Chennai to Bangalore Air India Flights

  About Chennai

Chennai falls in the top 10 cities of India with an illustrious history and thriving heritage. The 369-year-old city is one of the most developed cities in India and stands proudly as the capital of Tamil Nadu. Formerly known as Madras, the city of Chennai is known for its glorious history, arts and culture and its ardent enthusiasm towards automobiles. The city is also known as India's health capital as attracts the highest number of foreign tourists with 45 percent catering to health. The thriving city's melange of a modern vibe and traditional roots makes it one of the best urban cities in the world. The airport has excellent flight connectivity to and from Chennai and other domestic and international cities. You can make your flight bookings to Chennai as well as find a range of hotels to book from in the city.

Best time to visit Chennai

As Chennai is a tropical city located by the coast, the temperatures are incredibly high. Even the seasons are binary. The summers in Chennai are between April to June but is hot for the rest of the year too. The monsoon season in Chennai takes place twice in a year. While it receives scanty rainfall between June to September (as opposed to the rest of the country, which receives bountiful rain), the months from October to December see heavy rain in the city, owing to the north-east monsoon. The climate is hot and humid all-round the year, but December is the most pleasant time in the year to visit Chennai.

Places to visit in Chennai

Beaches

As Chennai rests comfortably on the coastal parts of Tamil Nadu, the city has some pristine beaches to check out. Touted to be the second-largest urban beach in the entire world, the Marina Beach is the jewel of Chennai with a shoreline of 12 km long. The sandy shores of the beach teamed with the exquisite Colonial buildings on the street-side make for quite a spectacle.

While Marina Beach is more on the populous side, to enjoy the serenity of a quieter beach, you can visit Edward Elliot's beach and Breezy Beach, to name a few. These beaches are quaint and attract individuals who need to step away from the city's bustle. The peaceful ambience of these beaches has turned into quite the tourist attractions in Chennai.

Temples

The temples in Chennai are centuries old and found aplenty. Every corner of the street has at least one temple. These temples have fascinating stories and exquisite architecture. The temples are known to have a specific structure in South India with detailed gopurams, enormous water tanks in the back of the temple, domestic animals such as cows and dogs, hawkers selling toys and snacks, quaint ponds and shrines of several deities. Some of the famous temples in the city that you can visit are the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the Parthasarathy Temple, Sri Ramakrishna Math-Universal Temple, Kumaran Kundram and Karaneeswarar temple.

The city is also home to a bunch of churches and mosques. In fact, the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas can be found in Chennai. The shrine is believed to be built over the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle, who had visited India in 52 AD. After his death, the saint's body is said to have been buried under the same spot where the Basilica now stands. Other notable churches and mosques include St. Thomas Mount, St. Mary's Church, Big Mosque (Wallajah Mosque) and more.

Museums and Monuments

Chennai's rich culture is reflected not just from the slew of temples and coastal delights but also the monuments and museums in the city. Since the city was also under the direct influence of the British East India Company, much of the architecture, culture and infrastructure have an English vibe. Visit the National Government Museum to learn more about the city's history. You can further go on an artistic voyage by visiting the National Art Gallery, which is more than 100 years old.

Ecological parks

Another major highlight of the city is the number of ecological parks and gardens that can be explored. The city runs a crocodile preservation park as well as a snake park called the Guindy Snake Park. Sprawled across 280 hectares of land is the Guindy National Park which is known to be the smallest national park in India. While the national park is inhabited by very few flora and fauna, it does hold a dedicated space to preserve reptiles and other amphibian species. Besides these two, one can opt to visit the Arinjar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo, which is located in the outskirts of the city.

Things to do in Chennai

Chennai is heavily invested not just in the automobiles but also the literary, arts and culture fields. To them, dance and music play a significant role in their daily lives. In fact, the city also observes a bunch of festivals such as Madras Music Season, Madras Day, The Hindu Lit for Life and Chennai Book Fair to commemorate some of their indulgences. These events are a rage and definitely worth attending. You can visit some of the music and dance functions held by the Nungambakkam Cultural Academy Trust, The Music Academy in TTK Road, Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha and Indian Institute of Music and Arts to name a few.

Another fun activity to take up would be to watch a movie of a South star at one of the single-screen or even a multiplex. The fervour of fandom during the release of their favourite celebrity's movie release is euphoric and definitely worth experiencing. As for bibliography enthusiasts, you can visit the Theosophical Society to explore the library set by Anne Besant. There are various malls with high-end fashion brands that you could check out. Or you can always go to Pondy Bazaar in T Nagar to shop silk ensembles and golden accessories.

