Indore to Bhopal Air India Flights

  About Indore

Indore, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the largest cities in the state. The city's rich culture and history are what makes this city special. It is also one of the education hubs in the country. It has an IIT as well as an IIM college. The Indreshwar Mahadev temple is a popular tourist attraction here. According to beliefs, Lord Indra meditated hereafter which Swami Indrapuri established the temple. This is also one of the pivotal reasons why the city was named Indore. It is also voted as one of the cleanest cities in India.

Best Time to Visit Indore

October to March is considered to be ideal for planning a trip to Indore, so from July to September. Summers can get pretty hot here and is not the best time to plan a trip to Indore. The city experiences winter from October to March and the climate is quite pleasant. This is also the peak season, so make sure you keep an eye out for good flight deals to Indore. You can explore the city during the day and night, too, in winter. You can also book a hotel in Indore that has a scenic view and with good offers.

Monsoon begins from July and lasts till September. The city experiences moderate to heavy rainfalls but very frequently. The climate is humid, and while you can enjoy sightseeing at certain locations in the city, other activities might come to a standstill because of the rains. Since this is off-season in the city, you might get cheap flight tickets to Indore.

Summers are from March till June. The temperature goes up to 45 degree Celsius, and the weather is also quite humid, which makes it the worst time to visit the city. Even though evenings and nights can be quite pleasant, getting out of your hotel room during the day can drain you, thanks to the humidity.

Places to Visit in Indore

Indore's Lal Bagh Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city for all the right reasons. The rulers of the Holkar dynasty used to reside in the palace, and the palace reflects the grand lifestyle of the rulers. The European style of architecture, the exquisite Persian and the magnificent chandeliers add to the royalty of the palace. Kanch Mandir, which is close to Rajwada Palace, is also known for its architecture. It is made of Belgian stained glass and mirrors. The Rajwada Palace, built-in 1747 AD by Malhar Rao Holkar is another palace that will leave you impressed. The 200-year-old palace is a blend of Maratha, Mughal and French styles of architecture. You can also book a hotel in Indore that is closer to the Rajwada Palace. The city has a lot of palaces and structures that were built by and during the Holkar dynasty.

If you are visiting Indore during monsoon, make sure you check out the Patalpani waterfall that is about 30 km away from the city. Soak in this picturesque view with a few snacks that you can buy from the stalls near the waterfall. The Annapurna temple sees a lot of tourists and devotees every year. Dedicated to the Goddess of food, this temple looks grand with four life-sized elephant sculptures at the entrance. You can embrace your spiritual side at the temple. Sarafa Market is one of the most popular places for you to try the mouth-watering delicacies that Indore has to offer.

For all the animal lovers out there and budding wildlife photographers, head to the Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary. River Ganga, one of the holiest rivers in India, also flows through the forest. The Bamniya Kund is yet another waterfall that nature lovers will find peaceful. You can also tour through any one of the famous malls in the city to get your hands on some Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees. If you are good at haggling, you might even get more than what you planned to buy. After spending a day shopping for clothes, jewellery and accessories, you can spend the evening trying out the local street food in Indore.

Things to do in Indore

Visit the Rajwada Palace and be amazed by the beautiful architecture that is a blend of Mughal, Maratha and French styles. In fact, there are quite a few palaces in the city that you can visit and be amazed by their architecture. You can also go to the Central Museum to know more about Indian history, especially all the facts and stories related to Madhya Pradesh. You will also find a lot of medieval Hindu and Jain sculptures in the museum. Visit the Patalpani waterfalls to be amazed by nature. You can even look for treks and hikes that happen around the city. If you are looking for an outdoor or adventurous activity to do, you can do trekking to one of the hills or waterfalls. The wildlife sanctuaries that you visit will also be quite the experience, and you can even take stunning pictures here.

Sarafa Bazaar is a famous area in Indore. While you can go shopping for gold and silver during the day, the market becomes a place for all foodies to gather. You will find a lot of stalls and food carts selling lip-smacking food here. Go for a walk around the Choral Dam and lose yourself in the serenity of the environment as it is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Janapav Kuti is a mountain that is also the highest peak in the Vindhyachal range and the best spot for nature lovers. There are quite a lot of waterfalls that you can go to in Indore. There are also quite a few museums in the city you can visit to get to know more about the history of the state. You will also find a lot of temples where you can embrace your spiritual side or even sit and meditate for a while.

