Guwahati to Bangalore AirAsia Flights

  About Guwahati

Guwahati, in Assam, is also called as the Gateway to North-East. It is the largest city in the state and a popular tourist attraction, too. The city has Shillong Plateau on one side and the river Brahmaputra on the other side. The city also has India's first railway station that is powered by solar energy. The city is also well-connected to other cities in the country. Not only is Guwahati a popular tourist destination because of its scenic beauty, but it also has religious significance. The Umanda island, which is the smallest river island in the world, is also worth a visit. Since the city has such a flourishing flora and fauna, visiting the wildlife sanctuaries and zoo.

Boarding a cruise in the Brahmaputra river is something you must do when you are in the city. It's also one of the most romantic things to do in Guwahati. Enjoy some lip-smacking food with live music and a beautiful sunset. You won't regret taking this cruise for sure. You can also visit the town of Pandu, which is named after King Pandu and the father of the Pandavas. It even has a temple dedicated to King Pandu. Visit the Bhubaneshwari temple, which is on top of the hill and has a lot of pilgrims offering their prayers to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. The temple also offers a spectacular view of the city from atop the mountain.

The Brahmaputra is not the only river in the city. You can also go river rafting at Kameng river. You will also get to experience the rich tribal culture in the forest. This is also one of the best locations in the city, which is perfect for taking lots of pictures. The town of Dispur is also worth visiting, thanks to its beautiful waterfalls and trekking trails. The city also has a Navagraha temple which a lot of devotees visit. The temple has survived a lot of major earthquakes and was built by Raja Rajesvar in the 18th century.

You must also attend the Ambubachi Mela that happens around the Kamakhya Devi temple at Nilachal Hill. The mela often takes place in June and will be quite the experience. You can also plan your visit during the Bihu festival, which is celebrated with tradition and a grandiose. October to April is considered to be the best time to visit the city because of its pleasant climate. You can also book a hotel room in Guwahati as per your convenience and budget here since it is a popular tourist destination. You can choose from a lot of options. The city also has an international airport that also connects with all the domestic routes from Guwahati to other major cities. You can also travel to Guwahati by road or by rail.

It goes without saying that you must try the tea here since Assam is known for its tea plantations. Try the local Assamese food here like the Nga-Thongba, fish and ginger curry or the Erongba, a jackfruit-kernel chutney. You will also find a plethora of other cuisines that your taste buds crave for in Guwahati. Guwahati also has a lot of options for the shopaholic in you. There are a lot of markets where you can find handmade artefacts, jewellery and souvenirs to take back home.

Best Time to Visit Guwahati

Guwahati is the most beautiful and favourable to visit during winter from October to March. You can also participate in the Magh Bihu festival that is being celebrated in January. The city looks beautiful since the monsoon has already played its part in turning it into a green paradise. Though do not forget to carry your umbrella with you since there might be a chance of showers; not heavy rainfalls but it might drizzle.

July to October is when the city receives heavy rainfall, and it is advisable not to make any travel plans during this time. You will barely get to go out, and even commuting will be quite the task since there will be water clogging as well. A lot of tourist attractions will also be shut during this time. Since it is off-season, you might get cheap flight tickets to Guwahati.

The city experiences summer in April and May. This is not a bad time to visit the city, but the climate will be pretty humid during the day and can get hot, too. The evenings are pleasant during this time though. If you are planning a visit during this time, make sure you book hotel rooms in Guwahati in advance. Also, be a part of the Bohag Bihu festival celebrations.

Places to Visit in Guwahati

Kamakhya temple is a popular place to visit in Guwahati, and it is quite unique, too. The temple is approximately 7 km from Guwahati on the Nilachal Hills. It is a shrine of Goddess Shakti and is considered to be one of the holiest temples in the state. The Umananda temple is a must-visit for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. With a breathtaking view of the Brahmaputra river, the Shivratri celebrations in this temple will leave you overwhelmed.

Another important tourist attraction to visit in the city would be the revered Assam State Museum. The place would help you know more about the local lifestyle, its history and culture. Find sculptures and artefacts dating back to the 5th and 12th century. You will have to pay a nominal fee to enter the museum, but it will be worth it. The Guwahati Planetarium is a treat for kids, and you would definitely enjoy your time here. You can catch the different astronomical activities put up by the authorities. You will be amazed by what you see and learn.

