Mysuru will soon become an adventure hub with aero and aqua sports centres proposed to be set up. In a bid to boost tourism in the state, the Karnataka government, had, during the budget, allotted Rs 5 crore for setting up these centres in Mysuru.
The proposed project aims at installing an aquatic sports centre in the vicinity of Varuna Lake, located 10km away from Mysuru along National Highway 212.
According to the proposal, the centre will host a variety of watersports, including jet skiing and kayaking, during the Dasara festival, in order to drive more tourists.
Cauvery Neeraari Nigama Limited, the agency which holds jurisdiction over the lake, had initially sent the proposal for the aquatic sports centre to the Karnataka government.
But 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.
“Apart from jet skiing and kayaking, other aqua sports like still water rafting and bungee jumping have been proposed. Bungee jumping over water bodies is considered safe,” said HP Janardhana, Deputy Director of Tourism, Mysuru district.
Mysuru is already driving adventure enthusiasts due to the sky diving activity at the airport, which was started by Skydivers, a company approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Tourism Department is now planning to include paragliding, parasailing and paramotoring in Mysuru as well, Janardhana added.
“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.