Chandigarh to Ranchi Go First Flights

  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 Ranchi

Ranchi is not only the city of waterfalls but is also the summer capital of Jharkhand. It is easily one of the most beautiful cities and a popular tourist destination, too. It does complete justice to its title 'City of Waterfalls'. You will come across the most breathtaking views of the waterfalls, hills and lush greenery. The city is also popular for its golgappas that will be a treat to your taste buds. Since the city is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and cultural wonders, getting to Ranchi will not be that difficult for you. It's also a great spot for adventure lovers who love trekking.

Best Time to Visit Ranchi

November to February is considered to be the ideal months to visit Ranchi. The winter makes the weather pleasant and the nights cold. This is also the best time to go sightseeing or pursue any other activities. The temperature drops to 2 degree Celsius at nights and about 27 degree Celsius during the day. You won't have to worry a lot about sweating or getting drenched in the rain during this time. Don't miss out on the Makar Sankranti celebrations in the city during January. However, since it is peak season, getting cheap flight tickets to Ranchi or booking a hotel in Ranchi at cheaper rates might not be possible. You might come across decent flight deals to Ranchi though if you book way in advance. Since this season is also a peak season, you will see a lot of tourists in the city.

The city experiences summer from March to June and the temperature ranges from 18 to 36 degree Celsius. You can plan a trip or a trek to the hills and the waterfalls to beat the heat. It's not the most popular time to plan a visit to Ranchi, and you will see lesser tourists in the city. This will be a great time to travel to Ranchi if you don't like a lot of crowds and want to enjoy your solitude. In fact, you can also visit all of the tourist attractions without getting caught in the hustle and bustle of a lot of tourists.

July to September is when Ranchi experiences monsoon, and it only makes the city look spectacular. The lush greenery, the waterfalls, the hills look enchantingly beautiful. This is also the perfect time for you to go on a hike. You can even catch the Jagannathpur mela or the Rath mela that is organised in the city. This is a 10-day event and is organised on a grand scale. You can buy souvenirs from the different stalls, go on a food tasting tour at the different food stalls and you can also watch the performances put up by artists during the mela.

Places to Visit in Ranchi

Ranchi is a city of waterfalls, and you must definitely visit each and every one of them. The Panch Gagh falls, in the village of Khunti, is quite special. It has five waterfalls cascading through the steep hills, which is why it is called the Panch Gagh falls. Visiting this place will only make your trip ideal and memorable. The Patratu Valley, about 40 km away from Ranchi is another popular tourist destination in Ranchi. The drive along the Patratu valley ghat is magnificent, and you can soak in the scenic landscape on your drive. The valley has lush greenery on one side and the waters of the Patratu dam on the other. However, it is advisable to not travel to the valley after dark. The Johna Falls in Ranchi is also worth visiting. River Ganga and Raru merge to form these falls that fall from a height of about 45 meters. It is also called the Gautamdhara Falls, courtesy a Buddhist shrine that is near the falls. The Dasham Falls near the Taimara village in Ranchi is another destination that you should add to your itinerary. Sita Falls, Hudru falls, Hirni falls, Lodh falls, and Murga Mahadev falls are few other waterfalls that will leave you awestruck.

Apart from these, you can also visit the different lakes in the city. The Ranchi lake and Topchanchi lake are buzzing with tourists, especially during the peak season. The Tagore Hill is one of the most popular spots in the city and an apt place to enjoy some peace and quiet. The Pahari Mandir in Ranchi that is at an altitude of 2140 feet promises one of the most stunning views of the city. You will have to climb approximately 300 steps. The temple sees a lot of devotees climb all of those steps to offer their prayers during the Shravan season. The city is also popular for the Jagannath temple, which is a smaller replica of the one in Puri. It is a popular landmark in Ranchi. The Rock Garden in Ranchi offers you a blend of waterfalls, beautiful sculptures, art and a scenic beauty that makes for the best pictures. The garden is located on a hillock near the Kanke Dam. This is the perfect place for you to spend some quality time with your family amidst a beautiful view of the city.

