Dehra Dun to Jaipur SpiceJet Flights

  About Dehradun

Nestled perfectly on the lap of the Doon Valley is the beautiful hill station Dehradun. The city is actually the capital of Uttarakhand as we and resides on the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. The hill station sees a mild climate thanks to its geographical location. The rivers Gangs and Yamuna also flow on either side of Dehradun. Bring the capital of the state, Dehradun has impeccable flight connectivity to and from other metropolitan cities. Not to mention, the city transport also allows travellers to explore other Himalayan destinations such as Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Auli, to name a few. Dehradun also boasts quaint accommodations. You can book hotels in Dehradun as a wide range of options are available.

Best time to visit Fehradun

The summers in Dehradun are pleasant as the sky is clear, and the air is refreshing. The months between March to June are ideal as the summers of Dehradun allow you to venture out exploring and don't put a damper on your travel plans. The maximum the temperature rises to is 35 degrees Celsius while it can drop ho to 17 degrees Celsius.

Interestingly, the monsoons are just as pleasant. The lush green expanses of Dehradun turn into pristine hues and worth visiting. The city looks lively with the nature springing to life during monsoon. The months between July to September are also a good bet for those who wish to enjoy piping hot kullad chais and exquisite views.

Although Dehradun doesn't experience snow as the maximum temperature drop is close to 3 degrees Celsius, it still offers a beautiful sight. The cold winds blowing across the city while the winter sun teases the landscape is yet again a picturesque sight. Besides, one can easily take this time to venture out and see more of what the hill station has to offer.

The concept of the best season to visit Dehradun does not exist as it caters to all kinds of audience and is open all-year-round.

Places to see in Dehradun

The leisure town of Dehradun perfectly connects with several beautiful places such as Mussoorie and Rishikesh, to name a few. While a majority of crowd chooses to head straight to these places instead, you should know about some of the highlights that make Dehradun touristy.

Tapkeshwar Temple

Uttarakhand has numerous temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the famous temples in the State is the Tapkeshwar Temple. What makes this temple extraordinary is the fact that the Shivlinga has been sacredly placed within a cave. To visit the temple, you will have to go through thick forests and enter a cave as the deity's idol is placed within. The way the temple is constructed makes the setting quite the visual spectacle. The location is barely 6 km from the city centre and can be covered easily. The caves are especially lit during Shivratri as devotees from all corners of the world flock over to offer their prayers.

Malsi Deer Park

Malsi Deer Park is a zoological setting curated by the wildlife department of the State. It's a smaller version of the Rajaji National Park with more expansive areas to explore and excursions to be conducted. Aside from the natural beauty and the abundant flora and fauna that the park inhabits, the place also offers joyrides to engage kids. There are spaces of rides and games to entertain kids within the park. Deer Park is on the Mussoorie road and just 10 km away from the city.

Robber's Cave

Another favourite picnic spot in Dehradun is the Robber's cave. Well, technically, it is more of a romantic escapade for newlyweds or couples in love. These natural caves in Dehradun have unusual cold springs within that make it an attraction. Along with some eccentric attributes, there are quite a few waterfalls within the caves too which make for a refreshing experience. The beauty of the caves makes travellers visit the place more than once. Plus, it also gives people a chance to trek a little.

Aside from these highlights, there are various temples and monasteries within the city that should be explored. Places such as Shiv Mandir, Fun Valley, Maldevta, Tapovan are some tourist attractions in the town of Dehradun.

Things to do in Dehradun

Chopta Tungnath Trek

Doon Valley plays an excellent host to adventure junkies who wish to explore more of the valley's natural beauty and serenity. Chopta Tungnath trek is one such trek that you can pick as the summit is located at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. The trekking trails through Tungnath is rich in biodiversity and makes for a fun expedition. On your journey, you will witness some gorgeous tall deodar and pine trees interspersed with coloured rhododendrons and silver oaks. As you reach the Chandrashila peak, you'll be met with the views of the snowcapped Himalayas with sunrays escaping through the gaps. The breath-taking sights would undoubtedly be worth all the trek. The locals would also tell you tales and folklore that connects Tungnath to Lord Shiva.

Har Ki Dun Trek

One of the popular treks often chosen by travellers is the Har Ki Dun Trek which leads to a combined view of Babdarpoonch, Ruinsara and Black peak mountain tops, also known as Swargarohini. A little away from the city of Dehradun, this trek is quite spiritually driven as the valley is tied to stories of Duryodhana from Mahabharata. The villagers believe and worship him and have some intriguing accounts to explain what makes him such a venerated personality.

