Agra to Coimbatore 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 Coimbatore

After Chennai, Coimbatore is known to be the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu. The city also goes by the name Kovai and has the perfect blend of nature's abode meeting modernised city. Coimbatore is surrounded by the lush green expanses of the Western Ghats and hence, sees a considerably decent climate. In the past, the Coimbatore region was ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century which was later taken over by the Nayaks. Centuries later in the 18th century, Mysore's Tipu Sultan ruled Coimbatore, which eventually went under the British Raj as the East India Company defeated the King of Mysore.

The city has excellent flight connectivity to and from Coimbatore airport and fancy hotels. You can book your hotels in Coimbatore by choosing from a variety of options. BnBs and homestays are not a concept accepted here yet.

Best time to visit Coimbatore

Although Coimbatore does not have a coastal touch, it still has a hot and humid climate which makes summer and monsoon season hotter than hot. The summer months in Coimbatore are generally hot with temperatures fluctuating between 25 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. Considering how hot the months from April to July get, it certainly isn't the best time to visit.

Monsoons are quite pleasant as the verdant greenery of Coimbatore escalates to make you feel happy. The heavy rains between July to September drench the city with green hues that further amplify its beauty. The trekking trails and hills close to the city become a trekker and hiker's favourite spot. The temperature doesn't drop much but certainly doesn't rise as much as summers either.

Winter is the perfect season to visit Coimbatore as the lush green surroundings envelop the city with misty cold climate. Coimbatore experiences pleasant cold weather which is quite the relief after months of excess heat. The months from October to March are an ideal time for you to plan your trip down South.

Places to see in Coimbatore

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

Located a little away from the city hub, is this lush expanse of land that offers wildlife safaris. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Anamalai mountain foothills and holds some intriguing flora and fauna. With the variety of species, it has in captivity, and you would get to see some exotic beings that you never knew existed.

Valankulam Lake

The fact that Coimbatore is perfectly surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the Nilgiri range makes it a nature lover's haven. However, there are some gorgeous water bodies too that flow and add more enchantment to the place. The Valankulam Lake is one such addition which only amplifies the beauty of Coimbatore. The lake is exquisite with a varied species of birds such as purple moorhen, little grebes, etc., flying around the lake.

Gass Forest Museum

Since Coimbatore has the Nilgiri range on both sides, the city plays a pivotal role in the preservation of the forests that surround it. There are dedicated colleges that teach about agriculture and studies on forest preservation. The Gass Forest Museum is one such authority that doesn't just exhibit the history of Coimbatore but is also located in the campus premise of Forest College.

The cities in Tamil Nadu have numerous temples with an illustrious historical significance which make them worth visiting. Even Coimbatore has some temples that should be visited when in the city.

Temples in Coimbatore

Coimbatore has far too many temples, but considering how they are all so diverse and hold exciting stories, they become a place worth visiting. While you're in the city, do visit the Anjeneyar Kovil, which is to venerate Lord Hanuman. Also visit the Eachanaari Vinayaga Temple, the Perur Pateeshwarar Temple, Anubhavi Subramaniar temple, Marudhamalai Hill The.ole and more. They might seem like a handful, but there is a certain thrill of visiting these temples and turning the trip into a pilgrimage.

Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple

The Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple is a famous tourist attraction in Coimbatore. The Rene's popularity comes from the excessive number of steps that leads to the summit. It is a sort of test that all devotees must fulfil to reach Devi's temple. There is no mechanical help that one can receive and must do the narrow steps on their own. Another interesting fact about the temple is how it has a natural flow of water from the mountains, which has formed a pond. The pond is considered to be sacred and immersing oneself in it is said to be a divine experience.

Things to do in Coimbatore

Coimbatore has some interesting options that one can pick from. The range is quite awesome as you can engage in touristy things or you can pack your adventure bags and head out to the forests.

Trekking

Interestingly, the city of Coimbatore also has some intriguing trekking trails and camping spots that one can explore. Places such as Vellari MalaThalaiyar Falls, Dhoni Hills and Perumal Peak give you the chance to explore their dense green forests and the excitement that comes with trekking. The view from the top of these hills are gorgeous and something that would uplift your spirits.

Black Thunder Amusement Park

The city has a vast amusement park set with more than 49 rides that cater to all age groups. The Black Thunder Amusement Park would undoubtedly give you the adrenaline thrills that you've been longing for as the rides are quite fun. Not to mention how they are sprawled across 75 acres of land and surrounded by the intoxicating Nilgiris. The adventure park is ideal for adults as well as kids.

Shopping

As Coimbatore is one of the developed cities in Tamil Nadu, it has all the modern amenities and structures that would match to the ones prevalent in metro cities. Besides, shopping is an urge that simply cannot be controlled, especially if you're on vacation and have promised your friends to bring back souvenirs. Brookefields Mall in Coimbatore is a place where you can unleash the shopaholic in you. For a budget-friendly shopping spree, you can visit Cross-Cut Road.