Food and Restaurants in Chennai

T Nagar and Anna Nagar in Chennai are known market places with many food and restaurant options too. In fact, some of the best joints in the city can be found here. One of the most popular restaurants, Saravana Bhavan, is a must-visit to get the best of South Indian vegetarian food. Sri Anandam Hotel, Geetha Cafe in Pondy Bazaar, Rathna Cafe in Triplicane and Karpagambal Mess in Mylapore are some of the best restaurants that will you give quite the experience of the delicious South Indian cuisine. Dakshin and Southern Spice also offer tasty food.

However, if you do wish to explore a little more, Mansuk's shop in T Nagar is known to emulate Mumbai-chaat and Gujarati Thali. For sweets and desserts, you must let your tastebuds acquaint with Mysore Paks, Tarti Paal and other such sweets, which you will find at Sri Krishna Sweets and Aavin corners. DOJO Kulfis is also a famous hub for traditional ice creams such as kulfi, faloodas and smoothies.

How to reach Chennai

By Air

After Delhi airport and Mumbai airport, the Chennai airport is the third most active airport in India for domestic as well as international departures and arrivals. The airport is divided into two terminals, the Anna Terminal reserved for international flights and the Kamraj Terminal for domestic flights. Located in the same long stretched airport, the flight connectivity to and from Chennai is excellent.

Not just domestic but even international cities are well-connected with Chennai. Major international flight routes from Chennai to cities such as London, Frankfurt, Singapore, Malaysia, the Middle East, New York, Hong Kong, etc. can be reached as flights are available from Chennai Airport. Since Chennai is one of the busiest cities in India, the flight demands are also quite high. Make your flight bookings to Chennai months in advance to avoid high ticket costs.

Another perk of the Chennai airport is how it is well-connected with the city too. While it is located in the outskirts, the airport has a Metro which directly connects with the main city, making travelling far more convenient.

By Rail

There are two central stations which connect Chennai to other major cities in the country. Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore are the two central stations with regular trains entering and exiting the city from different parts of India. While Chennai Central is known to connect the city to other cities, Chennai Egmore has intercity trains that run regularly. Interestingly, both the stations are well-connected with the Chennai airport.

Chennai Central sees trains coming in from cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Madurai, Ahmedabad and Coimbatore daily. Since the rail connectivity is so good, it is often considered by travellers. You must book your rail tickets well in advance as the demand is always high to travel to Chennai.

By Road

The city's bus station is touted to be one of the largest in Asia. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) is a state-owned property and provides transport services to a plethora of destinations in the South of India. Located in the main city, there are several direct buses to the airport as well as the Egmore station. Considered to be a cheap and affordable means of travelling, you can visit Chennai as long as your location is in the neighbouring states. The travel time to Pondicherry, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Trivandrum, etc. is considerably low.

  About Bangalore

India's very own IT hub, Bangalore, is the centre for the high-tech industry. The city is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in India thanks to the innumerable employment opportunities and development scope. Already known to be one of the biggest cities in India, Bangalore's charm also comes from the crazy nightlife and grand architectural structures. The flight connectivity from Bangalore to the other metro cities in India as well as international locations is top-notch. Although the traffic might be the biggest concerns for residents or even individuals travelling to Bangalore, the city's vibrant spirit continues to attract more and more crowd. Not to mention how pleasant weather further adds more charm to the city.

Best time to visit Bangalore

Bangalore enjoys the most pleasant weather in the whole country. Considering how the city is in the Southern regions of India, which is usually hot in summers, Bangalore doesn't face the pesky heat. Rather it continues to relish a moderate temperature, making it ideal for every season. The summers in the city are between February to May with April and May experiencing peak temperatures. The max the temperatures soar up to is 36 degree Celsius. Luckily though, since the city does not face humidity, it is mostly got and dry during summers.

Monsoons begin early in Bangalore from late May or early June. The city experiences heavy rains, especially between June to August. However, rains bring about a scenic charm to the city as the greenery is amplified.

Winters can get super cold with the temperatures dropping down to 12 degrees Celsius. The peak winter months in Bangalore are from November to January. December is easily the coldest month in the city. In fact, winter mornings can be pretty chilly but romantic at the same time. Interestingly, Bangalore does face erratic weather which could either be a spike or a drop in the temperature. Nevertheless, you can enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere all-round the year.

