Guwahati to Ranchi Vistara 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 Ranchi

Ranchi is not only the city of waterfalls but is also the summer capital of Jharkhand. It is easily one of the most beautiful cities and a popular tourist destination, too. It does complete justice to its title 'City of Waterfalls'. You will come across the most breathtaking views of the waterfalls, hills and lush greenery. The city is also popular for its golgappas that will be a treat to your taste buds. Since the city is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and cultural wonders, getting to Ranchi will not be that difficult for you. It's also a great spot for adventure lovers who love trekking.

Best Time to Visit Ranchi

November to February is considered to be the ideal months to visit Ranchi. The winter makes the weather pleasant and the nights cold. This is also the best time to go sightseeing or pursue any other activities. The temperature drops to 2 degree Celsius at nights and about 27 degree Celsius during the day. You won't have to worry a lot about sweating or getting drenched in the rain during this time. Don't miss out on the Makar Sankranti celebrations in the city during January. However, since it is peak season, getting cheap flight tickets to Ranchi or booking a hotel in Ranchi at cheaper rates might not be possible. You might come across decent flight deals to Ranchi though if you book way in advance. Since this season is also a peak season, you will see a lot of tourists in the city.

The city experiences summer from March to June and the temperature ranges from 18 to 36 degree Celsius. You can plan a trip or a trek to the hills and the waterfalls to beat the heat. It's not the most popular time to plan a visit to Ranchi, and you will see lesser tourists in the city. This will be a great time to travel to Ranchi if you don't like a lot of crowds and want to enjoy your solitude. In fact, you can also visit all of the tourist attractions without getting caught in the hustle and bustle of a lot of tourists.

July to September is when Ranchi experiences monsoon, and it only makes the city look spectacular. The lush greenery, the waterfalls, the hills look enchantingly beautiful. This is also the perfect time for you to go on a hike. You can even catch the Jagannathpur mela or the Rath mela that is organised in the city. This is a 10-day event and is organised on a grand scale. You can buy souvenirs from the different stalls, go on a food tasting tour at the different food stalls and you can also watch the performances put up by artists during the mela.

Places to Visit in Ranchi

Ranchi is a city of waterfalls, and you must definitely visit each and every one of them. The Panch Gagh falls, in the village of Khunti, is quite special. It has five waterfalls cascading through the steep hills, which is why it is called the Panch Gagh falls. Visiting this place will only make your trip ideal and memorable. The Patratu Valley, about 40 km away from Ranchi is another popular tourist destination in Ranchi. The drive along the Patratu valley ghat is magnificent, and you can soak in the scenic landscape on your drive. The valley has lush greenery on one side and the waters of the Patratu dam on the other. However, it is advisable to not travel to the valley after dark. The Johna Falls in Ranchi is also worth visiting. River Ganga and Raru merge to form these falls that fall from a height of about 45 meters. It is also called the Gautamdhara Falls, courtesy a Buddhist shrine that is near the falls. The Dasham Falls near the Taimara village in Ranchi is another destination that you should add to your itinerary. Sita Falls, Hudru falls, Hirni falls, Lodh falls, and Murga Mahadev falls are few other waterfalls that will leave you awestruck.

Apart from these, you can also visit the different lakes in the city. The Ranchi lake and Topchanchi lake are buzzing with tourists, especially during the peak season. The Tagore Hill is one of the most popular spots in the city and an apt place to enjoy some peace and quiet. The Pahari Mandir in Ranchi that is at an altitude of 2140 feet promises one of the most stunning views of the city. You will have to climb approximately 300 steps. The temple sees a lot of devotees climb all of those steps to offer their prayers during the Shravan season. The city is also popular for the Jagannath temple, which is a smaller replica of the one in Puri. It is a popular landmark in Ranchi. The Rock Garden in Ranchi offers you a blend of waterfalls, beautiful sculptures, art and a scenic beauty that makes for the best pictures. The garden is located on a hillock near the Kanke Dam. This is the perfect place for you to spend some quality time with your family amidst a beautiful view of the city.

