Jharsuguda to Guwahati Flights

  About Jharsuguda

Located in the northern side of Odisha is the city of Jharsuguda. The place is famous for its metallurgical contribution. It is recognised as an industrial hub and has good connectivity with other metropolitan cities. The city recently inaugurated the Jharsuguda Airport and renamed it as Veer Surendra Sai Airport. Jharsuguda does not have a lot of tourist attractions but thanks to its industrial relevance, manages to attract industrialists.

Best time to visit Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda's geographical features give it mild summers and winters in comparison to the rest of Indian cities. Despite being located in the far northwest of the state of Odisha, the city witnesses decent and mild temperatures. The months from October to March are considered to be the best time to visit the city. Jharsuguda actually enjoys mild temperatures without much humidity during these months. During winters, the city actually sees a temperature that drops to 13 degree Celsius in the night. The days during summer are quite clear and sunny. It is not hot as the maximum the temperature rises to is 27 degree Celsius during winter months. Hence, travelling within the city or to engage in tourist activities become easy. The city does witness a good footfall of tourists during this season. It is considered to be the peak season for Jharsuguda. In fact, December and January are actually peak winter months and will see the maximum drop in temperatures. The hotel prices do see a surge during this time as the demand rises. You will find some decent establishments in the city, and the hotel prices are still decent, even after the hike.

The summers in Jharsuguda are not very favourable for travelling or tourism. The temperatures skyrocket just as much as they drop. The hot weather is accompanied by humidity too, which only makes the weather extremely unpleasant. April and May see peak summers with temperatures going as high as 41 degree Celsius. Interestingly though, while the day temperatures see a hike, the night temperatures see a tremendous drop. In fact, April and May months actually see night temperatures going down to 10 degree Celsius sometimes. The extreme temperatures often make it difficult for tourists. The monsoon kicks in from July and stays till September, sometimes even October. You will need to pack your bags as per the seasons and their varied temperatures. If monsoon is what you are rooting for then an umbrella and rainy boots would be ideal. Not to mention how you should pack light clothes with winter jackets to deal with summers in Jharsuguda. The place doesn't see excessive tourism during the summers, and the hotel prices in Jharsuguda are also cheap during the summers.

Places to visit in Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda is a growing industrial hub to Odisha. Hence, much of the city has tremendous industrial locations and complexes. This leaves room for less tourist attraction. It is not the ideal place for vacation. However, for those who do live close by or have a free weekend from their professional commitments, then they can indulge in some of the activities and places to visit around the city. Since many folks often flock over for business and work-related commitments, spending quality time to break away from the professional responsibilities, they can start with checking out the Bikramkhol cave. The Bikramkhol caves are known to be archaeological sites. There are actually interesting inscriptions on the cave's walls that have been done by the tribal of the area. You can also visit the Chandi Mandir, which is located close to the city of Jharsuguda. The temple has the Ib River flowing in the backdrop which adds to the beauty of the place. While you are here, you can also check out the Jhhadeswar Temple, which is in proximity to the city. Another famous tourist attraction in Jharsuguda is the Vedanta Meadows Park. The lovely park is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and is refreshing. It is definitely unmissable and perfect for hanging out, especially with family.

Things to do in Jharsuguda

There are not many things that can be done in Jharsuguda. As an industrial hub, the place doesn't have enough recreational spaces where one can unwind. However, you can always choose to trek up the Bikramkhol caves. You actually have to walk up the stairs to reach the caves. The scenic trail makes for some lovely photographs that you can indulge in as you go up the caves. Also, close to the ChandiMandir is the Koilighugar Waterfall. The waterfall is a major tourist attraction as many devotees who visit the temple, take some time to enjoy the view and the waterfall. Close to the city, you will also find Gudguda waterfalls.

Food and Restaurants in Jharsuguda

Odisha's tribal culture is reflected in their cuisine. You will find some really simple yet sublime dishes that are quite appetising. In fact, Jharsuguda has many restaurants and food establishments that express the cultural heritage of the state. Do not be surprised if you are served food on sal leaf as it is a tradition followed by the locals. Much like how the South Indians serve food on a banana leaf, the Odisha culture has them serve food on a sal leaf. The food is perfect for those who are looking to have healthy and down-to-earth food. As a small town, Jharsuguda does not have extensive establishments. In fact, it would be tough for you to find the globally recognised fast food joints such as KFC, McDonald's and Burger King. However, the small and quaint restaurants have good food. The rich cuisine of Odisha can be tasted at these establishments with meals ranging from their classic pakhala bhata to pilaf. When you do visit Jharsuguda, you should definitely not miss their famous curry, Santula. The dish is basically made from raw papaya, drumsticks, brinjal and tomato with light spices.

You should also not miss potala alu rasa, one of the most famous Odisha delicacies. The dish is basically flavoured potato mixed with pointed gourd and cooked perfectly. Other dishes that you cannot miss include gupchup, which is basically puchka of the east, pani puri of the west and gol gappa of the north. For the ones with a sweet tooth, you should indulge in chhena poda, rasabali, and pitha to give your taste buds a tour of the state. These dishes are quite tasty. You can visit Chick Blast to get the best fried chicken and other dishes pertaining to the meat. Mayank Restaurant and Fast Food is also recognised in the city for the lovely spread of food and dishes from around the country. Pramod Hotel and Yog - Sheela are both touted to be the best restaurants in the city. They serve a plethora of cuisines that don't limit to just the Odisha cuisine. You should also visit GOCOOL for the classic sandwiches and other fast food that is recognised around India. The Food Court also does the deed. In fact, you can find salads too here.

How to reach Jharsuguda (Transportation)

By Air

The flight connectivity to Jharsuguda is decent. Over the years, the connectivity has improved as the city is turning into a thriving industrial hub for Odisha. The Jharsuguda Airport or Veer Surendra Sai Airport was used for various political and military reasons. In fact, the airfield catered to the RAF (Royal Air Force) during the British Raj as well as other Allied Forces amid the Second World War. Freedom Fighters, including Subhash Chandra Bose, also contributed to the battle. Much recently, the airport gained prominence again as it was elected to be the second commercial airport after Bhubaneshwar's Biju Patnaik International Airport in the state of Odisha. SpiceJet is the only airline that has dedicated flights flying to Jharsuguda. The flight tickets to Jharsuguda are actually quite expensive compared to the other cities in India. The most popular route to reach Jharsuguda is from Hyderabad and Delhi. These two cities are the only ones who have domestic routes connected to Jharsuguda by air. Hence, layovers also take place in Jharsuguda.

By Rail

There are quite a handful of trains to Jharsuguda. The Jharsuguda Junction is quite famous and has good connectivity with the other major Indian cities. As long as you make prior bookings of your tickets to Jharsuguda, you will be able to secure a seat and also get it for cheap. Since there are not an extensive number of trains dedicated to Jharsuguda, it is tough to reserve a seat. You can make online bookings of tickets to Jharsuguda. In the state though, Jharsuguda is an important junction with many outstation trains passing and even stopping at the station.

By Road

Road is considered to be a viable mode of transport to reach Jharsuguda. Many people often pick the domestic route from Bhubaneshwar to reach Jharsuguda. You can book for rentals at the airport or even the train station as many such services are available. There are buses that go to Jharsuguda from Bhubaneswar too as well as other neighbouring cities. Hence, the bus has always been an economically viable option to many.

  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 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.