by the Chikkamagaluru District Tourism Committee (DTC) to attract a greater influx of tourists during the peak festive season and add a thrilling, new dimension to the region's tourism portfolio.
For bookings and more details, tourists can visit the official online portal. Further inquiries can be directed to Nagaraj Chitti of the committee at 7892886875. This heli-tourism package presents a unique opportunity to experience the majesty of Karnataka's highest peak, Mullayanagiri, and the enchanting 'Coffee Land' like never before.
