Heli Tourism For Cruise Ship Passengers to be Launched Soon in Mangalore: Good Initiative

The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) and the state tourism department have plans for introducing Heli in Mangalore. The aim is to transport foreign tourists by helicopter to tourist spots in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi from the helipad located at NMPA.

If the plans materialise, foreign tourists arriving on cruise liners at NMPT will be the first passengers to experience the city via heli tourism. The cruise liners arrive at NMPT mostly at 8 am and leave the port around 6 or 7 pm. During this eight-hour window, tourists typically visit temples, churches, and mosques. However, through heli tourism, they will have the opportunity to explore attractions in neighboring districts as well. According to tourism department officials, heli tourism will foster all-round development.

The NMPA had taken steps toward introducing heli tourism in Mangalore many years ago; but due to several issues including maintenance the project was delayed. This time, the proposal has been sent to the state tourism department, which has given it the green signal in light of financial development as well as tourism growth. Around 8,000 foreign tourists visit the city via cruise liners to NMPT from December to May.