Coimbatore to Vishakhapatnam IndiGo Flights

About Coimbatore

After Chennai, Coimbatore is known to be the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu. The city also goes by the name Kovai and has the perfect blend of nature's abode meeting modernised city. Coimbatore is surrounded by the lush green expanses of the Western Ghats and hence, sees a considerably decent climate. In the past, the Coimbatore region was ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century which was later taken over by the Nayaks. Centuries later in the 18th century, Mysore's Tipu Sultan ruled Coimbatore, which eventually went under the British Raj as the East India Company defeated the King of Mysore.

The city has excellent flight connectivity to and from Coimbatore airport and fancy hotels. You can book your hotels in Coimbatore by choosing from a variety of options. BnBs and homestays are not a concept accepted here yet.

Best time to visit Coimbatore

Although Coimbatore does not have a coastal touch, it still has a hot and humid climate which makes summer and monsoon season hotter than hot. The summer months in Coimbatore are generally hot with temperatures fluctuating between 25 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. Considering how hot the months from April to July get, it certainly isn't the best time to visit.

Monsoons are quite pleasant as the verdant greenery of Coimbatore escalates to make you feel happy. The heavy rains between July to September drench the city with green hues that further amplify its beauty. The trekking trails and hills close to the city become a trekker and hiker's favourite spot. The temperature doesn't drop much but certainly doesn't rise as much as summers either.

Winter is the perfect season to visit Coimbatore as the lush green surroundings envelop the city with misty cold climate. Coimbatore experiences pleasant cold weather which is quite the relief after months of excess heat. The months from October to March are an ideal time for you to plan your trip down South.

Places to see in Coimbatore

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

Located a little away from the city hub, is this lush expanse of land that offers wildlife safaris. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Anamalai mountain foothills and holds some intriguing flora and fauna. With the variety of species, it has in captivity, and you would get to see some exotic beings that you never knew existed.

Valankulam Lake

The fact that Coimbatore is perfectly surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the Nilgiri range makes it a nature lover's haven. However, there are some gorgeous water bodies too that flow and add more enchantment to the place. The Valankulam Lake is one such addition which only amplifies the beauty of Coimbatore. The lake is exquisite with a varied species of birds such as purple moorhen, little grebes, etc., flying around the lake.

Gass Forest Museum

Since Coimbatore has the Nilgiri range on both sides, the city plays a pivotal role in the preservation of the forests that surround it. There are dedicated colleges that teach about agriculture and studies on forest preservation. The Gass Forest Museum is one such authority that doesn't just exhibit the history of Coimbatore but is also located in the campus premise of Forest College.

The cities in Tamil Nadu have numerous temples with an illustrious historical significance which make them worth visiting. Even Coimbatore has some temples that should be visited when in the city.

Temples in Coimbatore

Coimbatore has far too many temples, but considering how they are all so diverse and hold exciting stories, they become a place worth visiting. While you're in the city, do visit the Anjeneyar Kovil, which is to venerate Lord Hanuman. Also visit the Eachanaari Vinayaga Temple, the Perur Pateeshwarar Temple, Anubhavi Subramaniar temple, Marudhamalai Hill The.ole and more. They might seem like a handful, but there is a certain thrill of visiting these temples and turning the trip into a pilgrimage.

Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple

The Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple is a famous tourist attraction in Coimbatore. The Rene's popularity comes from the excessive number of steps that leads to the summit. It is a sort of test that all devotees must fulfil to reach Devi's temple. There is no mechanical help that one can receive and must do the narrow steps on their own. Another interesting fact about the temple is how it has a natural flow of water from the mountains, which has formed a pond. The pond is considered to be sacred and immersing oneself in it is said to be a divine experience.

Things to do in Coimbatore

Coimbatore has some interesting options that one can pick from. The range is quite awesome as you can engage in touristy things or you can pack your adventure bags and head out to the forests.

Trekking

Interestingly, the city of Coimbatore also has some intriguing trekking trails and camping spots that one can explore. Places such as Vellari MalaThalaiyar Falls, Dhoni Hills and Perumal Peak give you the chance to explore their dense green forests and the excitement that comes with trekking. The view from the top of these hills are gorgeous and something that would uplift your spirits.

Black Thunder Amusement Park

The city has a vast amusement park set with more than 49 rides that cater to all age groups. The Black Thunder Amusement Park would undoubtedly give you the adrenaline thrills that you've been longing for as the rides are quite fun. Not to mention how they are sprawled across 75 acres of land and surrounded by the intoxicating Nilgiris. The adventure park is ideal for adults as well as kids.

