Jodhpur to Bhopal Air India Flights

  About Jodhpur

The second-largest city in Rajasthan after the capital Jaipur is historically rich Jodhpur. The city is often a haven for travellers seeking to learn more about the history and delve into the cultural heritage. From magnificent forts flaunting the architectural prowess to the luxurious escapades offered, Jodhpur easily becomes one of the best cities to head for a vacation.

Due to its stature as a big city, Jodhpur's flight connectivity to other major cities is excellent. Not to mention how the range of accommodations ranges from lavish to affordable. Ahead of your big trip, make sure to book your hotels in Jodhpur and let the city pamper you with its richness.

Best time to visit Jodhpur

The winters in Jodhpur have a comforting vibe that would make anyone extend their trip. The city faces beautiful and serene winters as the temperature drops to 10 degree Celsius while it only rises to 24 degree Celsius during the day. The winter season starts from October and lasts till March. These five months in Jodhpur are blissful as the sun isn't too hot and scorching. If you plan to book flight tickets to Jodhpur, then opt for one of the winter months. Newlyweds who are planning a honeymoon should give Jodhpur a thought for their destination. The place is historically and culturally rich, not to mention romantic.

The months from March to June are observed as summer season. Since it is a desert state, the summers are lethal as the temperatures soar up to 42 degree Celsius. While the evenings can be considerably pleasant if you do visit Jodhpur, you will be too tired by the data's heat to enjoy the evenings. Engaging in sightseeing will especially be tough considering how the temperatures would suck the life out of you. Flight tickets to Jodhpur are exceptionally cheap during summer. You might even crack some flight deals online for booking Jodhpur tickets.

Jodhpur receives scanty rainfall since it is in a dry state. While the temperatures do drop come monsoon, the humidity also skyrockets. The season is definitely not the best time to visit Jodhpur. However, to ensure that travellers continue to visit them, the hotels come up with flash sales and interesting deals. With a view to attracting travellers, crazy accommodation deals are offered by hoteliers. If the weather can't bring down your spirit, then go ahead, book a hotel room in Jodhpur and have an off-season vacation.

Places to see in Jodhpur

One of the biggest highlights of Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. Built by Rao Jodha back in 1460 AD, it is one of the most exquisite hill forts that you will find in Rajasthan. Not to mention the flawless construction and architecture matched with the grandiose of red sandstone make it a sight for sore eyes. The experience will be one of a kind. Well, when you're in Jodhpur, wouldn't you want to check out the place where Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot? The palatial wedding took place at the Umaid Bhavan Palace, another major attraction in the city. Perhaps you too can plan out your fairytale wedding as Taj Group of Hotels partly operates the palace.

Jodhpur has far too many forts that must be explored. Owing to their illustrious history and the Raja-Maharaja heritage, places like Jaswant Thada, Chand Baori, Raas Haveli, Umaid Heritage Art School, Masuriya Hill Garden, etc., should definitely be in your itinerary as you explore Jodhpur. Plus, there are many temples in the city such as Osian temple, Mahamandir, Om Banna Temple, Chamunda Mata temple and more that you can visit.

Things to do in Jodhpur

Tripolia market

No trip is complete without a little indulgence in splurging at shopping complexes. At Jodhpur, you can find some exquisite Jodhpuri style footwear, accessories and clothes. From pretty batik sarees to chunky metal accessories, the market will cater to your shopping needs.

Party at the Trophy Bar

Jodhpur is for the royals, and those who enjoy extravagant experiences should go to the city's Trophy Bar. Located in the Umaid Bhavan Palace, party like a royal at this sports-themed place while downing rich Rajasthani cuisine.

Photography at the Machia Biological Park

If you are a photography enthusiast, then the Machia Biological Park would give you the best models to cover. Visit the biological park along with your professional cameras. At the park, you will get to spot animals such as lions, wolves, tigers, jackals, gharial, leopards, sloths, porcupines and deer. The park also hosts bird-watching tours so if you wish to enhance your experience further, you can enrol for the expedition.

Camel safari followed by dinner

Camel safaris are a rage in Rajasthan and Jodhpur is no different to this fervour. A little away from the main city, there are many campsites that conduct adventure activities in the desert. You can indulge in camel safari followed by sublime food and camping. The perks of Jodhpur is the extravagance it comes with. You can opt for luxurious camping amid sand dunes and let the tranquillity of the desert coddle you.

