Hampi Utsav Helicopter Ride by Chipsan Aviation Karnataka

This aerial view is going to remain green forever in the memory of visitors opting to take the chopper ride over Hampi for the next one week.

The 'By Sky' initiative in the temple town is drawing crowds by the hordes, be it riders who want to hop on to the chopper for a panoramic view of the heritage complex or those content with a glimpse of the metal birds. Ballari district incharge minister Santosh Lad inaugurated the rides on Tuesday afternoon, as part of the Hampi Utsav.

Inaugurating the joyrides, Lad said the service is being offered to the people at affordable rates. The minister said a few celebrities would be invited for the Utsav, but the names were yet to be finalised. The three-day Utsav kicks off on November 3, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah doing the inaugural honours at 6 pm, opposite the Basavanna mantap.

Chipsan Aviation taking enthusiasts for joyrides, much to their glee. The rides - of seven-minute and 10-minute durations - cost Rs 1,900 and Rs 2,600, respectively.

Those taking the ride were treated to a bird's eye view of the Virupaksha temple, car street, Matanga Hill, Anjanadri Hill and the meandering river.

As the helicopters took off for the rides, they were cheered by keen onlookers. While some took pictures of the copters in the sky, others clicked selfies standing by the metal birds. Anjali from Bengaluru had this to say, "I have taken flights many times. But this one was an out-of-the-world experience.