Things to do in Ranchi

Ranchi is like paradise for everyone who loves adventures and nature. Pack your bathing suits, an extra pair of clothes, a picnic and head over to the Johna Falls. You will see River Ganga and River Raru combine and fall from a height of about 140 feet. You will have to climb about 700 steps, and this will prove to be quite the tedious hike but completely worth it. You can also try the jalebis and other delicacies from the local shops on your way or from the fair. You must also try the local food in Ranchi that promise you a gastronomic experience. Hit the local Golgappa stalls, kulfi parlours and do try the Litti Chokha, a popular dish in Ranchi. The Birsa Zoological Park is one of the most beautiful zoos in the country and is a delight to wildlife photographers and animal lovers. Taking a tour of the zoo will make your day!

Head over to Tagore Hill and plan a picnic with your family. Make sure you also stay till sunset or reach the hill right in time to combine your picnic with a breathtaking sunset. The Rock Gardens is a popular destination in Ranchi, and you will surely have a great time here. You can also visit the Kanke Dam, which is closer to the gardens. The whole vibe of the place will leave a smile on your face, and it also makes for a great place to take pictures. If you are feeling spiritual, you can head over to any one of the temples and offer your prayers or meditate over there. If you are in Ranchi during festival season, make sure you attend as much as you can. A morning trek to the Panch Gagh falls is yet another activity you must add to your trip itinerary.

Food and Restaurants in Ranchi

Ranchi is popular for its Golgappas and the unique chaats. You will find delicacies like Pua, Litti Chokha, Handia, Aloo Chokham Dubhni Roti and so on. You can even try the kebabs and the various tribal food in the city. Ajam Emba is a very popular place and unique, too. The restaurant serves authentic Adivasi food and delicacies that you might not get elsewhere. The restaurant has a very rustic decor and very different from other places. They also only use locally-produced raw ingredients in their food. The Waterfront Restaurant inside the Radisson Blu hotel combines a wonderful ambience with great food for its customers. While you are there, you can also head to The Great Kebab Factory. If you are attending any of the fairs in the city during your visit, you can also try the desserts from the local stalls.

How to reach Ranchi

By Air

The Birsa Munda Airport connects Ranchi to major domestic cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, Delhi and Bangalore. The flight connectivity from Ranchi is quite limited to a few cities in the country, but you will also find direct flights to Ranchi from certain cities. However, connecting flights from Delhi is a popular route to Ranchi by air. The nearest international airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. You can also change flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. If you are travelling during the offseason, you might get great flight deals to Ranchi or even cheap flight tickets to Ranchi.

By Rail

Ranchi Junction is well-connected to other cities. You can pick a regular express train or superfast trains, too. Boarding a train or getting a train ticket from or to Ranchi is not very difficult. Travelling by train is also a very convenient way to reach the city.

By Road

There are frequent bus services that run from Jamshedpur, Patna and Kolkata to Ranchi. You can also take a taxi from nearby cities.

  About Go First

Go First is one of the most preferred airlines by passengers in the country. It commenced operations in 2005 and went on to become the fifth largest airline in India. It was founded by Jehangir Wadia, who is the son of industrialist Nusli Wadia. Go First started its operations using an Airbus A320. In the beginning, the airlines only operated to four cities that included Goa and Coimbatore. The airline operates 330 daily flights to 38 destinations, of which 27 are domestic cities, and 11 are international. The airline has hubs at major airports like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and Kannur International Airport. The international flights only take off from its major hubs. Go First launched its inaugural flight to Phuket in 2018 and also has a direct flight to Phuket without any layovers.

Go First became the fifth largest airline in the market after the end of Kingfisher Airlines. In fact, back in 2009, British Airways also showed interest in buying a stake in Go First. The airline's growth has been slow but quite impressive, too. You can book a Go First flight on the go quite literally. The airline offers you a ton of options to choose the right flick as per your budget and time. You can either book your tickets online, on their website, or through travel agents. You can even call up the call centres or get a ticket at one of the Go First counters. Its main aim is to offer an efficient means of air travel that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Not to mention, they also keep you updated on the flight status and any ongoing or upcoming offers. You can also pre-book your seats at a nominal price, so you travel in comfort. The airline also has international SIM card offers on its website for its passengers.