Places to see in Bangalore

Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha - The two structures are government properties with impeccable modern construction and intriguing architecture. Although the Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha are separated to handle different legislative avenues of the city, the place brings about a rich charm, making it a must-visit place in the city.

Seshadari Iyer Memorial - The distinctive red sandstone used to construct this building in Cubbon Park easily stands tall as a tourist attraction. It's basically a public library as well as the Bangalore High Court. Aside from the lawful activities that take place, the complex is also given a recreational touch with toy trains and theatres to entertain kids.

Bangalore Palace - Constructed by the illustrious Maharajas of Mysore, the Bangalore Palace has yet again found prominence as a tourist attraction and is open to tourists. The place has had to undergo a string of renovations following which, they have been able to bring forth an eclectic palace with interesting historical artefacts. The location is definitely interesting, especially since it sheds light in the life of Tipu Sultan. Not to mention how the embellished walls and archways further give it a royal feel that would only add to your merriment.

The Bull Temple - Nestled in Basavanagudi is this typical Dravidian-styled temple that is famous for the colossal bull statue. What makes the statue so special is the fact that it has been carved out of a single boulder, making the temple just as legendary as the statue. Every year, local farmers flock over to the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings for a fruitful harvest.

Maha Bodhi Society Temple - This temple is relatively new in the city and is basically a replica of the historic structure at Bodh Gaya. The Buddhist stupa is famous for its spiritual teachings, training and peaceful ambience. The same can be experienced at this temple too. The temple grounds reverberate a serene tone of comfort while the quaint setting makes for a tranquil experience.

Bannerghatta National Park - A little away from the city centre, the Bannerghatta National Park is the perfect escape you can ask for from the city's excessive traffic. The national park plays home to tigers, bears, elephants, lions and many more wild animals. You can actually sign up for a safari, and the tour guides would take you through the various segments of the national park. The park also comes with a zoo where some beautiful birds, leopards, jackals, etc. reside.

The city of Bangalore is surprisingly filled with a tremendous number of temples and spiritual setting. Aside from the ones mentioned above, there are many more artful temples, churches and structures that will blow your mind. Plus, the national park, zoos, gardens and other such expanses of green spaces would further leave you spellbound.

Things to do in Bangalore

Adventure sports - Bangalore's young crowd with a thirst for adrenaline rush makes is a prime hub for adventure sports. Right from cruising through the highway roads on a motorcycle to taking up camping and dirt bike riding, there is a massive market for such outdoor activities which you will definitely enjoy. Kayaking, rock climbing, go-karting, even hiking, are all things that you can do when in Bangalore.

Cave exploration - From the city, you can meet up a bunch of fellow cave explorers and head to Savandurga, Anthargange or Siddarabetta. These caves are not too far from the city and definitely worth the wanderlust.

Hiking and trekking - Bangalore is surrounded by some pristine hills with gorgeous waterfalls. You can probably take a day from your trip to spend on trekking up one of the peaks. Nandi Hills is the closest to the city and can easily be completed in a day. Perhaps you can also set camp and enjoy the cool mountain breeze.

Brewery hopping - One of the best things about the city is the plethora of breweries and clubs. Bangalore certainly has a nightlife that can well be on par with that of Mumbai or Delhi. Toit is one of the famous breweries that seems to be expanding its roots from the IT city to other metropolitan cities.

Food and Restaurants in Bangalore

Just head straight to Indira Nagar and go exploring! Delve into the hip vibe of Indira Nagar as the street with its impeccable dining and dynamic nightlife serenades you. All you've got to do is just walk up 100 Feet Road and let the fancy pubs anAd food hubs entice you with their popularity. Some important names to know though, Arbor, Toit, Windmills, Brewklyn Brewery, while you're in Bangalore.

How to reach Bangalore

By Air

One of the major challenges of Bangalore is the transportation. More like, the excessive traffic that makes travelling to the city and within the city a tad bit difficult. By air, you can reach Kempegowda International Airport, which is located in Devanahalli. The airport is 40 km away from the central city (MG Road); however, due to their terrible traffic, reaching the city from the airport gets challenging. The airport has close to 10 domestic airlines and about 21 international airlines with flights coming in and leaving the city. This has enabled Bangalore's flight connectivity ideal with the rest of the cities in India and the world. Bangalore covers close to 50 destinations, within India as well as internationally. Further, the airport also serves as a focus city for three major domestic airlines , namely, SpiceJet, GoAir and IndiGo.

