- Destinations
- Experiences
- Stay
- What's new
- Editor’s Picks
- Responsible Tourism
- CampaignsCampaigns
- Subscribe
Latest reports suggest that Uttarakhand is all set to launch India's first-ever gyrocopter safari service by the end of the year, which is expected to redefine the concept of adventure tourism in the region and attract a large number of tourists.
"The launch might be around December 16. The Gyros are coming from Germany from a company called Autogyro, and the pilots who will run the initial tests will be Germans. This is the first time gyros will be used in India for the tourism sector," said Col Ashvini Pundir, the Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, while speaking to Outlook Traveller. "Gyrocopters will depart from the Bairagi camp in Haridwar," he added.
Referring to the cost of the tickets for the Gyrocopter rides, Pundir said, "The operating cost of a Gyrocopter is one-tenth that of a helicopter, so it is comparatively cheaper, with an estimated cost of INR 200 per minute. Therefore, a ten-minute flight should cost around INR 1,000."
Manish Saini, the CEO of the private sports company overseeing the air safari, said that this is not only the inaugural service of its kind in India but also across South Asia. According to him, since 2014, they have been conducting air safaris in Rishikesh with the support of the state government. The gyrocopter safaris might also originate from Rishikesh and offer tourists a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the region's natural nobility.
State Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj emphasised the government's commitment to promoting adventure sports and pilgrimage, ensuring accessible and seamless journeys for tourists. The minister also elaborated on the plans for the development of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat as Shiva Nagari, and Corbett and Sitabani as a comprehensive animal kingdom.
Tourism Department Secretary Sachin Kurve highlighted the tourism sector's substantial contribution to the state and the country's GDP. He also cited Uttarakhand's recognition as the safest destination for female travellers, which is a huge boost for tourism in the region.
Meanwhile, Starscapes founder Ramashish Ray urged the government to tap into the vast potential of astrotourism in the state. Ray's insights hint at the unexplored celestial wonders waiting to be discovered in Uttarakhand, with 64 observatories nationwide, including one in Kausani. Developing astro-tourism can be a significant source of employment and revenue generation for the state.
A gyrocopter is a type of rotorcraft that uses a rotor that is not powered to generate lift. The rotor looks similar to that of a helicopter, but it requires air flowing upwards across it to rotate.
It is a unique aircraft that is distinguished by the absence of an engine turning the rotors and resembles a small helicopter. It will offer a distinctive and exhilarating experience to the tourists, allowing them to marvel at the majestic Himalayan landscape from an entirely new perspective.
