Aerial tourism is now a reality in Hyderabad. The AP Tourism Development Corporation in association with the Deccan Aviation Private Limited has launched helicopter services which would take the tourists on a 15-minute ride to the tourism spots. They include Golconda, Falaknuma, Chowmohalla Palace, Birla Mandir, Buddha Statue and the Hi-tech City.

According to Col (Retd) M S Sehgal, Executive Pilot and Base Manager, the helicopter would carry six people in each round and each of them would be charged Rs 2950. There will be no fare for the children below two years. However, the tourists will not be able to capture their visit in camera due to DGCA norms.

Talking to reporters, Col Shegal said that the interested tourists could come to the helipad near Snow World at Lower Tank Bund. They will also have to carry a photo ID card, as per the DGCA norms.

The services were launched by Tourism Minister Vatte Vasanth Kumar at Begumpet Airport here on Tuesday. GHMC Mayor Banda Kartika Reddy and APTDC MD Sandeep Kumar Sultania were also present.

Earlier, the Tourism Minister also flagged off Open Top City Tourism Buses at Charminar. Speaking to media persons, the Minister said that the APTDC has also launched transit tourism for the passengers of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. He said passengers would be taken on the city tour of about three to four hours which would include visit to places like the Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Purani Haveli and Golconda Fort. Fare for each passenger would be Rs 475 and A/c Qualis vehicles have been engaged for the services.

The minister said that the government was also trying to get approval from the Centre for the aerial tourism of water bodies which would include Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar, Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam and other water bodies.