Agra to Chandigarh Flights

  About Agra

House to UNESCO's three World Heritage sites namely, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri, Agra to tourists is what flame is to moths. The illustrious history and culture of the city topped with tourist attractions make Agra fascinating. Located in Uttar Pradesh, the city is close to 200 km away from Delhi. However, thanks to the Yamuna Expressway and excellent domestic routes to Agra, the connectivity is excellent.

While the famous attractions of Agra do tell a fascinating tale, the architecture and cultural relevance further make the city alluring. From towering tombs to gorgeous mausoleums, the city of Agra places a perfect host to travellers who would like to indulge in their rich history. Not to mention how the legacy of the Mughal empire further adds more charm to the city's structures and backstory.

Places to see in Agra

The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort easily become the two main tourist attractions in Agra . People flock over from various parts of the country and even the world to marvel at the sight of the gorgeous marble grave. At the same time, watching the Yamuna river flow in the backdrop of the red Agra Fort is another visual treat.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is the main highlight of Agra and has a humongous footfall of travellers daily. The crowd can get pretty tricky to handle sometimes, and hence, it is best to either book a tour in advance or to reach the ticketing booth early. The monument is closed on Fridays so best not to make a travel plan on the said day.

The structure is basically a mausoleum built with pristine white marble back in the 17th century. Originally a grave made in the loving memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan went ahead to bless Agra with the Taj Mahal. The architectural masterpiece with its well-maintained tombs and Indo-Islamic relevance has given it a world heritage stature. There are several stories of the Taj Mahal that make it one of the most intriguing structures in the country.

It is believed that the Mughal emperor ordered to cut away the arms of all the labourers who worked to erect the monument. Fearing that someone might emulate the beautiful structure and betray the emperor himself led Shah Jahan to take up this step.

Not just the mausoleum but even the surrounding gardens and complex altogether, are ornamental to the luxe of the Taj Mahal. The grounds of Taj Mahal certainly are charming and soothing to the eyes of a tourist. However, there are some strict rules and regulations that tourists need to follow to enter the monument, though. Since it is one of the major attractions of the city and the country, governmental interference is prevalent as phones, and other such devices are not allowed in the vicinity.

Agra Fort

Another pristine structure on the lands of Agra is the famous Agra Fort. Even though the layout of the fort is quite similar to the Red Fort in Delhi, the way it has been maintained sets the two structures apart. Constructed out of red sandstones, the Agra Fort is a landmark and the other tourist attraction of the city. Originally built by Emperor Akbar, the structure is more than 500 years old. Thanks to its historical value and the impeccable designs, the Agra Fort has gained quite a lot of momentum in the travel industry.

Tourists love to visit the Agra Fort and get a view of the white mausoleum of the Taj Mahal from the direction. The fort also has a veranda and lush gardens that have been maintained well by the authorities. Usually, tour packages come with the Taj Mahal as well as Agra Fort as tourists often head to both the monuments. However, if you wish to visit one of the structures, the cost of the ticket will change accordingly.

Things to do in Agra

The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort might be the highlights of the city, but there is an abundance of lovely gardens and temples that you can pay a visit to. Mehtab Bagh, located bang opposite the Taj Mahal, gives a serene view of the monument sans the crowd. Plus, the Yamuna river adds a certain charm to the botanical garden's setting. You can explore more of this garden and even head to Ram Bagh and Soami Bagh to relish the landscapes. Perhaps pack a picnic for yourself and your family while you're in Agra.

There are a plethora of historical structures that have been erected in the city of Agra which you should certainly not miss. Right from Mariam's tomb to Jama Masjid, the innumerable contribution the city's structures have towards architecture makes it worth exploring. Since Agra was the capital of India during the Mughal era, much of the city's charm is actually very Indo-Islam.

During the months of February-March, a carnival takes place called Taj Mahotsav. Basically, the 10-day cultural festival celebrates art with enthusiasts flicking over from various parts of the country and even the world. If you do plan your trip around this time, you should engage one of your days to attend the festival. A special Taj Nature's Walk also takes place where you are taken through a tour of the Eastern-wing of the Taj Mahal. The garden with small waterworks makes for a delightful expedition.

