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  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 Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic which follows a trading name of Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Atlantic International Limited, is a British-owned airline that has its headquarters in Crawley, England. The airline was founded in 1984 under the name British Atlantic Airways, by Randolph Fields and Alan Hellary with flight connectivity between London and the Falkland Islands. However, the name was changed to Virgin Atlantic Airways as Fields sold his shares in the company. A disagreement between Fields and Sir Richard Branson regarding the management of the company resulted in Fields walking out of the airline. In the same year since its establishment, the airline had its first flight from Gatwick Airport in London to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Virgin Atlantic is owned and operated under the holding company Virgin Atlantic Limited. The same holding company also controls Virgin Holidays. The holding company has 51 percent ownership of the Virgin Group while the remaining 49 per cent is owned by Delta Air Lines, a major airline of the United States of America.

Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Atlantic International Limited have both received the Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licenses. The said licence permits both the airlines to accommodate passengers, cargo and mail on aircraft that comprises 20 seats or more. Virgin Atlantic's fleet is mixed with wide-body aircraft of Airbus and Boeing. The airline majorly has its operations in North American, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Its main base is at London-Heathrow Airport while its secondary hub is at Manchester in the United Kingdom. Virgin Atlantic also has seasonal flight operations from Glasgow and Belfast. The airline consists of three types of cabin, namely Economy, Premium (premium economy) and Upper Class (business class). In 2017, Virgin Atlantic expressed its intention to form a joint venture with Europe's Air France - KLM. However, in 2019, it was announced that the venture would not involve a stake in the British airline. Virgin Atlantic has witnessed tremendous losses over the years and has had to cut down operations to various international destinations, owing to the growing debts and losses.

In 2019, as part of its expansion plans, Virgin Atlantic announced that it had plans to go all out and hopefully create a second flag carrier in the United Kingdom, provided slot reforms were being considered in the airline's favour at the Heathrow Airport. With this, the airline planned to serve about 103 destinations in total with many domestic routes and international routes. They wished to add about 84 new destinations to their list of services, of which 12 catered to the domestic route while 37 are European and the remaining 35 being international routes. The 35 international destinations in Virgin Atlantic's list include Austin, Buenos Aires, Addis Ababa, Karachi, Tokyo, Cape Town, Beijing, Singapore, Bogota, Mexico City and Sydney. While the airline has already functioned in international routes catering to Cape Town, Vancouver, Sydney, Karachi and Tokyo, the remaining long-haul destinations that the airline plans to add would be completely new for them. It was reported that Flybe, UK's largest low-cost carrier regional airline, was supposed to join hands with Virgin Atlantic. However, the plans fell through as Flybe ceased operations in 2020.

Fleet size of Virgin Atlantic

As of 2020, Virgin Atlantic's fleet size stands at 35 aircraft. 22 aircraft are expected to join the fleet. The fleet comprises 17 Boeing 787-9s, 10 Airbus A330-300s and four Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A350-1000s respectively. All the aircraft operated by Virgin Atlantic are wide-body type. The airline accommodates a mixed fleet that comprises Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft. The Airbus A330-200s of the airline operate from London's Gatwick International Airport as well as Manchester Airport and connect to international routes of the United States and the Caribbean. There are seasonal routes connecting to Orlando International Airport in Florida, which is offered from Glasgow and Belfast International Airport. Much recently, the airline retired its Boeing 747s which catered to the seasonal flight operations to Florida. Virgin Atlantic's aircraft Airbus A330-300s, A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9s are used interchangeably on routes that fly from London's Heathrow Airport. In 2002, the airline became the first in the world to operate the Airbus A340-600.

Virgin Atlantic was supposed to add six Airbus A380-800s to its fleet, which they had ordered for in 2001. However, the order had to be cancelled for good. Instead, in 2019, at the Paris Air Show, the airline signed a deal to accommodate 20 Airbus A330-900neos to its fleet. With this move, the airline became the first United Kingdom customer for the aircraft. The airline does plan to replace its older Airbus A330-200s and -300s from the fleet with deliveries of newer models that will be joining the fleet between 2021 to 2024. Much recently, the airline retired its long-running A340-600 with its last service taking place between Lagos to London Heathrow. Simultaneously, the airline has also retired seven of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft from the fleet.

Baggage Allowance

Baggage allowance on Virgin Atlantic depends on the destination the passenger is travelling to and from as well as the ticket type. Economy class tickets allow one checked bag which should not weigh more than 23 kg and should be within the dimension of 90 x 75 x 43cm. Premium cabin class tickets' baggage allowance on Virgin Atlantic enables two pieces of baggage which cannot exceed 23 kg and should be within the dimension as mentioned in the economy class. The Upper class or business class tickets have a baggage allowance of up to three pieces of bags that should not weigh more than 32 kg. The dimensions of all the baggage should be 90 x 75 x 43cm and not more than the stated measurement. Interestingly, the airline recently made some changes to its baggage allowance policy for passengers travelling to and from Indian cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. They have allowed a free bag allowance which means passengers can carry two bags weighing 32 kg each for Upper Class. However, two pieces of bags are allowed for passengers travelling from premium class with a weight allocation of 23 kg. As for the economy class tickets, the airline has enabled two pieces of bags allowed with a weight permit of not more than 23 kg. These new rules are as opposed to the earlier ones which allowed more baggage allocation by Virgin Atlantic.

In-flight services

In-flight services experienced on Virgin Atlantic are quite exceptional. The airline brings forth some of the best seating accommodation. They have enhanced the seats with better leather and equipment such as a personal lamp, entertainment system, better overhead bin space and seats that recline with better legroom too. Depending on the cabin class chosen by the passenger, the facilities do change. However, the comfort measure remains constant in all the cabins. Virgin Atlantic's in-flight services also include in-flight meals which are inspired by global cuisine.

Popular routes and top cities for Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic caters to a handful of domestic routes and international routes. In fact, in terms of domestic routes, the airline doesn't have a strong game as it only caters to London and Manchester. Barring these two hubs, the airline doesn't have any destination flying within the United Kingdom. As for international routes, it is well-connected with North America and parts of Asian destinations. The airline doesn't have a magnanimous presence in a lot of destinations internationally. They have also terminated services with a slew of cities owing to the loss-making management structure. As of 2020, the airline caters to cities such as Antigua, Shanghai, Havana, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi, Tel Aviv, Lagos, Johannesburg, Tobago, London, Belfast, Manchester, Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC. While the airline did have hopes to acquire more recognition and presence in the domestic market by tying up with Flybe, the deal didn't take off, and neither did Virgin Atlantic's plans to make a bigger UK reach.

Why travel by Virgin Atlantic?

Virgin Atlantic has been facing significant losses and important issues over the years. However, the airline is known and recognised for offering quality service and hospitality. Virgin Atlantic has grown into a favourable airline for passengers who wish to travel to destinations in the United States of America from London and the United Kingdom. The airline has also worked on improving much of its in-flight services and facilities that further enhance the experience of travellers. On the airline's official website, they have enabled booking a Virgin Atlantic flight without any conundrums. Following the same, the airline has also made web check-ins possible with up to date details concerning the flight status of the passengers. Virgin Atlantic's flight schedules are also added on the website along with constant updates. These facilities actually help passengers make the airline a viable option. Virgin Atlantic's flyer clubs also have some of the best amenities in the airport lounge as well as while booking the flight tickets.

  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.