In a strategic move to enhance premium tourism and improve intra-state connectivity, the Kerala government has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from certified helicopter service operators and aggregators to launch heli-tourism services across major tourist destinations. The initiative aims to offer safe, efficient, and regular aerial transport linking hotspots such as Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Vagamon, and Bekal.
This development is part of Kerala Tourism’s broader effort to position the state as a high-end travel destination, enabling tourists to explore diverse experiences—from beaches to hill stations—within a single day. A tourism department official highlighted that helicopter services will drastically reduce travel time, especially for short-stay visitors. For instance, a road journey from Kochi to Munnar that currently takes four to six hours could be reduced to under an hour by air, at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 per person.
The services are also expected to support pilgrimage tourism, particularly to Sabarimala, by offering quicker access for devotees from states like Andhra Pradesh, allowing more time at the shrine and surrounding attractions.
Originally launched in December 2023, the heli-tourism plan faced delays due to forest department restrictions and the absence of a formal policy. However, with the Cabinet’s approval of a dedicated heli-tourism policy in December 2024, the state has now reopened the bidding process. Technical presentations from shortlisted bidders are set for June 23, with five to ten operators expected to participate.
The policy outlines the development of heliports, helistations, and essential infrastructure in compliance with DGCA and other regulatory standards. Officials emphasized the low land requirement and high efficiency of heli-tourism, which is expected to transform travel access across remote regions in Kerala.
