Bagdogra to Imphal IndiGo Flights

  About Bagdogra

North-East India and the Himalayas are a trendy tourist destination in India, for all the right reasons. Bagdogra is a hill station near the foothills of Himalayas and in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Bagdogra is considered as the gateway to the North-East and the Himalayas. This small hill station is so beautiful; you'll love being here even if it is for a couple of hours. It's the perfect place for all you nature lovers out there. You can either laze around and admire the scenery or take a walk around the town to explore it.

The hill station is a perfect holiday spot. It's also like paradise for tea lovers since tea gardens surround it. River Teesta also flows through the town, which makes it the ideal place to indulge in river rafting. Or you can sit by the river and embrace solitude for a while. You pass through Bagdogra to get to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Siliguri and Bhutan. Bagdogra will make you fall in love with it. Apart from sightseeing and river rafting, there are quite a few activities that you can opt for in Bagdogra. It's not the most popular vacation destination, but you will surely not regret spending time in this town.

Bagdogra is connected to all major cities in the country. It is pretty easy to reach Bagdogra by flights, trains and road, too. The Bagdogra Airport connects to domestic routes from Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Guwahati. You can also quickly get a bus or taxi from the neighbouring cities to Bagdogra.

Make sure you do add Bagdogra to your itinerary when you plan a trip to the North-East. You will love this small town for its lush green surroundings and the beautiful weather. The people, too, are quite friendly and helpful. Even though there is very little that you can do in Bagdogra, it is worth stopping by. If you have a long layover at Bagdogra airport, you can make the most of it by going sightseeing somewhere near the airport. Since it is a small town, you won't have to worry about making it back on time for your flight. But if you are going to Darjeeling, Bhutan or Shillong and the town falls on your way, make sure that you do visit this town.

Best Time to Visit Bagdogra

July to February is the best time to visit Bagdogra. While the hill station witnesses monsoon from July to October, the winter sets in from November to February. This is the ideal time for you to witness the beautiful, scenic hill station. The temperature can fall to as low as 5 degree Celsius. You can see the snowy mountains that surround the town and be mesmerized by the beauty of it. The summer is also quite pleasant in the City, and the maximum temperature touches 38 degree Celsius.

Places to Visit in Bagdogra

Check out the Coronation Bridge that is 37 km from Bagdogra. It is on the way to Gangtok from Bagdogra, and the view is just beautiful. The Surya Sen Park in Siliguri, which is close to Bagdogra, is a bright picnic spot. The park sees quite a few families on vacation spending quality time with each other while enjoying the view. Madhuban Park, which is 24 km ahead of Bagdogra in Siliguri, was established by the Indian Army. This is yet another picnic spot that tourists love. You'll even spot deers, peacocks and rabbits in the park, along with butterflies.

The Umrao Singh Boat Club in Siliguri has a lot of activities in store for you, including boating. They have a huge variety and different shapes of boats for tourists. You can get in touch with your spiritual side at the ISKCON temple in Siliguri and at Kali Mandir in Binnaguri which is also quite close to River Teesta. You can visit the temple and combine it with river rafting at the river. You can also visit Salugara Monastery while you are here.

Bagdogra has no hotels since it's only a pitstop to get to the other neighbouring cities and Bhutan. You can, however, book a hotel room in Siliguri or Darjeeling or any of the nearby towns. The bus services to Bagdogra are widespread, so you won't have to worry about travelling to and from the City.

Things to do in Bagdogra

Bagdogra is the gateway to reaching Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan and everything North-East. You can take a cab or a bus to visit Siliguri, which is the nearest City to this hill station. If you have a couple of hours left to catch another flight, you can get around the town in less time. Since Bagdogra is just a pitstop, you will find fewer tourist things to do, but the hill station is entirely worth it. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Bagdogra has the most beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains that surround it.

If you do have time on your hands, make sure you go river rafting at River Teesta. Or you can admire the river and meditate by the river for a while. You can also visit the Coronation Bridge that is quite close to the river stream. Whether you are with your friends or family, be assured that you will have a great time here. You can also visit the Salugara Monastery and the Kali Mandir to offer your prayers and to enjoy your solitude.

