Bikaner to Chandigarh Flights

  About Bikaner

Almost every city in Rajasthan must be on your travel list. Bikaner is another top-rated tourist destination in the state that you must visit. It is located in the midst of Thar Desert and is a paradise for every traveller who wants to blend in with the culture. The sand dunes, palaces, forts, camel rides will leave you mesmerized. Desert safari is quite popular in Bikaner since it's in the desert. Bikaner is also quite popular for hosting the International Camel Festival that has tourists buzzing in from all around the world.

Junagarh Fort is one of the major tourist attractions in Bikaner. The fort is built in the Thar Desert instead of a hill. You will be mesmerized by the intricate carvings and designs on the walls of the fort. Lallgarh palace yet another attraction you must not miss. Built in 1902 and 1926 for the Maharaja of Bikaner, the architecture showcases a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. It was built during the British era.

Rampuriya Haveli is highly recommended, and you won't regret visiting it. Rajasthan is known for their lavish havelis, palaces and the intricate work that comes with it. Gajner Palace is a lakeside palace, which is also in the middle of Thar Desert and is adjacent to a sanctuary. Not only is there free Wi-Fi at the property but you'll also find beautiful gardens in the palace. You can even book a hotel room here for a royal stay experience.

The Laxminath Temple, built in 1488, is one of the oldest temples in Bikaner. Devotees of Lord Vishnu and Laxmi come from all over the country to offer their prayers. You can also opt for a desert safari to go sightseeing. Kote Gate is the place for you to go if you feel like going on a shopping spree. There are also a lot of temples in the city where you can either offer your prayers or find solitude in the aura and ambience of the temples. You can also visit the Bikaner Camel Festival, which goes on for two days. While you're at it, ensure to take in all the rich culture of the city and try traditional, authentic Rajasthani food. The night sky in Bikaner will leave you overwhelmed, especially if you are literally sleeping under the stars. See if you can find any camps or tents to stay in for a wonderful experience.

Best Time to Visit Bikaner

November to February is considered as the best time to visit Bikaner or any other city in Rajasthan for that matter. This is when the city experiences winter, and it is quite pleasant. Evenings, nights and mornings can be quite chilly but the afternoons will be pleasant. It's the best time to go sightseeing or plan any outdoor activity that you have added to your itinerary. July to September is when it rains in Bikaner. Though the city does not experience heavy rainfall, the weather becomes hot and humid during monsoon. Summers are challenging to cope with but booking a hotel in Bikaner is cheap. The weather gets really hot, so much that you will not be able to step out of your rooms. The city also experiences dust storms.

Places to Visit in Bikaner

Bikaner, like every other city in Rajasthan, has a lot of palaces, forts and temples. The Junagarh Fort, which is built in the desert instead of a hill, is one of the major attractions of the city. It is the architecture and intricate designs of the fort that makes it so special. The Karni Mata temple is also very popular, and the devotees here share a very special bond with rats. The temple is built with white marble and looks beautiful.

Book a hotel room at Bikaner’s Laxmi Vilas Palace to experience utmost royalty. Staying here for just one night will also add a lot of glamour to your holiday. The 5-star hotel also offers a lot of extra-curricular activities that you can opt for. Visit the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary to satiate the wildlife photographer in yourself. You can also visit the Lallgarh palace and Rampuriya Haveli to be amazed by the sheer architecture. You will also have a sense of deep appreciation for everyone who has put in their best efforts to construct such a marvel.

You'll grow more curious about the camel, their behaviour, species and a lot more while you are in Rajasthan. The Nation Research Centre on Camel is one place that will welcome all of your doubts and clear them. You will know more about the different breeds of camels and their behaviour. If you are in the city in January, make sure you attend the Camel Festival in the city. You'll even get to see camels performing, and it is a treat to the eyes.

Kote Gate, Station Road market and the streets of Bikaner, in general, are great to stop and shop. You'll find several handcrafted clothes, footwear, accessories and much more to take back home. Sursagar Lake has gained a lot of tourist attraction and instructions to dig it out were given during Maharaja Sur Singh's reign. It's the perfect picnic spot and has been maintained well ever since it was dug out. It was made to curb water shortage.