Things to do in Ranchi

Ranchi is like paradise for everyone who loves adventures and nature. Pack your bathing suits, an extra pair of clothes, a picnic and head over to the Johna Falls. You will see River Ganga and River Raru combine and fall from a height of about 140 feet. You will have to climb about 700 steps, and this will prove to be quite the tedious hike but completely worth it. You can also try the jalebis and other delicacies from the local shops on your way or from the fair. You must also try the local food in Ranchi that promise you a gastronomic experience. Hit the local Golgappa stalls, kulfi parlours and do try the Litti Chokha, a popular dish in Ranchi. The Birsa Zoological Park is one of the most beautiful zoos in the country and is a delight to wildlife photographers and animal lovers. Taking a tour of the zoo will make your day!

Head over to Tagore Hill and plan a picnic with your family. Make sure you also stay till sunset or reach the hill right in time to combine your picnic with a breathtaking sunset. The Rock Gardens is a popular destination in Ranchi, and you will surely have a great time here. You can also visit the Kanke Dam, which is closer to the gardens. The whole vibe of the place will leave a smile on your face, and it also makes for a great place to take pictures. If you are feeling spiritual, you can head over to any one of the temples and offer your prayers or meditate over there. If you are in Ranchi during festival season, make sure you attend as much as you can. A morning trek to the Panch Gagh falls is yet another activity you must add to your trip itinerary.

Food and Restaurants in Ranchi

Ranchi is popular for its Golgappas and the unique chaats. You will find delicacies like Pua, Litti Chokha, Handia, Aloo Chokham Dubhni Roti and so on. You can even try the kebabs and the various tribal food in the city. Ajam Emba is a very popular place and unique, too. The restaurant serves authentic Adivasi food and delicacies that you might not get elsewhere. The restaurant has a very rustic decor and very different from other places. They also only use locally-produced raw ingredients in their food. The Waterfront Restaurant inside the Radisson Blu hotel combines a wonderful ambience with great food for its customers. While you are there, you can also head to The Great Kebab Factory. If you are attending any of the fairs in the city during your visit, you can also try the desserts from the local stalls.

How to reach Ranchi

By Air

The Birsa Munda Airport connects Ranchi to major domestic cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, Delhi and Bangalore. The flight connectivity from Ranchi is quite limited to a few cities in the country, but you will also find direct flights to Ranchi from certain cities. However, connecting flights from Delhi is a popular route to Ranchi by air. The nearest international airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. You can also change flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. If you are travelling during the offseason, you might get great flight deals to Ranchi or even cheap flight tickets to Ranchi.

By Rail

Ranchi Junction is well-connected to other cities. You can pick a regular express train or superfast trains, too. Boarding a train or getting a train ticket from or to Ranchi is not very difficult. Travelling by train is also a very convenient way to reach the city.

By Road

There are frequent bus services that run from Jamshedpur, Patna and Kolkata to Ranchi. You can also take a taxi from nearby cities.

  About Vistara Airlines

Vistara is a fairly new airline that is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. Tata Sons owns 51% stake in the airline, and Singapore Airlines has 49% stake. This was Tata Sons' reentry in the world of Airlines since Air India was nationalised. Tata's still has minority stakes in AirAsia India. However, getting Vistara started was no less of a struggle for both parties involved. The companies had made a bid in the 1990s to launch the full-service carrier in India, but it was not successful and was denied approval by the Indian government. The airline was founded finally in 2013 after India opened up its airline for 49% foreign direct investment. Vistara airlines commenced operations in 2015 with its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. It serves up to 36 destinations domestically and internationally. It operates approximately 200 flights daily and has flown over 20 million passengers already. It has grown quite popular and is slowly becoming one of the most preferred airlines by passengers. While low-cost carriers mostly dominate other airlines, Vistara caters to the high-end business travellers in the country. It also aims to make sure that the passengers have a luxurious and comfortable journey.

Vistara is a Sanskrit word that translates to the limitless expanse, and the airline sure does live up to its name. Vistara carried about half a million passengers in just seven months of commencing operations. It is also one of the few airlines that has the International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership. It flew its first international flight to Singapore in 2019 from Mumbai and Delhi. The airline used its Boeing 737-800NG. Vistara codeshares with British Airways, SilkAir, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines Japan Airlines and Lufthansa. It also has interline agreements with a couple of airlines that include Aeroflot, Air France, Air Mauritius, All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Asiana Airlines, Gulf Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, flydubai, Finnair, Kenya Airways, Japan Airlines and KLM. The airline currently has 40 aircraft in service and is awaiting 52 more that it has ordered. The aircraft has business class, premium economy and economy class for its passengers. Fun fact: Vistara was the first airline to introduce the Premium Economy class.