From the airport, there are numerous ways of transport options that one can choose from. There are regular government-affiliated bus services as well as AC Volvo buses to the city. Plus, cab services De also prevalent, so travelling to the city is not an issue.

By Rail

There are two central railway terminals in Bangalore namely Bangalore City Railway Station and Yeshwantpur Junction. The two railway stations are well-connected with the rest of the country's major cities. Although the travel time by train is a little more as compared to flights, the railway is usually the last resort considered by people. A traveller from Mumbai will spend 24 hours on the train to reach Bangalore whereas if the individual will spend only 18-20 hours if travelling from a bus. You must find out which railway station would be ideal for your trip and accordingly book your tickets to Bangalore on the Indian Railways' website. You can also make your bookings on other platforms or visit the railway station to purchase it from the counter.

By Road

Travelling to Bangalore by road might actually be a fun trip. You can either get your own vehicle out to drive down to the city, or you can opt for public transport such as private or public buses. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Madgaon have sleeper buses available that could take less of your travel time as opposed to trains. The last stop is the Kempegowda Bus Station, popularly known as KSRTC or Majestic Bus Stand. The vast bus stand has intercity buses as well as transport facilities for interstate travel.

 About Air India

Air India was the first Indian airline that went by the name Tata Airways when it was launched. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata launched it in 1932 in Karachi. The first flight was from Karachi to Mumbai and then to Chennai. The airline became a public limited company after World War II, under the name Air India. In 1948, a Lockheed Constellation L-749A called the Malabar Princess landed in London Heathrow from Bombay, which was the airline's first international flight. Air India got its first Boeing 707-420 and became the first Asian airline to enter the Jet Age. It launched services to New York in 1960. It took delivery of its first Boeing 747-200B in 1971 and named it Emperor Ashoka. It acquired its first Airbus A310-300 in 1986 and Boeing 747-400 in 1993 which was named Konark later. The airline also operated its first non-stop flight between New York and Delhi during this year. In 2007, Air India merged with Indian Airlines under Air India Limited. They acquired their first Boeing 777 that year. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is Air India's main hub. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is the secondary hub. Chennai International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad and Trivandrum International Airport are its focus cities domestically.

Air India made Frankfurt Airport its international hub in 2009 for onward connections to the United States of America from India. Still, they had to shut it down because of high operating costs. In 2010, Air India decided to open a new hub for its international flights in Dubai. The airline's financial growth has been a topic of conversation for decades. For years, there were debates around the privatisation of Air India, but the Government of India refused to go ahead with it. When it did decide to hand over responsibility to private companies, no one came forward. Air India launched its low-cost airline, Air India Express, a couple of years back that majorly flew to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Despite suffering losses in the market and going through a lot of ups and downs, the airline is functioning since it is the national carrier.

Air India has also gone through a lot of modifications with its brand logo and mascot. The Maharajah is the main mascot of the airline and was created by Bobby Kooka, the commercial director of Air India then and Umesh Rao, who was an artist with J Walter Thompson Limited in 1946. The mascot was given a makeover in 2015, and the airline decided to go with a younger version of Maharajah. Since India's colour scheme is red and white, the airline's logo also incorporates the same in its logo. The name of the airline is written in Hindi and English in red. The first logo of the airline was a centaur shooting an arrow in a circle which represented the wheel of Konark. However, the airline decided to give its logo a makeover in 2007, which was a flying swan with the wheel of Konark in it.

Fleet Size of Air India

Air India had started its operations with a de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft back in 1932. It inducted its first Boeing 707-420 later on and named it Gauri Shankar. It became the first Asian airline to add a jet aircraft in its fleet. Since it is the oldest airline in the country, it has both Boeing and Airbus aircraft in its fleet. It inducted its first Boeing 747-400 in 1993 and named it Konark. The airline inducted its first Airbus A320-200 aircraft in 1989 which now covers both domestic and international short hauls. The airline has a total of 70 Airbus aircraft including one A320 Classic, 4 A320ceo, 19 A319 aircraft, 20 A321, 5 A320ceo (Single Configuration), 27 A320neo and 3 A319 (Single Configuration). It has a total of 172 narrow-body aircraft and 49 wide-body aircraft. Air India uses one of the five Boeing 747-400s as VIP flights. Air India grounded its last Airbus A320 classic fleet in 2019, and the last flight flew from Delhi to Mumbai.