Food and restaurants in Agra

Chaat lovers would be in for a treat, and Agra is a haven for those who can't get enough of street Chaat. You will find various kinds of eccentric and delicious Chaat variety at some of the restaurants and even streets. Typical items such as Aloo Tikki, Paneer Tikka, Gol Gappa, samosas, kachori, etc. can be found in all the food joints in Agra. In fact, sweet jalebis and spicy berahis are also part of the Agra food palette that you should explore.

Agra also has varied cuisine ranging from Chinese to Mughlai. Some of the best restaurants are Gulshan Highest, Joney's Place, Silk Route Restaurant and Nice Point Restaurant. These food joints are located in the prime spaces of Agra, making it easy for tourists to pick them for their gastronomical desires.

How to reach Agra (Transportation)

By Air

The closest airport to Agra is the Delhi airport. From the Indira Gandhi International Airport located in Delhi, you can head straight to the railway station or the national highway connecting Agra and Delhi. Here you will find a variety of options to travel to the city of Taj Mahal. You can either make prior bookings to tour Agra, or you can reach the city and then make bookings too. Prior hotel bookings in Agra would be helpful to you.

By Rail

Thanks to the Taj Mahal and other historic structures erected in the lovely city of Agra, the connectivity is also top-notch. Agra falls on the mainline for railways with routes such as Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai connecting with the city. In fact, there are dedicated trains stopping at Agra from significant cities with close to 20 trains coming from Delhi. All the trains usually stop at Agra Cantt and Agra Fort Station.

From Delhi aside from the usual trains, a special Taj Mahal express also departs and is promoted explicitly for tourism. This express train stops at Raja Ki Mandi station. Usually, the station is rather simple and quiet with hardly any bustling. However, come Taj Mahal express and the station springs to life with tourists making their way out to see the monument. There's a luxury train arriving from Rajasthan which has a stop at Agra. Going by the name Palace on Wheels, the train stops at Agra as part of its 8-day itinerary to cover fancy destinations in Rajasthan and Agra.

The good thing about Agra is you will find organized tours at the station itself. It is essential to make your bookings in advance if you are travelling during peak season. Travellers from Delhi can complete their Agra trip within a day. There are provisions of tours that begin from the capital so you can head out early in the morning and return by sunset. Since many domestic routes are connecting Agra to metro cities, travelling here is extremely relaxed.

By Road

Travellers picking bus as their mode of transport should get down either at Idgah Bus Stand or ISBT. The two stops mentioned are 8 km and 12 km away from the Taj Mahal, respectively. Buses are considered to be ideal options as the travel time is not tremendous. You'll spend close to 5 hours on the bus before reaching Agra.

If you're travelling from Delhi by private vehicle, you should take up the Yamuna Expressway as it connects the capital to Agra. Thanks to the brilliance of the expressway, you will actually be able to reach Agra in a decent two-hour transit. There is a toll to enter Agra, so ensure to keep some change handy. An Agra-Lucknow Expressway has also been built to reduce the travel time for travellers and enable a smooth transit. This drive would take approximately 3 hours.

  About Chandigarh

Located on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, is the gorgeous city of Vancouver. It is famously known to be one of the most densely populated cities in the country. Not just the population but even the ethnic diversity sets the city apart from the others. Vancouver has a plethora of gardens and parks, along with museums and galleries. The city has managed to find fame amid travellers in recent years. Owing to the landscape scenery and thriving food establishments, Vancouver has grown into becoming one of the most important cities in Canada. It is easy to connect flights to Vancouver as well.

Best time to visit Chandigarh

Vancouver is predominantly a cold city with temperatures barely exceeding 22 degree Celsius. However, the spring, summers and fall are pleasant in Vancouver, giving way to tourists. Since summer is the peak season in Vancouver, often you will find a plethora of tourists from around Canada to flock over for some fun. The city's thriving culture and lifestyle, topped with the slew of amazing festivals such as TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival, Vancouver Folk Music Festival and Bard on the Beach, further make people want to head to the city. With so many events and lovely weather to take in, the hotel prices and flight tickets also tend to get expensive. Plus, with the crowd, it might be difficult for you to enjoy a quiet and quaint environment. The cruise port also gets busy as the travellers need to be accommodated. However, the spring season will get your spirits high and your pockets happy. From March to May, the city turns lively as the cherry blossoms bloom and the whales pass through the Vancouver waters. It is a beautiful sight and certainly comes with great perks.

