About Bhuj

The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Bhuj is the Rann of Kutch. A lot of people stop at Bhuj to get to the White Desert. Bhuj became a popular name after the earthquake in 2001 that killed close to 20,000 people living there. The quake also destroyed most of the buildings and houses in the city. The city in Gujarat is also quite close to Maharashtra. The city saw significant destruction after the earthquake but was rebuilt quite impressively. The city is not a popular holiday destination but is quite close to one. You can also book a hotel in the city and stay here for at least two days before you leave for The Great Rann of Kutch if at all that's your plan. You'll find perfect hotel rooms in the city and very affordable prices. Taking a bus, train or taxi from Bhuj is a very popular route to get to the Rann Utsav.

Apart from the Rann Utsav, the city also boasts of two majestic palaces, the Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal. Both the palaces were partly destroyed after the earthquake, but you can visit what's left of it and admire the sheer royalty of the palace. The palaces are right next to each other, and you will be charged a nominal fee to enter it. While the Aina Mahal boasts of intricate mirror works inside, the Prag Mahal boasts of large pillars in the Darbar and huge chandeliers. It will make you wonder and wish that you had come to visit the palaces before the earthquake.

You can also visit the Kutch Museum, which is one of the oldest museums in Gujarat. You'll find artefacts from the first century, too, in the museum. You'll also find a collection of unique and old coins. Either hire a tour guide who will take you through the artefacts and collections with a narration of the story behind it, or take a tour along and figure things on your own. You can also chill by the Hamirsar lake in Bhuj and watch migratory birds like the Greater Flamingo, Pelicans and much more. You'll have to plan your trip in winter to witness this though. Take a nice long morning walk alongside the lake with a view of the birds. It is definitely a beautiful start to the day.

On the outskirts of Bhuj is the Bhujia Hills, a top-rated tourist attraction here. It is also an apt place to take some outstanding pictures. A scenic view of the city and nature from the hilltop will make you want to spend time over there in solitude, admiring the view around you. Shopping in Bhuj is also one thing that will not leave you disappointed. The city is famous for its jewellery and handicrafts. You can also buy a lot of home decor items.

Best Time to Visit Bhuj

November to March is when Gujarat experiences winter, and it is one of the best times to visit the city. The Rann Utsav usually takes place in February every year, and the city is buzzing with travellers flocking over from around the country and world during this time. The temperature drops to 8 degree Celsius at night and is quite pleasant during the day. Since it is a desert, Bhuj's summers are quite hot, and it is not advisable to travel during this time. Summer lasts from March to May. The city witnesses monsoon from June to September. The heaviest rainfall occurs in July mostly, but the intensity reduces eventually. There are also chances of cyclones in Bhuj during monsoon so avoid travelling to Bhuj during monsoon.

Places to Visit in Bhuj

The Rann Utsav in Kutch is one of the main reasons that people visit Bhuj. Though a lot of tourists mostly just see Bhuj as a pitstop and an easier way to reach Bhuj, it is definitely a city that you must spend at least two days in. The Rann Utsav is also a festival that you must attend at least once in your lifetime. The Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal are two major tourist attractions in the city. Though a major portion of the palaces was destroyed during the earthquake in 2001, the beauty and royalty of the palaces will take your breath away. The intricate mirror work in the Aina Mahal will leave you astonished.

Gujarat is popular for textile, handicrafts and you can visit the Bhujodi village for a fun shopping spree. Bhuj is also famous for silver jewellery, and that's something you can definitely pick up from here as gifts for yourself or your friends. The Bhujia Hill is one of the highlights of the city. You can literally capture a view of the entire city from up the hill, and it makes for a wonderful place to take pictures. You can take a walk along the Hamirsar lake, which has a very serene feel to it. If you are here during winters, you might even spot migratory birds hovering over the lake in the morning. The Mandvi beach must be on your list of places to visit when you are in Bhuj. The beach promises you a scenic sunset and lives up to that promise.

You can also visit the Kutch Museum that is not very far from the palaces. Not only is it one of the oldest museums in the country but it also has artefacts and coins that date back to the first century.