Not only do the Business Class and Premium Economy Class passengers get special treatment, but so do the economy class passengers. The premium economy class allows you to choose seats that have extra legroom and far more comfortable as compared to the economy class ones. It has eight business class seats that are the most comfortable ones in the aircraft. You can also use Vistara's frequent-flyer program called Club Vistara. You can look up more offers on the website like the Vistara Womanflyer, Vistara Corporate Flyer, Vistara Student Discount, Vistara Senior Citizen Discount, Vistara Affordable Luxury and so on.

Fleet Size of Vistara

Vistara picked up pace and popularity quite quickly. It flew half a million passengers in only seven months of commencing operations, which is quite impressive. Though the airline does not have a fleet as large as the other airlines, it is slowly getting there. Vistara has 13 Airbus A320-200 aircraft which have eight business class seats, 24 premium economy class seats and 126 economy class seats. It also has 20 Airbus A320neo aircraft with the same number of passenger accommodations. It has 6 Boeing 737-800 aircraft that can accommodate 168 passengers, 12 business class and 156 economy class. The Boeing 787-9 can accommodate 30 business class passengers, 21 premium economy class and 248 economy class, passengers. While the airline currently only owns one of these aircraft, it has placed an order of five more of those. It is, without a doubt, one of the biggest Vistara aircraft that can seat more passengers as compared to the other flights.

Vistara acquired its first aircraft in 2014 and commenced flights from 2015. The airline also has quite a few aircraft that it is planning to get on long term leases soon. Vistara is one of the only Indian airlines that have business class seats and also has a lot of offers to provide luxurious services to its customers. Vistara might not exactly have low fares, but it does make sure you get your money's worth.

Baggage Allowance

Make sure you go through Vistara's baggage allowance rules and regulations while you book your Vistara flight tickets. The airline allows 7 kg cabin luggage for economy class passengers, 10 kg for premium economy and 12 kg for business class passengers. Your cabin luggage cannot exceed this limit unless you are carrying items like a handbag, overcoat, camera, infant's feeding aids, medicines, laptops and so on. Baggage allowance rules differ depending on your ticket plan. You can choose between Value, Standard and Flexi plans for whichever travel class you choose. For passengers travelling within India, the maximum limit for check-in luggage for economy class is 15 to 20 kg, premium economy is 20 to 30 kg and business class is 30 to 40 kg. If you are travelling to international destinations like Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore and Colombo, the maximum limit ranges from 30 to 45 kg. For travellers heading to Kathmandu, the limit ranges from 20 to 40 kg. You can either check out the baggage allowance limit on your ticket or find it on the website.

If you have a Club Vistara Gold or Platinum membership, there are chances you might get a few extra kilos of baggage that you can carry without having to pay extra. Make sure you are not carrying any item that has been prohibited by the airline. You cannot carry explosives, flammable or combustible items, sharp objects, chemical or illegal drugs in your luggage or otherwise. You must also make sure that you carry your power bank and portable chargers with your cabin baggage instead of the check-in luggage. It would be advisable to get your web check-in done in advance to avoid any hindrance. You will also have to inform the airline staff hours before boarding the flight in case your baggage exceeds the weight limit.

In-flight Services

Vistara's in-flight services are not only luxurious, but they are completely worth all the money spent. The business class seats are reclined, have an extendable leg rest, footrest, and you can also adjust the height of the headrest. You also get personal storage space at the side of your seat for smaller items. If you are travelling by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, you also get seat ambient lighting, USB outlet, and an 18" HD personal entertainment screen with a video handset. Vistara also offers the most delicious meals as a part of its in-flight dining experience. You can enjoy a range of food options and can also sip on some refreshing coffee from Starbucks. You can enjoy over 70 hours of Hollywood and Bollywood content that are a part of Vistara's in-flight entertainment services. Whether you want to watch a romantic, comedy or action film, or just listen to various genres of music, you will find everything that you are looking for as a part of the in-flight entertainment services. You can look up their website to get a glimpse of all the royal treatment and luxury that you will experience onboard.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Vistara

Vistara connects to various destinations through domestic and international routes daily. It connects to 34 destinations including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Amritsar, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Colombo, Chennai, Dehradun, Dubai, Goa, Guwahati, Delhi, Indore, Kathmandu, Leh, Lucknow, Port Blair, Srinagar and so on. You can check Vistara's flight schedule and your flight status on the website. Vistara makes it a point to operate punctually and not give passengers a chance to complain about anything. The staff is also quite friendly and helpful in case you need help with anything at all.

