Mulugu, Jan 22: As the spirit of the biennial Sammakka Saralamma Jatara—Asia’s largest tribal festival—grips the state, the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) has officially launched helicopter services to provide devotees with a seamless and breathtaking journey to the sacred site of Medaram.
With millions of pilgrims expected to converge in the Tadvai forest region between January 28 and January 31, 2026, the aerial shuttle aims to help devotees skip the heavy traffic congestion while offering a unique “eye-in-the-sky” perspective of the massive gathering.
Flight Options and Pricing
The helicopter services, operated by Bengaluru-based Thumby Aviation (HeliTaxii), offer two primary packages designed for convenience and spiritual experience.
| Service Type | Route / Details | Price (Per Person) |
| Shuttle Service | Hanamkonda (Arts & Science College) ⇌ Medaram | ₹35,999 |
| Joy Ride | Aerial view of the Jatara (6–7 minutes) | ₹4,800 |
Note: The shuttle service from Hanamkonda typically includes VIP Darshan passes for the Sammakka-Saralamma temple.
Key Highlights of the Service
- Time Saver: A journey that takes 3–4 hours by road can be completed in approximately 20 minutes via flight.
- Operating Hours: Flights are scheduled to run from 8:00 AM to 5:20 PM daily throughout the festival period.
- Convenience: The primary helipad for departures is located at the University Arts & Science College grounds in Hanamkonda, with the landing zone at the Padigapur helipad near Medaram.
- VIP Access: Passengers on the shuttle service often receive priority access for rituals, making it an ideal choice for elderly pilgrims or those with limited time.
How to Book
Tickets can be booked online through the official operator’s portal or via dedicated contact numbers. Due to high demand and limited seating (typically 5–6 passengers per sortie), officials recommend booking well in advance.
- Official Website: helitaxii.com
- Contact Numbers: +91 74834 33752 / +91 94003 99999
- Email: [email protected]
Ensure you carry a valid government-issued ID at the time of boarding, as security checks are mandatory at both helipads.
