Bhubaneswar to Shillong 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 Shillong

The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong, is also called Scotland of the East. Shillong also means The Abode of Clouds and the city complements Nestled between pine trees, the hill station is also home to a lot of waterfalls. Not just waterfalls but you also get a picturesque view of the mountains and lakes in the city. The climate is pleasant throughout the year, which makes any time of the year suitable for you to plan your trip to Shillong. The warm hospitality, the scenic view and the weather will leave you impressed and in awe of them. The city is also popular for hosting a lot of music festivals and giving the country a lot of talented musicians. Shillong is one of the places in the North-East that you must visit. It is one of those hill stations which you can visit throughout the year. The summer is not too hot, but the winter is chilly and perfect. You wouldn't have to worry about your plans as they won't be affected during this season. Not just summers and winters but even monsoons paint a beautiful picture and only makes the hill station look more attractive.

Best Time to Visit Shillong

Even though the weather is quite pleasant throughout the year, September to May is considered to be the ideal time to plan a vacation to Shillong. It does rain slightly, but it doesn't necessarily have to put a damper on your outdoor plans. March to June is summer in Shillong, but the climate is pleasant. It doesn't get too hot, but it does get slightly cold at night. You can book a hotel in Shillong that has a view of the hills and the beautiful sky. You can also opt for a quaint homestay, which is a popular option that people choose when they visit Shillong. Getting around the city is not that difficult, too. The people are quite friendly and will help you with whatever you need.

October to March is when Shillong experiences winter. The hill station also begins its celebration of The Autumn Festival and the Nongrem Dance Festival. It is the ideal time to visit Shillong. You can either take a flight to Shillong or take a train. Since it is also considered to be a peak season, you might get good flight deals with hotel accommodation combos. You can join the celebrations of the locals during their festivals or be a spectator.

Monsoon is from July through September, and it is during these months that the hill station sees heavy rainfall. But the torrential downpour does not really ruin your vacation. Since it is off-season, there are chances you might get cheap flight tickets. In fact, even booking a hotel in Shillong might be less expensive than it is during other seasons. This is also the best season for backpackers and nature lovers to visit. A lot of them take off to Shillong during this time to enjoy the picturesque view of the hill station.

Place to Visit in Shillong

Shillong is a hill station that has a lot of waterfalls amidst the lush green trees. The Elephant Falls is a popular tourist location in Shillong. There is a stone that resembles an elephant at the foot of this waterfall, which is one of the primary reasons why it has been bestowed the said name. The Shillong Peak is 1965 m above sea level and is the highest point in Shillong. The view of the entire city from atop is breathtakingly beautiful. You can even opt for a trek up the hill to capture the best views.

The David Scott Trail is a popular trekking route in Meghalaya. The path was laid by British officer David Scott in the 1800s. Mawlynnong, a village which is 90 km away from Shillong, was declared as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. It is a very famous tourist site and is also called God's own Garden. This is also one of the best places to take pictures. Jaintia Hills is another place you must visit when you travel to Shillong. You'll find the Krang Suri Falls and the Nartiang Monoliths here. The lovely expanse and scenic beauty of the place will leave you in awe. While you're here, you must also visit the Mawjymbuin Cave in the Mawjymbuin village in Cherrapunji. The cave is like paradise for all geologists or everyone interested in geology. Since it also has religious significance, it attracts pilgrims, too.

Things to do in Shillong

If you are a water baby, visiting all of the famous waterfalls in Shillong is a must. The Spread Eagle Falls, on the outskirts of the city, is a top-rated tourist spot. Nohkalikai Falls of the Sweet Falls, about 8 km from Shillong, is another destination that you must visit. The place looks far more beautiful when it is raining. Shillong's Lewduh Bara Bazaar is a popular place for you to go on a shopping spree. Clothes, shoes, accessories, you'll get everything you need. Don't forget to buy tea that has dried orange peels in it. You can also buy souvenirs that you can take back home from your trip. If you are planning to spend more time in the city, try and learn the language to communicate better with the locals.

You can go boating in the magnificent lakes of Shillong to soak in all the beauty of this hill station. Visit the Butterfly Museum if you have a keen interest in zoology. The museum has a massive collection of different types of butterflies, and some of them are rare species, too. Go on a food crawl and try out the local cuisine of the hill station. Learn more about their lifestyle and cuisine. You will definitely not regret it. All you adventure and nature lovers can opt for several trekking options that are available here. You can either go alone or join a group. You'll find something worth trying even if you decide to go trekking at the last moment.

You can opt for nature camping or even take a trekking tour. You will find a lot of camping and trekking packages, too, in Shillong. You can either book them online or find a local tour guide who can help you with your camping trip. Visit a wildlife sanctuary or go to a Museum to get to know the hill station better. If you are visiting the scintillating hill station during a festival, make sure you try to blend in and celebrate it with the locals. If meeting new people and learning more about the culture is your motive for the trip,

Food and Restaurants in Shillong

Shillong is known for its seafood cuisines, its variety of Momos, Tarumbai and Tungtab. You must also try Kyat, a beverage that is prepared from rice. You will also find restaurants that have Chinese, Tibetan and Indian food in their menu. Cafe Shillong is one of the most popular cafes in Shillong. The delicious shakes and vegetarian momos are the highlights of this place. Ginger is yet another place you will love. It is one of the trendiest restaurants and quite affordable, too.

Head over to Delhi Mishtan Bhandar for some lip-smacking desserts. The lassis, halwas, jalebis and other snacks will leave you satiated. Don't hesitate to try the local street food here. Shillong is also one of the only cities in India where you get alcoholic beverages for the cheapest price. Don't forget to stop by the City Hut Family Dhaba and La Galerie for some delicious Indian and Continental cuisines. You can stop by any one of these restaurants or even try all of them depending on the duration of your stay.

How to reach Shillong

By Air

The Shillong Airport or Umroi Airport, as it is called, is approximately 30 km away from Shillong. It is also the nearest domestic airport. The flight connectivity to and from Shillong is quite limited. The next nearest airport is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, popularly referred to as Guwahati International Airport. Though it is 120 km away from Shillong, it connects all domestic flights to Shillong and all international flights from Shillong, too. The domestic routes from Shillong are connected to cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Imphal, Singapore and so on. You will come across great flight deals and cheap flight tickets to Shillong, provided you book at the right time.

By Rail

Guwahati Railway station is the closest and best way to reach Shillong. You will have to take a taxi or a bus to Shillong from the station. From the station, you can hire taxi cabs or private rentals that will reach you to Shillong. In fact, there are state-run buses that take the domestic routes to Shillong from Guwahati. Guwahati railway station is well-connected with major cities through Gorakhpur and Kolkata. Besides, you can also get down at the Bagdogra railway station and opt to travel via road.

By Road

Government-run and private buses to Shillong are quite frequent. The NH40 highway connects Shillong to other major cities in the country. Though flights do seem like the most convenient option to reach Shillong, trains and buses are no less. Road and Rail are also great options to get to Shillong. The panoramic view of the lush green valleys and mountains will rejuvenate you.

  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.