The Guwahati Zoo, which is located in the Hengrabari Reserved Forest, is home to around 900 animals, birds, amphibians and reptiles from all over the world. You can also visit the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which is approximately 30 km away from Guwahati. The sanctuary is home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and around 2000 migratory birds. It is a place that almost all travellers will certainly recommend.

Stop at Fancy Bazaar, which is also called the Chandni Chowk of Guwahati, for all of your shopping needs. From traditional jewellery to outfits to fancy wooden furniture, you'll find everything you would like to own here. Haajo is yet another popular tourist destination and an ancient pilgrim, too. It's the centre for three important religions in India that are Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. It is settled on the banks of river Brahmaputra and is a place you must visit when you plan a trip to Guwahati.

The town of Pandu is also one of the best places to see in Guwahati. Named after King Pandu, who was also the father of the Pandavas, there is also a temple dedicated to him called the Pandunath Temple. The Bhuvaneshwari temple is yet another popular temple that you must visit. Not only is the view from this temple breathtaking, but it is also considered to be one of the most prominent places of worship.

Things to do in Guwahati

Sualkuchi is a town that is known for its silk production. You will fall in love with this town, and that is certain. If you are planning a trip here in November, do not miss the Raas Mahotsav and other festivities that happen during this time. Take a cruise and enjoy the serene sunset from a cruise that sails on the Brahmaputra river. Alfresco Grand is one of the cruises that is popular here, and you must give it a try.

Visit the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary with your camera, and you will not be disappointed. You will spot a lot of exotic animals other than the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and in their natural habitat.

Food and Restaurants in Guwahati

Cafe Hendrix is a place you must definitely visit for good food along with great music. The cafe has a lot of musicians from the North East playing live music for everyone dining here. The ambience and food both will leave you impressed and satiated. Make sure you try the chicken fingers here. Foodvilla is a restaurant that is in the middle of the city. It is famous for its authentic Assamese cuisine and a highly recommended place, too. You will get to try a lot of different and unique recipes here.

Nga-Thongba, Erongba, Laksa are some of the local Assamese foods. You can try the street food here or opt for a fancy meal and a high-end restaurant. Khorikaa and Paradise are a few restaurants that are popular and also offer a variety of Assamese cuisine on their menu.

How to reach Guwahati

By Air

The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which is also called the Guwahati International Airport is the main airport in North East of India. It is well-connected to all the other major cities in the country. It is about 20 km away from the city. Look out for cheap flight tickets to Guwahati and affordable flight deals online before you plan your trip.

By Rail

Kamakhya and Guwahati are two major railway stations in Guwahati. They are connected to all major cities in the country, and you will even get super fast trains to and from Guwahati. The view from the trains is rejuvenating, which makes this a highly recommended way to travel.

By Road

State-run buses and private modes of transport run frequent services to help you get to Guwahati from the neighbouring cities and states.

  About Bangalore

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

Best time to visit Bangalore

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

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

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

Places to see in Bangalore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Bangalore

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

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

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

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

Food and Restaurants in Bangalore

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

How to reach Bangalore

By Air

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

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

By Rail

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

By Road

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

  About Air Asia

AirAsia, a Malaysian airline with headquarters near Kuala Lumpur, is the largest airline in Malaysia destinations and fleet size. It has domestic and international flights operating to more than 65 destinations across 25 countries. It also has its affiliate airlines like the Thai AirAsia, AirAsia India, Philippines AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia and AirAsia Japan with hubs at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia and Chubu Centrair International Airport in Japan. AirAsia began operations back in 1996 and was established in 1993 by a government-owned company called DRB-HICOM. However, it was later bought by Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun's company Tune Air Sdn Bhd. The two not only made the company successful and profitable but also launched new routes from Kuala Lumpur, which is its hub. AirAsia launched its first international flight to Bangkok in 2003 along with a second hub at Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Later on, it started flights to other countries and cities like Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and so on.