Why Travel by Vistara?

Vistara has evolved as one of the most favourite airlines among passengers and deservedly so. It offers luxury and convenience at the best price. The fares might not be as cheap as other Indian Airlines, but it does live up to its promise of delivering luxurious services to its passengers. You can book a Vistara flight ticket through the website or get a travel agent to do the same. If you are not able to go through the web check-in process for any reason, you can always get in touch with the call centre. The executives will definitely help you through the process. Vistara also makes sure that it keeps you updated on your flight status and any upcoming or ongoing offers that it comes up with. You can also sign up to become a Club Vistara member to enjoy the benefits. It is also one of the only few Indian airlines that gives luxury a tad more importance as compared to low fares. It leaves its customers satisfied, which is one of the reasons that it flew over half a million customers in only seven months. It is also slowly becoming one of the most preferred airlines among passengers. Its services only keep improving with time.

  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 Ranchi Airport

Birsa Munda Airport or popularly known as Ranchi airport, is the primary airport that serves the city of Ranchi, which is the state capital of Jharkhand. The airport has been named after the freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who strived for the freedom of tribal living in the state of Jharkhand. Belonging to the Munda tribe, he spearheaded the religious Millenarian movement in the late 19th century. He has been recognised for his extensive contribution to the history of Jharkhand. Currently, Birsa Munda Airport is being managed by the Airports Authority of India. It is situated in Hindoo, which is approximately 5 km from the main city. Hence, in terms of connectivity, it is easy to reach Birsa Munda Airport. The airport is sprawled across an area of 1568 acres of land. The airport has a capacity to accommodate approximately 2.4 million passengers in a year. Birsa Munda Airport is also recognised as the 25th busiest airport in the country. Expansions plans are to help the airport accommodate more flights and passenger traffic.

About Ranchi Airport Terminal

Birsa Munda Airport currently has one integrated passenger terminal that caters to all domestic flight operations. The airport only has domestic flights and airlines function from its premise. The new passenger terminal was built in 2013 and inaugurated by Ajit Singh, the then civil aviation minister. The new integrated terminal building is spread across 19,600 square metres. It was constructed at a whopping cost of INR 1.38 billion. The upgraded building accommodates two aero-bridges and six escalators with equipment imported from countries such as Singapore, China and Germany. The new terminal's facilities have enabled a smooth transit for passengers travelling to Ranchi. Thanks to the expansion and installation of the new terminal building, Birsa Munda Airport's capacity to accommodate passengers has increased to 500 at a time. Further, to attract more domestic airlines to Birsa Munda Airport, the airport reduced the tax on aviation turbine fuel from 20 per cent to 4 per cent. Adding to the attractive offers, the airport also announced that they would allow free overnight parking of aircraft in the vicinity free-of-charge. Plans to expand the runway are currently in talks.

About airport authority

Birsa Munda Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The statutory body has been responsible for conducting management operations of the airport. It works under the Ministry of Civil Aviation which is part of the Government of India. Since the genesis of the airport, AAI has been working on constantly upgrading and expanding the facility.

In 2019, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that they would be working on expanding the Birsa Munda Airport further to accommodate newer facilities. They are rooting to add six parking bays to the airport to allow more flights to park. The main idea behind the expansion of the parking bays is to enable flight operations of about 11 aircraft at a time. Due to the increase in the air traffic witnessed by Ranchi Airport in the last four years, the Airports Authority of India has proposed the upgradation plan. Along with this, the airport also plans to utilise two aerobridges to enable passengers to board the aircraft from the terminal's departure area directly.

As of 2020, Birsa Munda Airport has the space to accommodate three Airbus A320 and two 19-seater ATRs. The new apron is set to accommodate five Airbus aircraft and one ATR plane at one moment. The airport would expand to accommodate about eight Airbus and three ATR plans in total to be parked at a time. A senior official of the Ranchi Airport has further stated that the new apron would be able to accommodate operations of 80 flights in a day.

