Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department plans big to lure crowds this winter. The department has recently introduced Helicopter services for tourists. Kashmir’s aerial boundaries were previously only used for security surveillance and transportation of VIPs. For the first time helicopters carrying tourists would be airborne in Srinagar skies.

(TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - December 15th, 2015 - The tourism department along with local tour operators has started a helicopter service, which offers aerial tour of Srinagar at very affordable price. The tour of the city from an aerial point of view is a great attraction to boost tourism. Flying services by choppers will also be provided to reach the ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir and scenic Pahalgam in South Kashmir will also be provided. The launch of helicopter services and air safaris will have a multiplier effect with upmarket travelers preferring chopper travel directly from the airport to the Valley's premier tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam to save time.

Security agencies have been given green signal to the proposed helicopter service. Arrangements of helipads are complete. The department offers seven-minute aerial tour of Srinagar for Rs 3000, where travelers would fly around Dal Lake, Mughal gardens and old Srinagar City. Rs 10,000 will be charged round helicopter travel for Gulmarg while the price for return journey for Pahalgam has been fixed at Rs 12,000. To avail the helicopter service one has to book the tickets with local tour and travel operators.

Tourism Secretary Farooq Shah, announced plans to promote tourism in the valley developing helicopter services, skiing facilities and corporate retreat. Jammu and Kashmir government is offering hospitality facilities at a much lower prices to bring crowds to the valley.

Tourism Secretary said, "With the announcement of a financial package by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government plans to make the state the best tourist destination not only in the country but in Asia.”

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