Helicopter service connects Bhopal to Orchha:Joy rides at 500 feet attract tourists across Madhya Pradesh

In Orchha, tourists can now reach the court of King Ram in just one and a half hours. A helicopter tourism service has been started from Bhopal to Orchha. Every day at 9:30 am, the helicopter takes off for Orchha and returns at 2 pm. This means that devotees can visit Ram Raja and return to Bhopal in just four and a half hours. A joy ride has also been introduced in Chanderi, allowing tourists to view the heritage town from the sky. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav launched the helicopter service for Orchha and Chanderi on 19 April. Tourists and pilgrims can view both destinations from a height of 3,000 feet, while joy rides are available at 500 feet. Bhaskar captured both cities from the sky. Whether it is the royal court of Ram Raja in Orchha or the centuries-old heritage of Chanderi, tourists are now enjoying aerial views through helicopter rides. Many tourists have already taken these rides in the last two days. Orchha is the Ayodhya of Bundelkhand Orchha is considered the Ayodhya of Bundelkhand. A couplet written on its wall states that Lord Ram has two residences—Orchha during the day and Ayodhya at night. He is treated as a king in Orchha and is given a guard of honour. During Diwali, the Ram Raja temple is decorated with lights and flowers. On the second day of Deepotsav, Mauni dance performances are held by groups from nearby villages and districts, including Panna, Chhatarpur, Damoh, and Uttar Pradesh regions like Jhansi, Rath, Hamirpur and Banda. Foreign tourists also participate. Chanderi’s identity as a film city Ashoknagar district’s Chanderi, a small town, is now known not only for its famous sarees and history but also as a film shooting destination. Films like “Stree” have been shot here. Chanderi’s tourism is linked to King Medini Rai and Queen Manimala, and its fort also holds references from the Mahabharata era. During the Mahabharata period, it was known as the city of King Shishupal. Historical figures like Baiju Bawra are also associated with it. Tourist footfall has increased significantly in recent years, prompting the government to connect it with helicopter tourism. Travel cost and facilities Travel from Bhopal to Orchha costs ₹6,500, while Chanderi costs ₹5,500. On 19 April, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated the tourism helicopter service for Orchha and Chanderi. This is the complete schedule Schedule of the service The service is operated on a PPP model with special focus on passenger safety. A modern 6-seater helicopter is being used. Hotel stay, food and guided local tours are pre-arranged at destinations. Booking can be done through www.flyola.in and IRCTC portal. The service operates five days a week—Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The package includes taxi service, VIP darshan and prasad for ₹14,500 as an end-to-end facility. Joy ride facility of ₹3,500 is also available in Chanderi and Orchha. Boost to religious and heritage tourism This service connects Bhopal with the holy city of Orchha and the heritage-rich Chanderi. It helps devotees easily reach Shri Ram Raja temple for darshan and also experience Chanderi’s cultural heritage and famous handloom sarees. On 1 November 2025, on Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day, Chief Minister Dr Yadav launched the PM Shri Helicopter Tourism Service. It is currently operating in the spiritual circuit including Indore, Ujjain and Omkareshwar, and wildlife circuit including Jabalpur, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Chitrakoot and Maihar. So far, 2,648 tourists and devotees have used this service.