The Travancore Devaswom Board on Wednesday launched a commercial helicopter service to Nilackal, near Pampa, in association with the Kochi-based Helitours India.
Prayar Gopalakrishnan, TDB president, Ajay Tharayil, board member, and Shobby T. Paul, Helitours managing director, were on board the helicopter during the maiden flight.
The helicopter took off from the Thiruvananthapuram airport at 9.45 a.m. and landed at the TDB helipad near Nilackal Mahadevar Temple at 10.15 a.m.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Gopalakrishnan said the service was aimed at elevating Sabarimala to an international pilgrim centre.