Food and Restaurants in Indore

Indore is known for its delicious Poha, Bhutte ki kees, Sabudana Khichdi, Dahi Vade, Malpuas, Jalebis and the list goes on. In fact, you even get different flavours of pani puri in the city. The Joshi Dahi Bada House at Sarafa Bazaar serves the best Dahi Vadas in the city. Garadu is a special Aloo chaat dish that is a speciality in Indore. People in Indore add a special spice mix to it, which is what makes it special. You'll find a lot of shops at Sarafa Bazaar that serve them. It might sound like a weird combination but Poha Jalebi is a very popular dish served in Indore. Do stop at Young Tarang in Chhapan Dukaan to try the Poha Jalebi.

Bhutte Ki Kees is a very special corn recipe that you must have in Indore. You won't get this elsewhere. Try out this snack at Joshi Dahi Bada House. The Khopra Patties at Vijay Chaat House in Chhapan Dukaan is also quite popular. If you want to take a break from street food, you can opt for On The House, a popular restaurant that has party rooms with themes and lip-smacking food, too. Delhi Grill is yet another restaurant that you can go to if you want to have good food on a budget. Shreemaya Celebrity, a bakery that is next to the Shreemaya Restaurant at AB Road, is another popular place in the city. It's quite affordable and an apt place to hang out with your friends or family. If it is Rajasthani food that you are craving, make sure that you stop by Nakhrali Dhani. It is one of the most excellent restaurants to have authentic Rajasthani cuisine in the city.

How to reach Indore (Transportation)

By Air

Since Indore is a popular tourist destination and capital of the state, too, it is well-connected to other cities. Not only is it an important tourism hub, but it is also a commercial hub. The flight connectivity from Indore to other cities is excellent. The Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is only 8 km away from the city centre. The domestic routes from Indore to other cities are to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bhopal, Delhi and so on. There aren't a lot of international flights from Indore to other countries, but you can take connecting flights to other cities from here.

By Rail

You will get direct trains to Indore from cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Bangalore. Even though the rails are well-connected to other cities, it is a long journey depending on where you board the train from. You will easily get a taxi or cab from outside the station to reach your hotel or any other part of the city.

By Road

Indore is connected to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Agra and Pune by road. The NH3, NH 59 and NH 59A highways are some of the popular routes to Indore by road. There are government-run buses and private AC buses, too, that you can opt for to reach Indore from neighbouring cities. It is not one of the most preferred modes of transport, but it is not the most tedious one, too.

  About Bhopal

Also known as the City of Lakes, Bhopal is one of the greenest and cleanest cities in India. With a rich cultural heritage and rapid development, the capital of Madhya Pradesh has found itself in the top 20 list of India's largest cities. Bhopal has been ruled by many influential leaders in the past, ranging from the Maurya Dynasty to the Nawabs to the progressive Begums. It was initially a princely state and witnessed some significant women royalties, who reigned during the British era. Bhopal's rich history also comes with exquisite architecture and inspiring structures. From the stunning Sanchi Stupa to the marvellous Moti Masjid, the city has innumerable tourist attractions that continue to bring travellers from around the world.

The flight connectivity to Bhopal is also quite decent, allowing people to visit the city. If you book your flight tickets well in advance, you will be able to snag some cheap flight tickets. As for accommodations, the city has top-rated hotels and guest houses that you can check out. In fact, peruse through some options and book hotels in Bhopal before you travel.

Best time to visit Bhopal

Winters easily become the best time to visit the lovely city of Bhopal thanks to the chill weather. Starting from October and running till March, the mild winters are pleasant in Bhopal while the nights are chilly. They form the perfect kind of balance that one prefers with December and January being the coldest months. The temperatures usually drop to 5 degrees Celsius in Bhopal. This is also the perfect time to visit other tourist attractions in the city.

Monsoons are not the most sought-after choices to visit Bhopal as the heavy rains and thunderstorms could be a tad bit scary. The natural beauty and greenery is enhanced during the rains but owing to the other concerns it comes with, monsoon is not ideal for travel plans to Bhopal.

Summers in Bhopal are from March to June, and it is easily the hottest season. The heat often gets unbearable, especially during the peak months of May and June. Often the temperatures cross 40 degree Celsius which makes travelling outside difficult.