The airline has 57 aircraft in service, 15 Airbus A320-200 aircraft and 42 Airbus A320neo aircraft. Both of the aircraft can accommodate 180-186 passengers. Go First earned the title 'Best Domestic Airline for Excellency in Quality and Efficient Service by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association in 2008 and also went on to winning the 'Best Performing Airline' in Asia and Africa in 2011. The airline strives to and makes sure that it increases efficiency. You will also come across quite a few offers for citizens and students who are boarding a Go First flight. The airline is also known for its punctuality. You can never be late if you are on a Go First flight unless there are climatic restrictions or emergencies.

Fleet Size of Go First

Go First has two types of aircraft in service, the Airbus A320-200 and Airbus A320neo. The airline got its first A320neo aircraft in 2016 and went on to sign a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for 72 more aircraft. It has 15 A320-200 aircraft that can accommodate 180 passengers. There are more than 42 Airbus A320neo aircraft that accommodate up to 186 passengers. The aircraft only has economy class, but it also has offers that can enable you to pre-book a seat as per your convenience.

Baggage Allowance

Go First has certain baggage allowance restrictions that every passenger must follow. The airline also makes sure that they keep the passengers informed about all of the rules and regulations. The maximum limit for your check-in baggage is 20 kg, and cabin baggage cannot exceed 7 kg. However, if your luggage is exceeding the limit, you will have to inform the airline in advance and also pay a nominal fee for baggage allowance. You can do it through their website or approach the call centre to help you with the process. If you are travelling with an infant, you are allowed one extra cabin baggage not exceeding 7 kg. You will not have to pay extra for it. Make sure you get your web check-in done in advance online, so you don't have to wait in the queue at the airport. Though there are very few times that a passenger's luggage gets lost, the staff is quick to help you locate your luggage and help you with the whole process. You will also have to ensure that you are not carrying explosive or combustible gases or anything that has been restricted by the airline. A list of things to not carry in your check-in baggage comes with your ticket to ensure that you give it a read. You can also not pack your power banks and portable charges in your check-in luggage. Make sure you carry all your electronics and chargers in your cabin baggage. If you have ticked all of these boxes before reaching the airport, you can get your boarding pass quickly and chill at the airport lounge, near your gate, till it is time to board the flight. It also means less hassle for the passengers who are next in line.

In-flight Services

Go First has quite a few in-flight services for its passengers. If you are registered under Go Business, you will get to take advantage of facilities like free meals, pre-booking seats that have greater legroom as compared to the other seats, priority boarding and increased baggage allowance. The airline also publishes its own magazine called Go Getter, which you can access during your flight. The airline does not have any other in-flight entertainment services apart from the magazine. The airline does not provide earplugs, chewing gums or cotton, if you are sensitive to high altitude, so you will have to carry your own. They also don't serve alcohol in the flight, but they do let you carry your own food inside the aircraft. Serving alcohol is also strictly prohibited in the aircraft. If you are carrying a bottle of water, make sure it is not over 100 ml.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Go First

Go First connects to various domestic and international routes daily. It connects to 11 international destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Singapore, Male, Kuwait City and Dubai. It connects to domestic cities like Goa, Delhi, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Kannur, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Chennai, Chandigarh, Bagdogra, Leh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Patna, Ranchi and Port Blair. Go First has over 330 flights operating daily to various cities, both domestic and international. The staff is also quite friendly and will guide with whether or not you can explore the city to kill time during long layovers. One of the best features of the airline is that it sticks to the Go First flight schedule. You will rarely experience a delay in flights unless there is an emergency of sorts. Even if there are delays, the airline makes it a point to inform you well in advance so you can plan your commute accordingly.

Why Travel by Go First?