You can take this trek in all seasons as it is not risky. The Himalayan trails will acquaint you with some exotic alpine trees, Rhododendron flowers, expanses of green grass, glaciers, quaint temples, Tamsa river and more.

Paltan Bazaar

For the shopaholic in you, Paltan Bazaar with it's happening vibe is the best place to indulge in Dehradun after a long day. Starting from Clock Tower, the bazaar stretches up to the Dehradun railway station. From exciting and inexpensive handicrafts, clothes, bags, shoes, etc., street food binge, the Paltan Bazaar will keep you entertained.

Food and Restaurants in Dehradun

Dehradun's cuisine is a mix of Indian teamed with Tibetan, Chinese and South Indian too! From Chetan Poori Wala's lip-smacking platter to Kalsang's Momo magic, the hill station houses some of the best street food that you should definitely check out. The sheer variety of delicious food is wholesome and perfect for pleasant weather.

Kalsang has quite a few branches across the State where you'll be served some of the best authentic Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. The must-have dishes include thupka, thenthuk and chilli momos which come with spicey gravy made out of bell peppers and shallots. Plus, do not forget to try the Tibetan buns along with fruit beers.

Chetan Puri Wala is another major highlight of Dehradun's street food. Located at main Hanuman Chowk, the quaint shop gives wholesome meal plates comprising of chole, aloo, methi sabzi and more along with hot fluffy pooris. The shop has been covered by NDTV Good Times too by the foodie duo Rocky and Mayur's food show.

Besides these three famous shops, you should also visit Maggi Points, Kumar Sweet, Gaylord Ice cream Parlour, Bobby Fast Food Corner, Buffet Snacks Shop and Ellora Bakery, to name a few. You'll be thoroughly amazed by the variety and taste.

How to reach Dehradun

By Air

Dehradun's prominence as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in India has made its travel connectivity strong. The Jolly Grant Airport, located 22km away from the city of Dehradun, has excellent flight connectivity to and from major cities. There are direct flights from metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and more. Airlines such as SpiceJet, GoAir have regular flights flying to and from Dehradun, making it perfect for travel. You can book cheap flight tickets to Dehradun in advance to avoid the expensive costs. Simultaneously, you can also book hotel rooms in Dehradun, who can send vehicles to pick you up from the airport. The distance is not a lot, and there are transport services available at Dehradun airport too.

By Rail

As an established tourist destination in India, the train connectivity to and from Dehradun is also commendable. There are trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Varanasi that are directly connected to Dehradun Railway Station. The railway station is located within the city, so transport from the station becomes easier. Although the duration spent to reach Dehradun by train is more than one would want to pay. There are taxi cabs and vehicles that you can rent from the station during your stay in the popular hill station.

By Road

Bus facilities to Dehradun are also available and can be found from New Delhi's Kashmere Gate. Since the trip can be completed overnight, a majority of buses heading to Dehradun from Delhi depart from the city in the evenings. You can find a plethora of bus services from Kashmere Gate ranging from Deluxe AC buses to seater Volvo buses. In fact, the State-owned Uttarakhand transport service also has buses that depart and arrive in the city of Dehradun regularly. Many tourists even consider road trips to Dehradun from Delhi and can choose the domestic route via NH 72 for the same.

  About Jaipur

The Pink City of India, Jaipur is one of the jewels of Rajasthan. It's India's first-ever planned city, and it will surely take your breath away. There's grandeur in every wall, every person and everything that you find in Jaipur. Its rich culture and heritage is what attracts people to the city and makes them fall in love with it all over again. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction not just among Indians but also among international travellers who visit the country. You will find a lot of old Havelis, forts, palaces and buildings that were built even before the Mughals ruled India. Jaipur is a extraordinarily famous and one of the most visited tourist destination in India. You'll have no trouble booking hotels in Jaipur, especially the ones that meet your requirement.

You cannot help but be amazed by the royal palaces, the majestic forts and delicious Rajasthani food that makes your vacation worth every penny spent. Apart from the palaces, forts and the culture, Jaipur is also quite famous for the quilts, clothes, clothing accessories and jewelries. Among the list of impressive royal palaces is Hawa Mahal. Made with red and pink sandstone, the Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The five-storey palace is one of the main attractions of the city. You will be mesmerised by the sheer simplicity yet complex beauty of the palace.

