Tourists travelling to Uttarakhand to enjoy aerial view of Himalayas

Tourists travelling to Uttarakhand will now be able to enjoy the aerial view of the Himalayas as the first helicopter service between the city of Haldwani and Munsiyari town started from today.

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The tourism authority of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand will run the service, known as heli-taxi, and will offer an aerial view from a height of 8,000 to 10,000 feet.

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District Magistrate of Nainital, Deepak Rawat, said the journey would give an opportunity to international and domestic tourists to enjoy the scenic view.

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"A guard would be available whole time for the security of the helicopter and the services. The service is primarily for Munsiyari but when you fly, you have a wide view of the Himalayas and it is a spectacular view during the sunny days. I would also like to request the media to communicate this to all as we are not only focusing on the international tourists but domestic tourists as well. The service is also for those who have not visited Munsiyari ever," said Rawat.

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Uttarkhand Tourism Minister Dinesh Dhane, and other state officials flagged off the helicopter service that would cost rupees 15,000 for a return trip and rupees 8,000 for one-way, with 14.50 percent tax added to it.

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The whole journey would take 90 minutes, with one-way flight taking 45 minutes.

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"The way we did the lake view tour, similarly this is for the Himalaya view at Garhwal. Today, this has been started for Munsiyari. This is definitely an initial step," said Dhane.

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Dhane added this service would be beneficial for the tourists as well as residents of the area.

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The first heli-taxi started with five passengers on board.

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According to media reports, tourists will get an hour-long break in Panchachuli - a popular destination for adventure sports - in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.