Go First is known for its punctuality and efficiency. Not only does it offer low fares to passengers, but it also offers the best services. You can book a Go First flight in a few easy steps and all by yourself. If you have missed your connecting flight due to late arrival, the staff tries to accommodate you in the next flight so you can reach your destination on time. You can check the Go First flight schedule and their flight status on the website. You will also SMS alerts from the airline quite frequently till you board your flight. You can also easily complete your web check-in a day before your flight. The website is very user-friendly, and if you are still unsure, you can call up the call centre to ask one of the executives to help you out. If you are travelling by Go First, make sure you reach on time because the staff and the airline are quite punctual. If you have a lot of luggage, it is all the more important that you reach before time so you can get your luggage sorted. The airline offers services that you can use to either get discounts on your fares or pay extra to use the premium facilities. If you sign up for the premium services, you can get priority over choosing your seat, baggage and free meals. You will also get access to the VIP lounges at the airport after you are done with your security check and other formalities.

Go First aims to make travel fun, convenient and affordable to its passengers. Its reputation has grown strong over the years, and it is surely making its way up to the top. It is one of the most preferred airlines among customers for all the right reasons. In addition to the services that you get as a premium passenger, Go First also offers international SIM on its website. If you are travelling internationally, you can look this up on their website and choose a suitable plan depending on your travel plans. You can avoid being hassled by phone company stalls at the international airports to try and sell you their phone plan.

  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.

  About Ranchi Airport

Birsa Munda Airport or popularly known as Ranchi airport, is the primary airport that serves the city of Ranchi, which is the state capital of Jharkhand. The airport has been named after the freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who strived for the freedom of tribal living in the state of Jharkhand. Belonging to the Munda tribe, he spearheaded the religious Millenarian movement in the late 19th century. He has been recognised for his extensive contribution to the history of Jharkhand. Currently, Birsa Munda Airport is being managed by the Airports Authority of India. It is situated in Hindoo, which is approximately 5 km from the main city. Hence, in terms of connectivity, it is easy to reach Birsa Munda Airport. The airport is sprawled across an area of 1568 acres of land. The airport has a capacity to accommodate approximately 2.4 million passengers in a year. Birsa Munda Airport is also recognised as the 25th busiest airport in the country. Expansions plans are to help the airport accommodate more flights and passenger traffic.

About Ranchi Airport Terminal

Birsa Munda Airport currently has one integrated passenger terminal that caters to all domestic flight operations. The airport only has domestic flights and airlines function from its premise. The new passenger terminal was built in 2013 and inaugurated by Ajit Singh, the then civil aviation minister. The new integrated terminal building is spread across 19,600 square metres. It was constructed at a whopping cost of INR 1.38 billion. The upgraded building accommodates two aero-bridges and six escalators with equipment imported from countries such as Singapore, China and Germany. The new terminal's facilities have enabled a smooth transit for passengers travelling to Ranchi. Thanks to the expansion and installation of the new terminal building, Birsa Munda Airport's capacity to accommodate passengers has increased to 500 at a time. Further, to attract more domestic airlines to Birsa Munda Airport, the airport reduced the tax on aviation turbine fuel from 20 per cent to 4 per cent. Adding to the attractive offers, the airport also announced that they would allow free overnight parking of aircraft in the vicinity free-of-charge. Plans to expand the runway are currently in talks.

About airport authority

Birsa Munda Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The statutory body has been responsible for conducting management operations of the airport. It works under the Ministry of Civil Aviation which is part of the Government of India. Since the genesis of the airport, AAI has been working on constantly upgrading and expanding the facility.

In 2019, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that they would be working on expanding the Birsa Munda Airport further to accommodate newer facilities. They are rooting to add six parking bays to the airport to allow more flights to park. The main idea behind the expansion of the parking bays is to enable flight operations of about 11 aircraft at a time. Due to the increase in the air traffic witnessed by Ranchi Airport in the last four years, the Airports Authority of India has proposed the upgradation plan. Along with this, the airport also plans to utilise two aerobridges to enable passengers to board the aircraft from the terminal's departure area directly.

As of 2020, Birsa Munda Airport has the space to accommodate three Airbus A320 and two 19-seater ATRs. The new apron is set to accommodate five Airbus aircraft and one ATR plane at one moment. The airport would expand to accommodate about eight Airbus and three ATR plans in total to be parked at a time. A senior official of the Ranchi Airport has further stated that the new apron would be able to accommodate operations of 80 flights in a day.