Things to do in Bhuj

You can visit the animal sanctuaries if connecting with the animal lover in you is one of your motives for taking a trip. You can visit the palaces and the museums in the city to treat yourself to exciting facts and stories that the city has to tell. The city boasts of everything that you would want to do on your vacation. While there are usually accommodations available in the Rann Utsav, a lot of people prefer staying in Bhuj. Commuting within the city is quite easy.

If you are spending some time in Bhuj before you leave for the Rann Utsav, make sure you take a camel ride or a camping trip at Mandvi beach. They won't burn a hole in your pocket. You can also opt for boating at the Hamirsar lake if you get tired of walking around the lake and you want to be closer to the water. You can climb the Bhujia Hill fort instead of taking a different mode of transport if you are feeling very adventurous. You can also explore the local markets within the city to go on a shopping spree. The Bhujodi village is another popular place to shop for handicrafts and silver jewellery.

Food and Restaurants in Bhuj

Shankar Vadapav has gained quite a popularity in Bhuj and is a very highly recommended eatery for everyone who is a fan of vada pavs and street food. Sankalp and Jesal and two other restaurants that are quite famous in the city. Sankalp's menu has a lot of South Indian dishes, but you'll also find Gujarati food if that's what you are craving for. Jesal is known for serving North Indian food along with Indo-Chinese and western dishes that a lot of people might prefer. You'll also get traditional Gujarati thalis at Green Rock restaurant along with other varieties of cuisines. You can also stop at Saffron if you are craving some good Mughlai food. The mix grill platter is a highly recommended dish if you do stop by Mughlai. It also has a variety of options for tandoor and paneer.

How to Reach Bhuj (Transportation)

By Air

The nearest domestic airport is the Bhuj airport. The nearest international airport is Ahmedabad airport. The flight connectivity to and from Ahmedabad is quite frequent. Though the international routes do not connect to Bhuj airport directly, the domestic routes from Bhuj connect with major metropolitan cities. You can book flight tickets online and might even find really good flight deals and cheap flight tickets if you are lucky. You will easily find a cab or rickshaw to hire to reach the city from the airport. This is considered to be the most convenient way to travel since the other modes of transport can be a tad bit time-consuming.

By Rail

Bhuj railway station is only 1 km away from the city and is well-connected to most metropolitan neighbouring towns and cities. Trains to and from Ahmedabad to Bhuj are quite frequent, too. The train journey is also quite comfortable and hassle-free. Getting a taxi or a rickshaw from outside the station is not very difficult.

By Road

From government-run buses to air-conditioned Volvo buses, you'll find a lot of options to choose from if you opt to travel by road. The frequency is also quite good, and it's a convenient way to get to Bhuj or to leave from there. Popular bus routes are from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Vadodara, Indore and a couple of more cities.

  About Hyderabad

Hyderabad, in Andhra Pradesh, is a city that flourished during the rule of the Nizams is a place that you must visit. While it is popular for the monuments and palaces that it boasts of, it also became popular for the increasing craze of cinema and the creative liberty that the artists took to create masterpieces. It is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, both. Hyderabadi is also known for introducing the best Biryanis to the world.

Though Hyderabad has flourished and developed a lot, it has also maintained some of its old charms to keep history alive. The Charminar, which literally translates to four minarets, is a major tourist attraction in Hyderabad. You must also visit the Ramoji Film City, which is a little further away from the main city but it is totally worth it. Not only will you get to visit the magnificent film sets but you will also come across a lot of stories about the place. If you're lucky, you might even run into your favourite actor.

Hyderabadi food tends to be more on the spicier side, and if your taste buds can handle it, you'll want to pack some of it and take it back home. Apart from the monuments and palaces, Hyderabad also has a spot for all you shopaholics. It is known for its pearl jewellery. You get the best pearl and silver jewellery in the city and at an affordable price, too. The city is also popular for the Karachi Bakery, where you get the most delicious cookies, biscuits and other snacks. There's one near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, too. Make sure you stop by to take home some delicious snacks for your family and friends.

