Bhubaneswar to Jharsuguda 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 Jharsuguda

Located in the northern side of Odisha is the city of Jharsuguda. The place is famous for its metallurgical contribution. It is recognised as an industrial hub and has good connectivity with other metropolitan cities. The city recently inaugurated the Jharsuguda Airport and renamed it as Veer Surendra Sai Airport. Jharsuguda does not have a lot of tourist attractions but thanks to its industrial relevance, manages to attract industrialists.

Best time to visit Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda's geographical features give it mild summers and winters in comparison to the rest of Indian cities. Despite being located in the far northwest of the state of Odisha, the city witnesses decent and mild temperatures. The months from October to March are considered to be the best time to visit the city. Jharsuguda actually enjoys mild temperatures without much humidity during these months. During winters, the city actually sees a temperature that drops to 13 degree Celsius in the night. The days during summer are quite clear and sunny. It is not hot as the maximum the temperature rises to is 27 degree Celsius during winter months. Hence, travelling within the city or to engage in tourist activities become easy. The city does witness a good footfall of tourists during this season. It is considered to be the peak season for Jharsuguda. In fact, December and January are actually peak winter months and will see the maximum drop in temperatures. The hotel prices do see a surge during this time as the demand rises. You will find some decent establishments in the city, and the hotel prices are still decent, even after the hike.

The summers in Jharsuguda are not very favourable for travelling or tourism. The temperatures skyrocket just as much as they drop. The hot weather is accompanied by humidity too, which only makes the weather extremely unpleasant. April and May see peak summers with temperatures going as high as 41 degree Celsius. Interestingly though, while the day temperatures see a hike, the night temperatures see a tremendous drop. In fact, April and May months actually see night temperatures going down to 10 degree Celsius sometimes. The extreme temperatures often make it difficult for tourists. The monsoon kicks in from July and stays till September, sometimes even October. You will need to pack your bags as per the seasons and their varied temperatures. If monsoon is what you are rooting for then an umbrella and rainy boots would be ideal. Not to mention how you should pack light clothes with winter jackets to deal with summers in Jharsuguda. The place doesn't see excessive tourism during the summers, and the hotel prices in Jharsuguda are also cheap during the summers.

Places to visit in Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda is a growing industrial hub to Odisha. Hence, much of the city has tremendous industrial locations and complexes. This leaves room for less tourist attraction. It is not the ideal place for vacation. However, for those who do live close by or have a free weekend from their professional commitments, then they can indulge in some of the activities and places to visit around the city. Since many folks often flock over for business and work-related commitments, spending quality time to break away from the professional responsibilities, they can start with checking out the Bikramkhol cave. The Bikramkhol caves are known to be archaeological sites. There are actually interesting inscriptions on the cave's walls that have been done by the tribal of the area. You can also visit the Chandi Mandir, which is located close to the city of Jharsuguda. The temple has the Ib River flowing in the backdrop which adds to the beauty of the place. While you are here, you can also check out the Jhhadeswar Temple, which is in proximity to the city. Another famous tourist attraction in Jharsuguda is the Vedanta Meadows Park. The lovely park is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and is refreshing. It is definitely unmissable and perfect for hanging out, especially with family.

Things to do in Jharsuguda

There are not many things that can be done in Jharsuguda. As an industrial hub, the place doesn't have enough recreational spaces where one can unwind. However, you can always choose to trek up the Bikramkhol caves. You actually have to walk up the stairs to reach the caves. The scenic trail makes for some lovely photographs that you can indulge in as you go up the caves. Also, close to the ChandiMandir is the Koilighugar Waterfall. The waterfall is a major tourist attraction as many devotees who visit the temple, take some time to enjoy the view and the waterfall. Close to the city, you will also find Gudguda waterfalls.

Food and Restaurants in Jharsuguda

Odisha's tribal culture is reflected in their cuisine. You will find some really simple yet sublime dishes that are quite appetising. In fact, Jharsuguda has many restaurants and food establishments that express the cultural heritage of the state. Do not be surprised if you are served food on sal leaf as it is a tradition followed by the locals. Much like how the South Indians serve food on a banana leaf, the Odisha culture has them serve food on a sal leaf. The food is perfect for those who are looking to have healthy and down-to-earth food. As a small town, Jharsuguda does not have extensive establishments. In fact, it would be tough for you to find the globally recognised fast food joints such as KFC, McDonald's and Burger King. However, the small and quaint restaurants have good food. The rich cuisine of Odisha can be tasted at these establishments with meals ranging from their classic pakhala bhata to pilaf. When you do visit Jharsuguda, you should definitely not miss their famous curry, Santula. The dish is basically made from raw papaya, drumsticks, brinjal and tomato with light spices.

You should also not miss potala alu rasa, one of the most famous Odisha delicacies. The dish is basically flavoured potato mixed with pointed gourd and cooked perfectly. Other dishes that you cannot miss include gupchup, which is basically puchka of the east, pani puri of the west and gol gappa of the north. For the ones with a sweet tooth, you should indulge in chhena poda, rasabali, and pitha to give your taste buds a tour of the state. These dishes are quite tasty. You can visit Chick Blast to get the best fried chicken and other dishes pertaining to the meat. Mayank Restaurant and Fast Food is also recognised in the city for the lovely spread of food and dishes from around the country. Pramod Hotel and Yog - Sheela are both touted to be the best restaurants in the city. They serve a plethora of cuisines that don't limit to just the Odisha cuisine. You should also visit GOCOOL for the classic sandwiches and other fast food that is recognised around India. The Food Court also does the deed. In fact, you can find salads too here.

How to reach Jharsuguda (Transportation)

By Air

The flight connectivity to Jharsuguda is decent. Over the years, the connectivity has improved as the city is turning into a thriving industrial hub for Odisha. The Jharsuguda Airport or Veer Surendra Sai Airport was used for various political and military reasons. In fact, the airfield catered to the RAF (Royal Air Force) during the British Raj as well as other Allied Forces amid the Second World War. Freedom Fighters, including Subhash Chandra Bose, also contributed to the battle. Much recently, the airport gained prominence again as it was elected to be the second commercial airport after Bhubaneshwar's Biju Patnaik International Airport in the state of Odisha. SpiceJet is the only airline that has dedicated flights flying to Jharsuguda. The flight tickets to Jharsuguda are actually quite expensive compared to the other cities in India. The most popular route to reach Jharsuguda is from Hyderabad and Delhi. These two cities are the only ones who have domestic routes connected to Jharsuguda by air. Hence, layovers also take place in Jharsuguda.

By Rail

There are quite a handful of trains to Jharsuguda. The Jharsuguda Junction is quite famous and has good connectivity with the other major Indian cities. As long as you make prior bookings of your tickets to Jharsuguda, you will be able to secure a seat and also get it for cheap. Since there are not an extensive number of trains dedicated to Jharsuguda, it is tough to reserve a seat. You can make online bookings of tickets to Jharsuguda. In the state though, Jharsuguda is an important junction with many outstation trains passing and even stopping at the station.

By Road

Road is considered to be a viable mode of transport to reach Jharsuguda. Many people often pick the domestic route from Bhubaneshwar to reach Jharsuguda. You can book for rentals at the airport or even the train station as many such services are available. There are buses that go to Jharsuguda from Bhubaneswar too as well as other neighbouring cities. Hence, the bus has always been an economically viable option to many.

  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.