Dehra Dun to Rajkot 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 Rajkot

Rajkot, in Gujarat, does not have a lot of options for you to go sightseeing but you will certainly love shopping here. Be it traditional snacks or silverware, Rajkot is the perfect place for a one-day trip. The city is also popular since it is where late Mahatma Gandhi pursued his early education. It is also considered as one of the cleanest cities in India. While there aren't a lot of options to explore in the city, you can visit the Jubilee Garden, Watson Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo and Lang Library. Do also treat yourself to a delicious plate of Gujarati thali. The city also attracts a lot of tourists who are interested in history.

Best Time to Visit Rajkot

While Rajkot's weather is pleasant throughout the year, making it possible for you to plan a trip whenever you want to, it is advisable to visit the city during winter. Rajkot experiences winter from October to March, January and February being the coldest months. The temperature ranges between 22 to 10 degree Celsius. You will get great deals on flights to Rajkot during this time. Make sure you book a hotel in Rajkot in advance since this is also peak season for tourists in Rajkot.

Monsoon in Rajkot begins from June and lasts till September. While the rainfall is not too heavy in the city during these months, it does give tourists a much-needed break from the summer heat. The showers won't really affect your plans to go sightseeing a lot and since the climate will also be pleasant, planning a trip during monsoon will also not prove to be a bad idea. In fact, you might even get cheap flight tickets to Rajkot during the monsoon. It being monsoon and off season, hotel bookings in Rajkot will also get cheaper. The Tarnetar Fair happens in August and attracts a lot of tourists from all over the country. You will see people of different tribes come together to celebrate the fair.

March to June is when summer hits the city, and the scorching heat makes it an unfavourable time for you to plan a visit to Rajkot. The temperature can go up to 42 degree Celsius, and this might even affect your sightseeing plans or any other plan to venture out. The temperature decreases and heads towards pleasant weather towards June end, making way for the monsoon to hit the city.

Places to Visit in Rajkot

The Kaba Gandhi No Delo is one of the most important tourist spots in the city. This is where late Mahatma Gandhi spent his childhood since it was his paternal home. It has been converted into a museum for tourists. Rajkot has a lot of museums for history geeks. The Rotary Dolls Museum is another popular place for tourists to visit. The museum has about 1000 dolls on exhibition that give you a glimpse of cultures from across the world and history, too. The Watson Museum that is inside Jubilee Gardens is yet another place that is perfect for the history geeks. You will find artefacts here that date back to the Indus Valley civilisation. It will also help you understand the history of Gujarat.

After you are done with the museum tour, you can visit the Nyari Dam. This place is perfect for an intimate picnic with your family, and if you wait for some more time, you will be treated to the most enchanting sunset. The Khambhalida Caves must also be in your list of places to visit in Rajkot. The beautiful carvings and the caves date back to the 4th and 5th century. Lang Library is the right place for all you bookworms. You will have to pay an entry fee to enter the library, but you will surely have a great time. The Aji Dam and Lal Pari Lake are two other places in Rajkot you can go to with your family to enjoy the scenic view. Do not end your trip without visiting the Ranjit Vilas Palace and admire its architecture. The city also has quite a few temples that you can visit before ending your Rajkot trip. The temples here have a scenic view, and you'll also be stunned at the marvellous architecture.

Things to do in Rajkot

One thing you can't miss in Rajkot is a scrumptious Gujarati thali. The food in Rajkot is absolutely delectable, and you will enjoy each bite. If you are visiting in August or September, do visit the Tarnetar Fair. The fair takes place near Triniteshwar Mahadev, and you will love being a part of this three-day festival. The dances, songs, stalls and amusement rides will ensure that you have the best day. You will get to buy a lot of souvenirs for your friends and family back home. You will also take back home a lot of memories. Visit the Mayur Patola Art near Virani High School. The patola sarees with their unique weaving techniques and intricate designs will steal your heart right away. You can also buy a few patola sarees in a few other shops. If you feel a little adventurous, you can hike to Aji Dam in the evening right before sunset. Make sure you catch the sunset from the dam, and you can thank us later for it. You can also hike up to Osam Hill in the Patanvav village. It is believed that the Pandavas lived here during their exile and you will even find the spot where Bhima met his first wife, Hidimbi. The sunset only makes this place a million times better and spectacular.

To please the water baby in you, plan a picnic by the Lal Pari lake. It's not too far away from the city and the right spot for you to come across migratory birds like wigeons, purple moorhens and rosy pastors. If Rajkot is famous for anything, it is the handicrafts and the sarees. Make sure you visit the markets and find the best of everything the city has to offer to you. The Bangdi Bazaar and the Gujari Bazaar are two markets that are quite popular in the city. From jewellery to clothes to other artwork, you will find a lot of things at affordable prices.