Hyderabad also has quite a lot of clubs, fancy restaurants and malls for the youngsters. You'll find a lot of upcoming new cafes and coffee breweries in the city, too. The city has a blend of old and new traditions. The Golconda Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad. It is one of India's many architectural wonders and is built on a 400-feet high granite hill. There is a particular location below the entrance dome under which, if you clap, it will be heard a kilometre away at a pavilion. This is one of the major accomplishments of the fort, and this was made so a message could be delivered to the royals in advance, in case there was an impending attack. It was built in the 12th century and is a highly recommended place to visit.

The Chowmahalla Palace was built in the 18th century, and it spells grandeur. Spot the Belgian crystal chandeliers and white marble floors that will make you want to redecorate your own house. The Hussain Sagar Lake is an artificial lake that used to be Hyderabad's water supply before two more lakes were built. A statue of Buddha is lit up at night and stands tall in the middle of the lake. You can go boating here and soak in the serene view. The sunset is breathtaking from the lake.

The Ramoji Film City is the world's biggest film studio complex and welcomes tourists from all over the country. You can even book a hotel within the complex since it is quite far away from the city. You can opt for a tour guide who will show you around the city or one of the tour buses that have a group of tourists to get around the complex. If you are lucky, you might even come across your favourite celebrity in the film complex.

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

Hyderabad witnesses winters from November to February. The temperature drops down to 13 degrees Celsius and goes up to 25 degree Celsius maximum. Winters are quite chilly and are also ideal for sightseeing in the city. This is also the best time for you to go shopping and there are chances that the markets will be crowded since it's the peak season for the city.

It rains in Hyderabad from August to October. It gets rainfall that's moderate to heavy, which works really well since the city becomes greener. The rains are quite unpredictable, and it might make you sit in your hotel room instead of venturing out. But you can head out when the rainfall is mediocre.

Hyderabad sees a long summer that starts from March and lasts till July. May and July witness the highest temperatures that also brings in humidity. Summer is not a very favourable time for you to plan your trip to Hyderabad, but you can visit the city during winter or the initial days of monsoon.

Places to visit in Hyderabad

The Golconda Fort is one of the oldest and an important place to visit in Hyderabad. Ruins of the fort are worth visiting. It gives you a sneak peek into the history, and you'll even come across a few untold stories. Charminar is yet another monument that is deemed important and is buzzing with tourists all year round.

Ramoji Film City is also one of the most popular destinations in Hyderabad. It is the world's biggest film studios complex, and it even says so in the Guinness World Book of Records. Since Ramoji Film City is quite far from the city, you should dedicate an entire day to exploring the film studio complex. You can book an accommodation stay or within the complex to avoid hectic travelling.

The Hussain Sagar Lake is another major attraction and best way to spend the evening. Catch the sunset at the manmade lake and grab your favourite chaat at the stalls around the lake. Chowmahalla Palace is another place you must visit to experience the grandiose and luxe of palace life.

Things to do in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a city for all kinds of tourists. You can go on a historical tour to all the monuments, forts and museums or you can go partying at some of the most happening places. Or just make a list of restaurants that are popular in the city and eat at all of them. Book a tour to the Ramoji Film City instead of trying to take things in your own hands. It will be more comfortable, and you won't feel all lost when you reach the location on your own. Not to mention, a tour guide always has interesting, untold stories to tell while taking you on tour. Go for a drive at the Queen's Necklace in the evening, and you won't regret it. It will be an evening well spent.

You can also visit the NTR Gardens which was made as a tribute to former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and celebrated actor, NT Rama Rao. If you are travelling with your kids, they will surely enjoy spending time here. Learn more about the history of Hyderabad and everything that has changed over time. Hyderabad is also known for the gems that it sells. You can buy as many pearl or silver jewellery as you please. There are a lot of authentic jewellery stores in the city where you will find precisely what you want without shelling out more money.