Things to do in Bikaner

A desert safari is a must when you visit Bikaner since it is right in the middle of the Thar desert. You can even walk on the sand if you are wearing the proper footwear and if that's what you wish to do. Make sure your tour guide or whoever is in control of your camel approves of it. Find camping trips and sleep under the stars for a night. The sky will look so surreal, you'll feel overwhelmed. Not to mention, the air that you breathe will so clean you will feel slightly lucky.

Visit most of the palaces and forts. Bikaner is a treat for all you photographers out there. You can capture nature at its best along with the forts and palaces. Attend the Camel Festival, learn more about camels and make sure you also try the traditional food that the city has to offer. Rajasthani food is a delight and a gastronomic experience that will stay with you for a very long time. You will experience a royal feast if you are staying at a luxurious hotel. You can also try cuisines at local restaurants, and it won't disappoint you. Go shopping at the streets of Bikaner or the Kote Gate. You will find a lot of handcrafted clothes and jewellery. You can also buy souvenirs that you will take back home.

Food and Restaurants in Bikaner

Feast on pyaaz kachoris near the Karni Mata temple or daal-pyaaz kachoris. You can also try the Sev-tamatar sabzi or mangodi. You can enjoy these delicious dishes with different types of chutneys. If you are looking for a lavish dining experience, do stop at Gallops or Laxmi Niwas Palace. You will love the ambience, the hospitality and the food. If you think rasgullas from Bengal and Orissa are the best ones you've had, you have to try the Bikaneri Rasgulla at Chappan Bhog in Bikaner. It's one of the oldest places in the Rani Bazaar area, and you must also try their special raaj kachori. Bikaner is also famous for Bikaner Bhujia; you can pack some of these and take it back home, too.

Ghevar is a very popular Rajasthani sweet, and you must try it at least once. Gatte Ki Sabzi is a popular Rajasthani dish that you must try in Bikaner. You can't experience the whole of Rajasthan without the Rajasthani thali. For all you non-vegetarians out there, you can try the Laal Maas at Heeralal Restaurant. Spend your evening binging on chai and pakoras from local stalls. It is one of the best ways to spend your evening, whether you are with your family or alone or with your friends, for that matter. You'll even find healthy options in the city if you are concerned about maintaining your diet, but we suggest you cheat on your diet for a few days, till you are here.

How to reach Bikaner (Transportation)

By Air

The nearest airport is Jodhpur airport, which is approximately 5 hours away by road. Jodhpur airport is well-connected with other cities, and the flight connectivity to all domestic routes is convenient. You will, however, have to take a bus or taxi from the airport to reach Bikaner. You'll get cheap flight tickets to Jodhpur depending on whether it is peak season or not.

By Rail

Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway junction is only 6 km away from the city, and both of these stations are connected well with other major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and a couple of others. The train is the most convenient and comfortable option to travel to Bikaner.

By Road

The bus services to and from Bikaner are frequent and as per your convenience, too. The roads are quite smooth, and you won't have to worry about a bumpy ride all the way back home or to Bikaner.

  About Chandigarh

Located on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, is the gorgeous city of Vancouver. It is famously known to be one of the most densely populated cities in the country. Not just the population but even the ethnic diversity sets the city apart from the others. Vancouver has a plethora of gardens and parks, along with museums and galleries. The city has managed to find fame amid travellers in recent years. Owing to the landscape scenery and thriving food establishments, Vancouver has grown into becoming one of the most important cities in Canada. It is easy to connect flights to Vancouver as well.

Best time to visit Chandigarh

Vancouver is predominantly a cold city with temperatures barely exceeding 22 degree Celsius. However, the spring, summers and fall are pleasant in Vancouver, giving way to tourists. Since summer is the peak season in Vancouver, often you will find a plethora of tourists from around Canada to flock over for some fun. The city's thriving culture and lifestyle, topped with the slew of amazing festivals such as TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival, Vancouver Folk Music Festival and Bard on the Beach, further make people want to head to the city. With so many events and lovely weather to take in, the hotel prices and flight tickets also tend to get expensive. Plus, with the crowd, it might be difficult for you to enjoy a quiet and quaint environment. The cruise port also gets busy as the travellers need to be accommodated. However, the spring season will get your spirits high and your pockets happy. From March to May, the city turns lively as the cherry blossoms bloom and the whales pass through the Vancouver waters. It is a beautiful sight and certainly comes with great perks.