What makes Jaipur special is that though it is home to a lot of majestic palaces and forts, the people who reside in the city lead a very simple lifestyle. In fact, even the royals of Jaipur led a very simple lifestyle. The City Palace of Jaipur is yet another palace that will leave you in awe of it. Not just with your families but you can visit Jaipur with your friends, too. Not just hotels but there are a lot of hostels in Jaipur, too, for youngsters from all over the world. The city plays host to people from across the globe, and you'll not need to worry about hospitality as it is excellent.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

The best time to visit the city is in winter from November to February. The temperature drops to 5 degrees Celsius at night and the city experiences a warm, pleasant climate during the winters. This is also a peak season for the city with lots of tourists buzzing around. Don't forget to carry your cosy, warm clothes if you are visiting the city during winter. Since the city is situated in an arid desert, it experiences the hottest summers. If you are planning a trip during summer despite the weather, ensure that you book a hotel room that has air conditioner facilities and drink lots of water during the day to avoid sunstrokes or dehydration. The summer starts from March through July, and the temperature can shoot up to 45 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season is brief but can get quite intense.

Places to Visit in Jaipur

The Hawa Mahal is one of the top attractions of Jaipur and is considered as a prominent piece of history. The palace looks enchanting at night, and you will surely be overwhelmed by how the palaces look from outside at night in the city. Jantar Mantar is yet another palace that is worth visiting. In fact, it even made its way to the World Heritage List. It was constructed in the Mughal era and showcases astronomical skills. While you're at it, add Amber Fort to your list of places to visit, too. You would not want to miss the sound and light show that is put up by the locals at the Amber Fort at evenings. You'll hear the beautiful folk songs and stories being narrated. Chokhi Dhani is yet another place worth visiting. Experience the simple lifestyle, the authentic cuisines, attire and charm of Rajasthan's villages. No trip is ever complete without a fun shopping spree, and Johari Bazaar is one of the most popular and best places to fulfil all your shopping needs. From traditional bandhinis, mojaris to jewellery and artefacts, the market has everything that will make you want to empty your pockets. Not to mention, you'll also find a lot of lakes in the city that is worth visiting. The Sambhar lake, Ramgarh lake, Man Sagar lake and Chandlai lake are some that you must visit. It will be a well-deserved break from visiting the dreamy palaces and forts in the city.

Things to do in Jaipur

The list of things to do in Jaipur is quite long and very satisfying, too. From ticking off the palaces and forts in your list to experiencing the rich culture and indulging in the traditional delicacies of the state, there are myriad things you can do in the city. Be assured that you won't be tired of it. You will take back some beautiful memories back home. The Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the most popular events that has writers and thinkers from all over the world in attendance. You can also attend the Kite Festival in January during Makar Sankranti. It's definitely a festival you would love to celebrate in the city.

Since you are already indulging in all things majestic and royal, why not opt for an elephant ride outside the Amber Fort. Elephants have added to the grandeur of the Rajputs and continue to do so. They are a very important part of the culture and tradition of the city. Treat yourself to some delicious Daal Baati, Laal maas, different types of Lassi and Ghewar, when you're in the city. If you love collecting postcards, you will find a lot of options, and honestly, it's going to be challenging to choose from. You can pick a postcard from every destination that you prefer.

As the place has a rich history and culture, you will get to hear some intriguing stories from the people you meet during your trip. You will also find classes where you will be taught how to make certain crafts that have been mastered by the artists. People in Jaipur are quite friendly, and you will not leave the city without making any new friends. If you are a social butterfly, then this is the best place for you to do so. You will even learn more about their lifestyle and culture. If you want to spend a quiet evening, we suggest you visit one of the many lakes in the city and spend time admiring the beautiful city.

Food and Restaurants in Jaipur

Apart from the rich culture, traditions and royalty, Rajasthan is known for its food, and it is irresistible. Daal Baati is one of the most popular delicacies in Rajasthan and quite easy to find, too. Santosh Bhojanalya is one of the most popular places to enjoy a scrumptious meal of Daal Baati Churma. Gopi Mishtan Bhandaar and Rawat Mishtan Bhandaar are some of the most popular places to try out Ghewar, a sweet dish that is popular in the city.

Gatte Ki Sabzi is also a dish that is popular in Rajasthan, and you can indulge in this savoury dish during your shopping spree at the Johari Bazaar. Do stop at Lakshmi Mishtan Bhandaar. You must try out the traditional Rajasthani thali during your trip. You can get back to your diet regime and strict workout schedule once you are back from the trip. The staff at every hotel or Bhojanalya that you visit will be hospitable and very welcoming.

Do not hesitate to try out the street food in Jaipur. You'll find a lot of chaat corners that will add a Rajasthani touch to traditional chaat dishes. Jaipur is also like paradise for all you tea lovers out there.