Shopping

As Coimbatore is one of the developed cities in Tamil Nadu, it has all the modern amenities and structures that would match to the ones prevalent in metro cities. Besides, shopping is an urge that simply cannot be controlled, especially if you're on vacation and have promised your friends to bring back souvenirs. Brookefields Mall in Coimbatore is a place where you can unleash the shopaholic in you. For a budget-friendly shopping spree, you can visit Cross-Cut Road.

Meditate at a centre

If cities and their hustle-bustle are making you anxious, then a good session of meditation is what you need. As part of your retreat, you can undertake a meditation course in Coimbatore's Isha Yoga Centre. The calm surrounding and serene vibe of the place would help you rejuvenate.

Witness a car race

The city is a haven for automobile-enthusiasts and even has a 2.1 kilometres long Formula 3 race track. There are national championships held on the track as well as bike races and formula racing events which brings forth quite the exhilarating experience one seeks for. In fact, while you're are enjoying one of the races, you might even get to cross paths with Tamil cinema's superstar Ajith Kumar, who is a recognised Formula 3 race driver.

Food and Restaurants in Coimbatore

Even though it is a developed city, Coimbatore does not have a flourishing palette when it comes to incorporating world-class cuisine. Much of the city continues to relish the South Indian cuisine with a handful of experimental western cuisine. You can visit restaurants such as Bird on Tree, Shree Anandhaas, Harbhavanam and Yari to taste some interesting melange of flavours.

How to reach Coimbatore

By Air

The Coimbatore Airport has excellent flight connectivity to and from other major cities in India. Some flights also fly international routes from Coimbatore. The airport is located just 7 km away from the main city and can be reached rather easily. The domestic, as well as international terminals, are in the same stretch. However, a new segment has been constructed to divide the two terminals. Much recently, they built the arrivals building too, to help streamline the airport. Domestic airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, to name a few, have regular direct flights to Coimbatore from Mumbai Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and more.

In terms of international flights, Coimbatore Airport sees a regular flight service to Sharjah and Singapore. Air Arabia and Silk Air have been given space in the international terminal. It has been stated that Air Asia, Malindo Air have both expressed to introduce international routes from Coimbatore to Kuala Lumpur. With Coimbatore’s brilliant flight connectivity, travelling to the city is quite convenient from flights. For cheap flight tickets to Coimbatore, it is ideal for you to book tickets in advance.

By Rail

Coimbatore's railway connections are also very convenient and cater to the needs of travellers. The city's Coimbatore Junction station is connected to various metropolitan cities in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and more. You do not have to make any transit changes during your travel and can easily reach the city. However, it is best to make prior ticket bookings as there are chances that you might not get a confirmed ticket if you opt for last-minute bookings.

By Bus

Coimbatore also has buses entering and leaving the city to major South cities such as Madurai, Tirunelveli, Chennai, Bangalore, Munnar, etc. The Karnataka State-run buses KSRTC are also available and do travel in and out of Coimbatore. The location of Coimbatore makes it easy for various cities in the South to connect. Different domestic routes to Coimbatore are taken to reach the city centre.

  About Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam also called as Vizag in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the oldest port cities in the country and is known for its beautiful beaches. Not only is it one of the best holiday destinations in the country, but it is also quite affordable. Holidaying in Vizag will not burn a hole in your pocket. Yarada Beach, Katiki waterfalls, the Submarine Museum, Rishikonda beach, Ross Hill church are some of the places in the city that you can visit. There is more than these, and it's like paradise for beach bums who cannot get enough of the beaches and caves. For the ones who love mountains, Araku Valley in Vizag is the place for you to go.

Best Time to Visit Visakhapatnam

October to March is the most ideal time to plan a trip to Vizag. The temperature is just right for this vacation destination that is on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It won't affect your beach time or your plans to experience other outdoor activities, too. Book a hotel room in Vizag with a beach view to make the most of the weather. Winter starts in October and lasts until March. The temperature ranges from 15 to 27 degree Celsius. You will also get to be a part of festivals like the Visakha Utsav, Pongal and other beach festivals that are celebrated here. This is also considered to be the best time to indulge in water activities and competitions that are hosted here. You will also find decent flight deals to Vizag during this time.