Places to see in Bhopal

Moti Masjid

Built back in 1862, the illustrious Moti Masjid has exceptional historical and socio-cultural value. The mosque is said to be made by Sikander Jahan Begum, touted to be the most progressive and free-spirited woman of the said era. The structure holds an uncanny resemblance to the Jama Masjid of Delhi with its use of white marble and architecture. Travellers enthused by history would find the mosque intriguing.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Lakshmi Narayan Temple is yet another famous tourist attraction of Bhopal. The temple was built to honour Goddess Lakshmi and her consort Lord Vishnu. The temple premise also has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Parvati. The impeccable designs and well-kempt gardens of the temple complex help soothe the eyes as well as the heart.

Van Vihar National Park

Located in close proximity with the Upper Lake is the Van Vihar National Park, home to an array of wildlife including Sambar, Blackbuck, Blue Bull, Hyena, Porcupine and more. The park is well-maintained as it plays lungs to the city, which has seen some troubled times in terms of environmental hazards. The vast expanse of the national park has exotic flora as well to combine the joys of a wildlife and nature lover.

Sanchi Stupa

The Sanchi Stupa is a structure that dates back to 3rd century BCE and is said to be built by the great emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, King Ashoka. As the Mauryan King pursued the path of Buddhism and contributed to the spiritual movement, the Stupa's dome structure has been turned into a central vault to preserve the relics of Lord Buddha. The historical significance, as well as the Stupa's unmatched architecture, has made it a venerated tourist attraction in Bhopal. In the premise of the Sanchi Stupa, you will find some intricate designs on the walls of the structure which explain significant timelines of the Buddhism history. Moreover, visiting the Stupa would be an educational expedition that would certainly be quite enjoyable.

Upper Lake

Prominently known as Bhojtaal or Bada Talab, what makes the Upper Lake so famous is the fact that it is the oldest artificial lake in the country. The lake is believed to be built in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj. The lake has a scenic view and faces the royal garden, also known as Kamla Park. Either, you can sit by the banks of the lake to enjoy the sunset, or you can take up boating as an activity.

Taj-Ul-Masjid

Touted to be one of the most pristine mosques in Madhya Pradesh is the Taj-Ul-Masjid which translates to 'Crown of Mosques'. The name fits the image perfectly as the mosque is an architectural bliss with soothing blush walls while the domes are white. The premise of the mosque also has a grand courtyard with marble flooring and a pond. It would be best if you visited the mosque, especially for its architectural prowess.

Things to do in Bhopal

Entertainment at the Sair Sapata

One of the entertainment attractions of Bhopal has got to be the Sair Sapata. While the city's rich history and exquisite architecture could keep you on your toes, the Sair Sapata with its stimulating entertainment activities such as bike racing, boating, hiking, car dash and more must be visited. Irrespective of your age, the place is entertaining for everyone.

Boating at Bhojtal and Halali Dam

The city has quite a few lakes and rivers flowing, which makes boating a favoured activity. Often people take up boating on the Upper River or Bhojtal. You can engage in the same kind of activity at the Halali Dam too, which is approximately 40 km away from the city centre.

Trek to Raisen Fort

Located close to 23 km from the city centre is this mighty proud Raisen Fort. The Fort is actually atop a hill and is also surrounded by some quaint temples and reservoirs. The Raisen fort is famous for being a shrine to Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, a venerated Muslim saint. Over the centuries, the Fort witnessed a slew of rulers since the 13th century. You can easily do a trek and explore more of the Fort, which also has a mosque and dome structures within the complex.

Explore Bhimbetka Caves

Bhimbetka Caves enjoys the stature of being a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site. The caves are more than 30,000 years but continue to offer aesthetic vibes with the aptly sculpted rock formations. The natural green surrounding further amplifies the beauty of the place. One can simply take a 20 Ltr hiking bag and stroll through the magnificent caves.

Food and Restaurants in Bhopal

With a rich Mughal influence, you will find some of the best Mughlai food in Bhopal. Zamzam is one such restaurant which is popular for its lip-smacking biryani. The menu is quite affordable and the food, certainly delectable. Another food paradise that you should visit for cuisines ranging from Awadhi to Bhopali is the Za-aiqa restaurant. It is located in Kohefiza, Bhopal and offers a compelling variety of delicacies that would make the foodie in you, a happy person. You will get to taste the taste of Awadhi food as well as can delve into the impeccable Mughlai spread.