Facilities at the Ranchi Airport

Baggage – Baggage facilities such as wrapping services, free trolleys and porter systems are available at the Ranchi Airport.

Food court – At the departure section of the airport, a food court has been installed with various small establishments and food joints. One can pass their time by availing the food services that the food joints provide.

ATMs – In case of last-minute cash withdrawals, the airport has enabled ATM services too. There are kiosks available at the departure as well as arrival section of the airport.

Smoking Zones – There are dedicated rooms for smoking. Passengers are not allowed to smoke in public lounge spaces as it would cause discomfort to fellow passengers. The smoking zones are kept clean and are perfectly sanitised.

Medical services – The airport has reserved some medical services for passengers. There are first aid kits that are available across the airport's terminal. You can visit the information desk to get more details on their medical assistance. Simultaneously, you can also avail the services of the pharmacies that are present at the airport. Any last-minute medical purchases can be made at the airport. Or, if you are feeling under the weather, ahead of the flight, you can visit the pharmacies. The staff are quite friendly and would help you through your purchase.

Special assistance – You will need to request for special assistance services from your airlines before travelling to the airport. They do have facilities to help the elderly and dedicate staff to take passengers through the procedures. If need be, the staff will escort the passenger to the aircraft as well. Special assistance services are usually reserved for passengers who fall under certain categories such as senior citizens, expecting mothers, disabled individuals, children travelling alone and more. Depending on the situation, the airport allows for special assistance services.

Duty-free shops – Despite offering fewer facilities, Ranchi Airport does have a duty-free shop that is cheap and affordable. You can find some of the interesting artefacts and items that reflect the cultural heritage of Ranchi and Jharkhand at these shops. From ethnic jewellery to intricate showpieces, you will find some interesting purchases at the airport's duty-free shops.

Top airlines flying from the Ranchi Airport

There are a handful of domestic airlines that operate from Birsa Munda Airport. Despite catering to international airlines, the airport doesn't witness many flights flying out of the country or operating from the city's airport. Much of the connectivity within India from Ranchi Airport is also minimal. Presently, airlines that operate from Birsa Munda Airport include AirAsia India, Alliance Air, GoAir, Vistara and IndiGo. These airlines mostly cater to Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Indore, Raipur, Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar. The airport is striving to make some massive upgradations and expansions to attract more flight activities. Although there are no international activities that take place from Birsa Munda Airport, the management is trying to get hold of some airlines that would cater to international cities that are in the proximity of the country. The aircraft movement has seen a significant rise as in 2020 as it has increased to 19,137, which is quite good considering how the airport is quite limited with its flight and airlines options.

How to reach Ranchi Airport

Birsa Munda Airport is about 7 km away from the city centre. Hence, the best way to reach Birsa Munda Airport is by prepaid taxis. The facilities are available within the city of Ranchi. In fact, there are bus services also available in the city that would reach you to Birsa Munda Airport. However, hailing a taxi cab is considered to be the best way to reach Ranchi Airport. Not to mention how airport shuttle services can also be availed at the hotel. You will need to ask them ahead of the journey if there are any such airport shuttle services that the hotel provides. Further, you can also approach a travel agent to book a ride for you so you can travel within Ranchi as well as reach Birsa Munda Airport.

About Ranchi

Ranchi is the capital of the state of Jharkhand and is located in the centre of the state. It became the centre of the Jharkhand movement which announced or rather fought for a separate state that would be reserved to the tribal regions of South Bihar, western West Bengal, northern Orissa and eastern Chattisgarh. A portion of Bihar's Chota Nagpur and Santhal Parganas was divided to form the state of Jharkhand. Ranchi's proximity to the Tropic of Cancer gives it a tropical climate. While Hindi is the official language of the city, there are many tribes that reside in the area, making diverse dialects such as Kurmali and Khortha, just as famous. Nagpuri, Mundari are also spoken. Over the years, it has turned into a major industrial city in Eastern India with an abundance of mineral-based industries. Ranchi has also managed to attract a lot of tourism over the years with the installation and upgradation of its airport, Birsa Munda Airport. Many tourists have started visiting the city to learn more about their tribal culture and various other dimensions of touristy activities that can or rather should be explored in the city.