There are some fascinating events such as the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and Vancouver International Dance Festival that take place during spring. It is certainly the kind you shouldn't miss as the streets turn carnivalesque. Autumn is just as favourable as spring as the city prepares for the winters. It is easier to book hotels in Vancouver during this season as people are departing from the summer fun, reducing the demand for the city. Just as the temperatures go down, even the hotel prices and flight ticket costs drop, making it easier for tourists with a strict budget to traverse. While the city folks continue with their fairs and events, a new wave of budge tourists come over to be entertained by what the city has to offer. The temperatures would require you to carry jackets and coats along with you. It can get super cold, especially if you're from a hot country and are not used to the drop in temperatures. The experience of autumn in Vancouver is just as beautiful with the city streets turning crimson red as maple leaves flood the streets.

Places to visit in Chandigarh

Life in Vancouver is on the outside and not indoors. The city bustles and brims with opportunities for tourists to engage in. The Stanley Park is one sweet place from where you can begin your Canadian tour. Granville Island is the one place that will give you trendy restaurants, theatres and alluring galleries. All you've got to do is to hitch up a ferry ride and ho to the island. Another lovely place to visit would be Queen Elizabeth Park, a famous outdoor attraction in Vancouver. Famously known as the Kitsiklano 'Kits' Beach, the stretch of shores finds itself in the lines of an LA or Venice beach, thanks to the pristine water it touches. Spanish Banks Beach is another thrilling spot that would make you happy, especially if the water is something you love. The city has far too many gardens so you will never be tired of the greenery around you. The VanDusen Botanical Garden also deserves to be visited as it is one of the pretty places. It's not just gardens and beaches though, the city also has Yaletown, a chic neighbourhood to indulge in some upscaled lifestyle.

Things to do in Chandigarh

One of the best things to do in Vancouver is easily the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is 450 ft long, and 230 ft elevated from the ground that offers a stunning view of the river flowing under. It is quite thrilling and definitely poles apart from the feeling the gardens in Vancouver invoke. You can indulge in some leisure sightseeing and shopping at the Lonsdale Quay Market. Another fun thing to take up in Vancouver would be to indulge in a food tour. As the city does brim with a vast opportunity for lip-smacking food, you will not be disappointed with the establishments the city has. Sailing is another activity that you can take up in the city. It would be fun, and you will get to learn something new. Plus, for the outdoorsy kind, you can visit Grouse Mountain for some adventure fun.

Food and Restaurants in Chandigarh

Vancouver is nestled along the Pacific coast, making seafood as it's the staple food. In fact, much of their food has fish and other aquatic life as the base. That includes the classic fish and chips too, which is otherwise a London speciality. These can be found in the city's markets such as Granville Island. The place is ideal for you to explore their seafood delicacies. While Granville has some of the basic but delicious street meat, Yaletown upscales the whole experience, which would be ideal for you if you're on a romantic rendezvous. The setting at Yaletown is formal and posh. Some of the food establishments that you should visit during your trip are Rodney's Oyster House, Blue Water Cafe, to name a few. These are the best seafood restaurants in the city which you will surely like. You can also check out YEW Seafood + Bar, which is located at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. Their speciality includes Sidney Island venison and Qualicum Bag scallops. These are a big hit in the city, and something many would recommend.

A little away from Vancouver is Richmond (in British Columbia), where you'll find more seafood with wild salmon, tuna, mussels, crab and halibut too. What makes this place special is how the fish are fresh catch of the day which the fishermen get from the docks. These you can find at Steveston Village. Not just seafood but Vancouver also has its own version of Chinatown where you will find some of the best Asian dishes. In fact, you can also experience the little India that is settled in Vancouver. There is a Punjabi Market which is basically an Indo-Canadian neighbourhood located in the South Vancouver. Rest assured, all your cravings for Indian curries and delicacies shall be fulfilled here.