Facilities at the Ranchi Airport

Baggage – Baggage facilities such as wrapping services, free trolleys and porter systems are available at the Ranchi Airport.

Food court – At the departure section of the airport, a food court has been installed with various small establishments and food joints. One can pass their time by availing the food services that the food joints provide.

ATMs – In case of last-minute cash withdrawals, the airport has enabled ATM services too. There are kiosks available at the departure as well as arrival section of the airport.

Smoking Zones – There are dedicated rooms for smoking. Passengers are not allowed to smoke in public lounge spaces as it would cause discomfort to fellow passengers. The smoking zones are kept clean and are perfectly sanitised.

Medical services – The airport has reserved some medical services for passengers. There are first aid kits that are available across the airport's terminal. You can visit the information desk to get more details on their medical assistance. Simultaneously, you can also avail the services of the pharmacies that are present at the airport. Any last-minute medical purchases can be made at the airport. Or, if you are feeling under the weather, ahead of the flight, you can visit the pharmacies. The staff are quite friendly and would help you through your purchase.

Special assistance – You will need to request for special assistance services from your airlines before travelling to the airport. They do have facilities to help the elderly and dedicate staff to take passengers through the procedures. If need be, the staff will escort the passenger to the aircraft as well. Special assistance services are usually reserved for passengers who fall under certain categories such as senior citizens, expecting mothers, disabled individuals, children travelling alone and more. Depending on the situation, the airport allows for special assistance services.

Duty-free shops – Despite offering fewer facilities, Ranchi Airport does have a duty-free shop that is cheap and affordable. You can find some of the interesting artefacts and items that reflect the cultural heritage of Ranchi and Jharkhand at these shops. From ethnic jewellery to intricate showpieces, you will find some interesting purchases at the airport's duty-free shops.

Top airlines flying from the Ranchi Airport

There are a handful of domestic airlines that operate from Birsa Munda Airport. Despite catering to international airlines, the airport doesn't witness many flights flying out of the country or operating from the city's airport. Much of the connectivity within India from Ranchi Airport is also minimal. Presently, airlines that operate from Birsa Munda Airport include AirAsia India, Alliance Air, GoAir, Vistara and IndiGo. These airlines mostly cater to Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Indore, Raipur, Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar. The airport is striving to make some massive upgradations and expansions to attract more flight activities. Although there are no international activities that take place from Birsa Munda Airport, the management is trying to get hold of some airlines that would cater to international cities that are in the proximity of the country. The aircraft movement has seen a significant rise as in 2020 as it has increased to 19,137, which is quite good considering how the airport is quite limited with its flight and airlines options.

How to reach Ranchi Airport

Birsa Munda Airport is about 7 km away from the city centre. Hence, the best way to reach Birsa Munda Airport is by prepaid taxis. The facilities are available within the city of Ranchi. In fact, there are bus services also available in the city that would reach you to Birsa Munda Airport. However, hailing a taxi cab is considered to be the best way to reach Ranchi Airport. Not to mention how airport shuttle services can also be availed at the hotel. You will need to ask them ahead of the journey if there are any such airport shuttle services that the hotel provides. Further, you can also approach a travel agent to book a ride for you so you can travel within Ranchi as well as reach Birsa Munda Airport.

About Ranchi

Ranchi is the capital of the state of Jharkhand and is located in the centre of the state. It became the centre of the Jharkhand movement which announced or rather fought for a separate state that would be reserved to the tribal regions of South Bihar, western West Bengal, northern Orissa and eastern Chattisgarh. A portion of Bihar's Chota Nagpur and Santhal Parganas was divided to form the state of Jharkhand. Ranchi's proximity to the Tropic of Cancer gives it a tropical climate. While Hindi is the official language of the city, there are many tribes that reside in the area, making diverse dialects such as Kurmali and Khortha, just as famous. Nagpuri, Mundari are also spoken. Over the years, it has turned into a major industrial city in Eastern India with an abundance of mineral-based industries. Ranchi has also managed to attract a lot of tourism over the years with the installation and upgradation of its airport, Birsa Munda Airport. Many tourists have started visiting the city to learn more about their tribal culture and various other dimensions of touristy activities that can or rather should be explored in the city.