Monsoon starts from July till September end. The port city receives moderate to heavy rainfall during this time, and the temperature ranges from 27 to 35 degree Celsius. The weather is quite humid, and the heavy downpour will only make it difficult for you to venture out. Although, if you are planning a staycation of sorts, this might be the perfect time to do so. You will get cheap flight tickets to Vizag since it is offseason. You can book a hotel in Vizag with the beach view or that of the Araku Valley to feel rejuvenated.

April to June is when the city witnesses summer. The scorching heat makes it quite exhausting and unbearable to hit the beach. The temperature ranges from 22 to 41 degree Celsius during this time. You will not be able to enjoy the breathtaking view of the city or explore other parts of the city during this time. It is best to plan a trip during the winter only.

Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam

Since Vizag is a port city that is situated on the banks of the Bay of Bengal, it is known for its sparkling blue beaches. Yarada beach is popular for its spectacular view. The Rama Krishna Mission Beach is yet another beach that you must visit to feel all rejuvenated. It will feel like the best, most peaceful escape from your hectic life. The Rishikonda Beach is called the Jewel of the East Coast, and you won't deny it when you visit the place. The beach also has water sport activities for the adventure lover in you. It is called the Rishikonda beach since it is overlooked by the Rushikonda Hill and is a popular spot for tourists to visit. The Bheemili beach is where the Gosthani river meets the Bay of Bengal. The beach and the area around it reflects the Dutch era and was built in the 17th century. Make sure you check out the remnants of the old forts and cemeteries. This is the perfect place to go to if you want to avoid being in a city. Lawson's Bay beach is a top-rated beach and an extension of the Ramakrishna beach. It is also a secluded beach and the best one if you want to unwind, relax and enjoy the tranquillity.

Apart from the beaches, Vizag also has hills and wildlife to experience for tourists. Araku Valley is a must-visit if you love and want to be around greenery. You will find coffee plantations in the valley, and this place is also like paradise for nature lovers. It is also a great spot to take beautiful pictures. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 71 square kilometres area and is named after the mountain Kambalakonda. You will come across endangered species of animals like the Indian Leopard, Russell's Viper, Indian Muntjac and so on. You won't regret planning a trip to the Araku valley at all. The Katiki Waterfalls is another popular tourist spot in the city near the Araku Valley. You can also go trekking at this location.

Things to do in Visakhapatnam

One thing is certain, you will never get bored in Vizag, even if you have nothing planned for the entire day or if you have run out of things to do. If you are done with all your sightseeing and outdoor activities, you can always either sit by the beach with a book or take a walk at the Ramakrishna beach followed by the Lawson's Bay beach. It will rejuvenate your mind and take you to your happy place. The sunset, especially, is so pleasant and enchanting that you wouldn't even have to put in efforts to create a romantic setup. Catch the Dhimsa performance, a dance act that is performed by artists in Araku Valley's cultural event. You'll be stunned with all the expert moves and the colourful performances. You can also go visit the coffee plantations along with the mesmerizing waterfalls in the valley. It is overwhelming and will certainly make you happy. Of course, it also calls for a lot of pictures.

Check out the water sport activities available at the Rushikonda beach like water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and so on. If you go during the right season, you might get to try all of it. You can also just go for a swim if adventure sports is not your thing. Not to mention, the snacks and seafood stalls around the beach serve the most delicious food. Kailasagiri is a hilltop that is popular for its large idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. You can either reach the hilltop via the cable car or trek up to the top.

Food and Restaurants in Visakhapatnam

Food in Vizag is a combination of all the cities and cultures around it. Hyderabadi Biryani is a favourite among the locals here and tourists, too. You'll get North Indian food with a blend of Andhra cuisine. It goes without saying that dosas, idlis and upmas are popular in the city. But apart from these, people also love the pickles, chutneys, Appadams, Pachadi, Pappu Koora, Vepudu and Garelu. Muri Mixture is also a very popular snack in the port city. The food here in Vizag will instantly lift your spirits. While a lot of the Andhra-inspired cuisines will be spicy and tangy, you also get Chinese, Continental and other cuisines because it is a popular vacation spot. The desserts, too, are worth a try.

If you get a Biryani craving at around midnight, make sure you head straight to Greenpark Midnight Biryani. The menu doesn't change very often here, but the food is mouthwatering, and the ice cream with gulab jamun is highly recommended after you are done savouring the biryani. Sri Sairam Parlour is another restaurant that is popular in Vizag. You can head here for breakfast, lunch, dinner or evening snacks, too. It won't burn a hole in your pocket, the food is delicious, and it serves only vegetarian food.