There are some fascinating events such as the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and Vancouver International Dance Festival that take place during spring. It is certainly the kind you shouldn't miss as the streets turn carnivalesque. Autumn is just as favourable as spring as the city prepares for the winters. It is easier to book hotels in Vancouver during this season as people are departing from the summer fun, reducing the demand for the city. Just as the temperatures go down, even the hotel prices and flight ticket costs drop, making it easier for tourists with a strict budget to traverse. While the city folks continue with their fairs and events, a new wave of budge tourists come over to be entertained by what the city has to offer. The temperatures would require you to carry jackets and coats along with you. It can get super cold, especially if you're from a hot country and are not used to the drop in temperatures. The experience of autumn in Vancouver is just as beautiful with the city streets turning crimson red as maple leaves flood the streets.

Places to visit in Chandigarh

Life in Vancouver is on the outside and not indoors. The city bustles and brims with opportunities for tourists to engage in. The Stanley Park is one sweet place from where you can begin your Canadian tour. Granville Island is the one place that will give you trendy restaurants, theatres and alluring galleries. All you've got to do is to hitch up a ferry ride and ho to the island. Another lovely place to visit would be Queen Elizabeth Park, a famous outdoor attraction in Vancouver. Famously known as the Kitsiklano 'Kits' Beach, the stretch of shores finds itself in the lines of an LA or Venice beach, thanks to the pristine water it touches. Spanish Banks Beach is another thrilling spot that would make you happy, especially if the water is something you love. The city has far too many gardens so you will never be tired of the greenery around you. The VanDusen Botanical Garden also deserves to be visited as it is one of the pretty places. It's not just gardens and beaches though, the city also has Yaletown, a chic neighbourhood to indulge in some upscaled lifestyle.

Things to do in Chandigarh

One of the best things to do in Vancouver is easily the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is 450 ft long, and 230 ft elevated from the ground that offers a stunning view of the river flowing under. It is quite thrilling and definitely poles apart from the feeling the gardens in Vancouver invoke. You can indulge in some leisure sightseeing and shopping at the Lonsdale Quay Market. Another fun thing to take up in Vancouver would be to indulge in a food tour. As the city does brim with a vast opportunity for lip-smacking food, you will not be disappointed with the establishments the city has. Sailing is another activity that you can take up in the city. It would be fun, and you will get to learn something new. Plus, for the outdoorsy kind, you can visit Grouse Mountain for some adventure fun.

Food and Restaurants in Chandigarh

Vancouver is nestled along the Pacific coast, making seafood as it's the staple food. In fact, much of their food has fish and other aquatic life as the base. That includes the classic fish and chips too, which is otherwise a London speciality. These can be found in the city's markets such as Granville Island. The place is ideal for you to explore their seafood delicacies. While Granville has some of the basic but delicious street meat, Yaletown upscales the whole experience, which would be ideal for you if you're on a romantic rendezvous. The setting at Yaletown is formal and posh. Some of the food establishments that you should visit during your trip are Rodney's Oyster House, Blue Water Cafe, to name a few. These are the best seafood restaurants in the city which you will surely like. You can also check out YEW Seafood + Bar, which is located at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. Their speciality includes Sidney Island venison and Qualicum Bag scallops. These are a big hit in the city, and something many would recommend.

A little away from Vancouver is Richmond (in British Columbia), where you'll find more seafood with wild salmon, tuna, mussels, crab and halibut too. What makes this place special is how the fish are fresh catch of the day which the fishermen get from the docks. These you can find at Steveston Village. Not just seafood but Vancouver also has its own version of Chinatown where you will find some of the best Asian dishes. In fact, you can also experience the little India that is settled in Vancouver. There is a Punjabi Market which is basically an Indo-Canadian neighbourhood located in the South Vancouver. Rest assured, all your cravings for Indian curries and delicacies shall be fulfilled here.

