<p>While the hospitality and tourism industry is complaining about the overall dip in tourists this year, the helicopter joyride that has been launched as part of Dasara celebrations has turned out to be a huge hit among the people, especially youth.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The 10-minute ride gives them an opportunity to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the city, including Mysuru Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Rajendra Vilas Palace, Chamundi Hill and Karanji Lake.<br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald, Shashidhar Valmiki of Pavan Hans said there is an overwhelming response for the helicopter ride. “Two helicopters have been deployed and though the number of trips on the first day (September 29) was just 15, it gradually increased during the weekend. The number of trips on Saturday was 33 and on Sunday, it was 43 trips. On Monday, it was 31 and on Tuesday, it was 34 trips,” he said.<br /><br />Enthusiastic crowds were seen thronging the Lalitha Mahal helipad right from 8 am. While some had come to enjoy the ride, others had gathered to have a glimpse of the metal bird taking off and landing at the helipad. The trips begin at 8.30 am and continue up to 5.30 pm. “Though, we initially expected only youths will throng the place, there were many elders and women buying tickets for the joyride. In fact, their enthusiasm was more compared to youths,” he said.<br /><br />For many, it was their first flying experience. They were explaining about their accomplishment of a secret dream to fly. Narrating an interesting incident, Shashidhar said, a youth from Ballari, who had travelled to Mysuru to meet his girl friend, came up with a unique idea of proposing to her during the copter ride, about 1,000 ft above the ground. <br /><br />With the sun shining, the weather is perfect for a helicopter ride, which will be held up to October 15. The copter can carry six persons at a time.<br /><br />The helicopter, resembling a small buzzing metal bird, hovering in the sky is attracting children, who were seen pestering their parents to take them on a ride.<br /><br /> The tickets are priced at Rs 2,499 for adults and Rs 2,299 for children and physically challenged persons. <br /><br />The ride is organised by the district administration and Pavan Hans, at Lalitha Mahal helipad, in an effort to attract tourists for Dasara.<br /></p>
<p>While the hospitality and tourism industry is complaining about the overall dip in tourists this year, the helicopter joyride that has been launched as part of Dasara celebrations has turned out to be a huge hit among the people, especially youth.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The 10-minute ride gives them an opportunity to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the city, including Mysuru Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Rajendra Vilas Palace, Chamundi Hill and Karanji Lake.<br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald, Shashidhar Valmiki of Pavan Hans said there is an overwhelming response for the helicopter ride. “Two helicopters have been deployed and though the number of trips on the first day (September 29) was just 15, it gradually increased during the weekend. The number of trips on Saturday was 33 and on Sunday, it was 43 trips. On Monday, it was 31 and on Tuesday, it was 34 trips,” he said.<br /><br />Enthusiastic crowds were seen thronging the Lalitha Mahal helipad right from 8 am. While some had come to enjoy the ride, others had gathered to have a glimpse of the metal bird taking off and landing at the helipad. The trips begin at 8.30 am and continue up to 5.30 pm. “Though, we initially expected only youths will throng the place, there were many elders and women buying tickets for the joyride. In fact, their enthusiasm was more compared to youths,” he said.<br /><br />For many, it was their first flying experience. They were explaining about their accomplishment of a secret dream to fly. Narrating an interesting incident, Shashidhar said, a youth from Ballari, who had travelled to Mysuru to meet his girl friend, came up with a unique idea of proposing to her during the copter ride, about 1,000 ft above the ground. <br /><br />With the sun shining, the weather is perfect for a helicopter ride, which will be held up to October 15. The copter can carry six persons at a time.<br /><br />The helicopter, resembling a small buzzing metal bird, hovering in the sky is attracting children, who were seen pestering their parents to take them on a ride.<br /><br /> The tickets are priced at Rs 2,499 for adults and Rs 2,299 for children and physically challenged persons. <br /><br />The ride is organised by the district administration and Pavan Hans, at Lalitha Mahal helipad, in an effort to attract tourists for Dasara.<br /></p>
