Bhubaneswar to Allahabad Flights

  About Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is the temple city of India and deservedly so. The City is known for its grand temples and the beautiful architecture and attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over India. In fact, Bhubaneshwar literally translates to 'Lord of the Universe'. The City is an architectural marvel. Though the City is famous for its temples, there are other reasons for you to visit the City, too. Situated in Orissa, Bhubaneswar is also home to a lot of animals like deers and White Tigers. You'll also find Museums in the City that will showcase the arts, crafts and splendid artefacts.

The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most visited temples in the City. It is ancient and has a lot of religious importance. It sees a lot of devotees who come to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva throughout the year. The Parasurameswara temple, which was constructed in 650 AD, is unique because of the one thousand lingas present in the north-west corner of the complex. The Brahmeshwara temple is yet another marvel and a great example of the Oriya architecture, that was built in the 11th century. The Ananta Vasudev temple, built by Queen Chandrika, has Lord Krishna residing in it. The Vaishnavi sculptures will leave you impressed and are a treat to the eyes.

The Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts is a must-visit for anyone who stops to appreciate and admire art whenever they get the opportunity. You'll get to see a lot of traditional costumes, jewellery, weapons, gears and farming equipment at the museum. It will leave you in awe of the artists. The Kedar Gauri Temple, which is one of the eight Asthasambhu Temples, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. The Mahashivratri celebrations across Bhubaneswar. You will feel overwhelmed to see the processions and be a part of the festivities.

Visit the Pathani Samantha Planetarium. It is named after the famous astronomer of the same name. Catch the audiovisual shows put up by the authorities. The City is also known for Khandagiri Caves, a series of artificial caves which dates back to the 2nd century. The caves are of great historical significance.

Don't miss visiting the Ramachandi beach, which is 65 km away from the City. It's a beautiful beach that sees the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra converging. It's a sight to behold and one of the best places to take pictures at, too. The beach is accessible quite easily and is a popular location for young couples, tourists and students residing in the City.

Bhubaneswar experiences extreme summers but also intense rainfalls during monsoon. However, that does not stop people from venturing out, and the rains only add to the beauty of the City. October to February is the ideal time to visit the City since the city experiences winter during these months. While you are in Bhubaneswar, make sure you try the Machha Jholo, fish curry that is a speciality here. You must also try the Cuttack chaat, Badi Choora, Rasagola and the Abadha. The vegetarian food served in temples is also a treat to your taste buds. The list of things to do and places to see in Bhubaneswar is endless. Since Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa, it is well-connected to all the major cities. Biju Patnaik Airport is 5 km away from the City and is the nearest airport.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

The ideal time to visit the City is during winters which are from October to February. This is a peak season for tourists and is also ideal for sightseeing. The City experiences monsoon from June to September. Bhubaneswar experiences heavy rainfall, and it is not the most favourable time to visit the City. It will definitely put a damper on all of your outdoor plans. The summer starts from March and lasts till May. The scorching heat and the high humidity make it quite unbearable for you to venture out. This is also why you shouldn't visit Bhubaneswar during summer. The afternoons can get pretty harsh during summer.

Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is known for its temples. The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most popularly visited temples, and devotees of Lord Shiva come to offer their prayers throughout the year. You can also visit the Parasurameswara and the Brahmeshwara temple. Not only will you feel at peace by offering your prayers, but you will also be in awe of the expert Oriya architecture. You can also visit the Ananta Vasudev temple that was built by Queen Chandrika to offer her prayers to her deity, Lord Krishna. The City has a religious significance and is also considered holy. Devotees always leave with a smile and a sense of relief on their faces after visiting the temples.

The City also plays host to a lot of museums like the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts and the Orissa State Museum. You will know more about the City, its culture and ancient art. You will also come across a lot of untold stories during the construction of these marvels. The Nandankanan Zoological Park, established in 1960, is another place you must visit in the City. You will spot different species of tigers and other animals in the zoo. There are also a lot of wildlife sanctuaries that will appease the wildlife photographer in you. Take home all the memories of spotting exotic wildlife in these sanctuaries.