How to reach Jaipur

By Air

Since Jaipur is also the capital of Rajasthan, the flight connectivity from all the metropolitan cities is topnotch. The nearest domestic airport to Jaipur is Sanganer airport. Since the city also hosts guests and travellers from other countries, they can take connecting flights from Jaipur International Airport. You will find excellent flight deals online for Jaipur. In fact, the right season, you might even get lucky and get cheap flight tickets to Jaipur.

By Rail

The Jaipur junction is well-connected within the city and to all the major cities as well. To take things up on a luxurious level, you can also opt for Palace On Wheels, the world's 4th most luxurious train that leaves from Delhi and you will definitely feel like a King or a Queen. Though it is quite expensive, it is an experience of a lifetime and worth every penny spent.

By Road

Buses run from all major cities to Jaipur, and though it might take longer, it is worth it. Not just normal government-run buses but a lot of AC buses also leave from and stop at Jaipur. However, if you want to cut down on the travel time, travelling by trains or flights will be the best option. Hiring a taxi or taking your car out to reach Jaipur is a popular way to reach the city from Delhi.

  About SpiceJet

SpiceJet is one of the most popular airlines in India and quite affordable, too. Lowest airfares and high customer value is what the airline aims to deliver to its passengers. The airline has 630 daily flights operating to 64 destinations, of which 15 are international destinations. It has hubs at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. One of the specialities of the airlines is its dynamic fares. It makes sure that the fares are affordable to every citizen of the country. Spicejet is practical and yet stylish, and there is no denying it. The airline also has a very efficient and helpful crew who make sure that you have had a safe and comfortable flight. It was founded in 2004 as Royal Airways and commenced operations in 2005 as SpiceJet. The first flight was operated between Mumbai and Delhi after which it soon became the third-largest low-cost carrier in the share market after Air Deccan and Indigo. Media magnate Kalanidhi Maran also acquired a major stake in the airline through Sun Group. The company was originally acquired by entrepreneur Ajay Singh who is the Managing Director of the airline.

SpiceJet initially leased two Boeing 737-800 aircraft when it started operations and had planned to order ten new crafts to expand. By 2010, the airline ordered 30 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and 15 Bombardier Q4 Dash. Though the airline suffered a lot of loss in 2012 due to the increase in global crude prices, it recovered and returned to profits later that year. SpiceJetrecently added the B737 - Max 8 aircraft to its fleet, which is a state-of-the-art aircraft. Most SpiceJet flights can seat from 150 to 200 passengers, except the Bombardier Q400 that only seats between 78 to 90 passengers.

The airline also has an elite SpiceClub, a membership program for passengers that offers a lot of privileges and benefits. You can earn frequent flyer points for every Rs. 100/- spent on the flights, along with the add-ons. If you have enough points, you might even get a chance to fly for free. The airline now also offers premium services to passengers who fly under the SpiceMax program. It allows passengers to choose their seats well in advance along with priority check-in and boarding, priority baggage handling but at a higher price. SpiceJet also has a cargo airline called SpiceXpress which was launched in 2018. It became the first airline that operated freight services between Southeast Asia and North East India after it began its services in 2019 between Guwahati and Hong Kong.

Fleet Size of SpiceJet

With increasing popularity, the airline kept adding more aircraft to increase efficiency. The maximum number of passengers that a SpiceJet flight can seat is up to 212, depending on the aircraft, of course. Boeing 737-900 ER is one of the largest economy passenger flights that can accommodate 212 passengers. Boeing 737-900 can seat 139 economy class passengers and 28 business class passengers. SpiceJet has 4 Boeing 737-900 ER aircraft and only one Boeing 737-900 aircraft. Boeing 737 Max 8 is an upgrade from the previous aircraft and has a narrow body. It can seat 189 economy class passengers. However, due to two fatal accidents of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, the aircraft was grounded worldwide. Approximately 346 people lost their lives in these plane crashes, which is one of the primary reasons for the aircraft to get grounded worldwide. The Civil Aviation Administration of China was the first one to ground the aircraft nationwide, and other countries followed suit. The aircraft is expected to start flying after some major changes to its flight control system. There are a total 54 Boeing 737-800 aircrafts in service of which 18 also cater to a few business class passengers.

