Bhubaneswar to Kanpur 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 Kanpur

Kanpur, nestled on the banks of river Ganga, is one of the biggest cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is not only known as the industrial capital of the state, but it also has historical and mythological importance. It is the perfect combination of architecture, commerce, culture and history. Of course, it is also majorly known for its prestigious educational hub, IIT-Kanpur. Since it is situated on the banks of the Ganges, it is also a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees. According to beliefs, the city was founded on Lord Krishna's birthday, which is why it was named Kanhapur. Other beliefs are that it has been named after Mahabharata's legendary character, Karna, and was initially called Karnapur.

Best Time to Visit Kanpur

Winter is an ideal time to visit Kanpur if you want to go sightseeing. The city experiences winter from October to March. The temperature ranges from 7 to 20 degree Celsius. You might want to pack your winter clothes for the trip, too. All tourist attractions and outdoor activities remain open during this season. Since it is also peak season, you might get interesting flight deals to Kanpur during this time. Booking a hotel in Kanpur can get a tad bit expensive since it is peak season. If you want to go to a luxurious hotel, you might have to shell out some extra money for it.

The temperature is always too high during the summer, and it becomes quite difficult to travel during this time. In fact, it will be a task to even commute within the city during these months. Planning a trip during summer will only prove to be more troubling and might lead to dehydration and exhaustion. It will be a waste of time since it does not make sense to visit Kanpur if you have to stay in your hotel room throughout the trip.

Monsoon is in June and July in Kanpur. While the rains do add a touch of relaxation to the otherwise hot climate during the summers, rainfall comes with its own sets of disadvantages, too. Do carry your umbrellas and raincoats. Now all rides or activities will be open during this time so you can pick which kind of weapon makes you happy.

Places to Visit in Kanpur

The Kanpur Zoological also called the Allen Forest Zoo is the main tourist attraction in Kanpur. The speciality about the Zoo is that the animals are not exactly caged. They are kept in open enclosures so they can live in their natural habitat. You will also find botanical gardens, lakes, aquariums and life-sized dinosaur sculptures. You will also spot animals like leopards, deer, zebra, hippopotamus and so on. The Shri Radhakrishna temple, also called the Juggilal Kamlapat (JK) temple, is another popular place that people go to in Kanpur. It has been constructed with carved white marble and reflects the brilliant neo-Hindu architecture. You will find five shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ardhanarishvara, Lord Narmadeshwar and Lord Hanuman inside the temple. Janmashtami and Diwali are celebrated with a lot of grandiose here at the temple.

Moti Jheel is a lake that is also a reservoir that provides the people of Kanpur with drinking water. The lake is surrounded with parks for children and picnic spots. You can even take romantic walks around the lake. It was established during the British era and has become a very popular place for people to go relax, especially on weekends. You can even go boating here. If you want to spend the day learning more about Kanpur's history, do visit the Kanpur Museum at Pool Bagh Ground. The museum houses artefacts from the colonial period, and it was ideally called King Edward Memorial Hall. The museum also has an in-house library that is open for public. The Brahmavart Ghat in Bithoor town of Kanpur is considered as one of the holiest ghats in the city. Dedicated to Lord Brahma, the ghat sees a lot of devotees taking a dip in the waters here before they offer their prayers inside the temple. Kanpur also has quite a lot of temples with beautiful architecture and a prominent story behind its inception. The Jain Glass Temple, also called the Kanch Ka Mandir is dedicated to Lord Mahavir and the other 23 Jain Tirthankaras.

Things to do in Kanpur

You can start your Kanpur trip by visiting the Kanpur Zoological Park or the Kanpur Museum. Kanpur has a lot of sites that are of archaeological and historical importance. Kanpur also has quite a lot of theme parks for you to spend a fun day with your family. The Blue World Theme Park is one of them. Not only will you be treated to adventure rides, water pools and fountains, but you will also get to witness sound and light shows, laser shows and a lot more. You will, of course, have to pay a nominal fee according to your height to enter the theme park but you will certainly make a day of it.

Go boating at the Moti Jheel. This is one of the most celebrated and popular recreational spots in the city. You can take a romantic walk around the lake or go boating to soak in the beautiful sunset. If you are in the mood to indulge in some fun shopping, Kanpur has several markets that will please the shopaholic in you. The Naveen Market, also called Khazana Mart, is your go-to place for high-end clothes, accessories and perfumes. The Parade Market on Shiwala Road is not only great for clothes and shoes, but it's also a popular location to try out street food in the city. The Sisamau Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in the city and is known for selling products from utensils to clothes. You can also visit the Valmiki Ashram in Bithoor. According to beliefs, this is where Maharishi Valmiki wrote the Ramayana.

Food and Restaurants in Kanpur

Whether you are craving for some chicken biryani or chaat, Kanpur has a place for all your moods. Baba Biryani in Swaroop Nagar is popular for serving Awadhi style biryani. Even the locals will approve of this place. Rakesh Chicken Biryani in Parade is yet another place that you must go to for some mouth-watering biryani. A lot of restaurants that serve biryani are open till 2 am so your midnight cravings are certainly taken care of in Kanpur. Makhan Singh Biryani is one of the most popular joints and make sure you order a plate of kebabs. Do not miss the mutton ishtew at the New Ajmeri Hotel.

You cannot go to a city in Uttar Pradesh and not try the chaat over there. There is an entire street in Kanpur that is dedicated to serving you all sorts of delicious chaats. The puchka or golgappa at Birhana Road is quite popular, and you will remember it for a very long time. Do try the dahi vadas here and tikkis that are made of green peas. Hanuman Chaat Bhandar in Kakadeo is yet another favourite among locals. If spending intimate time with your family that you have in mind, head over to Little Chef at Civil Lines. You must also try the desserts that Kanpur has to offer to you. Thaggu Ke Laddu is known for its Badnam kulfi and the different types of laddus. Make sure you pack some for your folks back home, too. The pedas at Ram Misthan Bhandar are also quite popular. Mithas Sweets is another sweet shop in Kanpur that is really popular for its confectionaries. The samosas, lassis and paneer tikkas are worth trying here. Terrazza 9 is a popular place for you to hangout with your friends and experience fine dining at its finest.

How to reach Kanpur (Transportation)

By Air

Kanpur is connected really well to all major cities by road, rail and air, since it is one of the important cities of Uttar Pradesh. Even though the city has its own airport, the flight connectivity from Kanpur airport is quite limited. It only connects flights to Delhi from Kanpur. To get to the other cities by air, you will have to head to the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow. If you are travelling off-season, you might get cheap flight tickets. You will come across great flight deals online.

By Rail

The Kanpur Railway Station is connected really well with other cities in the country. It is also one of the five major stations in the country. The Lucknow Swarn Shatabdi, Prayagraj Express, Howrah Rajdhani, etc. run to and from Kanpur quite frequently. However, you might want to book your tickets well in advance to avoid an uncomfortable journey to and from Kanpur.

By Road

Buses and private taxis are quite easy to find to reach Kanpur. The NH2, NH86, NH91 and the NH25 are popular routes to Kanpur. It is also easier to commute within the city. You can also book a cab for an entire day to go sightseeing within the city.

  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.