Even as the State government, in the recently announced budget, has announced a plan to make Mysuru an adventure sports hub, Chamundi Hills is set to become a launch pad for paragliding activities.
Five adventure sports activities — skydiving, parasailing, paragliding, hot air balloon riding, and helicopter riding — have been finalised as part of tourism promotion in the district. Skydiving is already being offered by Sky Riders, a private agency, with Mysuru airport as the drop zone.
Sources in the Tourism Department told The Hindu that Chamundi Hills has been chosen as the destination for offering paragliding opportunities. Standing at a height of more than 3,000 feet, adventure enthusiasts can paraglide off the hill and land on or close to the helipad at Lalith Mahal Palace on the foothills. For now, the jump location is close to Devikere, a lake atop the hill.
However, another jump location has been identified on the hilltop, but it is under private ownership. The authorities are planning to approach the owners with a proposal. “If the talks materialise, the launch is likely to be from that location. Otherwise, the original spot will be finalised. All safety measures will be looked into beforehand by the agency holding the activities,” a source said.
Parasailing from the ground, with a vehicle towing the airborne parachute rider, has been planned at Lalith Mahal Helipad.
Meanwhile, activities such as hot air balloon rides have almost been finalised at Himmavu, off the Mysuru-Nanjangud Road. A detailed project report for this will be prepared and a final decision on its launch will be taken by the government, sources said. Himmavu is the place where the Film City has been proposed on 110 acres.
The Tourism Department is also in talks with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, which has plans to develop a sports institute near Varuna Lake, off T. Narsipur Road, for launching aqua sports such as jet skiing and kayaking.
