India, March 31 -- In the run-up to the Kumbh Mela scheduled in Nashik from October this year to July 2028, the Maharashtra government is planning a helicopter tourism circuit linking key pilgrimage destinations across western Maharashtra and Marathwada, aiming to decongest roads and enhance the pilgrim experience.

Taking a cue from the success of similar initiatives during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, the state tourism department has proposed a heli-circuit connecting prominent sites such as the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi; Grishneshwar Temple and the Ajanta Caves-Ellora Caves in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; and the Bhimashankar Temple in Pune district.

The state expects an estimated 90-100 lakh devotees during key rituals such as the Shahi ...