Air India had also sold five of its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to Etihad Airways in 2013 to make up for its financial losses. The airline also had plans to introduce long flights to Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco but had to cancel, owing to weak demand and high fuel prices.

Baggage Allowance

Air India has certain baggage allowance rules and regulations that every passenger must follow. As per Air India's baggage allowance rules, you cannot carry cabin luggage that exceeds 8 kg, and your check-in luggage cannot exceed 20 kg. If you are flying internationally and if you are a premium club member, you will be allowed up to 40 kg of baggage. Even if you are ready to pay extra, your hand baggage cannot exceed 10 kg. First Class passengers are allowed a maximum of 40 kg baggage while Business Class passengers can only carry 35 kg. If you are travelling by the Economy Class, your baggage cannot exceed 25 kg. However, if you have an infant travelling with you, an extra 10 kg baggage allowance is offered by the airline. Make sure you inform the airline staff well in advance if your luggage is going to exceed the allowed weight. The airline has also made web check-in quite convenient for its passengers. You can either log in to the website and get it done, or you can get in touch with the call centre. The executives will help you get your web check-in done. It is best to get your web check-in done in advance, so you get to pick the right seat instead of settling for something chosen by the staff at the airport.

In-flight Services

Air India's First Class is royalty and luxury personified. The seats recline up to 180-degree, and the interiors are a sight for sore eyes. In addition to the ultra-comfortable seating, Air India's in-flight services are extremely efficient, and the best part is that the first-class cabin only seats 12 passengers. You can order your favourite cocktails and cuisines that are a treat to your taste buds. You can also do all of your duty-free shopping onboard. The first-class and business class cabins are also equipped with the Thales i3000 in-flight entertainment system. You can access five channels in Hindi and English. You can also browse through Air India's in-flight magazine called Shubh Yatra. First Class and Business Class passengers can also access the Maharaja Lounge. Business-class passengers are treated to plush seats and lip-smacking entrees that are accompanied with wine. You also get an exclusive check-in and lounge facility. Don't fret if you are not travelling by the premium class. Economy class passengers have complimentary refreshments and meals on all of their flights. You will also get complimentary liquor or wine on the international flights. The airline staff makes sure that passengers have a great time during their journey.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Air India

Air India connects to various domestic and international routes daily. Since it is one of the oldest and the first airlines, it connects to more cities domestically and internationally. It connects to approximately 102 destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and so on. It also flies to international destinations that cover the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Air India has frequent flights running to other destinations and makes sure you have had a great journey as well. Do make sure that you get your web check-in done well in advance.

Why Travel by Air India?

Air India is the national airline and has been in the airline industry since 1932. The airline makes sure that you have had a comfortable journey and seldom leaves any room for complaints. It has maintained its legacy of making sure that every passenger gets a royal treatment. It is also one of the very few airlines in the country that offers first-class flights to its passengers. You can check Air India's flight schedule and your flight status on their website. Even if you cannot access the website for some reason, you will certainly get updates and messages from the airline regarding the same. It also makes web check-in quite easy for its passengers. The staff is well-equipped to solve any grievances or requests put forth by passengers. You can book an Air India flight from the website. You can also get in touch with your travel agent and get them to book the ticket for you. It would be best if you experienced the royal treatment and luxury of being Air India's first-class passenger at least once in your life. The airline has come a long way and continues to give its passengers the best services and experience. The airline also makes sure that the flights run on time.

  About Chennai Airport

Chennai International Airport serves as the international airport to the city of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. The airport is situated in Tirusulam, which is about 21 km away from the city centre. It has been recognised as the third busiest airport in the country in terms of international traffic as well as cargo capacity. The airport falls behind New Delhi and Mumbai to be on the list of the busiest airport. The Chennai International Airport is also the fourth busiest in India, with respect to passenger traffic and follows New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. In India, the airport falls in the top five list of busiest international and domestic airports. The Chennai International Airport has also been acknowledged as the 49th busiest on the Asia level, becoming one of the four top cities to be on the top 50 Asia list. The airport is perfectly connected with Chennai Metro as well as Tirusulam railway station, which falls in the Chennai Suburban Railway line.

