Owned and operated by Bangalore Bharath Airways Private Limited, a company that has over 20 years of experience in Helicopter operation, the service will be a boon to the tourism industry here.

The Helicopter used for the service is the American-made Bell-407, which can easily carry two pilots five passengers. The CIAL has made arrangements with TDB, the board that operates the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, to use the service to transport pilgrims up to Sannidhanam.

Right now the airport is operated by the Indian Navy, and has about 12 domestic services. Some domestic airlines, too, are on the line to start functioning from Vizag. It would connect it to Delhi, Mumbai and other metros.

The city, which has over 18 lakh people living in it, is expanding, and so are the needs for an international airport.  Nearly six lakh passengers fly in and fly out of the Vizag airport every year.

The additional flights have begun from the first of this month, and will be increased in a phased manner, continuing into the next month. This service will be of great importance to Kerala’s soaring tourism industry as well as to its regular flyers. The Guld region has a large section of Malayalees, working and living there. Plus, a huge number of tourists, too, visit Kerala during the peak season, just after the Monsoons.

The most famous animal of the region – the Royal Bengal Tiger – is found in the Sunderban National Park here. The tiger, which number about a 400, is adapted to pounce, run and swim in the mangrove swamps. There is a tiger reserve that keeps a check on the tigers and their conservation. Other animals found here are Chital deer, barking deer, estuarine crocodiles, variety of birds and turtles, and snakes. The Olive Ridley and Hawk-billed Turtle are famous here.

The mangroves are closely monitored by conservationists and the government alike. But it is the natives who are active as they have a symbiotic relationship with the forests. Fuel, timber and food are only some of the things that people here depend on from the mangrove forests.

Port Canning, 48km away, is the nearest railhead. Kolkata, 112km away, has the nearest airport. Cruises from Port Canning will take you to several swamp islands and small ports in the Sunderbans. You can spot many animals, birds and reptiles on the way. Many resorts and eco-lodges here will arrange guides and boats for tourists. The best time is between September and May.

Also visit the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary and the Haliday Island.

The tourism department has erected a replica of the Stone Chariot at Hampi at the terminal. You can also find temporary structures similar to Hoysala architecture. There are also stalls and sections filled by the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation, Coffee Board, Lidkar (leather industry of Karnataka), Mysore Silks, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited and Karnataka Tourism. It is done with a view to promote these organisations as well to provide a platform for folk artistes and dancers to perform here in the evenings.

With purchases more than Rs 300, people will get coupons for lucky dips. The prizes range from a free ride on the Golden Chariot luxury train to shopping vouchers and tour packages. Jet Airways passengers will get two coupons instead of one.

Shopping will be on an all-time high at the Bengaluru airport, and shops selling chocolates, perfumes, jewellery, apparel and liquor are the usual fabourites. Be sure to check them out. The fest is also open for non-flyers, too.