Other popular food destinations in Bhopal are Kebabsville, Bhopal Express, Manohar, Da Pizzeria, La Kuchina and more. Since Bhopal is a metro city, the place has acquired many of the commercial foot joints. However, to get the true essence of Bhopali cuisine, one must definitely visit these places.

How to reach Bhopal

By Air

Bhopal airport is located on the northwestern side and is 13 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to and from Bhopal is excellent as it connects with major metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Indore and Gwalior. The Raja Bhoj Airport witnesses regular domestic flights as airlines Air India and SpiceJet have flight services to the city. The main city of Bhopal is easy to reach from the airport as the distance is not much and there are taxi cab and other transport facilities available.

By Rail

The Bhopal Railway Station is also well-connected with domestic routes and can reach the city from various parts of the country. There is a domestic route from Delhi to Mumbai that connects to Bhopal. A Delhi-Chennai main line also passes through Bhopal by train.

By Road

Bhopal's location makes it easy for bus services to reach the city. There is an abundance of public and private-owned bus services that can be found from all parts of the country, except for the Northeastern states. From Indore to Ratlam to Nagpur, the city can be reached from several parts of India. It is recommended that ahead of the travel, you book your hotels to avoid complications.

 About Air India

Air India was the first Indian airline that went by the name Tata Airways when it was launched. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata launched it in 1932 in Karachi. The first flight was from Karachi to Mumbai and then to Chennai. The airline became a public limited company after World War II, under the name Air India. In 1948, a Lockheed Constellation L-749A called the Malabar Princess landed in London Heathrow from Bombay, which was the airline's first international flight. Air India got its first Boeing 707-420 and became the first Asian airline to enter the Jet Age. It launched services to New York in 1960. It took delivery of its first Boeing 747-200B in 1971 and named it Emperor Ashoka. It acquired its first Airbus A310-300 in 1986 and Boeing 747-400 in 1993 which was named Konark later. The airline also operated its first non-stop flight between New York and Delhi during this year. In 2007, Air India merged with Indian Airlines under Air India Limited. They acquired their first Boeing 777 that year. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is Air India's main hub. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is the secondary hub. Chennai International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad and Trivandrum International Airport are its focus cities domestically.

Air India made Frankfurt Airport its international hub in 2009 for onward connections to the United States of America from India. Still, they had to shut it down because of high operating costs. In 2010, Air India decided to open a new hub for its international flights in Dubai. The airline's financial growth has been a topic of conversation for decades. For years, there were debates around the privatisation of Air India, but the Government of India refused to go ahead with it. When it did decide to hand over responsibility to private companies, no one came forward. Air India launched its low-cost airline, Air India Express, a couple of years back that majorly flew to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Despite suffering losses in the market and going through a lot of ups and downs, the airline is functioning since it is the national carrier.

Air India has also gone through a lot of modifications with its brand logo and mascot. The Maharajah is the main mascot of the airline and was created by Bobby Kooka, the commercial director of Air India then and Umesh Rao, who was an artist with J Walter Thompson Limited in 1946. The mascot was given a makeover in 2015, and the airline decided to go with a younger version of Maharajah. Since India's colour scheme is red and white, the airline's logo also incorporates the same in its logo. The name of the airline is written in Hindi and English in red. The first logo of the airline was a centaur shooting an arrow in a circle which represented the wheel of Konark. However, the airline decided to give its logo a makeover in 2007, which was a flying swan with the wheel of Konark in it.

Fleet Size of Air India

Air India had started its operations with a de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft back in 1932. It inducted its first Boeing 707-420 later on and named it Gauri Shankar. It became the first Asian airline to add a jet aircraft in its fleet. Since it is the oldest airline in the country, it has both Boeing and Airbus aircraft in its fleet. It inducted its first Boeing 747-400 in 1993 and named it Konark. The airline inducted its first Airbus A320-200 aircraft in 1989 which now covers both domestic and international short hauls. The airline has a total of 70 Airbus aircraft including one A320 Classic, 4 A320ceo, 19 A319 aircraft, 20 A321, 5 A320ceo (Single Configuration), 27 A320neo and 3 A319 (Single Configuration). It has a total of 172 narrow-body aircraft and 49 wide-body aircraft. Air India uses one of the five Boeing 747-400s as VIP flights. Air India grounded its last Airbus A320 classic fleet in 2019, and the last flight flew from Delhi to Mumbai.