Don't miss visiting the Ramachandi Beach. The beach is quite unique since it sees the convergence of the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra. It's only 7 km away from Konark and a top-rated destination among tourists, too. The City also has a lot of parks for you to visit with your family. Another location for you to take great pictures.

Things to do in the City in Bhubaneswar

Visit all the temples in the City, starting with the Lingaraj temple. Don't just offer your prayers and admire the striking architecture of the temples but also try to discover the stories inception of the temple and the religious importance of it. Find a priest or a knowledgeable person and get them to tell you the stories about the temple. You'll surely leave with a lot of information, things that you never knew before. While the rulers made some of the temples out of respect and devotion to their deities, some have mythological stories and incidents attached.

The City has a lot of historical importance and artistic significance, too. There are a lot of human-made marvels in this City. Visit the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts that showcases the exquisite collections of 62 tribes of Odisha. Explore the culture of all of these tribes and the history of Orissa, too. You can also visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park, the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ekamra Kanan and more sanctuaries to treat the animal lover in you.

Since it's the capital city, it's easier to find and book a hotel as per your budget and convenience. Make sure you find something closer to the tourist attractions so you won't have to spend more time travelling. While you visit the Ramachandi beach, you can sit there and admire the waves or read your favourite book. It's the perfect place to chill and embrace solitude. You won't regret visiting and holidaying in Bhubaneswar for sure.

Foods and Restaurants in Bhubaneswar

Apart from the local speciality, you will also find restaurants that serve other cuisines that you might crave for. Even though it is a city with a lot of temples, you will find certain places that serve non-vegetarian food. Do try the Machha Jholo if you are a fan of seafood. Do not leave without taking back home a pot of rasagolas. Since the City is usually always budding with tourists, finding a decent restaurant is not a tedious task. If you are craving for some South-Indian food, do stop by at Truptee Restaurant. It is famous for its variety of dosas and other South Indian snacks.

Tangerine 9 is yet another restaurant that serves mouth-watering food at reasonable prices. You can also give the Hare Krishna restaurant a try. It's a delight for vegetarians and worth every penny spent. Not just their food but even the special ghee that they serve will leave you impressed.

How to reach Bhubaneswar

By Air

The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport and is also the only international airport in Orissa. It connects the City to all of the domestic routes and international routes as well. You can get fair flight deals online and cheap flight tickets, if you are lucky.

By Rail

The Bhubaneswar railway station is well-connected to all the major cities in the country. You will also find a taxi or a bus easily from outside the station to your hotel.

By Road

A lot of deluxe buses with AC coaches and government buses will be available from major cities and the nearby ones, too. You can also take a private cab or drive to Bhubaneswar.

  About Allahabad

Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj, is one of the most popular cities in India with a rich history. Not only does the City hold an important place in India's history but also in Indian mythology. According to some scriptures, Allahabad was called Kaushambi, which is a separate district now, and was also the capital of Hastinapur during the Kuru rule. The City of Allahabad prospered under the rule of Mughal emperor Jehangir. The Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers meet, is also one of the major attractions of the City. Allahabad also played an essential role during the Indian Freedom Movement during British rule.

The City is also quite popular for hosting the famous Kumbh Mela. Allahabad also boasts of being home to late former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and 13 other Prime Ministers of the country. With architecture from the Mughal era that will take your breath away to finding your spiritual side at the Triveni Sangam, Allahabad ensures that it does not disappoint you. For all of you obsessed with history and literature, you might even find Allahabad romantic, a romantic vacation with the history of the City.

Not to forget, Allahabad is also a city of delicious dishes like kebabs, chicken biryani and a lot more. You cannot leave the City without giving in to some of the best foods that the City has to offer. While the City is buzzing with tourists and is also the 13th most populous district in India, you will find peace and quiet as you go boating at the Triveni Sangam. It is also believed that taking a dip in the holy water rids you of your sins. A lot of people also believe that it helps them attain salvation.