About Chennai Airport Terminals

The airport has two terminals which have been named after the state's former chief ministers. The domestic terminal is also known as K. Kamaraj while the international terminal is named C. N. Annadurai. They are interconnected by a building. The building now serves as an older international block that deals with administrative offices, along with a restaurant. The whole stretch is one linear structure that was built additionally as Anna terminal (T3) was brought about in 1988 to align with the Kamaraj terminal (T1). The first domestic terminal that was built at the Chennai airport had two aero-bridges. This was considered a milestone as the Chennai airport became the first one in the country to have aerobridges in the domestic terminal. Terminal 1 and 2 are not used for passenger traffic any more. They have been reserved for cargo. Meanwhile, the newly built Terminals 3 and 4 serve the international departures and arrivals. Annadurai terminal deals with international passengers. The terminal has about 45 check-in counters, 38 immigration booths with 16 at the departure terminal and 22 at the arrivals and 18 customs counters which are at the departure as well as arrival terminal.

About airport authority

Earlier, the Civil Aviation Department handled the Chennai Airport in 1952. However, the operations were later taken over by the Airports Authority of India in 1972. Since then, there have been extensive infrastructural development plans and schemes that have been conducted. Much recently, the airport underwent some extensive construction to modernise the amenities prevalent in the airport. The new international terminal (T4), was built just while ago. Simultaneously, the existing international terminal (T3) was renovated, and a second runway was extended. The parallel runway also includes new taxiways, parking bays as well as a cargo terminal. The Airports Authority of India is responsible for working on the designs, maintenance and management of the airport. Not to mention how AAI brings forth funds to expand the development projects and schemes for the airport. The statutory body has also introduced two sustainable gardens which have been installed within the airport premises. Along with this, they have worked towards many other expansions.

Facilities at the Chennai Airport

Child care rooms: The Chennai airport has reserved specific rooms for mothers with infants. The space is perfect for feeding, changing table and other such activities to take care of the kids. The room is perfectly maintained and is regularly sanitised.

Wheelchair services: The airport also has wheelchair services that have been reserved for senior citizens, expectant mothers and passengers with medical ailments. You can find these services at the departure and arrival gates of both the terminals.

WiFi: WiFi services have also been provided at the airport. There is free WiFi that is available for close to 45 minutes in the premise. You can also find paid services of WiFi for better connectivity and longer duration of access. You will need an Indian phone number to get hold of the services.

Medical aid: The airport also has special medical kits and rooms available for emergencies. To ensure that emergency cases are tended to with prompt medical assistance, there are kits and services available at close intervals. There are health scan facilities also available at the airport to get a better understanding of the medical concern if need be.

Prayer rooms: Multi faith rooms have been reserved for passengers. The prayer rooms are open for people of all faith as there are religious books also present in the hall. These rooms can also be used as meditation halls.

Lost and found: Lost and found facilities are also available at the airport premise. Details of the same can be received at the information desk. A few dedicated spaces have been allotted at close intervals for lost and found desks.

ATMs and Forex: The airport has a slew of ATM kiosks and foreign exchange counters at regular intervals to help passengers. In case you are running short of cash or need to exchange some currency, you can find counters at the airport.

Post Office: One of the cool facilities that the airport has is postal services. There are courier services and post offices in the airport vicinity. You can find them at both the terminals. This can be ideal for last-minute mails and documents that need to be sent out.

Restaurants and cafes:

Chennai airport has a bunch of hotels and famous food establishments. The airport cafeteria has many options to choose from for food. From Indian cuisine to dishes from the international kitchen, there are many choices that can be made for food while you wait to board the flight.

Smoking zone: The airport has dedicated smoking rooms too. The rooms also have provisions for cigarette boxes, in case passengers run out of them or need to purchase them.

Baggage wrapping: The luggage facilities at Chennai airport are also good. Aside from trolley services and luggage counters to store them, the airport also has baggage wrap services. The airport is equipped with professional staff that package the bags with plastic to avoid various concerns ranging from baggage mishandling to thefts.

VIP lounge: Chennai airport has reserved halls for VIP lounges. Individuals with first-class flight tickets and premium memberships with specific airlines will have access to the VIP Lounge. The lounge services are quite good and upscaled.

Top airlines flying from the Chennai Airport

Domestic flights flying from Chennai Airport are from Terminal 1. The Chennai International Airport is touted to be the HQ of the Airports Authority of India, with states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Lakshadweep and Puducherry under its wing. The Chennai airport has immaculate connectivity with most of the Southern cities and hence, has various domestic airlines catering to the same. Airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, Air Asia India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, TruJet and Vistara, operate from the Chennai International Airport. These airlines have flights connecting to specific small towns within the Southern belt and hence, make the airport an important hub.