Air India had also sold five of its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to Etihad Airways in 2013 to make up for its financial losses. The airline also had plans to introduce long flights to Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco but had to cancel, owing to weak demand and high fuel prices.

Baggage Allowance

Air India has certain baggage allowance rules and regulations that every passenger must follow. As per Air India's baggage allowance rules, you cannot carry cabin luggage that exceeds 8 kg, and your check-in luggage cannot exceed 20 kg. If you are flying internationally and if you are a premium club member, you will be allowed up to 40 kg of baggage. Even if you are ready to pay extra, your hand baggage cannot exceed 10 kg. First Class passengers are allowed a maximum of 40 kg baggage while Business Class passengers can only carry 35 kg. If you are travelling by the Economy Class, your baggage cannot exceed 25 kg. However, if you have an infant travelling with you, an extra 10 kg baggage allowance is offered by the airline. Make sure you inform the airline staff well in advance if your luggage is going to exceed the allowed weight. The airline has also made web check-in quite convenient for its passengers. You can either log in to the website and get it done, or you can get in touch with the call centre. The executives will help you get your web check-in done. It is best to get your web check-in done in advance, so you get to pick the right seat instead of settling for something chosen by the staff at the airport.

In-flight Services

Air India's First Class is royalty and luxury personified. The seats recline up to 180-degree, and the interiors are a sight for sore eyes. In addition to the ultra-comfortable seating, Air India's in-flight services are extremely efficient, and the best part is that the first-class cabin only seats 12 passengers. You can order your favourite cocktails and cuisines that are a treat to your taste buds. You can also do all of your duty-free shopping onboard. The first-class and business class cabins are also equipped with the Thales i3000 in-flight entertainment system. You can access five channels in Hindi and English. You can also browse through Air India's in-flight magazine called Shubh Yatra. First Class and Business Class passengers can also access the Maharaja Lounge. Business-class passengers are treated to plush seats and lip-smacking entrees that are accompanied with wine. You also get an exclusive check-in and lounge facility. Don't fret if you are not travelling by the premium class. Economy class passengers have complimentary refreshments and meals on all of their flights. You will also get complimentary liquor or wine on the international flights. The airline staff makes sure that passengers have a great time during their journey.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Air India

Air India connects to various domestic and international routes daily. Since it is one of the oldest and the first airlines, it connects to more cities domestically and internationally. It connects to approximately 102 destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and so on. It also flies to international destinations that cover the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Air India has frequent flights running to other destinations and makes sure you have had a great journey as well. Do make sure that you get your web check-in done well in advance.

Why Travel by Air India?

Air India is the national airline and has been in the airline industry since 1932. The airline makes sure that you have had a comfortable journey and seldom leaves any room for complaints. It has maintained its legacy of making sure that every passenger gets a royal treatment. It is also one of the very few airlines in the country that offers first-class flights to its passengers. You can check Air India's flight schedule and your flight status on their website. Even if you cannot access the website for some reason, you will certainly get updates and messages from the airline regarding the same. It also makes web check-in quite easy for its passengers. The staff is well-equipped to solve any grievances or requests put forth by passengers. You can book an Air India flight from the website. You can also get in touch with your travel agent and get them to book the ticket for you. It would be best if you experienced the royal treatment and luxury of being Air India's first-class passenger at least once in your life. The airline has come a long way and continues to give its passengers the best services and experience. The airline also makes sure that the flights run on time.

  About Indore Airport

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport or popularly referred to as Indore Airport is the principal international airport that caters to the city of Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is easily one of the busiest airports in Central India and is about 8 km away from the main city. Indore Airport is known to be the 21st busiest airport in the country, as of 2020. Initially called as plain Indore Airport, the decision to name it after Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar was introduced to glorify the Holkar Dynasty of the Maratha Empire that reigned the city. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport is known to accommodate about 2 million passengers annually. The airport has also been recognised by The World Book of Records with the World Standardization Certification for maintaining a spotless airport service quality. Much recently, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport started a 24*7 operation with flights taking off and landing in the night as well.