AirAsia operates majorly through its affiliate airlines which only makes expansion easier for the company. While AirAsia did team up with the Henan Working Group in China, things did not work out in their favour. They signed a non-binding agreement for about 12 months, and neither party renewed the contract when it expired. However, AirAsia flights do fly to different cities in China. AirAsia showed a keen interest in joining hands with India to begin their operations here since it fits their low-cost airline plans perfectly. Tata Sons holds a 49% stake in the airline. AirAsia was also the first foreign airline that set up an affiliate in India. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru serves as the main hub of the airline. AirAsia Japan's first flight took off in 2012. AirAsia X, Indonesia AirAsia and Philippines AirAsia and Thai AirAsia and took off eventually.

AirAsia has won several accolades and awards over the years for its service and efficiency. It has been consistently earning the title 'World's Best Low-Cost Carrier' by Skytrax for 11 years in a row. It also won the World's Best Low-Cost Airline award at the World Airline awards in 2012. The airline recently launched its frequent flyer programme, and it has a ton of services for you to choose from on its website. You can also upgrade to a seat that converts into a flatbed or choose seats that are comfortable with extra legroom. Apart from that, the airline also offers hotel accommodation and other events that you can sign up for in the destination that you are visiting. Make sure you look up their website to know more about all the offers and services that AirAsia has to offer. The airline does make it a point to impress you and not leave the passengers disappointed at all.

Fleet Size of AirAsia

AirAsia operates at least 165 flights to more than 25 countries in the world. The airline has 97 aircraft that are in service at the moment and has also ordered 364 more to increase efficiency and frequency. Though it was previously operating the Boeing 737-300, it moved to Airbus A320 entirely. It has approximately 66 Airbus A320-200 aircraft in service that can accommodate 180 passengers. It also has 29 Airbus A320neo aircraft that accommodates 186 passengers and has ordered 11 more. While it has only 2 Airbus A321neo aircraft, it ordered for 353 more. It is one of the biggest aircraft that can accommodate up to 236 passengers. Every aircraft has something special about it. The A330 aircraft has a quiet zone for everyone who wants to enjoy a calm and peaceful journey. Meals are also served faster here. It also has a Twin seat facility where you will not have a stranger sitting next to you and can enjoy extra privacy. You can also upgrade to a Premium Flatbed if you are eligible for it. The seat reclines to become a flatbed, and you also get a pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

Additionally, you get free baggage allowance up to 40 kg, priority boarding, complimentary meals, pillow with duvet, access to the premium Red Lounge and ample in-flight entertainment. The airline is looking forward to expanding its services to a lot of other countries as well. It is also extending services to Ahmedabad and Croatia.

Air Asia Baggage Allowance

AirAsia has certain baggage allowance restrictions that you must follow. Unless you are eligible for a premium upgrade or you are willing to pay a nominal fee in addition to your flight fare, you will have to stick to 20 kg of check-in luggage and one cabin baggage that does not exceed 7 kg. However, if you are eligible for a premium upgrade, you get to carry check-in luggage up to 40 kg. Your baggage is pretty safe with the airline, and there have barely been any complaints from customers about losing their baggage. However, make sure you are not carrying anything that has been prohibited by the airline like explosives, flammable substances, toxic chemicals or drugs. You are also asked not to carry any sharp or blunt objects. A lot of passengers also tend to get confused as to whether they can pack their electronics in their check-in luggage or not. The airline advises you to carry your electronics, portable chargers and power banks in your cabin luggage. You will get priority baggage allowance if you are a premium passenger or if you want to use any of the deals that you have come across on their website. The airline also offers to deliver your luggage at your doorstep if you are a premium passenger.

In-flight Services

AirAsia's in-flight services are top-notch, and you will love the experience. You can either pre-book your meals, or you can choose from the menu during your flight. The menu is quite impressive, and the food is delicious. The in-flight entertainment services are only available in the AirAsia X (D7) flights, except for when you are flying to and from Bali, Saudi Arabia, Taipei, Okinawa or Singapore. You will have to book your Excite tab in advance since the units are limited. You will get headsets with your tab, and you can also opt for a snack combo with your tab. AirAsia X is the only flight that serves alcohol and wine onboard.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for AirAsia

AirAsia connects to various domestic and international routes daily. AirAsia India connects to most major cities in the country like Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa and so on. The international airline operates to and from Bali, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines among other destinations. It connects to more than 25 countries, and since it has affiliated airlines in several countries, it only becomes easier for it to cover the cities in all of those countries as well. AirAsia also makes layovers pretty easy for you and makes sure that you are not bored. The airline also offers accommodation services, and you can go through it on their website. You might even get great discounts on your hotels if you book through the website. You can also make the most of AirAsia's boarding pass. All you have to do is show your boarding pass at your hotel or hostel to avail the offer but do this in advance. Make sure you also go through all the terms and conditions of the offer that you want to avail. AirAsia has a Premium Red Lounge at all of its hubs that you can use if you are a premium passenger.