How to reach Visakhapatnam (Transportation)

By Air

Visakhapatnam is well-connected to a lot of other cities in the country by air. The Visakhapatnam Airport is about 8 km away from the city. Flights from Visakhapatnam fly to domestic cities but also to a few international locations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The flight connectivity from Vizag is excellent. Make sure you book your flight tickets to Vizag well in advance if you are travelling during the peak season. You might also come across decent flight deals to Vizag if you book in advance.

By Rail

Visakhapatnam Junction is connected to all major cities in India like New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and so on. You will find the Janmabhoomi Express, Konark Express, Samta Express and a couple of other trains stopping at Vizag. From the railway station, you will get a taxi or a bus from outside the station without any hassle. You might have to book your train tickets well in advance to block better seats because it might get difficult to get a decent one at the last moment.

By Road

Domestic routes to Vizag are from cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Vijayawada, Puri and Kolkata. You will get quite a few buses and taxis that will drop you to or leave from Vizag. It's not one of the most popular ways to travel, but it's not an inconvenient option, too. The NH5 is a popular route to Vizag that connects the port city to Kolkata. The travel time depends on which part of the country you leave from and which route you take.

  About Indigo Airlines

Indigo is the largest passenger airline in India and the oldest one, too, in terms of passengers that it carries and its fleet size. It operates about 1500 flights every day to 87 destinations, of which 63 are domestic, and 24 are international destinations. Its primary hub is at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Indigo commenced operations in 2006 and went on to become the largest India carrier by passenger market share in 2012. It connects to all major Indian cities and small cities like Aizawl, Agra and so on. Internationally, it connects to Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Malta, Paris, Dublin, Copenhagen, Zurich, Prague, Amsterdam, London, London Heathrow and Gatwick among others. Not only is it a low-cost operator in India, but it is also a low-cost airline globally. Indigo is also India's most preferred airline and for the right reasons. It offers great service at low fares and does not disappoint its passengers. It has grown to become one of the most trusted airlines in the country.

Indigo has a fleet size of more than 260 and has also been getting the 'Great Place to Work for in India' title for eight years in a row now. It was also given Aon's Best Employer in 2016 and 2017. It has been running profitable operations for ten consecutive years. It is considered as the most valuable and strongest airline brand in the country. In 2010, Indigo had replaced Air India as the third largest airline in India. In 2013, it became the second fastest-growing low-cost carrier in Asia after Lion Air, an Indonesian airline.

One of the specialities of Indigo is that it is customer-oriented, efficient and offers great services. It also offers low fares, which makes it one of the preferred airlines in the country. It is also one of the only airlines that connect to so many cities across the country. It operates to cities like Agartala, Aizawl, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Belagavi, Aurangabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, Dimapur and the list goes on. Since Indigo is a low-cost carrier, it only offers economy class seating. However, you get to choose a seat of your preference in advance if you pay a little extra. There is no in-flight entertainment or pre-booked meals. You can buy your in-flight meals after the take-off, and you will be dependent on your own electronics and headsets to keep yourself entertained during the flight.

Fleet Size of Indigo

Indigo has one of the largest fleets of aircraft in the country, which enables it to run 1500 flights daily. It has 123 Airbus A320-200 in service that can accommodate 180 passengers. It also has 100 Airbus A320neo in service and ordered for 232 more, making it the largest operator. In addition to this, it has 15 Airbus A321neo aircraft in service that can accommodate 222 passengers each and has placed an order for 135 more aircraft of the same category. It also has 25 ATR 72-600 which can seat 74 passengers per flight.

In 2005, Indigo had placed an order for 100 Airbus A320-200 aircraft and commenced operations in 2006. In 2011, it placed an order for 180 Airbus A320 aircraft. It was a great year for the airline since it also got the permission to launch international flights that year. In 2015, it placed an order for 250 Airbus A320neo, which was the largest single order in Airbus' history. It made headlines quickly. In 2019, it placed another order for 300 Airbus A320neo aircraft and broke its own record. Later that year, it became the first Indian airline to operate 1500 flights daily. It also became the first airline to have a fleet size of 250+ aircraft. The Airbus A320neo and Airbus A320-200 have non-reclining seats, but there are a few seats that give you extra legroom. The ATR 72-600 has a twin-seat setting which not only gives you extra space but also gives you a lot of privacy. You won't have to sit next to a third stranger or sit uncomfortably.