Indore Airport came into existence in 1935. However, civilian operations commenced in 1948 between Indore, Delhi, Gwalior and Mumbai. An approval to operate international flight activities was also commenced. With this, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport became the first airport in Madhya Pradesh to enable international flights and connectivity.

About Indore Airport Terminals

The airport has two terminals, one for domestic and the other for cargo operations. The domestic terminal has been developed to match international standards. All the facilities and services have been installed with modern structures. This includes escalators, high-tech baggage handling systems and various other amenities that can be availed. The terminal cargo is also perfectly maintained. The cargo's warehouses are huge, and the facilities are top-notch and better. The security to guard the cargo is also exemplary. The safety protocols have been maintained regularly. Indore Airport integrated its new terminal building and inaugurated the same in 2012. The new terminal was built by the Airports Authority of India at a whopping price of INR 1.35 billion. The airport is now capable of accommodating 700 passengers in an hour. Currently, the runway can cater to 96 flight movement daily. The international airport contains 16 check-in counters, 16 immigration booths and four customs counters. Indore Airport currently has about three aerobridges with one lift and a conveyor belt for luggage.

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport sprawls across 729 acres with the current terminal that is spread over 18,000 square metres. The airport has also reserved the south end of the runway to the MPFC Flying Club. The sole runway is about 2750 metres long and 45 metres wide.

About airport authority

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport was owned by the Holkar Dynasty when it first came into existence in 1935. However, the ownership and operations were handed over to the Airports Authority of India. AAI is a government statutory body that caters to the maintenance, upgradation and management of the civil aviation infrastructures that are being governed by them. Currently, the Airports Authority of India has a total of 126 airports under its wing. They have helped change the face of Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport as well. By introducing renewed technology and modern equipment, the airport's landscape has seen some significant changes. Plus, they have also built a renewed terminal building to accommodate domestic and international carriers. There are many flights flying from Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport that connect to various major and small Indian cities. Under its expansion plans, the airport body is also planning to install an airport hotel within the current integrated terminal along with a convention centre. The land is also said to be expanded to accommodate more flights.

Facilities at Indore Airport

Lounge - Indore Airport has a designated lounge called Saptagiri. The lounge is a perfect place to unwind and wait for boarding. Saptagiri has a TV installed along with a restaurant. The passenger can avail the food at reasonable prices. Simultaneously, they can be entertained by the content played on TV. The seats and meals are quite comfortable, tasty and affordable.

Restaurants and food joints - Aside from the airport's lounge, you can further avail restaurant services within the food court as well. There are designated food courts with establishments and local joints available. You can relish some of the classic Nawabi food at the airport. They also have some cafes and quaint eateries at the airport. Some of the small stores also have food and beverages sold at reasonable prices.

Shopping - Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport also has small shops set in the premise. You can find the local handicrafts and other items that reflect the culture and traditions of Indore at these shops. They are perfect for souvenir shopping for your friends and family. The shops also sell magazines, newspapers and other such entertainment content that can keep you company while you wait for boarding.

Baggage - The airport has high-tech equipment with respect to baggage. They have strict security bag checks with top-class scanners. Plus, the airline also accommodates slew of baggage services that cater to some of the needs of the passenger. These include baggage wrapping services, porter services and more. Although a dedicated storage system hasn't been installed yet, the airport does have facilities for baggage reclaim.

Travel agents - At the airport's arrivals section, you will find travel agent booths. They will help you out with all travel-related concerns. Right from booking accommodation to planning travel itineraries, the travel agents will help you with your trip to the city. Not to mention, you can also book your transportation at the travel agent's desk. You can pre-book a vehicle to take you around during your time in the city.

Smoking zones - Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport has reserved special smoking lounges for travellers. They have prohibited smoking in public spaces. Hence, travellers would need to use the smoking lounge spaces. They are available at the departure and arrivals sections of the terminals.

ATMs - There are ATM kiosks present at the airport to help travellers withdraw money for their trip. In case you might have missed out on withdrawing money for the trip, the ATMs would be right there in the airport premise to help you with your cash woes.

Special assistance - For travellers who have mobility issues or need to be accompanied within the airport premise, there are provisions for the same. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport has dedicated staff to cater to the special assistance and needs of the passengers. The airline must be intimated on the same beforehand to make things smoother for the passenger. You can submit a list of requirements to the airline, and the airport will take care of the rest.