Why Travel by AirAsia?

AirAsia has proven time and again that it can offer the best, convenient services at an affordable price. The flight connectivity is also excellent to/from most domestic and international destinations. The airline lures you in with stunning offers and a comfortable journey, too. Some of the aircraft also have a quiet zone for passengers who want to travel peacefully. AirAsia is also known for its punctuality, and there are barely any delays or inconveniences to passengers. If you are on vacation, you can also check out their services that include accommodation, car rentals, activities in the city and luggage delivery. Web check-in is the best way to avoid long queues at the airport, and it can be done easily through the website. You can check your flight status and AirAsia's flight schedules on your phone on their website. You can make the most of AirAsia's in-flight services. The staff does not give you a reason to complain at all. Booking an AirAsia flight ticket is also quite easy. You can either log in to the website to book it, or you can get your travel agent to do so. Please make sure you check their flight deals, too, while you book the ticket. If there are any ongoing offers on tickets and accommodation, you can opt for those to make your journey even better.

  About Guwahti Airport

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport or popularly called Guwahati Airport is the primary airport that serves a majority of North-Eastern states of India. The airport is recognised to be the eighth-busiest airports in India, following Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Guwahati Airport is situated about 26 km from Dispur, the state capital of Assam. The airport was also called Borjhar due to the location of the airport being in the said city. The airport is approximately 28 km from the city of Guwahati. It has been named after the freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Assam, the late Gopinath Bordoloi. Apart from being a civilian airport, it also caters to the Indian Air Force base. Although the airport predominantly sees domestic flight operations, they have recently bagged bids for two international destinations. As of 2019, Guwahati has won bids to serve international destinations such as Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Bangkok-Don Mueang (Thailand), under the UDAN scheme introduced by the government of India.

About Guwahati Airport terminals

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport currently accommodates two terminals that cater to domestic and international operations respectively. Since Guwahati Airport recently acquired the rights to operate international flights, the airport has since allowed the second terminal to cater to the same. Collectively, the terminals have about 14 check-in counters, four immigration counters and one customs counter.

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 handles all domestic flight services and has direct connecting flights to more than 10 Indian cities, as one of the primary airports serving a major part of the North East, the airport witnesses a lot of crowd at the domestic terminal. The domestic terminal has the capacity to accommodate about 500 passengers at peak hours.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 has recently started flight operations. It currently serves as an international terminal with flights coming in and flying out to Bangkok and Dhaka. Druk Air is the only airline that functions from the international terminal. It has the capacity to accommodate 125 passengers in an hour. The terminals are small and have limited area. Hence, the passenger capacity is also not as high as one would expect.

About Airport Authority

The Airports Authority of India owns and operates all management-related functions of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. The airport body caters to the expansions and maintenance of Guwahati Airport. With a view to enhancing the passenger experience at the airport, they have installed quite a few outstanding facilities. Over the years, the airport has witnessed numerous expansions and renovations ever since its genesis in 1958. AAI has expanded the passenger handling capacity of the terminals. Much recently, in 2019 to be specific, Guwahati also received permission to charter flight operations for two international cities. In the same year, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport also announced that they have privatised and have given away the airport to Adani Group on lease for 50 years. Adani Group won the highest bid and bagged the project. Although the company has not revealed more details of expansion and upgradations of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, they do plan to further enhance the connectivity of the airport to more Indian cities.

Facilities at the Guwahati Airport

Baggage – Baggage services include baggage wrapping, free use of trolleys, porter services and baggage wrapping services. There are dedicated baggage claim conveyor belts also available.

ATMs – The airport has installed multiple ATM kiosks at several spots in the airport. To ensure accessibility of ATMs for cash withdrawals, the airport has strategically placed all the kiosks at decent intervals.

Currency exchange – Foreign exchange counters can be found at Guwahati Airport. They are located in the arrivals section of the terminal. You would be surprised by the good exchange rates that the airports can provide with.