Baggage Allowance

Indigo has certain baggage allowance restrictions that every passenger is expected to follow. You can carry cabin baggage that weighs up to 7 kg and check-in luggage up to 20 kg. However, for certain international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Colombo, Kuwait and so on, the maximum limit on check-in luggage is 30 kg. If your luggage exceeds the maximum limit, you will have to pay a certain fee depending on the weight. You will also need to inform the airline staff a couple of hours before boarding the flight about the excess luggage so they can make the necessary arrangements. You can do so through the website or get in touch with the call centre. An executive will help you complete the process without any hindrance or complications. It is advisable to get your web check-in done in advance so you can sail through all the formalities at the airport smoothly.

If you are carrying bigger bags with you that have golf clubs or surfboard bags, you will have to pay approximately Rs. 1200 /- for domestic and Rs. 2500/- for international trips to accommodate it in the check-in luggage. Please ensure that you carry important things like medicines, electronics or perishable items in your cabin luggage. Portable chargers and power banks go in your hand luggage and not the check-in luggage. You will not have to check-in again to collect your bags if you have to board a connecting flight. The airline makes sure that you receive your baggage at your final destination. Please ensure that you are not carrying anything that has been prohibited by the airline like explosives, hazardous or flammable objects, sharp objects and electronics. You will also have to reach the airport a couple of hours before your flight so you can get through the security formalities well in advance.

In-flight Services

Indigo's in-flight services are quite limited. In fact, the airline does not have any in-flight entertainment services. Since it operates on low fares, it does not provide complimentary meals on any of its flights. However, you can buy meals on board. The airline does offer premium services like pre-booking seats, priority check-in and multiple cancellations at a higher price. You can also get your hands on Indigo's magazine called Hello 6E. With the increasing competition and passenger's will to pay extra for comfort and convenience, the airline is also bringing in new offers and services for its passengers. The airline had also announced its tie-up with SonyLiv in 2019 that it will provide to its passengers as in-flight entertainment. You can also check out their website to find out more services that are offered by the airline.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Indigo

Indigo connects to various domestic and international routes regularly. Indigo connects to 63 domestic destinations and 24 international ones. It got the permission to expand its operations internationally in 2011. The domestic cities that Indigo is connected to are Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Agra, Aizawl, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Coimbatore and so on. The international destinations include Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Colombo, Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, Dhaka, Hanoi, Istanbul, London and so on. The airline is quite particular about punctuality, and there are rarely any delays in flights unless there is an emergency or bad climatic conditions. You can also lookup offers and services on their website to make sure you make the most of your trip. Since the airline has already ordered more aircraft, there are high chances that they will add more cities to the list. Indigo will definitely go on to breaking more records and even making some in the next few years.

Why Travel by Indigo?

Indigo is one of the most prestigious and low fare airlines in the country. It made its way to the top airlines in the country quite quickly and made sure that passengers experienced the best services at a minimal price. It is also one of the largest airlines in the country that operates 1500 flights to domestic and international routes daily. It connects 24 international and 63 domestic destinations. It has its major hubs at Chennai International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. You can check the Indigo flight schedule and your flight status on their website. The airline also makes web check-in quite easy for its passengers. The airline has also won several awards and accolades for its service over the years. Customers rarely have a disappointing experience flying with Indigo. If you are a frequent flyer, you might even get discounts and other offers while booking your next flight. Make sure you go through the offers on the airline's website. You can also get in touch with an executive at the call centre to know more about the offers.

  About Coimbatore Airport

The Coimbatore International Airport is situated 10 km away from the city of Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu. Located within the range of the city Peelamedu, the airport is perfectly connected with the city centre and has transport facilities at the arrival gates. The airport is recognised as the 18th busiest in the country in terms of passenger handling and aircraft movement. However, in terms of cargo handling, the Coimbatore International Airport stands at the 15th spot. The airport's fame also comes from the fact that it is the second-largest airport in the state of Tamil Nadu. This comes right after the state's capital, Chennai's International Airport. It serves five Indian carriers while three foreign ones. The Coimbatore International Airport connects to 12 domestic destinations and three international ones.