Food and Restaurants in Hyderabad

You can order a Hyderabadi Biryani wherever you go in Hyderabad. It's one of the most famous biryanis in the country, and you can order it without hesitating from any restaurant that you find. Try the Boti Kebab at Hotel Shadab in Ghansi Bazaar or Paradise at Paradise Circle in Secunderabad. It's a special kebab that you will enjoy from the first till the last bite. Qubani Ka Meetha is yet another Hyderabadi dessert that you must try. While you are at Hotel Shadab, do try the Mirchi ka Salan, another popular dish in Hyderabad.

How to reach Hyderabad

By Air

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport to Hyderabad but is quite far away from the main city. The flight connectivity is pretty strong. It connects all the domestic routes to Hyderabad and international routes from the city, too. All the major cities are well-connected by air. Do look for decent flight deals online and see if you can manage to get cheap flight tickets. Though the main city is quite far from the airport, you will get a private taxi or bus quite easily from the airport.

By Rail

Hyderabad is well-connected to all the other cities by rail through Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kachiguda railway stations. Most trains that are travelling to and from major metropolitan cities pass through Secunderabad station. Train journeys are quite comfortable, and if you do not have any time constraints, you can opt for a train journey.

By Road

Buses and private taxis run to and from Hyderabad quite frequently. In fact, you can get private buses that run to Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, too. There are quite buses connecting Andhra Pradesh to other neighbouring states, too.

  About Hyderabad Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport or Hyderabad Airport serves as the international airport to the city of Hyderabad in Telangana state. The airport is situated about 24 km in the South of Hyderabad, in Shamshabad. The Hyderabad Airport has one passenger terminal which caters to both, domestic and international airlines. The airport also has a cargo terminal as well as two runways. An aviation training facility is also prevalent at the airport along with a fuel farm and a solar power plant. It is recognized as the sixth busiest airport in India, in terms of passenger traffic. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also caters as a hub to airlines such as Alliance Air, SpiceJet, Lufthansa Cargo, TruJet, Quikjet Cargo and IndiGo. Hyderabad is a focus city for Air India.

About Hyderabad Airport Terminals

The Hyderabad International Airport has one only terminal which integrates the domestic and international sides of terminals. The area covered is 1,133,000 sq ft and has a scope to accommodate 12 million passengers in a year. While the western wing of the airport terminal takes care of the international flights, the eastern side takes cate of domestic flight operations. There are about 96 check-in counters, 19 self-check-in kiosks and close to 46 counters of immigration. A total of nine gates are present at the airport, located on the south of the terminal whereas there are two more in the north. Passenger lounge facilities are available and provided by the Plaza Premium Lounge. Separate lounges for VIP are also available in the terminal. The airport has ten aerobridges and about 57 parking bays. GHIAL recently added 26 more parking bays to the are, taking the new tally to 83 parking bays.

About airport authority

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport or RGIA is possessed and operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL). It is a public-private undertaking which comprises of public entities, including the Airports Authority of India and the Government of Telangana, along with private organizations namely, GMR Group and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad. While the AAI and Government of Telangana hold 13 per cent respectively, the private entities such as GMR Group and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad have 63 and 11 per cent holdings respectively. According to the agreement acknowledged by GHIAL and the Central Government, GHIAL has the right to function the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for 30 years. Further from the completion of the years, GHIAL further receives an option to choose if they wish to continue another 30 years of association.

Facilities at Hyderabad Airport

Special assistance - The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has provisions to cater to the travellers ranging from escorting senior citizens to portage facilities. Some of the special assistance features include asking for baby strollers, to help expectant mothers or senior citizens with wheelchairs, helping passengers with mobility issues, helping accompany minors, catering to passengers who are travelling with pets, buggy services and other such concerns. You can avail the services at the information desk. Or you can make prior intimation with the airlines that would help the staff be prepared for your demands.

VIP facilities - The airport does have several VIP services available. As it is one of the top 10 international airports in the country, the services are quite world-class, including the lounge accommodation. There are meeting rooms and lounge areas for travellers with first-class or business class tickets. There are showers and spas also available at the airport to help in-transit passengers to relax. In fact, the VIP lounges and hotels where travellers can relax before they take their connecting flight.

