Telangana to launch heli-tourism service from Hyderabad to Srisailam by Sankranti
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government is set to launch heli-tourism services between Hyderabad and Srisailam from January 2026, coinciding with Sankranti, as part of a major initiative to promote tourism in the state.
Officials said the tourism department, which has already attracted ₹15,000 crore in investments, is working to make Telangana a hub for innovative tourism experiences. In collaboration with private aviation and airline companies, the state will introduce helicopter rides for pilgrims and tourists.
Heli service for faster, scenic travel
Initially, the service will operate on weekends, with expansion plans based on public response. The one-hour flight from Hyderabad will pass over the lush Nallamala forests, the Krishna River, and scenic spots such as Somashila and Amaragir before reaching Srisailam.
By road, the 220-km journey to Srisailam currently takes about six hours. The heli-tourism option will cut travel time to under an hour, making it ideal for families, employees, and foreign visitors seeking short spiritual getaways.
Each helicopter will seat six to eight passengers, and the department expects the service to generate local employment opportunities.
Plans for more destinations
Tourism officials announced that they will introduce two- and three-day packages—including travel, accommodation, and temple visits—soon. Bookings will be available through a dedicated tourism website and mobile app.
If successful, officials will extend similar helicopter services to Ramappa Temple and Laknavaram Lake in Warangal and Mulugu districts.
The state government is coordinating with the Andhra Pradesh government, as Srisailam lies within AP’s boundaries. Officials expressed confidence that the initiative would place Telangana prominently on India’s tourism map.