How to reach Chandigarh

There are no direct flights from Indian to Vancouver. However, the flight connectivity to Vancouver from India is exceptional. Canada, in general, receives a lot of tourists and potential residents from India. Due to this, the popularity of flights to this route is quite high. In fact, every second day, there are people travelling to Vancouver or other parts of Canada. Since there are no direct or nonstop flights to Vancouver from India, many airlines do have services to reach with layovers in other international cities. Airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Air France, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines, British Airways have some dedicated flights flying to Vancouver. As there are no direct flights, many have layovers in their origin countries. For example, Air France has flight connectivity to Vancouver from Paris, so there is a layover in the city. Similarly, other cities with layovers are in Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Newark, Istanbul, to name a few. The most popular route for flights to Vancouver is from Paris and Frankfurt. However, some of the flights need a second layover which either takes places in Montreal, Toronto or Newark.

To fly to Vancouver from India, you will require to apply for a transit visa. Since the international routes connecting Vancouver and India are from cities like Paris and Frankfurt, they require a transit visa from the passenger. To make things easier, the Canadian Embassy has allowed for online applications. All you need to do is fill up the application online and submit the same. The process is easier and less time-consuming. Besides, the status of the application is received promptly. The flight tickets to Vancouver are considerably on the expensive side. The distance is quite a lot and travelling through certain airlines is why the prices are steep. However, you can always find exceptional flight deals online. There are provisions of miles as well which enable the ticket prices to reduce. You can find cheap flight tickets to Vancouver online, especially if you book them well in advance. Simultaneously, you can make your hotel reservations too. Booking in advance always comes with its perks and booking your hotels in Vancouver will also be cheap if you do it beforehand.

  About Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh International Airport is a custom airport that also serves as a passenger airport to the Union Territory Chandigarh. Along with the city, the airport also serves Panchkula, Mohali and other cities in the states of Punjab, Haryana and a few southern districts of Himachal Pradesh. The airport runway is situated in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. In contrast, the international terminal falls on the south side of the runway, close to the village of Jhiurheri in Mohali, Punjab. The international airport has all its civil and commercial operations conducted from the civil enclave of the Indian Air Force Station. In the 1970s, the airport witnessed tremendous flight activity and operations from Indian Airlines. There were regular flights connecting Chandigarh to Delhi.

Following the construction of a new airport building in the civil enclave in 2011, all operations were diverted to the new terminal. This special air terminal was announced as a customs airport in 2011, giving it the international stature. Although it became an international airport, the terminal never witnessed international flight activities operate from its premise. In 2008, the Government of Punjab acquired a land area of 304.04 acres to construct the new international terminal. Over its completion in 2015 and a few Public Interest Litigation case hearings that took place at the Punjab High Court and Haryana High Court, the airport finally witnessed international flight activities from 2016. IndiGo and Air India Express became the first airlines to commence international flights to fly to Dubai and Sharjah from Chandigarh International Airport.

About Chandigarh Airport Terminal

The new international terminal came into existence in 2015 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The new terminal has been built in an eco-friendly manner with several features validating the same. Larsen and Toubro constructed the airport's new terminal. The airport's interiors have an abundance of plants which gives a rather botanical garden feel. The earlier domestic terminal now caters to VIP flights and is also reserved for flying club. Meanwhile, the new terminal includes two link taxiways that connect to the terminal as well as the cargo complex. There are four aerobridges apron reserved for parking of four in contact, and eight remote parking stands for aircraft. The terminal is divided into two levels with the first level taking care of all departures while the ground level has arrivals. The first phase of the airport terminal has the capacity to handle about 1,600 passengers at a time with a parking space to accommodate 150 vehicles. Although the airport is not a greenfield airport, it does use the runway of the current Indian air force base. The departure section of the terminal has relevant facilities such as ATMs, WiFi and a duty-free shop. Much recently, the terminal's check-in counters have also been expanded from 24 to 26.

About airport authority

Chandigarh International Airport is jointly owned by the government of Punjab, the government of Haryana and the Airports Authority of India. In fact, they have formed a consortium as the airport's operations are handled by Chandigarh International Airport Limited. In the consortium, Airports Authority of India holds a maximum stake with 51 per cent equity while the Government of Punjab and Government of Haryana hold 24.5 per cent of shares respectively. Chandigarh International Airport Limited is responsible for all the management, maintenance and other such operations of the airport terminal. Ever since the airport's genesis, CHIAL has been working towards expanding the airport's premise and providing world-class facilities to attract more flights and passengers. After quite a lot of struggle with cases going up to the high courts of both the states, Chandigarh International Airport finally even received international flight operations. Currently, the airport caters to a slew of domestic airlines, some of them catering to Indian as well as international cities.