Best Time to Visit Allahabad

Allahabad witnesses winters from October to February. The temperature goes from an average of 12-degree Celsius to 3-degree Celsius. This is also one of the most favourable times to visit the City, though the City experiences its coldest winter during January. You might want to plan your trip keeping this in mind. The City experiences the hottest summers from March to June. The temperature goes from 30 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius, and it is not the best time to visit the City. The monsoon begins from July and goes on till September. The rains are a relief to residents of the City who have battled the scorching heat during the summer. You can also plan your trip to Allahabad during the monsoon since it is quite pleasant during the rains, too. Book your hotels in Allahabad and snag some impeccable flight deals as well as cheap flight tickets

Places to Visit in Allahabad

Khusro Bagh is a place you cannot miss at all when you visit. The burial ground was turned into a beautiful garden during the Mughal rule. It is the burial ground of Prince Khusrau, who was the eldest son of Emperor Jehangir. He had rebelled against his father when he was just 19-years-old. Prince Khusrau, Shah Begum (his mother) and Nithar (his sister). Torn between her son, Khusrau and husband, Jehangir, Shah Begum committed suicide by consuming opium. The Triveni Sangam is yet another major tourist attraction in Prayagraj. It is considered as a sacred place since it is where three holy rivers; Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet.

Triveni Sangam is the most crowded place in the state during the Kumbh Mela. It is believed that a bath in the holy river will wash away your sins. Anand Bhawan is another important tourist attraction and quite an important one at that, too. This was the residence of Jawaharlal Nehru and is also where a lot of leaders stayed like Motilal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and more. Anand Bhawan also has a room where late Mahatma Gandhi had stayed. It boasts of a small library in the room, which is what makes this an important place to visit.

You already know by now that Allahabad is a city that tells a lot of stories right from Indian history to Indian mythology. You must definitely take a tour of the Allahabad museum when you visit the City. You can also visit the Allahabad Fort, in addition to the Mughal architecture and other destinations that you plan to visit. The grand Kumbh Mela is also what makes Allahabad very special. Since the festival is celebrated and organised every 12 years, it sees more than 100 million people participating. A lot of devotees and pilgrims ensure to be part of a famed festival from all over the country.

If you are intrigued by the history and literature of the City, you can enhance it further by visiting the Allahabad Public Library. It's one of the biggest libraries in Uttar Pradesh and a paradise for all you book lovers. You cannot leave Allahabad without paying a visit to the Jawahar Planetarium. If you are visiting Allahabad with your family, your kids are going to love the planetarium. Make sure you also catch the shows that the planetarium puts up that will blow your minds away.

Things to do in Allahabad

Whether you want to book an affordable hotel room in Allahabad or a luxurious one, you'll find everything in the City. Not to mention, every accommodation that you choose will be accessible to all the places you plan to visit in the City. One of the fun things to do in Allahabad is to savour all the delicious delicacies that the City has to offer. The shawarmas, kebabs, chicken biryanis and the desserts, too. Spend your evening catching the sunset on a boat by the Triveni Sangam. You can also visit the holy place in the morning and meditate for a while. Even sipping a nice cup of Kulhad chai with the view of the ghats is enough to put a smile on your face. It will surely lift your spirits. You can also be a Pilgrim at the grand Kumbh Mela to experience the grand festival at its best. If you are looking forward to spending some quiet time and avoiding the hustle-bustle of the City, visit the Allahabad Public Library. Admire the beautiful architecture, pick your favourite book from the shelves, and you'll leave learning a lot about the City that you didn't know before.

You can also hire a taxi and go sightseeing, covering all the major tourist attractions. Visit the Allahabad Fort that has the most scenic view of the Triveni Sangam. You can even be a part of the Ardh Kumbh Mela that happens every six years. Not just with your family, but you can also plan a road trip to Allahabad with your buddies. If you don't feel like indulging in sightseeing, you can just indulge in the gastronomical experiences that the City has to offer.

Food and Restaurants in Allahabad

Allahabad has a lot to offer when it comes to food. It's a delight for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The kachoris and sabzis, the different types of lassi, biryani and the list goes on; Allahabad will be a treat to your taste buds. Eat On is one of the most popular joints in the City and every tourists' delight. The place serves different types of parathas, shami kebabs and the most aromatic biryanis. Though the place has no seating arrangement for customers, it is an inconvenience that they cover up for with their delicious food. Chaat in Allahabad is like nothing you'll ever find elsewhere. Spend your evening gorging on some unique and tasty chaat at Nirala or a plate of chole samosa at Sainik. For all you tea lovers out there, make sure you try the Tandoori Chai in Allahabad. And also down some jalebis at Hira Halwai shop!

