Gorakhpur to Dehra Dun SpiceJet Flights

  About Gorakhpur

Nestled on the banks of river Rapti is this bustling city of Gorakhpur. Located in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, the city is an essential part of the state as it hosts the Indian Air Force station and is also the central administration to the North Eastern Railway Zone. The city's name comes from the spiritual significance of Saint Gorakhnath.

Another important reason that makes Gorakhpur an essential part of the state is how it directly connects to the neighbouring country, Nepal. Many tourists use the domestic route from Gorakhpur to reach Nepal, which is barely 100 km from the city. Gorakhpur has excellent flight connectivity as it does cater to international roadway routes with Nepal as a neighbour. The accommodation is quite adequate, but you can book good hotels in Gorakhpur.

Even though the domestic route to Gorakhpur is busy, it is ideal to book flight tickets in advance to avoid last-minute concerns. Not to mention how you will also be able to avail great flight deals if you make your flight bookings way ahead of schedule. The temple city has quite a few significant religious stories as well as political relevance.

Best time to visit Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur is known to have hot and dry summers with temperatures rising to 42 degree Celsius. Although the nights are comparatively cooler, the place still suffers from immense heat, which could put a damper on your plans if you wish to venture outside. The summers begin from March with May being the hottest month. Stepping out in summer is also not advised as it could lead to health concerns for some people.

Monsoons are pretty decent compared to summers as the rains make the atmosphere cooler. The air and temperature see a change with rains. However, the dull weather and mucky streets inhibit engaging in tourist activities. Sightseeing and venturing out in the city becomes problematic and is hence, avoided.

Winters bring about a pleasant temperature, making it the best season to visit the city. The months from October to February are cold and beautiful to the senses. The city experiences cool breeze and quaint ambience that also make travelling and indulging in tourist activities more convenient. The cosy vibes further add to the charm of Gorakhpur that can best be experienced during winters.

Places to see in Gorakhpur

Gorakhnath Temple

The Gorakhnath Temple was built in honour of Guru Gorakhnath. The venerated guru's teachings have since been followed diligently by his followers. The temple holds religious significance in Gorakhpur. Visit the temple to know more about the guru and how the religious premise came into existence.

Gita Press

As the name goes, the Gita Press was founded in 1923 to propagate the teachings of the Bhagvad Gita. The history of Gita press is quite interesting. Even though the press house was inaugurated in 1955, works on the press began way before it. Take a tour around the press house and learn more about the press and its relevance to society.

Archaeological Museum

Gorakhpur's prime tourist attraction is the archaeological museum which was founded in 1957. With intriguing stamps, photographs, sculptures and coins that give a peek into the past and cultural history of Gorakhpur, the museum has preserved it perfectly well. Interestingly, the museum also hosts a plethora of events such as pottery classes, how to make tools out of stones and past-life therapy for individuals to look back into their past-life. The museum is maintained by the Department of Ancient Indian History, Archaeology & Culture of the Gorakhpur University.

Arogya Mandir

The Arogya Mandir is the main highlight of the city of Gorakhpur. The premise is actually a wellness centre where you can enhance your health and further rejuvenate your mind and soul. The mandir also has accommodation setting introduced much recently to make it easy for patients to stay back for a complete cure before they can return. There are life lessons and healing endeavours that take place in the vicinity. You can enrol for their 10-day program to work on your health. The complex was acquired by Dr Vithal Das Modi in 1940, to help better people's lives with simple lessons.

The Arogya Mandir offers numerous therapies such as mud-therapy, hydrotherapy, yoga and Pranayam (meditation), steam bath and particular emphasis on diet. Specific pathological checkups are also done to learn the cause of the patient's health concern. Going in the lines of Vipassana, taught by Gautama Buddha, the health setup follows a similar pattern to work on the health of the patient. This is not something you can plan after reaching Gorakhpur. Plan for the health camp ahead of the visit to ensure that you have enrolled for it.

Things to do in Gorakhpur

Cool off at the Neernikunj Water Park

The Neernikunj Water Park is one of the few tourist attractions in Gorakhpur. You can take a day out of your schedule and head straight to the water park—bid farewell to the hot climate that envelopes the city otherwise. The water park would be a fun activity to pick, especially if you plan to unwind from your hectic schedule.

Explore the beautiful Vidyavasini Park

Although there is not much that you can do at Vidyavasini Park, one of the best things to do would be to pack a nice picnic lunch and take your family to the lush green park. The setting is quite beautiful as the open space would allow your kids to run around in the park.

Take your kids to the Railway Museum.

The Railway Museum is yet another tourist attraction that is majorly themed to cater to the families with little kids. It would be an educational expedition for them as they will get to learn more about the origin of the rail system.

Food and Restaurants in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur's cuisine is to die for. The place has marvellous Mughlai cuisine that ranges from mild to extremely spicy. From kebabs to koftas, biryanis to pulao's, indulge in some of the best Mughlai food that you will find in India. The city is actually touted to make some of the best dishes from the said cuisine. Head to Tandoor Food, located near Golghar, to get the best of Mughlai food experience. The food joint only opens for dinner and does not have any seating arrangement or dine-out facilities.

Aside from mouth-watering Mughlai food, the second-best food to indulge in would definitely be their kakori kebabs. The flavoured meat grilled to perfections spells magic and certainly worth the penny.

Mirch Masala, Choudhry Hotel and Bobi's restaurant offer lip-smacking cuisine that would make you a fan of the place and their food. However, if street food is what you wish to explore then head straight to the Gorakhpur Railway Station as the area around it have a slew of hawkers and street food artists who make memorable kebabs and other dishes.

How to reach Gorakhpur (Transportation)

By Air

Located only 6 km away from the city centre, the Gorakhpur Airport sees great flight connectivity, owing to many tourists using this domestic route to cross the border and reach Nepal. There are daily flights available to and from Gorakhpur from a majority of metropolitan cities. Urban cities such as Mumbai Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Delhi have daily flights dedicated to flying in and out of Gorakhpur. Booking flight tickets to Gorakhpur well in advance is not necessary as the flight tickets are cheap and affordable.

However, it is recommended that you book hotels in Gorakhpur before departing. It would be less cumbersome to find transport from the airport if you already have a hotel shuttle service to pick you up. The government actually converted the Air Force Station in 2003 to make the airport open for commercial use. Although no direct international routes taken by flights from Gorakhpur, there are buses available to take travellers to Nepal.

By Rail

Known to be one of the most important cities in Uttar Pradesh, the Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station is excellently connected to different parts of the country. Daily, trains from Bangalore Mumbai Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir, Kolkata and more have dedicated trains going to and from Gorakhpur. Getting a train ticket could be quite challenging as the trains to Gorakhpur are always on demand. Another attribute that makes the city's railway an asset to the country is the fact that it is the headquarters to North Eastern Railway Zone.

By Road

State-owned Uttar Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) have bus services from Lucknow, Delhi, Azamgarh, Bareilly and more cities. Gorakhpur also has intercity and interstate bus services as well as cross-border transport facilities. Since the city is only 100 km away from Nepal, there are buses that take international routes to and from Gorakhpur. From deluxe to non-AC, there is a wide range of luxury buses that you can book. Although Gorakhpur is brilliantly connected across various cities in India, the sheer duration of time makes it a cumbersome mode of transport. Flights to Gorakhpur are a favourable option, as are railways.

  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 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.