Even if you don't feel like indulging in any activities, grab your favourite book and get engrossed in the stories amid the best of what nature has to offer to you. You can also put on your headphones, play your favourite music and get lost in the tranquillity of the hill station. If you are on a solo trip, you will love spending time here in Bagdogra, even if it is for a little while. Bagdogra is quite accessible to most cities in the North-East, and travelling will not prove to be troublesome for you.

Food and Restaurants in Bagdogra

If you are travelling via plane, you have to try the restaurant that is inside the Bagdogra airport. It is run by the Bagdogra Airport Restaurant Workers Co-operative Society Ltd, and it serves a unique dish that grabbed headlines for all the right reasons. The airport serves you chicken cutlets that are made in Bagdogra style and are a one-of-its-kind dish. All foodies must try this out at least once. The restaurant can seat up to 150 people, and you'll be treated to a runway view as you finish your meal. It won't even burn a hole in your pocket.

Marina's Motel is one of the best restaurants near the airport if you are craving for Chinese or Continental cuisines. The staff is quite friendly, and the restaurant has a very cosy ambience. Bagdogra also has a solution to your biryani cravings. Naz Biryani House is known for serving and cooking the most delicious biryani, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. For a quick bite, you can head over to Hunger Stop restaurant near the airport. You can even try the dessert here.

The Gourmet Central Family Restaurant and Bar is approximately 11 km away from the airport. It has a charming decor with cosy seating and friendly staff. It is also one of the best restaurants in the town. Do make sure that you try the food at the airport restaurant though. You can also opt for street food or the local chai, which will be available quite easily. Don't hesitate to try out the local street food, too.

How to reach Bagdogra (Transportation)

By Air

The Bagdogra Airport is well-connected to major domestic routes from Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bangalore and Chennai. The flight connectivity is quite functional, and getting to Bagdogra is not very difficult. You can get pretty good flight deals online and cheap flight tickets, too.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is in Siliguri, which is 5 km away from Bagdogra. There are no direct trains or buses to Bagdogra, and you will have to change a taxi or bus from Siliguri to reach the hill station.

By Road

There are lots of transport options and services are available to reach the town. You can opt for whichever suits your convenience. The transport is quite affordable, too. The roads are also quite smooth and won't be uncomfortable for you. You will also find a lot of convenient options to go to other neighbouring cities of the North-East and the Himalayas. Travelling by road is also one of the best options. The journey will surely be a treat for the eyes and the soul.

  About Imphal

Situated in Manipur, Imphal is one of the gems in the North-East of India. It is also the capital of Manipur and has an enchanting view of the Himalayas and the different rivers that make it a popular tourist destination. Planning a trip to Imphal will be one of the best decisions you will make, and just the view will rejuvenate you. Apart from the hills and the rivers, Imphal also has museums and forts and museums that you don't want to miss. You won't feel like coming back from Imphal when you reach the place. You can also add it to your itinerary if you are planning a trip to cover most of the North-East.

Best Time to Visit Imphal

Imphal is beautiful all year round, and though you will not be able to enjoy getting around the city a lot during monsoon, the view of the lush green hills and rivers won't disappoint you. September to April is considered ideal for planning your visit to Imphal. It's the end of monsoon till the beginning of summer. The temperature drops to 4 degree Celsius during the day in winter and is the best time to venture out. Winter also attracts a lot of tourists which might get you a good flight deal to Imphal. Make sure you book a hotel in Imphal with a beautiful view if you are visiting the city during this season. Check out flight deals to Imphal online before you plan your trip during this season.

April to June is summer in Imphal, and the temperature can rise to 35 degree Celsius. Summer is also an ideal time to visit Imphal. You will be able to opt for a lot of adventure and outdoor activities during the summer.

