Following a record-breaking response to experimental joyrides during the Karavali Utsava, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has signaled a major shift toward high-end travel. Officials are now laying the groundwork to transform Mangaluru into a permanent heli-tourism hub, connecting the state’s most sacred pilgrim centers and untouched coastal gems via the skies.
The move comes as the Karnataka government readies a specialized tourism policy for the coast, aimed at drawing global investors. With Mangaluru already serving as a critical nexus for education, healthcare, and maritime trade, the introduction of a scheduled helicopter service is seen as the "missing link" in the region’s economic evolution.
By the Numbers: A Flying Success
The data from the recent 10-day trial (beginning December 26) paints a clear picture of high demand:
• Total Passengers: 1,032
• Ride Duration: 7 minutes
• Ticket Price: ₹3,500 per person
• Origin of Tourists: Significant turnout from Kerala, Udupi, and Karwar.
Bridging the Gap for Global Travelers
Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV emphasized that the vision extends far beyond festival joyrides. Currently, international tourists arriving via luxury cruises at the New Mangalore Port (peak season December–April) often find themselves "landlocked" by time.
"Foreign visitors staying for just 24 to 48 hours currently struggle to visit inland attractions like Chikkamagaluru or Kodagu due to road travel times," a senior official noted. "A permanent heli-link would make these Western Ghats destinations accessible in under 30 minutes."
Beyond Tourism: Medical and Logistics
The administration is also looking at the humanitarian and logistical benefits. As a medical powerhouse, Mangaluru’s private hospitals could utilize the proposed permanent helipads for:
1. Cardiac Emergencies: Rapid transfer of critical patients.
2. Organ Transplants: Vital "green corridors" through the air to save lives.
3. Regional Connectivity: Linking remote areas like Puttur, Sullia, and Beltangady to the main city.
While the Karavali Utsava has traditionally focused on beach-side festivities, the DC confirmed that the district is now evaluating formal proposals from private operators. The goal is to establish a network of permanent helipads that will eventually offer regular sorties to Kudremukh National Park and the scenic heights of the Western Ghats.
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