Meditate at a centre

If cities and their hustle-bustle are making you anxious, then a good session of meditation is what you need. As part of your retreat, you can undertake a meditation course in Coimbatore's Isha Yoga Centre. The calm surrounding and serene vibe of the place would help you rejuvenate.

Witness a car race

The city is a haven for automobile-enthusiasts and even has a 2.1 kilometres long Formula 3 race track. There are national championships held on the track as well as bike races and formula racing events which brings forth quite the exhilarating experience one seeks for. In fact, while you're are enjoying one of the races, you might even get to cross paths with Tamil cinema's superstar Ajith Kumar, who is a recognised Formula 3 race driver.

Food and Restaurants in Coimbatore

Even though it is a developed city, Coimbatore does not have a flourishing palette when it comes to incorporating world-class cuisine. Much of the city continues to relish the South Indian cuisine with a handful of experimental western cuisine. You can visit restaurants such as Bird on Tree, Shree Anandhaas, Harbhavanam and Yari to taste some interesting melange of flavours.

How to reach Coimbatore

By Air

The Coimbatore Airport has excellent flight connectivity to and from other major cities in India. Some flights also fly international routes from Coimbatore. The airport is located just 7 km away from the main city and can be reached rather easily. The domestic, as well as international terminals, are in the same stretch. However, a new segment has been constructed to divide the two terminals. Much recently, they built the arrivals building too, to help streamline the airport. Domestic airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, to name a few, have regular direct flights to Coimbatore from Mumbai Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and more.

In terms of international flights, Coimbatore Airport sees a regular flight service to Sharjah and Singapore. Air Arabia and Silk Air have been given space in the international terminal. It has been stated that Air Asia, Malindo Air have both expressed to introduce international routes from Coimbatore to Kuala Lumpur. With Coimbatore’s brilliant flight connectivity, travelling to the city is quite convenient from flights. For cheap flight tickets to Coimbatore, it is ideal for you to book tickets in advance.

By Rail

Coimbatore's railway connections are also very convenient and cater to the needs of travellers. The city's Coimbatore Junction station is connected to various metropolitan cities in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and more. You do not have to make any transit changes during your travel and can easily reach the city. However, it is best to make prior ticket bookings as there are chances that you might not get a confirmed ticket if you opt for last-minute bookings.

By Bus

Coimbatore also has buses entering and leaving the city to major South cities such as Madurai, Tirunelveli, Chennai, Bangalore, Munnar, etc. The Karnataka State-run buses KSRTC are also available and do travel in and out of Coimbatore. The location of Coimbatore makes it easy for various cities in the South to connect. Different domestic routes to Coimbatore are taken to reach the city centre.

  About Coimbatore Airport

The Coimbatore International Airport is situated 10 km away from the city of Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu. Located within the range of the city Peelamedu, the airport is perfectly connected with the city centre and has transport facilities at the arrival gates. The airport is recognised as the 18th busiest in the country in terms of passenger handling and aircraft movement. However, in terms of cargo handling, the Coimbatore International Airport stands at the 15th spot. The airport's fame also comes from the fact that it is the second-largest airport in the state of Tamil Nadu. This comes right after the state's capital, Chennai's International Airport. It serves five Indian carriers while three foreign ones. The Coimbatore International Airport connects to 12 domestic destinations and three international ones.

About Coimbatore Airport Terminals

The Coimbatore International Airport is known to host domestic and international flights and airlines. The airport not just caters to the domestic cities but also charters flight services to Sharjah, Singapore and even Jeddah for Hajj pilgrimage. The airport has a single terminal where all the services take place. The single passenger terminal caters to all the facilities including the arrivals, gates, departures, check-in and concessions. The terminal also has a Black Berry Lounge which provides impeccable services until the boarding takes place. The airport has aerobridges, parking bays and also accommodates the instrument landing system. In the existing terminal, the airport has divided the domestic and international gates. The Coimbatore International Airport's runway extends to 12,500 ft and accommodates colossal aircraft too, for instance, the Boeing 787. The airport also serves to the Coimbatore Flying Club and hence, has two hangars within the airport.

About airport authority

The Coimbatore International Airport serves under the Government of India and is operated by the Airports Authority of India. The statutory body was created back in 1994 after a merger between International Airports Authority of India and National Airports Authority, which served as individual bodies in 1972 and 1986 respectively. AAI caters to working on the upgradation, maintenance and management of the airports that fall under its wing. The body has about 126 airports under its wing, including the Coimbatore International Airport. All the decisions and management concerning the infrastructure and functioning of the Coimbatore International Airport falls under the responsibilities of the Airports Authority of India. They also work on the development and expansion of the airport to make it more accessible and efficient.

