Now, enjoy a pristine view of MM Hills over a zipline

Mysuru: The Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary authorities have started zipline adventure activity to attract tourists. The zipline, said to be the longest in the state, will allow tourists to enjoy the lush green forest from more than 150 feet above the ground level.
The zipline has been constructed at Sri Mahadeshwara Maradigudda Tree Park in Kollegal in Chamarajanagar district. The 25-acre park is maintained by Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division, Kollegal.
The zipline initiative was taken up by foresters during the recent lockdown at a cost of Rs 20 lakh. The zipline has been constructed between two hillocks with cable suspension hanging above 150 feet from the ground. At 216 metres, the line is also the longest in the state. Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp in Mandya District has a 40 metre-long zipline.
To allow tourists to capture the moments during zip lining, the forest department will provide a camera attached selfie stick. Forest staff will download the pictures and send it to the tourists free of cost.
While the fee is Rs 50 for adults and Rs 30 for children, Rs 5 is charged for vehicle parking. Vinay, a nature explorer from Bengaluru, said all safety measures have been adopted at the facility.
“Tourists will be given hand sanitizer and made to wear helmets and safety belts before ziplining. The ticket price is very less here compared to other places where charges range from Rs 800 to Rs 1000. The staff will explain how to glide. We can record our experience with the camera provided,” he said.
Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary DCF V Yedukondalu told TOI, “Our aim is to allow people to enjoy the nature. All safety measures including double line cables have been installed and we are maintaining Covid protocols.”
Yedukondalu said an agency has been hired to provide technical support who trains the staff and every 15 days inspects the cables and other equipment.
“We have also developed the tree park with various medicinal plants and trees. We have set up open gym with more than 50 items at the hilltop and at the foothill for the public,” he said.