Child care area – The airport has installed dedicated child care rooms. Often passengers who travel with infants need privacy to tend to them. Hence, the child care area comes in handy. The space is maintained perfectly and kept in a hygienic condition. This is to avoid any discomfort to the child as well as the parent. The rooms are also comfortable with good facilities such as cosy chairs and changing tables.

Medical facilities - Guwahati Airport has installed medical facilities that can be availed for free. There are first aid kits present at the information desk of the airport. The airport also has medical rooms where the patient can be treated, should any medical emergency take place at the premise of the airport. There are pharmacies also present in the terminals to help passengers make last-minute medication purchases. In fact, if they tend to fall sick at the airport, they can also visit the pharmacy and ask for help.

Special assistance – The airport offers special assistance to senior citizens and disabled passengers. The airport does expect the passengers to inform the airlines beforehand so that they can accordingly make the necessary accommodations. Trained professionals will be there to escort the passengers and help them through the procedures at the airport.

Transit rooms – Although specific airport hotels or dormitories are not present at the airport, they do have transit rooms for passengers. These rooms are well-equipped with comfortable seats and shower facilities. The transit rooms have been installed to cater to the needs of passengers who have flight layovers. The main idea is to enable passengers to freshen up and rest a little as well.

Smoking zones – Guwahati Airport has facilitated smoking zones for passengers. The specific rooms are located away from the main passenger lounge. Smoking lounges also have cigarette boxes that can be purchased.

Top airlines flying from Guwahati Airport

Currently, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport sees flight operations from airlines such as AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara. A majority of the airlines have flights connecting to North-Eastern cities such as Lilabari, Imphal, Agartala, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Aizawl, Silchar, Dimapur and Tezpur, to name a few. However, the airlines also accommodate flight operations to big cites of India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur and more. The only international airline that operates from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport is Druk Air. The airline connects to three airports, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Singapore and Paro. The international airline's flight operations commenced much recently. Plans of expansion to more international cities are in talks.

How to reach Guwahati Airport

By Bus

Buses are considered to be the best ways to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. The distance between the Guwahati bus stand and Guwahati Airport is nearly 141 km. With such a massive distance to cover in hilly terrains could be quite challenging. However, the state has ensured to operate bus services that would directly reach you to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport without much hassle. The ticket price is also quite low and affordable, making it a viable source of transport. You can catch a bus to reach Guwahati Airport not just from the bus stand but from anywhere between the airport and the bus stand's route. It is essential to know the bus routes to reach Guwahati Airport. There are a plethora of bus services chartered at regular intervals that enable good connectivity. You will not have to wait for a long time as there are dedicated schedules for all the buses. The mode of transport is especially convenient for backpackers and solo travellers who are on a budget trip. Private buses are also available from the city bus stand to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport.

By Rail

The recorded distance between Guwahati Airport and Guwahati Railway Station is approximately 22 km. From the railway station, various modes of transport can be availed to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. Trains are another powerful means of connecting small cities and towns in the North East. Besides, Guwahati Railway Station's connectivity is exceptional as it caters to not just North Eastern towns and cities but also has services to some cities in Sikkim, Kolkata and Bihar. From the railway station, you can opt to take a private vehicle to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. It would be ideal to fix a price before the journey to the airport commences.

About Guwahati

Guwahati is one of the largest cities in the state of Assam as well as the biggest metropolis in the North-eastern states of India. The port city is surrounded by lovely hills and forms quite a picturesque ambience. It is also recognised as the Gateway to North East India and facilitates excellent connectivity to various other cities and towns in the North East. Guwahati is also known for its plethora of temples and is even nicknamed as the City of Temples. Guwahati lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and shares the foothills of the Shillong plateau. Often travellers take the Guwahati route to travel to other cities in the North-East such as Shillong, Lilabari, Agartala, Aizawl and more. Guwahati's fame also comes from its rich biodiversity as the region houses diverse flora and fauna, including rare animals such as rhinoceros, Asian elephants, tigers, gaurs, pythons and other primate species.

  About Bangalore Airport

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

About Bangalore Airport Terminals

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

About airport authority

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

Facilities at the Bangalore Airport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top airlines flying from the Bangalore Airport

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

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

How to reach the Bangalore Airport

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

By Road

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