How to reach Chandigarh

There are no direct flights from Indian to Vancouver. However, the flight connectivity to Vancouver from India is exceptional. Canada, in general, receives a lot of tourists and potential residents from India. Due to this, the popularity of flights to this route is quite high. In fact, every second day, there are people travelling to Vancouver or other parts of Canada. Since there are no direct or nonstop flights to Vancouver from India, many airlines do have services to reach with layovers in other international cities. Airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Air France, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines, British Airways have some dedicated flights flying to Vancouver. As there are no direct flights, many have layovers in their origin countries. For example, Air France has flight connectivity to Vancouver from Paris, so there is a layover in the city. Similarly, other cities with layovers are in Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Newark, Istanbul, to name a few. The most popular route for flights to Vancouver is from Paris and Frankfurt. However, some of the flights need a second layover which either takes places in Montreal, Toronto or Newark.

To fly to Vancouver from India, you will require to apply for a transit visa. Since the international routes connecting Vancouver and India are from cities like Paris and Frankfurt, they require a transit visa from the passenger. To make things easier, the Canadian Embassy has allowed for online applications. All you need to do is fill up the application online and submit the same. The process is easier and less time-consuming. Besides, the status of the application is received promptly. The flight tickets to Vancouver are considerably on the expensive side. The distance is quite a lot and travelling through certain airlines is why the prices are steep. However, you can always find exceptional flight deals online. There are provisions of miles as well which enable the ticket prices to reduce. You can find cheap flight tickets to Vancouver online, especially if you book them well in advance. Simultaneously, you can make your hotel reservations too. Booking in advance always comes with its perks and booking your hotels in Vancouver will also be cheap if you do it beforehand.

  About Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh International Airport is a custom airport that also serves as a passenger airport to the Union Territory Chandigarh. Along with the city, the airport also serves Panchkula, Mohali and other cities in the states of Punjab, Haryana and a few southern districts of Himachal Pradesh. The airport runway is situated in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. In contrast, the international terminal falls on the south side of the runway, close to the village of Jhiurheri in Mohali, Punjab. The international airport has all its civil and commercial operations conducted from the civil enclave of the Indian Air Force Station. In the 1970s, the airport witnessed tremendous flight activity and operations from Indian Airlines. There were regular flights connecting Chandigarh to Delhi.

Following the construction of a new airport building in the civil enclave in 2011, all operations were diverted to the new terminal. This special air terminal was announced as a customs airport in 2011, giving it the international stature. Although it became an international airport, the terminal never witnessed international flight activities operate from its premise. In 2008, the Government of Punjab acquired a land area of 304.04 acres to construct the new international terminal. Over its completion in 2015 and a few Public Interest Litigation case hearings that took place at the Punjab High Court and Haryana High Court, the airport finally witnessed international flight activities from 2016. IndiGo and Air India Express became the first airlines to commence international flights to fly to Dubai and Sharjah from Chandigarh International Airport.

About Chandigarh Airport Terminal

The new international terminal came into existence in 2015 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The new terminal has been built in an eco-friendly manner with several features validating the same. Larsen and Toubro constructed the airport's new terminal. The airport's interiors have an abundance of plants which gives a rather botanical garden feel. The earlier domestic terminal now caters to VIP flights and is also reserved for flying club. Meanwhile, the new terminal includes two link taxiways that connect to the terminal as well as the cargo complex. There are four aerobridges apron reserved for parking of four in contact, and eight remote parking stands for aircraft. The terminal is divided into two levels with the first level taking care of all departures while the ground level has arrivals. The first phase of the airport terminal has the capacity to handle about 1,600 passengers at a time with a parking space to accommodate 150 vehicles. Although the airport is not a greenfield airport, it does use the runway of the current Indian air force base. The departure section of the terminal has relevant facilities such as ATMs, WiFi and a duty-free shop. Much recently, the terminal's check-in counters have also been expanded from 24 to 26.

About airport authority

Chandigarh International Airport is jointly owned by the government of Punjab, the government of Haryana and the Airports Authority of India. In fact, they have formed a consortium as the airport's operations are handled by Chandigarh International Airport Limited. In the consortium, Airports Authority of India holds a maximum stake with 51 per cent equity while the Government of Punjab and Government of Haryana hold 24.5 per cent of shares respectively. Chandigarh International Airport Limited is responsible for all the management, maintenance and other such operations of the airport terminal. Ever since the airport's genesis, CHIAL has been working towards expanding the airport's premise and providing world-class facilities to attract more flights and passengers. After quite a lot of struggle with cases going up to the high courts of both the states, Chandigarh International Airport finally even received international flight operations. Currently, the airport caters to a slew of domestic airlines, some of them catering to Indian as well as international cities.

