Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Apr 28: Karnataka tourism minister, Janardhan Reddy, said that the much-awaited heli tourism will begin operations in tourist spots that have traditionally attracted large crowds, within the next 15 days.

Speaking to reporters at Dharmasthala on Wednesday April 27, the minister said that heli tourism has been divided into four sectors, heritage, malnad, coast, and tourist pilgrimage centres. Hampi, Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal and such other places have been listed under heritage tourist spots. He said that initially heli tourism will be implemented in heritage spots. Depending on the response from the tourists for this initiative, helicopters will be pressed into service in other spots too in a few months, he explained.

Reddy stated that an amount of Rs 60 crore had been sanctioned for tourism development programme in Kemmannugundi. “Out of this amount, ten crore rupees will go towards road development, while the balance Rs 50 crore will be utilized for tourism development activities. For Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, a sum of Rs 30 crore was released during each of the last two years for tourism development,” he added.