Along with the domestic airlines that operate from the city, there are a plethora of international airlines that also function from the airport. A majority of flights connecting to Australia and New Zealand have airlines available. The most important international airlines that operate from Chennai Airport are Air Arabia, Air Austral, Air Canada, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Seychelles, Air Asia, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Batik Air, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, EgyptAir, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, flydubai, Flynas, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kuwait Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Malindo Air, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Saudia, Silkair, Singapore Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Thai Air Asia, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Virgin Australia. Terminal 3 and 4 are reserved for international airlines as departures and arrivals take place from them.

How to reach the Chennai Airport

The Chennai International Airport is located on the National Highway 32, also recognised as the Grand Southern trunk Road. The highway is known to be a famous link that connects the city to other important cities in Tamil Nadu. The best way to reach the Chennai International Airport is by opting for its closest railway station, the Tirusulam railway station. The station falls on the Suburban railway network. Often this route is considered as it directly connects with the city centre. Another famous route connecting the city centre to the airport is via the metro station. The airport metro station falls in the Chennai Metro line. The metro line is also considered to be the ideal way to reach the Chennai Airport. Aside from the Tirusulam railway station, the Metro station is favoured more. It is also acknowledged to be the second metro station which connects with an airport in India.

There are expansion plans that are in the making to make the connectivity to Chennai airport better from the city centre. It has been announced that a direct tube will be constructed to bridge the distance from the metro station to the Chennai airport. Flyovers are also being erected to connect the metro station directly to the departure and airport terminals. Simultaneously, the government is also planning on facilitating a connection between the Tirusulam train station with the metro station.

  About Bangalore Airport

The Bangalore Airport, popularly known as the Kempegowda International Airport, is the international airport that serves the city of Bangalore, which is the capital of the state of Karnataka. It has completely replaced the HAL airport which previously served the city of Bangalore. The airport is spread across 4,000 acres and is about 40 km from the Bangalore city centre. In fact, it is close to the Devanahalli village. The airport has been christened after the person who founded the city of Bangalore, Kempe Gowda I. The Kempegowda International Airport is the country's first fully solar-powered airport, which is serviced by CleanMax Solar. The Bangalore Airport is known to be the third busiest airport in India, with respect to passenger traffic. It stands behind Delhi and Mumbai in the race. The Kempegowda International Airport is also the 29th busiest airport, as recorded by Asia. The airport has recorded to accommodate approximately 33 million passengers. There are two runways and a passenger terminal that the Bangalore Airport harbours. The domestic and international services and operations take place at T1 while T2 (second terminal) is in the works for expansion.

About Bangalore Airport Terminals

The airport has an integrated terminal which connects both domestic and international passenger operations. The single integrated terminal can accommodate 20 million passengers on a yearly basis. While the check-in counters and baggage claims are on the ground level, the departure gates are all located on the first level. The gates have been segregated in such a way that one side of the segment is dedicated to domestic departures while the other side is reserved for international departures. The gates 41 and 42 accommodate to serve the world's largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. The ground level also has Plaza Premium Lounge and VIP rooms available. The airport also has facilities of a day hotel, in case there are flights or layovers that will take more than 10 hours. Currently, the airport is undergoing expansions for the second phase. They are working to build Terminal 2. The project has been undertaken by a renowned architectural firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The construction of the second phase is being undertaken by Larsen & Toubro. The plan is to extend the airport's capacity to accommodate an additional 20 million passengers in a year.

About airport authority

The Bangalore Airport is owned and operated by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), which is a public limited company. BIAL has been granted permission to operate the airport for 30 years by the Government of India. The airport does have the option to work for 30 additional years depending on whether the venture wishes to take it forward. The consortium is co-owned by private and public ventures where the Karnataka State Industrial Investment and Development Corporation (government entity) owns 13 per cent. At the same time, the Airports Authority of India has 13 per cent. Meanwhile, the 74 per cent is taken over by private entities, Fairfax Financial holding 54 per cent and Siemens Projects Ventures with 20 per cent.

Facilities at the Bangalore Airport

WiFi services: The Bangalore airport has good WiFi connectivity, which you can avail from all terminals. The WiFi service is available for 45 minutes, and the procedure to acquire it is quite simple too. There are paid WiFis as well, which you can avail at the airport.