How to reach Allahabad (Transportation)

By Air

The nearest domestic airport is the Allahabad airport, and it is well-connected to most of the metropolitan and other cities in the country. The nearest international airport is at Varanasi and Lucknow. Allahabad airport is on the outskirts of the City, but you will find a taxi from the airport quite easily. You will also find cheap flight tickets to Allahabad and good flight deals online.

By Rail

The City is well-connected by rail, and it's easy to get a train to Allahabad from all major cities. Chheoki, Allahabad Junction, Allahabad City, Naini, Phaphamau Junction, Prayag, Subedarganj, Bamhrauli are some of the stations that you can plan your travel to and from, depending on your itinerary. Even though the City is connected really well by rails, flights are a much better option and a very convenient one, too.

By Road

Since Allahabad is one of the most popular cities in Uttar Pradesh, it is well-connected by road, too. You can easily get a bus or taxis from major cities to Allahabad. You can also plan a fun road trip with your buddies and stay at Allahabad for a few days. Getting around the City or going to the City from another one is not a task but it can get a tad bit tedious if you are travelling from afar.

  About Bhubneshwar Airport

Biju Patnaik International Airport also referred to as Bhubaneswar Airport, is the primary international airport that serves the city of Bhubaneswar which is the capital of the state Odisha. The airport is located about 4 km south-west of the Bhubaneswar Railway Station and 6 km away from the main city. The city's main airport has been named after the former chief minister of the state of Odisha, Biju Patnaik. He is a famed aviator as well as a freedom fighter. Biju Patnaik International Airport is the 15th busiest airport in the country. As for the Airports Authority of India's list of airports, Biju Patnaik International Airport falls on the 11th busiest which a registered 27.9 per cent growth in the passenger and air traffic.

The airport came into existence in 1962 and was dedicated to catering to the travel needs of the citizens of Odisha. It is the first commercial airport to be installed in the state. The airport caters to domestic and international carriers, activities of which are divided into two terminals. In 2013, the former minister of civil aviation, Ajit Singh, inaugurated the newly refurbished Terminal 1 to enhance the travelling experience of the domestic passengers. Terminal 2 was also upgraded to handle better international operations. It received international stature in 2013 and commenced operations to international destinations.

About Bhubaneswar Airport Terminal

Along with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Biju Patnaik International Airport is also recognised as a major civil aviation hub for Eastern India.

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 was refurbished and inaugurated in 2013 to accommodate a passenger capacity of 4 million in a year. Lanco Infratech built it at the cost of INR 1.45 billion. The project upgradation was developed by the Airports Authority of India as part of their scheme to enhance 35 of their non-metro airports in India. Terminal 1 is equipped with two storeys and a total area of 18,240 square metres. The new terminal comprises of four aerobridges, several escalators, four elevators, 18 check-in counters, multiple seating and three arrival baggage conveyors. Terminal 1 also houses some lounges in the departure and arrival sections. There is a total of three VIP lounges also installed at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. The airport has been constructed keeping the green building standards on the check. There are sewage treatment plant and rainwater harvesting facilities located at the terminal. Reflecting the culture and tribal traditions of Odisha, the airport also has tribal paintings, sculptures, motif designs and several such artefacts.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 is reserved for international operations and was constructed in the mid-1960s. Originally, the terminal catered to domestic flight activities in the 1960s. However, with the addition of the new airport terminal building, the domestic operations were shifted. Biju Patnaik International Airport's terminal 2 comprises of six check-in counters, four customs counters, ten immigration counters, various facilities and a slew of seating area too.

Terminal 3 - Terminal 3 is a passenger terminal building that has been proposed by the airport's authority to expand its passenger handling to 8 million in a year. The terminal is set to spread across an area of 58,000 square metres for INR 9.3 billion. With this, Biju Patnaik International Airport's capacity would be increased from 3.5 million to 11.5 million. The positioning of the terminal started in 2019 with construction works to be completed in three years, as scheduled. Once completed, the terminal would be handling all domestic passenger activities with the existing 1 and 2 terminals catering to international flight activities.

