New Mangalore Port launches heli-service for cruise visitors

New Mangalore Port has initiated heli-service for the cruise tourists coming from foreign countries. The first helicopter service has been between the Bekal fort in Kasaragod district from the port.

Mangaluru: New Mangalore Port on Monday received its first cruise vessel for the season during which the port authority launched helicopter services for the visiting cruise tourists to go around neighbouring tourist attractions.

The cruise season in West Coast starts from the month of November and lasts till May before the Southwest monsoon sets in. During this period, the cruise vessels mostly from Europe visit the major ports of the West Coast.

The first cruise vessel of the season, 'Aida Vita', a Panama flagged vessel, made a port of call at New Mangalore Port on Monday morning and she was received by the port authorities and agents. The cruise brought 1154 passengers and 407 crew members.

Port authorities said that the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) has improved the existing facilities and augmented services for the visiting tourists.

But the attraction of the year is the introduction of helicopter services from the port to nearby tourist destinations in Tulunadu (Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala).

The first helicopter service was between the Bekal fort in Kasaragod district and the port. The proposed destinations include Dharmasthala, Kukke, Belur and Halabeedu in future.

The improved services include the refurbished cruise terminal with additional facilities such as free wifi, improved shopping arcade and information kiosk, said port authorities in Mangaluru.