After skydiving, it is the time for thrilling hot air balloon rides to promote Mysuru as a nucleus for adventure tourism. With the aim of making Mysuru a centre for adventure sports, including water sports, the Tourism Department has proposed to introduce balloon rides, perhaps in alliance with private players, as a regular tourist attraction.
It is exploring the possibility of launching a hot air balloon pilot training institute to teach people interested in flying hot air balloons and award balloon pilot licences.
Janardhana H.P., Deputy Director of Tourism, told The Hindu that the department was considering developing Mysuru as an adventure sports hub. Mysuru airport is now a certified drop zone for skydiving, which is fast catching up among adventure enthusiasts. A certified private agency – Sky Riders – has been conducting the jumps, he said. A two-acre land near Nanjangud has been identified for balloon pilot training.
Once the training centre is set up, balloon rides will also be promoted among tourists who are keen on aerial tours of Mysuru, he added. Helicopter rides that were introduced during Dasara last year were a big hit.
“The institute and the rides have been proposed as adventure sports like hot air balloon rides may get patronage from tourists as well as adventure enthusiasts,” Mr. Janardhana said, adding that a clear picture on the proposal would be out soon. One of the main conditions for promoting balloon rides is that the area for balloon take-off should be free of overhead electrical cables, mainly high-tension lines. The area identified near Nanjangud appears to be perfect, he said.
Aanchal Khurana of Sky Riders said they had conducted nearly 100 jumps after Mysuru airport was chosen as a drop zone.
Tourism secretary Naveen Raj Singh himself took a dive in December last, she said, adding that the department and the district administration have been very supportive of skydiving endeavours in Mysuru.