Facilities at the Chandigarh Airport

Food court - Chandigarh International Airport may not have a slew of fancy restaurants installed in its vicinity; it does have a dedicated food court. Passengers can avail lip-smacking dishes from the airport's food courts. They have local and globally recognised food joints available. From burgers to chole bhatures, you can find all kinds of cuisine.

Trolleys and wheelchairs – Trolleys and wheelchairs are available at the airport. While the trolleys can be found at every junction of the airport's arrivals and departure section, wheelchairs need prior intimation. You will need to speak with the airlines and inform them about the requirement for a wheelchair at the entrance of the airport's departure gates. Following the same, the airport will send trained staff to help out the passenger in need of the wheelchair.

Baggage – The baggage system and services at the Chandigarh International Airport include trolleys, baggage wrapping services, storage facilities and more. There are dedicated reclaim baggage conveyor belts located in the arrivals section from where passengers can get access to their checked luggage.

ATMs and currency exchange – As an international airport, Chandigarh International Airport has installed currency exchange booths in the arrivals section of its international terminal. International travellers can get their currencies exchanged and also make money transfers at the forex counters. Plus, there are ATM kiosks also available in the airport premise. Passengers can withdraw money if needed, especially if they are travelling within any liquid cash.

Medical facilities – The airport also has medical facilities available for emergency cases. It is essential to have medical experts on the airport campus at all times. Hence, the airport has ensured to keep a team of dedicated medical professionals. There are medical rooms also available at the airport. You can avail these services for free. There are pharmacies also available at the airport. They provide medicines as well as toiletries that you can purchase.

Child care room – Parents travelling with infants can avail the child care room facility. These rooms have been reserved for parents to help tend to their infant babies. Activities such as breastfeeding and changing diapers can be done in these rooms as it offers privacy. Simultaneously, the child can be put to sleep in the room while they wait for boarding. These rooms are kept well-sanitised.

Smoking zones – Chandigarh International Airport does not allow smoking in public. Hence, they have provided special smoking zones for passengers. These can be found at the departures and arrivals of both the domestic and international terminals. It is essential for passengers to adhere to these rules and smoke within the premise of the smoking lounge provided by the airport.

Special assistance – The airport caters to special assistance for disabled travellers. Prior intimation needs to be given to the airlines by the traveller if they wish to avail these services. You can also specify the requirements for the traveller to the airlines, and the airport will make the necessary accommodations for the same.

International SIMs – For travellers who are visiting Chandigarh and do not have a local SIM number, you can get hold of the same at the airport. There are dedicated counters at the arrivals section of the international terminal where counters have been installed to provide temporary SIMs. Mobile phones are also available, in case you need one.

Top airlines flying from the Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh International Airport currently enables operations of seven domestic airlines and caters to connect two international destinations. Presently, the airlines that operate from Chandigarh International Airport are AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. These airlines have excellent connectivity with various Indian cities along with designated international destinations. Chandigarh International Airport connects flights to cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Dharamshala, Pune, Jammu, Chennai, Kullu, Dubai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Patna and more.

How to reach Chandigarh Airport

By Bus

The new terminal of Chandigarh International Airport is close to 14 km away from the main city of Chandigarh. The city of Chandigarh has excellent bus transport facilities that help connect to various parts of Punjab, Haryana and parts of Himachal Pradesh too. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking has AC buses that operate from the main city to the airport's new terminal. The buses take Route 38 and 36 to reach Chandigarh International Airport. It is easily one of the most sought-after ways to reach Chandigarh International Airport. The ticket fare is also quite affordable and ideal for travellers. Besides, the buses have been designed in such a way that they offer a comfortable journey to the airport. The transport service also has a mobile app from where you can book tickets and get details about the bus schedules and routes to reach Chandigarh International Airport.

By Taxi cabs

Taxicab services are also present within the city to reach the Chandigarh International Airport. You can hail a taxi cab from anywhere around the city or the other surrounding states to reach Chandigarh International Airport. It might be challenging as you will need to communicate with the drivers and ensure that they don't make you pay an exorbitant amount for the journey to reach the Chandigarh International Airport.