About Coimbatore Airport Terminals

The Coimbatore International Airport is known to host domestic and international flights and airlines. The airport not just caters to the domestic cities but also charters flight services to Sharjah, Singapore and even Jeddah for Hajj pilgrimage. The airport has a single terminal where all the services take place. The single passenger terminal caters to all the facilities including the arrivals, gates, departures, check-in and concessions. The terminal also has a Black Berry Lounge which provides impeccable services until the boarding takes place. The airport has aerobridges, parking bays and also accommodates the instrument landing system. In the existing terminal, the airport has divided the domestic and international gates. The Coimbatore International Airport's runway extends to 12,500 ft and accommodates colossal aircraft too, for instance, the Boeing 787. The airport also serves to the Coimbatore Flying Club and hence, has two hangars within the airport.

About airport authority

The Coimbatore International Airport serves under the Government of India and is operated by the Airports Authority of India. The statutory body was created back in 1994 after a merger between International Airports Authority of India and National Airports Authority, which served as individual bodies in 1972 and 1986 respectively. AAI caters to working on the upgradation, maintenance and management of the airports that fall under its wing. The body has about 126 airports under its wing, including the Coimbatore International Airport. All the decisions and management concerning the infrastructure and functioning of the Coimbatore International Airport falls under the responsibilities of the Airports Authority of India. They also work on the development and expansion of the airport to make it more accessible and efficient.

Top airlines flying from Coimbatore Airport

Coimbatore Airport has decent connectivity to various major cities in the country. The airport caters to airlines such as Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Scoot, SpiceJet and Srilankan Airlines. There are four international airlines with flights that fly from the Coimbatore Airport. Air Arabia flies to Sharjah, Air India Express and Scoot to Singapore and Srilankan Airlines to Colombo–Bandaranaike. The airport does see good connectivity with Singapore as the demand for the said Malay city is quite high. As for domestic airlines operating from the Coimbatore Airport, they fly to cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Pune. The domestic airlines flights flying from Coimbatore Airport are limited and a handful as they only fly to fewer cities in the country. The Coimbatore airport caters to an equal number of domestic and international airlines.

Facilities at the Coimbatore Airport

WiFi - There are WiFi services that are available at the airport. The WiFi at the airport is free. However, it can only be availed for about 15 minutes. Post the timeline, you will have to pay for a premium service.

ATM and forex - The Coimbatore Airport has a handful of ATM kiosks at the departure and arrival gates. There are foreign exchange booths at the arrival gates as well. It gets easier for international travellers to get hold of some domestic currency to enable traversing within the city easier. You might be able to get good rates at the airport forex counter too.

Smoking zone - The airport has dedicated smoking zones. To keep a smoke-free environment in the airport, the authorities have come up with a smoking lounge. Some booths even sell cigarette boxes at standard airport rates. The smoking lounge is present in the departure zone of the terminal.

Medical services - A specific medical centre is also available at the airport. It is essential to have a designated medical centre in the airport premise to deal with any medical emergency that might crop up. Often, it is necessary to have medical aid in the airport since the chances of emergencies are quite high. Not to mention how the demand for the medical stores is also necessary, in case any last-minute purchases need to be made.

Child care room - The Coimbatore Airport has a child care centre for new mothers and infants. The child care rooms and perfectly maintained and kept clean to ensure the mother and infant are in a safe environment. There are proper baby products also available at the child care rooms and are present at the arrival and departure zones of the airport.

Restaurants and cafe - The airport has a few restaurants and food establishments in the departure as well as arrival gates. You can find some famous food joints such as McDonald's, Subway and KFC. There are small coffee joints and establishments also present at the airport terminals.

Baggage - The Coimbatore Airport also caters to baggage-related services. There are counters where you can get to keep your luggage. Trolleys for luggage are also available at every nook and corner of the airport terminals. If you need to get luggage wrapping done, that can also be arranged. This will help safeguard the luggage from being mishandled or from theft.

Special assistance - For any special services and assistance required such as buggy services and portage, you can avail the same at the Coimbatore Airport. Since it caters to international airlines and flights too, the services and assistance are of top-notch quality.

How to reach Coimbatore Airport

Coimbatore Airport is about 10 km away from the city centre. Located on the Avinashi Road, the airport sees frequent buses serviced from the central bus station. The bus services to Coimbatore Airport can be found at the Gandhipuram central bus station. Bus stations located at Singanallur and Ukkadam also have bus services that will reach you to the Coimbatore Airport. The Gandhipuram central bus station is also close to the Coimbatore Junction. It is considered to be the nearest rail station to the Coimbatore Airport. If you are travelling from another city to Coimbatore, the best way to reach from the station would be to pick up the bus shuttle that directly reaches Coimbatore Airport.