Top airlines flying from Coimbatore Airport

Coimbatore Airport has decent connectivity to various major cities in the country. The airport caters to airlines such as Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Scoot, SpiceJet and Srilankan Airlines. There are four international airlines with flights that fly from the Coimbatore Airport. Air Arabia flies to Sharjah, Air India Express and Scoot to Singapore and Srilankan Airlines to Colombo–Bandaranaike. The airport does see good connectivity with Singapore as the demand for the said Malay city is quite high. As for domestic airlines operating from the Coimbatore Airport, they fly to cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Pune. The domestic airlines flights flying from Coimbatore Airport are limited and a handful as they only fly to fewer cities in the country. The Coimbatore airport caters to an equal number of domestic and international airlines.

Facilities at the Coimbatore Airport

WiFi - There are WiFi services that are available at the airport. The WiFi at the airport is free. However, it can only be availed for about 15 minutes. Post the timeline, you will have to pay for a premium service.

ATM and forex - The Coimbatore Airport has a handful of ATM kiosks at the departure and arrival gates. There are foreign exchange booths at the arrival gates as well. It gets easier for international travellers to get hold of some domestic currency to enable traversing within the city easier. You might be able to get good rates at the airport forex counter too.

Smoking zone - The airport has dedicated smoking zones. To keep a smoke-free environment in the airport, the authorities have come up with a smoking lounge. Some booths even sell cigarette boxes at standard airport rates. The smoking lounge is present in the departure zone of the terminal.

Medical services - A specific medical centre is also available at the airport. It is essential to have a designated medical centre in the airport premise to deal with any medical emergency that might crop up. Often, it is necessary to have medical aid in the airport since the chances of emergencies are quite high. Not to mention how the demand for the medical stores is also necessary, in case any last-minute purchases need to be made.

Child care room - The Coimbatore Airport has a child care centre for new mothers and infants. The child care rooms and perfectly maintained and kept clean to ensure the mother and infant are in a safe environment. There are proper baby products also available at the child care rooms and are present at the arrival and departure zones of the airport.

Restaurants and cafe - The airport has a few restaurants and food establishments in the departure as well as arrival gates. You can find some famous food joints such as McDonald's, Subway and KFC. There are small coffee joints and establishments also present at the airport terminals.

Baggage - The Coimbatore Airport also caters to baggage-related services. There are counters where you can get to keep your luggage. Trolleys for luggage are also available at every nook and corner of the airport terminals. If you need to get luggage wrapping done, that can also be arranged. This will help safeguard the luggage from being mishandled or from theft.

Special assistance - For any special services and assistance required such as buggy services and portage, you can avail the same at the Coimbatore Airport. Since it caters to international airlines and flights too, the services and assistance are of top-notch quality.

How to reach Coimbatore Airport

Coimbatore Airport is about 10 km away from the city centre. Located on the Avinashi Road, the airport sees frequent buses serviced from the central bus station. The bus services to Coimbatore Airport can be found at the Gandhipuram central bus station. Bus stations located at Singanallur and Ukkadam also have bus services that will reach you to the Coimbatore Airport. The Gandhipuram central bus station is also close to the Coimbatore Junction. It is considered to be the nearest rail station to the Coimbatore Airport. If you are travelling from another city to Coimbatore, the best way to reach from the station would be to pick up the bus shuttle that directly reaches Coimbatore Airport.

Taxi cabs are considered to be the ideal and best way to reach Coimbatore Airport. You can make your bookings online on apps or find prepaid cabs at the railway station and bus stand to get hold of them. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Coimbatore Airport from the city centre. If taxi cabs are unavailable and cannot be found at the Coimbatore Junction or the Gandhipuram Central Bus Station, you can also take rickshaws. There are auto rickshaws available in the city. You will have to fix a price with the rickshaw driver before you take up the ride to the Coimbatore Airport. Ensure to haggle a little as the drivers tend to spike the price exorbitantly, especially if you are a traveller who cannot speak the language.

About Coimbatore

Coimbatore also referred to as Kovai, is one of the major cities in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is perched on the banks of the Noyyal River and is surrounded by the gorgeous Western Ghats. The city is known to be the second-largest in the state after its capital, Chennai. It is also the 16th largest city in India with respect to urban agglomeration. Coimbatore is known to be one of the largest exporters of poultry, jewellery, auto components and wet grinders. It is also recognised as geographical indications for Coimbatore Wet grinder as well as Kovai Cora Cotton, by the government of India. The city's dynasty comes from the rulers of Cheras, which reigned Coimbatore from the 1st through the 4th centuries CE.

It also served as the principal trade route for Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Part of its history sees strong connections with rulers from the Cholas, Vijayanagara Empire, Nayaks and the Kingdom of Mysore. The city was also ruled by the British East India Company, before finally becoming a free city. The city turned into a textile hub in the south, especially in the cotton industry, post the decline of the cotton industry in 19th century Mumbai. Much recently, in 2014, the city received the top rank for being one of the best emerging cities in the country, by India Today. Coimbatore is also recorded to be one of the safest cities in the country for women, according to a report shared by the National Crime Records Bureau in 2015.