Facilities at the Chandigarh Airport

Food court - Chandigarh International Airport may not have a slew of fancy restaurants installed in its vicinity; it does have a dedicated food court. Passengers can avail lip-smacking dishes from the airport's food courts. They have local and globally recognised food joints available. From burgers to chole bhatures, you can find all kinds of cuisine.

Trolleys and wheelchairs – Trolleys and wheelchairs are available at the airport. While the trolleys can be found at every junction of the airport's arrivals and departure section, wheelchairs need prior intimation. You will need to speak with the airlines and inform them about the requirement for a wheelchair at the entrance of the airport's departure gates. Following the same, the airport will send trained staff to help out the passenger in need of the wheelchair.

Baggage – The baggage system and services at the Chandigarh International Airport include trolleys, baggage wrapping services, storage facilities and more. There are dedicated reclaim baggage conveyor belts located in the arrivals section from where passengers can get access to their checked luggage.

ATMs and currency exchange – As an international airport, Chandigarh International Airport has installed currency exchange booths in the arrivals section of its international terminal. International travellers can get their currencies exchanged and also make money transfers at the forex counters. Plus, there are ATM kiosks also available in the airport premise. Passengers can withdraw money if needed, especially if they are travelling within any liquid cash.

Medical facilities – The airport also has medical facilities available for emergency cases. It is essential to have medical experts on the airport campus at all times. Hence, the airport has ensured to keep a team of dedicated medical professionals. There are medical rooms also available at the airport. You can avail these services for free. There are pharmacies also available at the airport. They provide medicines as well as toiletries that you can purchase.

Child care room – Parents travelling with infants can avail the child care room facility. These rooms have been reserved for parents to help tend to their infant babies. Activities such as breastfeeding and changing diapers can be done in these rooms as it offers privacy. Simultaneously, the child can be put to sleep in the room while they wait for boarding. These rooms are kept well-sanitised.

Smoking zones – Chandigarh International Airport does not allow smoking in public. Hence, they have provided special smoking zones for passengers. These can be found at the departures and arrivals of both the domestic and international terminals. It is essential for passengers to adhere to these rules and smoke within the premise of the smoking lounge provided by the airport.

Special assistance – The airport caters to special assistance for disabled travellers. Prior intimation needs to be given to the airlines by the traveller if they wish to avail these services. You can also specify the requirements for the traveller to the airlines, and the airport will make the necessary accommodations for the same.

International SIMs – For travellers who are visiting Chandigarh and do not have a local SIM number, you can get hold of the same at the airport. There are dedicated counters at the arrivals section of the international terminal where counters have been installed to provide temporary SIMs. Mobile phones are also available, in case you need one.

Top airlines flying from the Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh International Airport currently enables operations of seven domestic airlines and caters to connect two international destinations. Presently, the airlines that operate from Chandigarh International Airport are AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. These airlines have excellent connectivity with various Indian cities along with designated international destinations. Chandigarh International Airport connects flights to cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Dharamshala, Pune, Jammu, Chennai, Kullu, Dubai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Patna and more.

How to reach Chandigarh Airport

By Bus

The new terminal of Chandigarh International Airport is close to 14 km away from the main city of Chandigarh. The city of Chandigarh has excellent bus transport facilities that help connect to various parts of Punjab, Haryana and parts of Himachal Pradesh too. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking has AC buses that operate from the main city to the airport's new terminal. The buses take Route 38 and 36 to reach Chandigarh International Airport. It is easily one of the most sought-after ways to reach Chandigarh International Airport. The ticket fare is also quite affordable and ideal for travellers. Besides, the buses have been designed in such a way that they offer a comfortable journey to the airport. The transport service also has a mobile app from where you can book tickets and get details about the bus schedules and routes to reach Chandigarh International Airport.

By Taxi cabs

Taxicab services are also present within the city to reach the Chandigarh International Airport. You can hail a taxi cab from anywhere around the city or the other surrounding states to reach Chandigarh International Airport. It might be challenging as you will need to communicate with the drivers and ensure that they don't make you pay an exorbitant amount for the journey to reach the Chandigarh International Airport.