Taxi cabs are considered to be the ideal and best way to reach Coimbatore Airport. You can make your bookings online on apps or find prepaid cabs at the railway station and bus stand to get hold of them. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Coimbatore Airport from the city centre. If taxi cabs are unavailable and cannot be found at the Coimbatore Junction or the Gandhipuram Central Bus Station, you can also take rickshaws. There are auto rickshaws available in the city. You will have to fix a price with the rickshaw driver before you take up the ride to the Coimbatore Airport. Ensure to haggle a little as the drivers tend to spike the price exorbitantly, especially if you are a traveller who cannot speak the language.

About Coimbatore

Coimbatore also referred to as Kovai, is one of the major cities in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is perched on the banks of the Noyyal River and is surrounded by the gorgeous Western Ghats. The city is known to be the second-largest in the state after its capital, Chennai. It is also the 16th largest city in India with respect to urban agglomeration. Coimbatore is known to be one of the largest exporters of poultry, jewellery, auto components and wet grinders. It is also recognised as geographical indications for Coimbatore Wet grinder as well as Kovai Cora Cotton, by the government of India. The city's dynasty comes from the rulers of Cheras, which reigned Coimbatore from the 1st through the 4th centuries CE.

It also served as the principal trade route for Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Part of its history sees strong connections with rulers from the Cholas, Vijayanagara Empire, Nayaks and the Kingdom of Mysore. The city was also ruled by the British East India Company, before finally becoming a free city. The city turned into a textile hub in the south, especially in the cotton industry, post the decline of the cotton industry in 19th century Mumbai. Much recently, in 2014, the city received the top rank for being one of the best emerging cities in the country, by India Today. Coimbatore is also recorded to be one of the safest cities in the country for women, according to a report shared by the National Crime Records Bureau in 2015.

  About Visakhapatnam Airport

Visakhapatnam Airport is a recognised custom airport that is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The airport also operates as a civil enclave on an Indian Navy air base called INS Dega. The airport is sandwiched between the locales of NAD Cross Road as well as Gajuwaka. Over the years, the airport has witnessed significant growth after entering the 21st century. A new terminal was constructed with a concrete runway and provisions for international flight operations. The airport is sprawled across 350 acres of land in the coastal city. In the 1990s, Visakhapatnam Airport was undergoing a redevelopment phase which resulted in low air traffic. Not to mention, the airport only catered to one daily flight. However, in the following ten years, the airport saw some extensive redevelopment. The runways were extended from 6,000 ft to 10,500 ft, allowing narrow-body aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 to land. The same year, an instrumental landing system was also installed which enabled night landing facilities at the airport. Initially, Visakhapatnam Airport only used this for military operations. However, the ILS soon became operational for passenger aircraft. In 2009, the airport finally inaugurated its new terminal which started functioning, the same year.

About Visakhapatnam Airport Terminals

The airport has a domestic terminal and a cargo terminal. The airport's domestic terminal operates services for regional cities. Basically, the airport caters to services from around the country. While Visakhapatnam Airport started by accommodating single flights in a day, it soon rose to become a sought-after airport with more domestic flights. Various airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo, along with a few more, operate from the domestic terminal. The airport connects to a vast number of major and minor cities in India. These include Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi and Patna, to name a few. The terminal has been divided into two sides, one that opens to the city side and the other that goes straight to the airside. A designated cargo terminal is also available at the airport. The cargo terminal basically caters to import and export services from international cities such as Colombo and Dubai. The two leading cargo airlines to connect to Visakhapatnam Airport include Expoair Cargo and Naki Air. The carrier offers transportation of goods to and from India to two international cities.

About airport authority

Visakhapatnam Airport is owned and operated by the Airport Authority of India while the Indian Navy also plays a pivotal role. Management functions and operations are primarily taken care of by the Airport Authority of India. The airport is recognised as the second busiest in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Currently, the airport is said to function between 8 am and 8 pm only as they are yet to accommodate night flights. Visakhapatnam Airport is a non-towered airport that is often integrated with the latest air traffic control system. There are a total of 11 parking bays located in the airport premise while it has the capacity to handle 300 passengers arriving and 700 passengers departing. The aviation operations of Visakhapatnam Airport was started by the Indian Navy in the late 1970s. They constructed four helipads that are adjacent to the civil airstrip. The airport's operations were then transferred to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in 1981. Following the transfer of management, the airport added hangars, maintenance facilities and an operational complex. Eventually, though, the airport's management operations were taken up by AAI.

