Mysuru: Soon there will be no need for sports enthusiasts to look beyond state to quench their thirst for adventure.
The state government in its bid to boost tourism in the state, had earmarked Rs 5 crore for setting up of aero and aqua sports centres in Mysuru during the budget.
As per the proposed project an aquatic sports centre will be set up in the vicinity of Varuna Lake, located 10km away from Mysuru along National Highway 212 which will host a variety of watersports, including jet skiing and kayaking, during the Dasara festival, in order to attract more tourists. Besides this there is also a proposal to conduct other aqua sports like still water rafting and bungee jumping.
While the initial proposal for the aquatic sports centre was put forth by Cauvery Neeraari Nigama Limited, the agency which holds jurisdiction over the lake to the Karnataka government, the Department of Tourism has now proposed to form a joint committee including representatives of the Neeravari Nigam, Tourism Department, local Gram Panchayat and also the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports.
A sky diving activity, initiated by the by Skydivers – a company approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, at the airport too has been attracting quite a few people. The Tourism Department is now planning to include paragliding, parasailing and paramotoring in Mysuru as well, it is gathered.
Deputy Director of Tourism, Mysuru district, HP Janardhana stated that five adventure sports activities — skydiving, parasailing, paragliding, hot air balloon riding, and helicopter riding — have been finalised. Chamundi Hills has been chosen as the spot for paragliding as the hills stand at a height of 3,000 ft. Those engaging in this activity can either glide down the hill or land at the Lalith Mahal Helipad,” he said.
This jump location is also close to the Devikere, the lake, which is situated on top of Chamundi Hills. Since there are multiple landing options, Chamundi Hills was chosen as the designated jump spot.
Parasailing from the ground, where a vehicle tows the rider, is also going to be set up at the Lalith Mahal Helipad. Hot air balloons will take off from Himmavu, located near the Mysuru-Nanjangud Road.