Even though Imphal does not receive heavy rainfall, it does have strong winds blowing and intermittent rainfall, making it difficult for you to venture out. The monsoon starts from June and lasts till September. The weather, however, might put you in a bad mood and you won't be able to step out a lot during the season.

Places to Visit in Imphal

The Palace of Kangla is one of the main tourist attractions in Imphal. Not only will you be amazed by the beautiful palace that has an artificial lake surrounding it, but you will also come across the interesting history of the palace and the rulers. Visit the Manipur Zoological Gardens in Lamphelpat, 8 km away from Imphal. You will be given various options to choose from like a safari ride or a bird watching tour or wildlife photography. You will find this place very comforting and will leave with a smile on your face. The Loktak Lake is one of the largest freshwater bodies in North-East India and has several big and small islands floating on the surface.

The Keibul Lamjao National Park is home to the endangered Manipur Eld deer or the Sangai. You will also spot 420 other species of animals and 50 odd species of birds here. Visit the Imphal valley to experience nature at its best. It takes about 3 hours to reach the valley, and the enchanting view will leave you mesmerised. The Tharon Cave is yet another popular tourist attraction that you can visit. Make sure you have a map of the cap if you are entering the cave. The Singda Dam is one of the highest dams made from mud in the world. It has a very serene ambience and is a popular picnic spot, too. You can also visit the Manipur State Museum to know more about its history, archaeology and more.

Things to do in Imphal

Catch a game of polo at the Imphal Polo Ground. The game originated from a local Manipuri game called Sagol Kagei. The British found it so fascinating that they decided to take it to a global level. You can even try to learn the sport yourself or give it a try. You cannot vacation in Manipur without watching the Manipuri dance form Thabal Congba live. You can watch artists perform to the folk dance during Holi. The Raas Leela is another dance form that is popular here. It tells the story of Lord Krishna and Radha's eternal love story. You can also attend and be a part of the colourful festivals of the city.

Thangal Bazaar, Paona Bazaar, Kakwa Bazaar and Imphal Supermarket are some of the popular spots in the city to go shopping. You can buy souvenirs for your friends and family. You will get lots of handicrafts and jewellery for yourself. You'll even get all of these at affordable prices without having to bargain a lot. You can dedicate one evening just to shop and enjoy the local cuisines. Since the city has quite a lot of hills and rivers to its credit, you can also go hiking or trekking to one of the hills. Choose a spot on top of the hill and make it your own picnic spot. You can even sit and meditate by a river and fall in love with nature all over again. You can learn more about the Manipuri culture by booking a homestay and interacting with more people. You can also learn the language while you are there and impress the locals. Make sure you leave the city by making at least one friend from the city.

You can also go hiking at the Imphal Valley and don't forget to take your camera to capture nature at its best. Keep the weather in mind before you make any plans to go hiking or trekking. If it is monsoon, either take your umbrella with you or try to not make any plans to venture out during this season. You can also visit a cafe or sit in a secluded spot near one of the waterfalls and chill with a book. There is no greater joy for an avid reader than to sit with your favourite book and bond with nature, all at the same time.

Foods and Restaurants in Imphal

Manipuri food is said to be very healthy and quite simple, too. A lot of ingredients used in the food are organic, which is one of the reasons why it is considered healthy. But that doesn't mean it is bland. Manipuri food is super spicy and has less oil. They use chilli pepper in their food instead of garam masala. Not only is their preparation quite simple, but they grow most of the ingredients themselves in their backyard. Chamthong or Kangshoi is a very healthy vegetable stew that is cooked in Manipur. It is also quite popular in the state. Eromba, a combination of fish and boiled vegetables, is also popular in Imphal. Fair warning, the locals here consider fish as a vegetarian so you might want to be clear about what you don't want in your vegetarian food.

Naoba's Chakhumang Restaurant is quite popular around here and is a small, cosy place. It is famous for its soups and chow mein. Coffee and cake are best served at the Classic Cafe in Imphal. Head over to Sangai Continental for a luxe dining experience. The restaurant has an open and live kitchen, and you'll find it at Thangal Bazaar. Luxmi Kitchen is yet another popular food joint in Imphal. It doesn't burn a hole in your pocket but also leaves you satisfied. Their thali is quite famous, and you might want to reach before 3 pm if you're going to try the thali. Imoinu Lamphel is a restaurant that is only run by women. It's another popular food joint in the city.