Boeing 737-700 has seven aircraft of which four can accommodate business class passengers. The total capacity of these aircraft is between 134 to 149. SpiceJet also has 2 Airbus A320-200 aircraft that can accommodate up to 180 passengers. The Bombardier Q400 is a comparatively smaller aircraft that accommodates fewer passengers as compared to the Boeing aircraft. SpiceJet has about 32 of these that can accommodate 78 to 90 passengers. SpiceJet has announced that it will induct 16 Boeing 737-800 and 5 more Bombardier Q400, owing to the demand. Since SpiceJet also caters to business class and premium passengers who are willing to pay extra for comfort and exclusive offers, you will find a lot of flights that have sections reserved for these passengers in the aircraft. The best part about the Bombardier Q400 is that there are two people on either side of the aircraft, which makes more room for you to have a relaxing journey. However, it only flies to shorter distances as compared to the other aircraft.

Baggage Allowance

Like most airlines, SpiceJet also has a specific set of rules adhering to the baggage that you can and cannot carry. There are a certain set of rules for domestic passengers and other sets of rules for passengers travelling internationally. Spicejet has certain baggage allowance restrictions that every passenger must follow. Currently, domestic passengers are allowed only one check-in baggage that does not exceed 20 kgs. Passengers who are carrying more than the baggage allowance will have to bear extra costs and will need to be booked at least 6 hours before the flight departure. Make sure you are not carrying any radioactive or explosive items in your baggage. You also have to steer clear of corrosives like acids, alkalis, mercury and compressed flammable or combustible gases. There are also certain rules with carrying your phone charger and power banks that you must follow. You can only carry these in your hand luggage and not your check-in luggage.

It is advisable to get your web check-in done in advance so you won't have to spend a lot of time at the counter. You can just collect your boarding pass, hand over your luggage and head to the gate. SpiceJet allows the Free Baggage Allowance of the International sector if you are travelling from domestic to international or vice versa on a connecting flight within 24 hours. If you have a connecting flight and have to change to another airline, you are allowed Free Baggage Allowance of one check-in bag weighing 20 kg or less. Again, you need to ensure that you are not carrying anything that you are not allowed to carry. It is also advisable that you do not pack your valuables like jewellery, money or electronics in your check-in luggage. Make sure you add those to your hand luggage since the airline is not responsible for any damage to property. It is also a piece of thoughtful advice to protect your assets.

In-flight Services

Though SpiceJet used to function on economy class-only seating when it commenced operations, it introduced premium in-flight services to SpiceJet passengers under the title SpiceMax. Passengers are offered additional benefits like pre-assigned seats with extra legroom, priority check-in and boarding, meals onboard and so on at a higher price. You are also eligible for a complimentary upgrade and free cancellation. The airline does not offer or provide complimentary meals to passengers flying by economy class. Though it has a frequent flyer programme, it does not provide in-flight entertainment options. With the airline evolving and introducing new offers and services to keep its customers happy, don't be surprised if they introduce in-flight entertainment services for the premium passengers.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for SpiceJet

SpiceJet connects to various domestic and international routes on a daily basis. It connects to 54 Indian destinations and 15 international destinations with 630 flights operating on a regular basis. It has its hubs at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad so don't be surprised if your flights have layovers at these cities whether you travel domestically or internationally. The staff is quite accommodating and helpful. They will help you out with any query that you have regarding your layovers or other flight details. Do make sure you are allowed to step out of the airport and explore the surrounding area before you board the flight again after your layover.

Why Travel by SpiceJet?

SpiceJet is not only one of the most affordable airlines in India, but it is also an efficient one. The airline ensures that its passengers are informed about the flight status more than just once along with the SpiceJet flight schedule. Even if your flight witnesses the slightest delay, the authorities make sure they keep you informed about it so you can plan your commute to the airport according to that. Web check-in is also made easy through your phone or using a kiosk at the airport. Booking a SpiceJet ticket is also quite easy and anything but complicated. It aims to attract passengers with low fares and quality service. It also manages to live up to its mission. The staff is also quite friendly and helpful.

  About Dehradun Airport

Dehradun Airport or Jolly Grant Airport is located about 25 km away from the main city of Dehradun. The airport's commercial operations kicked off in 2008 after the runway was extended with a view to accommodating larger aircraft. Later in 2009, Dehradun Airport introduced the new terminal building and opened operations for the same. Jolly Grant Airport is only 20 km away from Rishikesh and about 35 km away from Haridwar. The airport access from these towns in Uttarakhand is quite strong. You can drive down to the airport from Rishikesh and Haridwar in approximately 30 minutes and 40 minutes respectively. Dehradun Airport is known to be the 37th busiest airport in the country with annual passenger traffic of 1,240,173. The airport is also called the Air Gateway of Garhwal and plays a pivotal role in contributing to the tourism of Uttarakhand. Jolly Grant is actually the name of the place in Dehradun district where the airport has been established. It is close to 27 km away from the main city. In the initial years of the airport's genesis, a regional airline called Vayudoot was operated to connect to cities such as New Delhi, Pantnagar and Lucknow.