Medical services - Airports must have reserved medical services. The same can be found at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport as well. They have dedicated staff to help with medical emergencies that might take place within the premise. They also have specific rooms and pharmacies to cater to the same.

Top airlines flying from Indore Airport

There are only flight services from two airlines operating from Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. Air India and IndiGo are the two airlines that have flights flying to and from Indore airport. The connectivity of the airport to other cities is quite limited as it is not the primary airport of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Some of the top cities that are connected to Indore Airport include Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Allahabad.

How to reach Indore Airport

By Road

Although a dedicated bus stand right outside Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport has not been installed yet, it does have one nearby. About 13 km away from the airport, a bus stand has been set to help passengers reach various parts of the city. You can reach the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport by getting down at the bus stand and hailing a cab or a rickshaw. There are taxis available at all times at the bus stand. Many budget travellers often use this as an option. However, if you do not want to go through the bus crowd, you can directly hail cabs from the city to reach Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. It is recommended that you fix a price with the cab driver to ensure that you are not swindled. Travelling within the city is quite easy and affordable. Often travellers take a cab from the airport to the bus stand and from here, continue their journey to other parts of Indore. Buses are usually considered as ideal modes of transport in Indore as they are affordable and connect to several parts of the city.

By Rail

The railway station is located at a distance of approximately 11 km from Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. Passengers who are trying to reach Indore Airport from other parts of the state can find taxi cabs at the railway station. Since the distance is not too much, travellers often consider this as the second most viable option. From the railway station, there are many taxi services to reach Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. The prices set by the cab drivers to reach Indore Airport are also quite reasonable considering the distance.

  About Bhopal Airport

Raja Bhoj Airport, which is the fundamental airport serving, Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is known to be the second busiest in the state. The Bhopal Airport comes after Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport of Indore as an important airport in the state. It is 15 km away from the city centre and the Bhopal Junction railway station. The airport is perfectly located at the intersection of the National Highway 46 as well as State Highway 18. The State Highway connects the city of Bhopal to Indore. The airport also stands 20 km away from the Habibganj railway station, which is located in the south of Bhopal. The city does offer domestic and international flights which include the famous Hajj pilgrimage to Jeddah. It is flown by Saudia airlines, and the airport accommodated operations of the same from 2010, specifically for Hajj travellers. The flight has decent connectivity with the city centre as there are buses, trains and taxi cabs available from and to the Bhopal Airport.

About Bhopal Airport Terminals

For the longest time, the Raja Bhoj Airport had a domestic stance, but after accommodating the Saudia airlines as well as flight connectivity with Middle Eastern cities, the proposal to turn it international is being acknowledged. The airport is required to have immigration facilities to ensure that the international services that operate from the Raja Bhoj airport. The integrated terminal building at the Bhopal Airport has been built across an expanse of 289,940 sq ft with 14 check-in and four immigration counters for departure. For arrival, though, it has six immigration booths. There are about 22 customs desks also prevalent at the airport with 11 for departure and 11 for arrival. A dedicated X-ray machine for security is also present at the airport. Much recently, the terminal has also introduced a food establishment and some local stores. The whole initiative has been taken by the Airport Authority of India, as part of their development scheme. There are also two aerobridges connecting the terminal. Meanwhile, the third aerobridge's construction is to start soon.

About airport authority

The Raja Bhoj Airport is owned and operated by the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The statutory body is responsible for the management, infrastructural expansion, upgradation and maintenance of the airport. The authority has worked to better the Bhopal Airport and done a pretty good job with it. In fact, Bhopal Airport has been developed extensively with a view to adding the international tag to the airport's status. The Bhopal airport does accommodate international flights that connect to cities such as Jeddah and Riyadh.

Top airlines flying from Bhopal Airport

Bhopal Airport is a domestic airport that only caters to flights and airlines flying in the country. The city has good connectivity to domestic cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, to name a few. These are the big cities in the country and have immaculate connectivity with the rest of the country. Domestic airlines such as Air India, Alliance Air, IndiGo and Saudia operate from the Raja Bhoj Airport. While mostly the airlines flying from the Bhopal Airport are domestic, some of the Indian airlines also have flights to Jeddah and Riyadh. Air India has a dedicated flight to Jeddah. Meanwhile, Saudia is the only international airlines operating from Bhopal Airport. The airlines have flights flying to Jeddah and Riyadh from the city. The airlines cater to the Hajj pilgrimage and hence, fly from the city of Bhopal. While the Raja Bhoj Airport has a bare minimum of airlines flying international, the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport, located in Indore, serves as a domestic and international airport. It caters to domestic airlines and international airlines.