How to reach Imphal

By Air

Imphal Tulihal Airport is the nearest one to the city about 8 km away from the city centre. The flight connectivity from Imphal is pretty decent. Flights from Imphal connect to Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Delhi. Since there are no direct international routes from Imphal, you will have to change trains from Guwahati, which has an international airport. If you book during the right season, you might get a good deal on flights to Imphal.

By Rail

There is no direct way to reach Imphal by train. The nearest station is Dimapur railway station or Guwahati station. You will have to take a bus or private taxi from these stations and then reach Imphal. It won't be very difficult to find a decent mode of commute to reach Imphal from these stations.

By Road

Guwahati, Kohima, Silchar and Dimapur are some of the popular routes to reach Imphal by road. There are several national highways connecting these roads to Imphal. None of these modes of transport is more or less comfortable so you can pick whichever fits your budget or whichever seems more convenient to you. Try to avoid travelling by road during monsoon. Though the weather won't be a problem, there are chances you might get stuck if there is a torrential downpour.

  About Indigo Airlines

Indigo is the largest passenger airline in India and the oldest one, too, in terms of passengers that it carries and its fleet size. It operates about 1500 flights every day to 87 destinations, of which 63 are domestic, and 24 are international destinations. Its primary hub is at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Indigo commenced operations in 2006 and went on to become the largest India carrier by passenger market share in 2012. It connects to all major Indian cities and small cities like Aizawl, Agra and so on. Internationally, it connects to Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Malta, Paris, Dublin, Copenhagen, Zurich, Prague, Amsterdam, London, London Heathrow and Gatwick among others. Not only is it a low-cost operator in India, but it is also a low-cost airline globally. Indigo is also India's most preferred airline and for the right reasons. It offers great service at low fares and does not disappoint its passengers. It has grown to become one of the most trusted airlines in the country.

Indigo has a fleet size of more than 260 and has also been getting the 'Great Place to Work for in India' title for eight years in a row now. It was also given Aon's Best Employer in 2016 and 2017. It has been running profitable operations for ten consecutive years. It is considered as the most valuable and strongest airline brand in the country. In 2010, Indigo had replaced Air India as the third largest airline in India. In 2013, it became the second fastest-growing low-cost carrier in Asia after Lion Air, an Indonesian airline.

One of the specialities of Indigo is that it is customer-oriented, efficient and offers great services. It also offers low fares, which makes it one of the preferred airlines in the country. It is also one of the only airlines that connect to so many cities across the country. It operates to cities like Agartala, Aizawl, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Belagavi, Aurangabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, Dimapur and the list goes on. Since Indigo is a low-cost carrier, it only offers economy class seating. However, you get to choose a seat of your preference in advance if you pay a little extra. There is no in-flight entertainment or pre-booked meals. You can buy your in-flight meals after the take-off, and you will be dependent on your own electronics and headsets to keep yourself entertained during the flight.

Fleet Size of Indigo

Indigo has one of the largest fleets of aircraft in the country, which enables it to run 1500 flights daily. It has 123 Airbus A320-200 in service that can accommodate 180 passengers. It also has 100 Airbus A320neo in service and ordered for 232 more, making it the largest operator. In addition to this, it has 15 Airbus A321neo aircraft in service that can accommodate 222 passengers each and has placed an order for 135 more aircraft of the same category. It also has 25 ATR 72-600 which can seat 74 passengers per flight.