Vayudoot operated services from 1982 to 1995. Later in 2004, Air Deccan started flight operations between Dehradun and New Delhi. The flights were operated on a daily basis and eventually, in 2006, a second flight was also added. As the Airport Authority of India toom charge, they eventually suspended all flight operations from 2007 and ordered to execute a renewed airport modernization plan. The airport authority also extended the runway of Dehradun Airport from 3,500 ft to 7,000 ft. Simultaneously, they also broadened the runway from 23 metres to 45 metres. With this, they have managed to enable accommodation of narrow-body jets such as Boeing 737 as well as Airbus 320. The airport also started a night landing system with a new terminal building as well as an Air Traffic Control tower was developed. By 2010, Air India also launched its flight connection from Dehradun to Delhi, followed by SpiceJet in 2012.

About Dehradun Airport Terminals

Jolly Grant Airport has one domestic terminal that was refurbished to bring forth the New Domestic Terminal Building. The terminal is sprawled across 4,200 square metres made of glass and steel. The structure has central air conditioning, and heating facilities are available. A specific Flight Information Displace System (FIDS) is also present within the premise of the airport. Not to mention a CCTV surveillance system that ensures strong security. The airport is known to have a capacity of handling close to 150 passengers per hour. It has been recorded that the airport can handle about 122,000 passengers annually. Currently, the new domestic terminal has 11 check-in counters, three security booths in the departure section, an X-ray baggage scanner and two conveyor belts for baggage claim. Meanwhile, the airport apron that is adjoined to the terminal has two category 'C' type of aircraft. With respect to the expansion plans as proposed by the Airport Authority of India, they will be constructing a new integrated terminal along with allied facilities to make travel efficient for passengers.

About airport authority

Dehradun Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India, a statutory body that functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Government of India. The statutory body is basically responsible for management, upgradation and maintenance of the infrastructure of Dehradun Airport. Along with Dehradun Airport, the Airports Authority of India manages a total of about 126 airports in India. These include 11 international airports and 11 customs airports with 89 domestic airports and 26 civil enclaves located on military airfields. After its initial installation, AAI has been working on the expansion of the airport. Their plan is to expand the runway to accommodate more aircraft and passenger traffic. They also wish to get more airlines to fly in and out of Dehradun Airport. The new integrated terminal building that the airport is building right now is worth INR 3448 million.

Facilities at Dehradun Airport

Lounge - The airport has a dedicated waiting lounge for the passengers. The waiting lounge has a clean and hygienic restrooms and comfortable seating for passengers. The airport's lounge also provides WiFi services as well as good food. Travellers can relax in the lounge while they wait for boarding. The lounge also has modern amenities to cater to the needs of the passengers.

Baggage - The airport's baggage facilities include trolleys, wrapping services and more. The baggage services can be access at the Pantnagar terminal. The airport's terminal also has trolleys available to help passengers. The airport also has baggage claim conveyor belts to get hold of the checked luggage.

Food joints - Although Dehradun Airport doesn't have a proper restaurant facility, it does have enough food stalls and snacks joints. One can get coffee, tea and other hot beverages at the airport's departures and arrivals section of the terminal. You can avail some light refreshments while you wait at the airport for boarding.

ATMs - There are ATM kiosks also available at the airport. To help passengers withdraw money and avail some snacks or keep money in hand, the airport has installed ATM kiosks of domestic banks. The kiosk accepts all kinds of cards so the passenger would not have to worry about it.

Special assistance - Special assistance for passengers with mobility issues or other health concerns are also available. One might need to inform the airlines beforehand to get hold of special assistance from the airport. The staff is helpful and would provide wheelchairs and other assistance required.

Smoking zone - Smoking is not allowed in the premise of the airport. The airport has installed a dedicated room for smoking. Individuals can make use of the room to smoke. Purchases of cigarettes are also available at the airport, in case the passenger cannot get hold of them.

Duty-free shops - To kill time at the airport while you wait to board the flight, the airport has also installed some duty-free shops where you can get some authentic goods and items that are famous in Uttarakhand. These include perishable goods such as sweets and dry fruits as well.