Facilities at Bhopal Airport

WiFi - The airport caters to domestic and just one dedicated international flight that caters to Hajj pilgrims. Hence, they have reserved WiFi services. The WiFi connection can be availed for free and is available in all areas of Bhopal Airport. However, the free use can only last up to 200 Mb. Post this, the passenger might have to pay for the services. Details of the same can be acquired at the airport itself

ATMs and forex - Bhopal Airport also provides ATM kiosks located at convenient spots as well as forex centres. Currency exchange counters are usually located in the arrival sections of the international terminal. There is access to reach the forex counter and exchange currencies. You can take the help of any airport staff to reach the currency exchange counter.

Child care centres - With a view to helping out travellers with infants, Raja Bhoj Airport has reserved special facilities to cater to them. Dedicated child care rooms have been installed within the premise of the airport to help take care of the infant's needs. These could range from feeding to changing of diapers. The room can be utilized for free and is available on the first level of the airport. Further, you can find baby products also, in case you run out of them.

Post office - A post office has also been installed in the passenger concourse to cater to the passengers. In case there are any last-minute couriers that need to be sent. Or even if there are some baggage woes where you might need to courier some of the items from your bag, the same can be done without a hassle. You can ask details of the same at the airport itself. The staff are quite helpful.

Medical aid services - First aid centres and medical professionals are available at the airport. With a view to helping with medical emergencies at the Raja Bhoj Airport, they have installed medical rooms and other such services. There are pharmacies also available within the premise of the airport to help with last-minute medication purchases.

Smoking zone - Dedicated smoking lounges have also been created in the airport as smoking in public is prohibited. The smoking lounges are available on the ground as well as the first levels in both the terminals.

Lounges - A VIP lounge is available at the airport and can be used by all passengers. No specific cabin class tickets are required to hang out at the lounge. Raja Bhoj Airport has made the lounge free to use for all passengers. The lounge comes with relaxed seating and restaurants.

Restaurants and cafes – Food courts and restaurants are present at the airport. The food court has small joints as well as globalized fast food joints such as Subway, KFC, McDonald's and more. There are small coffee and tea establishments also available at the arrivals and departures.

How to reach Bhopal Airport

There are dedicated buses that are often opted to reach the Bhopal Airport. Two reserved buses service from the Raja Bhoj Airport to downtown Bhopal. The buses are air-conditioned and perfectly well-connected to reach the city centre. The routes chosen by the buses are also very convenient as they pass through the most important spots in Bhopal. There are stops at Habibganj Railway Station, New Market, Misrod and even Board Office. The bus tickets to reach the Bhopal airport is also quite minimal and affordable. There are specific schedules that need to be followed, and you can find them at the Bhopal Airport. Another comfortable mode of transport chosen to reach the Bhopal Airport are by prepaid taxis and car rentals. There are several of these available in the city centre as well as the Raja Bhoj Airport. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Raja Bhoj airport from Bhopal's city centre. While a metro line is being constructed to connect the Bhopal Airport and the city centre, there are no direct railway lines connected otherwise. No railway station is connected directly or is even close to the Bhopal airport.

About Bhopal

Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The city is famous for its flourishing artificial lakes and for being one of the greenest and beautiful cities in the country. Bhopal's fame also comes from the princely regime that took place during the British rule. To this day, the city continues to celebrate its Nawabi culture and celebrate some of the cultural heritages from the Nawab period. These include places such as Taj-ul-Masajid and Taj Mahal palace, to name a few. Bhopal is also known worldwide for the tragic industrial disaster which resulted in the loss of lives and natural habitat.

Bhopal gas tragedy took place in 1984 following a gas leak from the Union Carbide India Limited's (UCIL) pesticide manufacturing plant. The disaster resulted in the loss of lives and also shed light on the socio-political challenges of people living in Bhopal. However, the city overcame the tragedy and now stands as one of the smart cities to be developed under the current prime minister's flagship project, Smart Cities Mission. Bhopal has been receiving the coveted title of the greenest cities in the country for consecutive years.