Food and Restaurants in Rajkot

You can't go to Gujarat and not have the Dhokla or Handvo. They are the most popular Gujarati delicacies that are served with mint chutney and another chutney made of dates. It depends on whether you want to go for the spicy dip or the sweet one. Handvo is also another type of Dhokla that looks and tastes quite different. Thepla is yet another dish that is famous in Gujarat and the rest of the country. It is like paratha and is made of fenugreek leaves. It's best consumed with pickles or curd or any other dip that you prefer. It is also a very popular breakfast option in the city. Kadhi chawal is also something you must try here. And don't leave Rajkot without giving the Gujarati thali a try. The experience will stay with you for a very long time and will even make you want to take a trip back to Rajkot. Undhiyu, Rotlo, Sev Usal, Khandvi, Khakra, Khamman, Fafda are also some of the popular dishes that you must try when you are in Rajkot.

The Grand Thakar is famous for its thalis, and you must definitely try the Gujarati thali here. Waves is another restaurant that is known for its hospitality. Lords Banquet Restaurant is another place to go to if you want to give Gujarati food a try. You will also find other types of cuisines on the menu. Apple Bite Multicuisine Restaurant and Cafe is also a very popular place that has Punjabi, Chinese and Continental cuisines in their menu.

How to Reach Rajkot (Transportation)

By Air

The nearest airport is the Rajkot Airport that is well-connected with other major cities. However, international routes to Rajkot are connected from other cities. A lot of tourists either take a different flight to Rajkot from Mumbai or stop at Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. You can even take a taxi or bus from the Ahmedabad airport. If you are travelling during the offseason, you will even get decent flight deals to Rajkot and if lucky, cheap flight tickets to Rajkot.

By Rail

The Rajkot Railway Junction connects with a lot of other cities. Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jodhpur are some of the popular routes to Rajkot by rail. The frequency of the trains is also excellent, and it will be advisable for you to book your tickets in advance.

By Road

The road connectivity from Rajkot to other cities in Gujarat is excellent. You will get a lot of buses and taxis from other cities to reach Rajkot. Though taking a flight to Rajkot will be a much more convenient option. Even though buses and trains are far cheaper than flights, reaching Rajkot by air is a much better option, and it also saves a lot of time.

  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 Rajkot Airport

Gujarat's Rajkot Airport is the fourth busiest in the state, following Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara. Rajkot Airport is a civilian airport that only caters to domestic flights. The airport is also called Civil Aerodrome Rajkot. Currently, the airport sees regular flight activities by Air India and SpiceJet. The airport has a parking apron reserved for Boeing 787 as well as one ATR 72. The terminal of Rajkot Airport accommodates barely 125 people at once. It is located about 3 km to the east of the city of Rajkot. Other airports that are in proximity with Rajkot Airport are Jamnagar, which is about 81 km and Ahmedabad International Airport, at 221 km. Rajkot Airport's flights mostly connect to major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Surat. The most popular routes of flights from Rajkot Airport are to Mumbai and Bangalore respectively.

About Rajkot Airport Terminals

At present, Rajkot Airport has only one functioning terminal with a capacity of 125 passengers in an hour at both, the departures and arrivals section of the airport. There is only one boarding gate that is located on the ground level, while other passenger-related procedures take place on the first level. In total, the airport has about six check-in counters along with two security checks and two X-ray baggage facilities also available. The terminal is under the management of the Airports Authority of India.

About airport authority

Rajkot Airport is wholly owned and operated by the government of India's statutory airport's body, Airports Authority of India. The governing body is responsible for all management and infrastructural expansion related duties of the airport. The airport has been taking care of Rajkot Airport's infrastructure. In terms of management too, the Airports Authority of India is responsible for handling the airport staff. Due to its small size, the airport did see some challenges with respect to their expansion plans. However, it is being taken care of by the officials responsible for the airport.

A plan to extend the Rajkot Airport is in the works. Rajkot Urban Development Authority and Rajkot Municipal Corporation have collectively designed and proposed a plan to extend the runway of Rajkot Airport from its current 5,400 ft to 6,000 ft. The plan is to accommodate larger aircraft and to enable string connectivity to major cities aside from Mumbai. As Rajkot is a city with extensive manufacturing companies, the airport needs to have good connectivity with more cities in the country. Currently, the airport suffers from lack of capacity to accommodate larger aircraft as well as passengers. Expanding the airport is quite challenging as it is located within the city in proximity to the residential area and commercial buildings. Due to lack of space, the Rajkot Airport is finding difficulty with its expansion projects. The current airstrip is also incapable of handling and serving larger aircraft. Hence, plans to construct a new airport altogether has been approved by the city. The new airport is located on the Ahmedabad - Rajkot national highway and is about 20 km away from the main city.