Top airlines flying from Dehradun Airport

The top three airlines that are currently operating from Jolly Grant Airport are IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet. While IndiGo has three dedicated flights flying in and out of Dehradun Airport daily, both, Air India and SpiceJet have two flights respectively. Earlier, Jet Airways also operated from Jolly Grant Airport and had the highest number of flights functioning from the airport. They have six daily flights flying to and from Dehradun Airport. However, following the airline's shut down, the airport now witnesses only three airlines functioning from their airport premise. The airlines have been given slots for functioning. Since the airport's runway is small and the terminal cannot accommodate a big crowd, the schedules of the flights of the airlines have been shared on the respective airline's websites. It is essential that you go through the timings ahead of the travel. In case there are any changes in the schedules of the flights, following a weather condition, the airlines and the airport would intimate passengers about the same.

How to reach Dehradun Airport

By Bus

Dehradun's primary mode of transportation is the bus. The state also promotes its bus services. These interstate buses are available at all times during the day and have an exemplary connection. In fact, to reach Dehradun Airport, taking a bus is the best and most viable option. The buses will directly reach you to Jolly Grant Airport as they have a dedicated bus stand right outside the airport. These buses can be taken from anywhere within the state, including Rishikesh and Haridwar. Along with buses, you can also avail the services of taxi cabs and private vehicles that are present at the hill station. It might cost you more than the bus fare, but you will have a comfortable journey as you reach Dehradun Airport. It is recommended that you haggle with the private cab or taxi before you start your journey. They might charge exorbitant amounts for smaller distance. Taxicab services to reach Jolly Grant Airport can be availed from within anywhere in the state. Reaching Dehradun Airport by road is quite convenient and comfortable.

By Train

The train is another viable and cheap option to reach Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun and Haridwar are the nearest railway stations to reach Jolly Grant Airport. The railways are also well-connected to the airport and see scheduled trains coming in from other parts of Uttarakhand. If you plan to save some money, it is advised that you take up the train as the mode of transport to reach Jolly Grant Airport. In case you are trying to reach Dehradun Airport from places in the Garhwal region such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri and Mussoorie then you can find cabs to reach the nearest railway station.

  About Jaipur Airport

Jaipur International Airport serves as the primary airport to the state capital Jaipur. Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, the airport was declared by the Airports Council International as the 'World's Best Airport', in the category of 2-5 million passengers in a year. Jaipur International Airport stands at the 11th position as the busiest airport in India. This is with respect to the scheduled flight operations that are conducted on a daily basis. Situated in the southern suburb of Sanganer, the airport is about 13 km away from the city centre of Jaipur. While it started as a domestic airport, Jaipur International Airport received its international stature in 2005. Currently, the airport has the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers at a time in its new terminal building. Currently, the airport accommodates two runways which are 1,592 metres and 3,500 metres long respectively. The second runway started operations in 2016 and was constructed with a view to catering to bigger aircraft such as Boeing 747. Following the construction of a new runway, the airport's authorities further extended its runway to handle Boeing 777s.

About Jaipur Airport terminals

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 was dedicated to international flight operations until 2012. The airport authorities shifted the operational activities of international flights to the new Terminal 2, leaving terminal 1 for cargo-related functions. For a brief period of time, the airport conducted all domestic and international flight operations from terminal 2 while reserved terminal 1 for cargo operations. Eventually, in 2017, the authorities brought commercial flight operations to be terminal 1 as the passenger traffic exceeded the capacity of terminal 2. Currently, Hajj pilgrimage and cargo flights are the only ones to operate from terminal 1. The airport authorities have announced expansion plans to accommodate more cargo operations to terminal 1. The plan is to upgrade and expand the terminals to cater to international departures and arrivals only. The design will celebrate the Rajasthani heritage of the city with rich tapestry and other such Rajasthan-inspired layouts.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 came into existence in 2009 with a view to handle domestic operations. The terminal is spread across an area of 22,950 square metres and headlines modern facilities ranging from the central heating system to inline x-ray baggage inspection systems along with departure conveyor systems. Further, Jaipur International Airport's Terminal 2 has also installed common-use terminal equipment (CUTE) and a public address system. The airport's terminal is also known to handle a passenger capacity of 500 during peak hours and an annual accommodation capacity of 400,000. Terminal 2's entrance has been made of the famous sandstone that envelops much of Jaipur. The gate is further adorned with Dholpur stones, and Rajasthani paintings hung on the walls.

The terminal is being utilized for both domestic and international flight operations. Terminal 2 also has three VIP lounges to avoid the overcrowding of the terminal to bring inconvenience to important guests and passengers. There are 14 airport check-in counters, four customs counters and six immigration counters at Terminal 2 along with four security-check counters. These counters are perfectly equipped to accommodate passenger traffic that the airport witnesses.