Facilities At Visakhapatnam Airport

Baggage - The airport has installed hi-tech baggage facilities to scan the bags as well as to upscale its security. There are X-ray scanners that the bags need to be put in for security checks. The whole idea behind installing high technology bag scanners is to ensure that the bags are preserved, and the airport's safety measures are followed. Aside from the scanners, Visakhapatnam Airport also has special baggage services available. You will find trolleys at every junction of the departure and arrival section of the terminal. Plus, there are wrapping services also available at the airport to safeguard your bags from mishandling and theft.

Restaurants and cafes - Within the airport premise, there are small food establishments as well as restaurants available. Famous food joints such as Subway and McDonald's are present at the premise of the airport. Not to mention, there are quaint food joints located as well as beverage points. You can find coffee and tea stalls within the airport premise.

Special assistance - Visakhapatnam Airport offers special assistance to passengers who have mobility issues or require to be escorted in the airport premise. You can inform the airlines about the requirement, and the airport will find an ideal professional to help you with assistance.

Duty-free shops - As an airport that caters to cargo services, there are duty-free shops also available in the premise. You can find these shows at the departure as well as the arrival sections of the terminal. Dry Fruit Shop and garment shops are also present at the airport, in case you need to purchase some last-minute gifts for family members and friends. There are convenience stores also available that you can peruse through as you wait for your flights.

ATMs - There are provisions for ATMs also prevalent at the airport. To ensure that the passengers are able to withdraw money or even make other bank-related transfers.

Lounge - There are dedicated VIP lounges and basic lounges available at the airport. The VIP ones are usually reserved for the passengers who have special tickets or memberships. Basic lounge facilities are also available at the departure area for passengers to wait at before boarding the flight.

Medical services - With a view to helping out medical emergencies, Visakhapatnam Airport has installed rooms and facilities. There are medical emergency rooms available, as well as pharmacies. For last-minute medication purchases, the airport does offer the same services.

Smoking rooms - As smoking is an offence in the public space, the airport has also reserved smoking lounges. Travellers can access the smoking lounges at the airport's departure and arrival sections of the terminal.

Top airlines flying from Visakhapatnam Airport

As of 2020, Visakhapatnam Airport caters to a few domestic airlines and international ones too. The airport accommodates airlines such as AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air and IndiGo. These airlines operate from Visakhapatnam Airport to major cities in the country. Much of the cities though are limited to southern states. Cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai, Rajahmundry, Port Blair, have flights flying to and from Visakhapatnam Airport. Along with this, Visakhapatnam Airport also caters to flights flying to and from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Besides these cities, the airport connects to a few international destinations as well. Air Asia and Scoot are the two international airlines that operate from Visakhapatnam Airport. Further, the flights from these international airlines connect to cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Dubai.

How to reach Visakhapatnam Airport

By bus and taxi

The central bus stand of Visakhapatnam is approximately 18.5 kilometres away from the Visakhapatnam Airport. Although reaching the Visakhapatnam Airport from the bus is challenging, there are cabs and taxi services that can reach the bus stand without much hassle. There are no dedicated bus stands that are located in the proximity of the airport. Travellers often choose to reach the Visakhapatnam Airport by first reaching the bus stand. Since it has interstate bus services, often from the bus stand, there are provisions of taxi cab services to reach Visakhapatnam Airport. It is essential to discuss the fare with the taxi cab drivers ahead of the journey. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to reach Visakhapatnam Airport from the bus stand. However, it does depend on the traffic situation.

By Rail

The Visakhapatnam railway station is just seven kilometres away from the airport. Hence, it is considered to be one of the most sought-after modes of transport to reach Visakhapatnam Airport. The railways have good connection within the city and the state. Hence, travellers opt for railways as a convenient and affordable means to reach the Visakhapatnam Airport. The taxi cab fare also reduces considerably from the railway station to the airport. It is also very comfortable and convenient in terms of travel time.

About Vishakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is known to be the largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is located on the coast and is sandwiched between the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats. After the decentralisation of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Visakhapatnam was appointed as the administrative capital of the state. It is the fourth most populous city in South India. Visakhapatnam Port is also recognised to be one of the most important ports in the country and the fifth-busiest cargo port. It is also the headquarters to the Indian Navy's Eastern Command. The city is a big tourist hub in Andhra Pradesh and is especially known for its gorgeous beaches and lovely shores.