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Experience Varanasi Like Never Before:
In a significant move to enhance the tourism experience in Varanasi, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to launch a pioneering heli-tourism scheme. This venture, anticipated to commence in December 2023, is designed to provide visitors with a unique perspective of the holy city known for its ghats, temples, and the sacred Ganga River.
The heli-tourism scheme, a collaboration between the state government and the civil aviation department, will be executed by Heritage Aviation, a private company. Offering breathtaking aerial views, tourists can relish iconic landmarks such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and the historic Ramnagar Fort.
To facilitate ease of access, the heli-tour will commence from the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. The ride options include a 15-minute tour priced at Rs 5,000 per person and a 30-minute ride at Rs 10,000 per person. Interested individuals can conveniently book their heli-tour online, ensuring a seamless experience adhering to safety norms.
Rohit Mathur, the director of Heritage Aviation, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting its potential to be a unique and memorable experience for tourists. Additionally, it is expected to significantly contribute to boosting Varanasi's tourism industry.
Moreover, reports suggest that this heli-tourism scheme is not a short-term initiative but a permanent addition to Banaras tourism. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has completed preparations to launch the service, emphasizing its commitment to making heli-tourism an integral and enduring facet of Varanasi's tourism offerings.
The heli-tourism service will operate from Namo Ghat in Varanasi, with a dedicated helipad under construction by Smart City for this purpose. Deputy Director of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, Rajendra Kumar Rawat, shared details about the heli-tour, mentioning that the 20 to 25-minute flight will provide a spectacular view of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Mother Ganga. Each helicopter ride can accommodate up to six individuals, including the pilot.
Excitingly, the heli-copter services will extend beyond Varanasi, connecting to Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya, Ayodhya, Mathura, and Kushinagar. Tailored packages for these cities are in the planning stage, ensuring a comprehensive and delightful tourism experience.
In addition to heli-tourism, the tourism department aims to introduce eco-tourism in Chandauli, adjacent to Varanasi. This initiative will offer various adventurous activities, further enriching the tourism offerings in the region. Rajendra Kumar Rawat emphasized that tourism in Varanasi has not only provided a new impetus to economic activities but has also become a source of renewed interest for visitors.
As Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, witnesses ongoing development projects, the heli-tourism scheme adds a contemporary and exhilarating dimension to the spiritual and cultural richness of the city.