Facilities at Rajkot Airport

Special assistance - Rajkot Airport has limited facilities, but they have the basic ones to cater to the needs of the passengers. Travellers with mobility concerns can avail their special assistance services. The airport has trained staff to take care of travellers who need to be escorted within the airport premise. The same needs to be notified to the airlines as well. They will be able to speed up the process of reserving a staff to help the passenger.

Baggage - The airport is said to have the best baggage services in store for the passengers. They have free baggage services for passengers carrying heavy luggage too. Not just the trolleys but you can also opt for porter services where staff would help you take your baggage from one place to another at the airport. The security-check for the bags can also be done by the staff on your behalf. Wrapping services are another perk of Rajkot Airport.

Child care room - Designated child care rooms have been installed at the airport premise. Often passengers travel with infants who need special treatment. With feeding and changing diapers as some of the challenging acts that require privacy, Rajkot Airport has brought forth a clean and hygienic room specially designed to cater to their needs. The room has baby products along with a comfortable seating arrangement and even a changing table.

Medical services - Medical assistance and services are also available at the airport. The Airports Authority of India has made it mandatory to install medical services in case of emergencies at the airport. Hence, Rajkot Airport also has a dedicated medical service available at all times. You can also find pharmacies at the airport. Details of the same can be found at the airport's information desk.

Cafes and snack counters - Rajkot Airport doesn't have a proper restaurant or food court as such to cater to full-course meals for passengers. However, the airport has brought forth some food stalls and establishments. There are local entrepreneurs who have set up their stalls in the premise. You can find light snacks, tea, coffee and other beverages at the airport. Some of them are inspired by Gujarati cuisine, so the snacks are also much to the likes of their culture.

Lounges - There are a business lounge and a VIP lounge installed at the airport. Although these facilities are restricted to certain ticket holders or members of specific airlines, the services available are quite good. They have comfortable seating, TV and entertainment decks, mobile-charging points and even provisions of WiFi facilities to enable a comfortable experience.

Transportation services - Right outside the arrivals section, there are local taxi cabs and other such transport facilities available. You can book a ride within the city at the airport itself. Further, rentals can also be booked here. The airport also provides a travel guide for travellers who are visiting the city for the first time.

ATMs - ATM kiosks of State Bank of India have been installed at the airport premise. You can make cash withdrawals at the airport, in case you might have missed out on doing the same before your journey.

Smoking lounge - Dedicated smoking lounges are also available at Rajkot Airport's vicinity. The same can be found at the departure. Since smoking in public is an offence, the airport has ensured to dedicate a space specifically for smokers.

WiFi - WiFi services are also complimentary and available for free at the airport. It is only reserved for a few minutes post which the passenger will need to pay an extra fee if they need to get WiFi connectivity.

Top airlines flying from Rajkot Airport

Rajkot Airport caters to airlines such as East-West Airlines, Indian Airlines, Air Deccan and Gujarat Airways. The airlines are mostly all regional with more preference given to cargo flights. SpiceJet and Air India are the only two domestic airlines that operate from Rajkot Airport. The flight connectivity of Rajkot Airport is quite limited as it only caters to about a handful of cities. The major cities include Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Meanwhile, Rajkot Airport also has flights to Surat and is available for passengers. Out of the flights that function from Rajkot Airport, the most popular routes are the ones connecting to Mumbai and Bangalore. Majorly, the airport doesn't see a lot of flight action and has limited scheduled flights. Much of the air traffic is witnessed by other neighbouring airports such as Jamnagar, Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

How to reach Rajkot Airport

By Rail

The airport is also only 3 km away from the railway station. For travellers who are visiting the city from rural sections of Gujarat can easily get taxi cabs to reach Rajkot Airport from the railway station. The number of trains is limited and scheduled, so there are only specific destinations that it caters. You can get a taxi cab or rickshaw service from the railway station to reach Rajkot Airport. From the airport, you can get fixed rated taxi cabs too that will reach you to the railway station. Travellers often choose this as it is affordable and convenient too.

By Bus and taxi cabs

There is a bus stand located just 4 km away from Rajkot Airport. Hence, a majority of travellers opt for this mode of transport to reach Rajkot Airport. The bus stand sees scheduled buses reach from various parts of the city. In fact, some of the buses are interstate and have a good connection to neighbouring cities in Gujarat. You can travel from anywhere in Gujarat and be able to reach Rajkot Airport with the utmost ease. Along with buses, the city also has great taxi services. There are general taxi stands along with private taxi services available within the city. You can hail a cab from the bus stand and reach Rajkot Airport. Or you can directly take a cab to reach Rajkot Airport.