About Airport Authority

Jaipur International Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The government body is responsible for the management and infrastructural development of the airport. The authority body has been working towards enhancing the efficiency of Jaipur International Airport and making it accessible and comfortable for passengers. Simultaneously, they are also working on expansion plans to accommodate more flight operations. The airport authority has announced to expand the current terminal 2 by a width of 20 metres on either side. They also plan to install a new hall in the departure section to add three conveyor baggage claim belts in the arrivals section. Further, on the same, they also have plans to add two new aerobridges to enable smooth passenger movement. The expansion work is slated to be completed by 2020. There are plans to construct a third terminal to accommodate world-class facilities and amenities that the airport too that have been announced. It is said that terminal 3 would be at least seven times larger than terminal 2. Expansion plans are yet to be announced.

Facilities at the Jaipur Airport

Lounge – Jaipur Airport has lounge facilities in the international terminal. The lounge caters to several facilities that help the passengers feel at ease.

WiFi – There are WiFi services available at the airport. However, the WiFi network is only available for 30 minutes. Post the stated time, the airport will charge you to utilize the WiFi network.

Baggage – The airport has free trolleys that are up for grabs at the entrance of the departure gate as well as the arrivals section. You can use these trolleys to take your luggage within the airport premises. Further, there are storage spaces also available where you can leave your baggage. Porter services are also available at the airport vicinity. Plus, you can get your luggage wrapped and processed for safety.

Restaurants and cafe – The airport has a food court and exquisite restaurants also available at the terminals. While the departure section has many restaurants and cafes, the arrivals mostly have food joints. Tea, coffee and other beverages can be found at the domestic as well as arrivals sections of the airport terminals.

Child care room – Designated child care rooms have been put up in the airport terminals. Passengers who are travelling with infants can avail the rooms for feeding, changing of diapers and other such necessary activities. These rooms have been sanitized properly and are maintained by the airport staff. The seating is also quite comfortable and the perfect for mothers to tend to their babies.

Smoking zones – Smoking zones have also been introduced in the airport terminal at both domestic and international terminals. As the passengers are prohibited from smoking in public lounge spaces, specific smoking zones can be utilized. You can also make cigarette purchases outside the smoking lounges.

ATMs and forex counters – As an international airport, Jaipur Airport has installed foreign exchange counters in the arrivals section. You can make currency exchanges as well as transfer money. Along with the foreign exchange counters, the airport is well-equipped with ATM kiosks as well. Cash withdrawals can be made at the airport premise without any hassle.

Medical facilities – The airport has medical facilities available to cater to any emergencies that might take place in the premise. On-call medical professionals are present at the airport at all times to ensure that all medical cases are immediately handled without any stress. Pharmacies are also installed in the airport. You can purchase medication and toiletries from the pharmacies that are present in the departure sections.

Top airlines flying from Jaipur Airport

As the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur Airport witnesses good passenger traffic. As the 11th busiest airport in the country, Jaipur International Airport is well-connected with several Indian cities. Some of the domestic airlines that operate from Jaipur International Airport include Air India, AirAsia India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo and SpiceJet. These airlines connect to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Agra, Bhopal, Lucknow, Raipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Goa, Guwahati, Indore, Kolkata, Surat, Varanasi, Jaisalmer, Patna, Chennai and Amritsar, to name a few. Simultaneously, Jaipur Airport also caters to international flight activities. Although the international airline operations are limited with a handful functioning from Jaipur International Airport, they do connect to some big international destinations. Air Arabia, Air India Express, AirAsia X, Oman Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile are some of the airlines operating from Jaipur International Airport. They serve cities such as Sharjah, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat and Bangkok. With its terminal building expansions, the airport will be able to accommodate more flights and enhance the passenger carrier activities soon.

How to reach Jaipur Airport

By Bus

Jaipur International Airport is located about 11 km from the main city bus stand. Travellers who are exploring all the top cities in Rajasthan, often take buses to reach the Pink City and take public transport such as cabs and prepaid taxis to reach Jaipur International Airport. There are rickshaw services also available, and since the distance is quite decent, the fares are also accommodating to one's budget. It is recommended that the traveller fix a price for travelling to the airport as they might charge more at the destination. The airport also has provisions of taxis and rickshaws that would reach the bus stand and the main city.

By Rail

The main railway station of Jaipur is also located only 13 km away from Jaipur International Airport. As a hub for transport, the railway station has a plethora of transportation options to reach Jaipur International Airport. One can hail taxi cabs or rickshaws from the railway station to reach Jaipur International Airport. Not to mention how there are provisions of apps such as Ola and Uber that enable booking vehicles and travelling within the city and to the airport.