Mangaluru: As part of Karavali Utsava 2025, which has commenced across Dakshina Kannada district with a focus on culture, tourism, and sports, the district administration has launched a helicopter joyride service titled ‘Heli Ride’ in Mangaluru. The service has been introduced from Sulthan Bathery, offering residents and visitors a rare opportunity to experience the coastal city from the skies.

The helicopter joyride has quickly emerged as one of the key attractions of Karavali Utsava, drawing enthusiastic response from tourists and locals alike. According to officials, the initiative aims to promote tourism and provide a unique recreational experience as part of the district-level festivities.

Fare, timing and ride details

The fare for the Heli Ride has been fixed at Rs 3,500 per person, with a maximum of five passengers allowed per ride. Each ride lasts for approximately seven minutes, during which passengers are treated to panoramic aerial views of Mangaluru and its surrounding coastal landscape.

The service operates in two daily slots — from 10.30 am to 1 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5 pm — ensuring ample opportunity for visitors to plan their ride conveniently. Officials said safety protocols are being strictly followed, and all rides are conducted under regulated conditions.

Those interested in availing the helicopter joyride can book their slots online through the official website: heli.dakshinakannada.org, as per an official release.

Aerial view of Mangaluru’s scenic coastline

The helicopter ride offers passengers a refreshing break from their daily routine and a memorable experience of soaring above the city. From the air, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mangaluru’s coastline, scenic spots, urban landscape, and the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea.

Passengers are given a unique perspective of the city’s natural beauty, with sweeping views of the coastal terrain that are rarely accessible otherwise. The initiative has been described as an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts and tourists to witness the charm of the coast from an entirely new angle.

District officials said the Heli Ride has been designed not just as entertainment but also as a promotional tool to highlight Dakshina Kannada’s tourism potential.

Karavali Sports Festival at Ullal beach

In connection with Karavali Utsava, the district administration, along with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Dakshina Kannada District Volleyball Association, Dakshina Kannada District Football Association, and the Dakshina Kannada district unit of the Karnataka State Physical Education Teachers’ Association, is jointly organising the Karavali Sports Festival at Ullal beach.

On December 27, beach volleyball matches will be conducted for boys and girls in the under-17 high school category. The following day, December 28, the festival will feature beach volleyball and football matches for men and women, along with traditional games such as lagori and tug-of-war.

Winners of the Karavali Sports Festival will be honoured with attractive trophies and cash prizes. The organising committee has appealed to high school students, as well as men and women from across Dakshina Kannada district, to participate in large numbers and make the event a success.

Police Kala Vaibhava adds cultural colour

Adding to the cultural vibrancy of Karavali Utsava, the Mangaluru city police will organise Police Kala Vaibhava at the Karavali Utsav ground in Mangaluru on December 27, starting from 6 pm onwards.

The programme will feature performances by police bands and various cultural events showcasing artistic talent within the police force. Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H will inaugurate the programme. The event is expected to attract a large audience and add a unique dimension to the celebrations.

Conclusion

With initiatives like the helicopter joyride, sports festivals, and cultural programmes, Karavali Utsava 2025 continues to showcase the vibrant spirit of Dakshina Kannada. The launch of the Heli Ride has added a new dimension to the festival, combining adventure, tourism, and celebration, while reinforcing Mangaluru’s identity as a dynamic coastal destination.