Kumily: Travellers heading to the world-famous tourist destination of Thekkady in Kerala can now reach there in a helicopter. The Boby Chemmanur International Group is launching a helicopter service between Kumily near Thekkady and Kochi named ‘Boby Heli Taxi’.
A helipad for the purpose has been arranged at Ottakathalamedu, around five km from Kumily town, on a plot of land belonging to a private individual. It is one of the highest spots in Kumily panchayat from where a good of view of the Thekkady lake and surrounding forest areas could be enjoyed.
Organisers of the helicopter service said that the operating cost of a trip would come to Rs 85,000, based on which travellers would be charged at Rs 13,000 plus Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 18 per cent per person. The Kochi-Kumily travelling time by air will be a mere 45 minutes and the helicopter can carry five adults and a child, apart from the pilot.
At present, two services are planned and the frequency could be increased depending on demand, said officials attached to the helicopter service. Online booking for the trip has been arranged with the cooperation of hotels and travel agencies.
The helicopter service from Kumily was launched at Ottakathalamedu by E S Bijimol MLA.