Restaurants and cafes - You will find some excellent restaurants and food establishments at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. This includes small food and beverage kiosks and a dedicated food court. There are global food joints such as KFC, Subway, McDonald's and more. Some of them are also available at the departure and arrival areas. The departure zones at domestic and international terminals also have upscale restaurants and bars that you can check out.

Lost and found - The airport also offers lost and found services that you can avail. The centre is open 24/7, so you can visit the room whenever there is an item that you have lost. You will need your boarding card, photo identity card (this could include passport, visa, driver's licence, voter's card, etc.) and a proof that substantiates the fact that you are the rightful owner of the lost item. In case you are unable to visit the lost and found centre yourself, you can send a representative. However, while you do that, you will need to provide an authorized letter from the passenger and include a description of the lost item. The said person will also need to show relevant ID proofs.

Prayer room - Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also has convenient prayer/multifaith rooms within the premise of the passenger terminal building. There are two rooms present at the airport.

Baggage - The luggage facilities at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport are also top-notch. As the airport caters to domestic and international passengers, the airport does have luggage services include wrapping and porter facilities. To avoid theft and mishandling of luggage, you can opt for baggage plastic wrapping. There are trolleys also available at the departure and arrival gates of the terminal building.

Child care centre - There are dedicated child care rooms available at the arrival and departure zones of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The rooms are well-maintained and cleaned properly. The airport staff also keep the child care rooms clean and sanitized. There are baby products also available as are provisions of a comfortable chair for feeding and changing table for a diaper change.

Medical services - The airport also reserved medical services to aid to emergency cases. They are available at proper intervals to ensure that the help arrives quickly in time of immediate assistance. You can also visit the information desk to get hold of some medical assistance. The medical services are provided by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. It is a 24/7 service with pharmacy and paramedics. The airport also has well-trained doctors available who cater to the treatment centre. There is a dedicated ambulance service also available at the airport.

Airport transit hotel - One of the highlights of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is that the airport accommodates a hotel for in-transit passengers. You can get more details on the same at the information desk, available at all intervals. The airport has lodge services with AC and Non-AC dorms. The prices of the same are mentioned on the website of GHIAL as well as at the information desk. You can further opt for deluxe rooms and shower booths as well, to freshen up.

Top airlines flying from Hyderabad Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is known to serve about 18 international destinations and 45 domestic cities. As one of the top ten busiest airports in India, Hyderabad Airport's connectivity in terms of domestic as well as international cities is excellent. It manages to connect several cities and is also known to operate a plethora of airlines. The Hyderabad airport is recognized to serve domestic airlines such as Air India, Alliance Air, Vistara, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and TruJet. Not just major cities in India but Hyderabad also provides great service to connect to smaller cities and towns too. While the prominent domestic airlines from Hyderabad Airport cater to major cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Visakhapatnam and Guwahati, it also has connectivity with smaller cities.

As the city also caters to connecting 18 international destinations, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also has tremendous globally recognized airlines. Air Arabia, Air Asia, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Silkair, Srilankan Airlines, Thai Airways and Flynas, are some of the airlines that operate from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The airport also plays the role of connecting domestic cities to international airlines to fly abroad. Cities such as Sharjah, Kuwait, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, London, Colombo-Bandaranaike, Doha, to name a few, have good connectivity from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

How to reach Hyderabad Airport

Thanks to the services provided by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation, the accessibility to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is excellent. There are direct buses that are provided for individuals travelling from the city centre to the airport. It is one of the most comfortable transport facilities to reach Hyderabad Airport. A flyover was constructed to reach the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport without facing excess traffic. The flyover has been constructed on the National Highway 44 and National Highway 765, interspersed with the Outer Ring Road. Called the PV Narasimha Rao Expressway, the flyover is perfect and helps reach the Hyderabad Airport without dealing with the city traffic. Although the Hyderabad Metro Rail's second phase is in the works to connect a line to the airport terminal, it is still in the process. Taxi cabs are the best modes of transport that can be considered to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.