Bellary: Tourists will be able to see ‘Hampi By Sky,’ by flying in choppers to get an aerial view of the many monuments and ruins of the world heritage site during the Hampi Utsav that begins on January 11.
While BMM Ispat LimÂited of Hospet will sponsor a six seater helicopter, another chopper is likely to be hired to meet the huge demand for the 15 minute Hampi By Sky tour.
“Initially, we had planÂned to use only one chopper, but the demand has increased and we now intend to bring in another helicopter for the tour,” said an officer involved with the Utsav’s organisation. The rush for the Hampi By Sky tour has also forced the authorities to make it shorter .
To begin with they had inteÂnded it to be a 30 minÂute joyride over Hampi, SanÂdur, Daroji Bear SancÂtuary and Tungabhadra dam, but have now curtailed it to 15 minutes over the Hampi ruins.
“We wanted more people to enjoy the helicopter ride and so we cut down on the length of the tour and its price,” explained the official.
The aerial tour will cost an adult Rs 2,000 and a child Rs 1,500. But children below 10 will not be alloÂwed to take the tour, which will be available from 9 am to 5 pm on all three days of the Utsav.
A helipad is being readied near Mayura BhuvÂanesÂhwari Hotel in KamaÂlapura near Hampi for the choppers to take- off and land.
While sale of tickets for the helicopter ride will start in a couple of days inquiries are already pouring in for reserving them, reveals the official, adding that around 800 people are expected to enjoy the Hampi By Sky experience during the three-day event.