Sleeping lounge: The good thing about the Bangalore airport is how it has a special sleeping lounge. The airport has made sleep pods available which is located close to the arrival check-in hall. If you have flight delays or a lot of time to kill before boarding, you can head to the sleeping lounge and take a power nap. The information desk can guide you to the pods.

Multi-faith rooms: The airport also provisions multi-faith rooms for prayers. You can ask the information desk to direct you to the prayer rooms. They have been strategically located within the terminals to make connectivity easy for passengers.

Smoking zone: There are a few smoking zones in the airport. To keep the terminals smoke-free, the airport has reserved some rooms for smoking. You can also find shops selling cigarette boxes.

Buggy services: The airport has special buggy services to traverse within the terminals. The buggy services are usually for senior citizens, passengers with mobility issues, expectant mothers and more. You might even get to receive some complimentary buggy service which you can find at the departure gates and security check area.

Baby care rooms: For people travelling with children and infants, there are baby care rooms also available. For women who need to tend to their baby's needs and require some privacy for the same, you can visit the child care centre. The place has been maintained perfectly. Not to mention, the services also include a changing table and products to help with infants.

Wheelchair assistance: Aside from buggy services, you can also find wheelchair assistance. These can be found at the gates of all the terminals. A dedicated drop-off zone is also available at specific points in the departure and arrival gates.

Restaurants and cafes: Bangalore airport has many food establishments and joints. From the famous ones such as KFC, Burger King, Subway, Domino's, McDonald's to local restaurants with impeccable food, you can find them at the airport.

Local connectivity: If you are a passenger of foreign descent, you can get hold of local SIM cards and burner phones. The positive of getting hold of a temporary Indian SIM is that you can avail the WiFi services at the airport too. Plus, it would be easy to connect with the required contacts outside of the city as well.

Baggage Services: The airport offers baggage services too ranging from trolleys, luggage porter services and baggage wrapping services. Basically, you wouldn't have to worry about your luggage at Bangalore airport.

VIP lounge: Bangalore airport has reservations for VIP lounges and upscale lounge services. VIP lounges are usually reserved for passengers who have a specific premium membership with airlines. You can get access to some of the other upscale lounge and areas where one can wait and relax. The services in these places are quite top-notch, and the experience is mostly extravagant. VIP rooms and a Plaza Premium lounge is available at the airport. It is reserved for premium travellers with first-class and business class flight tickets.

Top airlines flying from the Bangalore Airport

After New Delhi and Mumbai, Bangalore's Kempegowda airport is the third busiest airport in India, in terms of passenger traffic. Over the year, the airport actually witnesses over 33 million passengers, which explains why the demand is so high. Not to mention how the aircraft movement is close to 658, with domestic and international airlines flying in and out of the city. The airport is divided into two terminals and has domestic and international airlines operating from the airport. The Bangalore airport serves as a pivotal space for domestic airlines such as AirAsia India, Alliance Air and IndiGo operating from the city. The airport also witnesses strong connectivity with airlines such as Air India and SpiceJet, flying in and out of the city. It is their focus city. Cities such as Agatti Island, Gulbarga, Bagdogra, Port Blair, to name a few, have direct flights flying from the Bangalore airport with dedicated airlines. The top domestic airlines operating from the city are Air India, Air Asia, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Star Air, TruJet and Vistara.

The city also favours as a hub to various international airlines. There are many airlines that fly in and out of Bangalore airport. The international airlines such as Air Arabia, Air France, Air India Express, Air Mauritius, British Airways, Cathay Dragon, Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Nepal Airlines, Saudia, Silkair, Singapore Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Air Asia Thai and Thai Airways, operate from the Kempegowda International Airport.

How to reach the Bangalore Airport

Kempegowda International Airport lacks a connection with the main city as it is approximately 40 km away from the city centre. In fact, due to immense traffic on the road, it is quite challenging to reach the airport from the city. Hence, it is essential to book a vehicle or use some of the domestic modes of transport to reach the city. Currently, the road is the only way to reach the Bangalore airport. The government had planned to bring forth a link between the city and the airport with metro stations. Called Namma Metro, the link was supposed to cut down the travel time tremendously and avoid the road traffic. However, the project never took off and was eventually scrapped.

By Road

To reach the Bangalore airport, the city's National Highway 44 is the route to pick. A few years ago, a six-lane flyover was built, which enhanced the connectivity and reduced the travel time too. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), as well as the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), have reserved buses operating from the city to reach the Kempegowda International airport.