Heli-tourism to commence in Goa from Feb 1

Tourists visiting Goa can now have an aerial view of state's pristine beaches and forts with the introduction of helicopter tourism service next month.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today undertook a familiarisation sortie on Pawan Hans helicopter as a prelude for the introduction of heli-tourism in Goa.
Parsekar along with State Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar were the first fliers of this service introduced by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Mumbai-based Pawan Hans Limited.
"The commercial operations of this service will start from February 1, 2016 in Goa. Pawan Hans will operate joy ride flights from Aguada plateau on daily basis," Dr B P Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Pawan Hans India Limited told reporters in the backdrop of the maiden sortie.

"In Goa, the helicopter rides will connect the hinterlands, coastal areas and other prominent tourist spots giving visitors a breathtaking and picturesque glimpses of the state from atop," he said.
"Goa will be one of the few states in the country to operate such a service for tourists thereby promoting high end adventure tourism," Sharma added.

The company intends to fly atop Fort Aguada, Miramar Beach, Dona Paula, Candolim beach, Calangute beach, Anjuna beach.
The visitors will also get an aerial view of Mandovi River, Panaji City, Panaji church and Old Goa Church.
Sharma said other locations in South Goa including Doodhsagar waterfall, Canacona beaches, Colva beach and nearby areas have also been shortlisted.

"Once we get clearance from GTDC, we can start service on that route too. We also need to understand the market potential of the South Goa sector," he said.
The CMD said all safety norms and measures for fliers in adherence to Director General Civil Aviation guidelines have been taken.