In 2005, Indigo had placed an order for 100 Airbus A320-200 aircraft and commenced operations in 2006. In 2011, it placed an order for 180 Airbus A320 aircraft. It was a great year for the airline since it also got the permission to launch international flights that year. In 2015, it placed an order for 250 Airbus A320neo, which was the largest single order in Airbus' history. It made headlines quickly. In 2019, it placed another order for 300 Airbus A320neo aircraft and broke its own record. Later that year, it became the first Indian airline to operate 1500 flights daily. It also became the first airline to have a fleet size of 250+ aircraft. The Airbus A320neo and Airbus A320-200 have non-reclining seats, but there are a few seats that give you extra legroom. The ATR 72-600 has a twin-seat setting which not only gives you extra space but also gives you a lot of privacy. You won't have to sit next to a third stranger or sit uncomfortably.

Baggage Allowance

Indigo has certain baggage allowance restrictions that every passenger is expected to follow. You can carry cabin baggage that weighs up to 7 kg and check-in luggage up to 20 kg. However, for certain international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Colombo, Kuwait and so on, the maximum limit on check-in luggage is 30 kg. If your luggage exceeds the maximum limit, you will have to pay a certain fee depending on the weight. You will also need to inform the airline staff a couple of hours before boarding the flight about the excess luggage so they can make the necessary arrangements. You can do so through the website or get in touch with the call centre. An executive will help you complete the process without any hindrance or complications. It is advisable to get your web check-in done in advance so you can sail through all the formalities at the airport smoothly.

If you are carrying bigger bags with you that have golf clubs or surfboard bags, you will have to pay approximately Rs. 1200 /- for domestic and Rs. 2500/- for international trips to accommodate it in the check-in luggage. Please ensure that you carry important things like medicines, electronics or perishable items in your cabin luggage. Portable chargers and power banks go in your hand luggage and not the check-in luggage. You will not have to check-in again to collect your bags if you have to board a connecting flight. The airline makes sure that you receive your baggage at your final destination. Please ensure that you are not carrying anything that has been prohibited by the airline like explosives, hazardous or flammable objects, sharp objects and electronics. You will also have to reach the airport a couple of hours before your flight so you can get through the security formalities well in advance.

In-flight Services

Indigo's in-flight services are quite limited. In fact, the airline does not have any in-flight entertainment services. Since it operates on low fares, it does not provide complimentary meals on any of its flights. However, you can buy meals on board. The airline does offer premium services like pre-booking seats, priority check-in and multiple cancellations at a higher price. You can also get your hands on Indigo's magazine called Hello 6E. With the increasing competition and passenger's will to pay extra for comfort and convenience, the airline is also bringing in new offers and services for its passengers. The airline had also announced its tie-up with SonyLiv in 2019 that it will provide to its passengers as in-flight entertainment. You can also check out their website to find out more services that are offered by the airline.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Indigo

Indigo connects to various domestic and international routes regularly. Indigo connects to 63 domestic destinations and 24 international ones. It got the permission to expand its operations internationally in 2011. The domestic cities that Indigo is connected to are Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Agra, Aizawl, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Coimbatore and so on. The international destinations include Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Colombo, Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, Dhaka, Hanoi, Istanbul, London and so on. The airline is quite particular about punctuality, and there are rarely any delays in flights unless there is an emergency or bad climatic conditions. You can also lookup offers and services on their website to make sure you make the most of your trip. Since the airline has already ordered more aircraft, there are high chances that they will add more cities to the list. Indigo will definitely go on to breaking more records and even making some in the next few years.

Why Travel by Indigo?

Indigo is one of the most prestigious and low fare airlines in the country. It made its way to the top airlines in the country quite quickly and made sure that passengers experienced the best services at a minimal price. It is also one of the largest airlines in the country that operates 1500 flights to domestic and international routes daily. It connects 24 international and 63 domestic destinations. It has its major hubs at Chennai International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. You can check the Indigo flight schedule and your flight status on their website. The airline also makes web check-in quite easy for its passengers. The airline has also won several awards and accolades for its service over the years. Customers rarely have a disappointing experience flying with Indigo. If you are a frequent flyer, you might even get discounts and other offers while booking your next flight. Make sure you go through the offers on the airline's website. You can also get in touch with an executive at the call centre to know more about the offers.