About airport authority

Biju Patnaik International Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The government body was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Government of India and came into existence to cater to the infrastructural management and maintenance of civil aviation across the country. Overall, the airport's authority handles about 126 airports along with 11 international airports. Biju Patnaik International Airport also falls under the international airport list of the aviation body. The airport authority has brought forth several expansion, and upgradation plans to make Bhubaneswar Airport accessible and ideal for more airline activities. Much recently, they refurbished their terminals and have proposed for a new terminal that would cater to domestic operations. Meanwhile, the old two terminals would take care of international operations.

Following the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, Biju Patnaik International Airport's authority has announced that they would be changing their operations. Following the lifting of the lockdown, the airport plans to operate in a single shift that would only take place between 10 am to 6 pm. Overall, 16 flights with two flights per hour would be operated Special guidelines to avoid the abundant footfall of passengers will also be taken care of at the airport. They are handling limited cargo operations too.

Facilities at the Bhubaneswar Airport

ATMs – Biju Patnaik International Airport has installed four ATM kiosks at one spot that range from domestic to international banks. This makes it easier for international tourists to withdraw money without much hassle. It is available at the departure and the arrival sections of the terminal building.

WiFi – The airport also has WiFi facilities available. By using the local mobile number, the passengers can connect to the airport's WiFi network and avail the free services.

Child care rooms – To cater to parents travelling with infants, the airport has installed designed child care rooms. These rooms are well-equipped with baby products as well as comfortable chairs and changing tables. They also have some baby products such as powders and diapers, in case the parent has exhausted these products.

Lounge – An airport lounge is also present in the departure section where passengers with relevant passes can access. You can also make some payments and enter the comfortable lounge area. They provide great hospitality and good services.

Smoking lounge – As smoking is not allowed in public spaces, the airport has reserved special smoking zones for passengers. These spaces can be utilised, and even boxes of cigarettes can be purchased at the airport.

Medical services – With a view to dealing with medical emergencies, the airport has installed relevant services. There is a special team of doctors and medical professionals who are present at the airport to deal with emergency cases. Plus, there are pharmacies also present at the airport.

Baggage – The baggage services offered by Biju Patnaik International Airport are quite good. You can opt for wrapping services, porter services, conduct thorough security checks of bags and even use the trolleys.

Top airlines flying from the Bhubaneswar Airport

Currently, the airport has some of the top domestic airlines functioning from the premise. In fact, airlines that operate from Biju Patnaik International Airport include AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. These flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport connect to major Indian cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Varanasi, Surat and Ranchi, to name a few. The airport also caters to one international airline, AirAsia, which connects to Kuala Lumpur. The services to the Malaysian capital has been suspended owing to the coronavirus pandemic. However, once things go back to normal, international flight services from the airport will be resumed.

How to reach Bhubaneswar Airport

By Bus

The city of Bhubaneswar has excellent bus facilities that are run by the state government. Called the MO Bus, the services have been rolled out by the Capital Region Urban Transport to connect Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri, in the state of Odisha. The service is known to be one of the most reliable ones in the city that has reduced the transportation challenges that one might have had to face earlier. The MO Bus also has a mobile app with provisions of the map of its routes, ticket booking options and schedules of the buses traversing within the city. The ticket fare is also quite cheap and affordable. You can easily pick a bus route from the MO Bus to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. These buses are available in AC as well as Non-AC to add to the comfort of the passengers.

By Taxi and Ridesharing apps

The city has an abundance of taxi cab services available. You can easily hail a taxi cab from the city to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. Besides, it is only 3 km away from the city centre, so travelling is usually not an issue. Depending on the traffic of the city and your location, the travel time might differ, but it will not exceed 15 minutes to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. Besides, ridesharing apps can also be used within the city premise. You can book cabs on Ola and Uber to reach Bhubaneswar Airport. Normal taxi cabs can also be hailed in the city, but you will need to discuss the fare ahead of the journey. Usually, the cabs in the city-run at fixed prices so it is always safe to ask in advance about the fare and whether it is feasible.