Food and Restaurants in Jodhpur

When it comes to food, Rajasthani cuisine is wholesome and too good for words. The vegetarian spread of a thali with bajra roti, gatta curry, Dal paneer, Dal baati churma, Marwari pulao and more form quite the harmony of taste in the mouth. No matter how much you try, the delicious spread with dollops of ghee tempt you to eat till your stomach can't take it. And even if you do manage to finish what has been served to you, they come with more variety and food that you've never heard of. They believe in great hospitality and ensure that you return with a satiated smile.

When you visit Jodhpur, be prepared for a feast because their restaurants with lengthy food menu will entice you to order platter after platter of dishes. Speaking of which, when you're in the city, do visit Shandar Sweet Home and immerse yourself in the traditional desserts of the Rajasthanis. From Dahi vada to gulab jamun ki sabzi, you will be amazed and intrigued by their dishes. Ghost's fame comes from its traditional thali that comprises of 29 dishes. The appetizing good with myriad scents and flavours will leave you in a trance.

Hanwant Mahal, Indique and Janta Sweet Home are some more restaurants and food joints that have found fame in Jodhpur for their delicious spread of ingenious cuisine.

How to reach Jodhpur (Transportation)

By Air

Jodhpur might share its airside with the Indian Air Force, but the city does have a dedicated runway that helps connect with other big cities in India. Flights to and from Jodhpur are connected to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The duration of travel is quite less, so expect flight tickets to Jodhpur to be on the cheaper side. However, depending on whether it is a peak or off-season, you might not be able to get your hands on cheap flight tickets to Jodhpur. As winter brings various festivals with it, the peak season sees an abundance of travellers flocking over from international cities. The domestic routes between Jodhpur and Delhi are always busy as consistent flights are flying to and from Jodhpur. Similarly, Mumbai and Jodhpur also have regular flights flying to the city.

Airlines such as Air India and SpiceJet have dedicated flights to Jodhpur. The airport is only 3 km away from the main city, which makes travelling easier. You can get rentals or taxi cabs at the airport. While you're making your flight bookings to Jodhpur, you should also book a hotel in the city. Peak season will see a surge in prices for everything ranging from transport to accommodation. Hence, make sure to book a hotel room in Jodhpur before your trip commences.

By Train

Train travelling is ideal, and the cheapest option one can look for. The ticket prices to Jodhpur via train is also cheap and quite affordable. Jodhpur takes popular rail routes to connect to Mumbai, Delhi Chennai and Kolkata. There are a bunch of express trains travelling from different parts of the world that use this domestic route to reach Jodhpur. From Chennai Jodhpur Expressed to Jaisalmer Delhi Express, there are several express trains that pass through the city. Details about the train timings and other such inputs are shared on the website of the Indian Railways. Depending on whether the train's timing fits your schedule, you can book tickets to Jodhpur.

By Road

The roadways are connected brilliantly in Rajasthan so you can literally reach Jodhpur from any domestic route you pick. All the major cities in Rajasthan are well connected with each other. It'll take you approximately four hours to reach Jodhpur from Udaipur, close to five hours from Jaisalmer, five hours again from Bikaner and five hours and 30 minutes from Jaipur. One of the main reasons why it is recommended that travellers opt for road trips when in Rajasthan is because of how close the main cities are and how you can reach in less duration of time.

  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 Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport is a joint-use civil enclave airport located in the city of Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India. The airport was originally set up by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in the 1920s to accommodate the Jodhpur Flying Club. A small airfield was constructed right next to the Chittar Palace. The airfield witnessed a consistent expansion and growth in the following three decades as it was also acquired by the Royal Air Force to cater to fighter planes during World War II. Eventually, after independence and the exit of the Britishers from India, the airfield was upgraded in 1950 which became part of the Indian Air Force. Until 1965, the airfield was majorly used by the Indian Air Force's Air Force Flying College. This continued until the 1965 war. Eventually, the operations were shifted to creating an airport out of the already existing airfield. Jodhpur Airport is about 3.2 km away from the city centre of Jodhpur. Even though it is operated for passenger flights, the airport continues to see parts of its premise being used by the Jodhpur Air Base which is connected to the Indian Air Force.

About Jodhpur Airport Terminal

Jodhpur Airport has only one domestic terminal which caters to almost three gates. The interiors of the airport terminal are well-equipped with essential facilities ranging from check-in counters to baggage conveyor belts. Overall, the terminal has seven check-in counters, three boarding gates, both located in the domestic terminal premises. The airport also has an apron measuring 140 x 100 metres which are made of concrete and consists of three parking pays for aircraft such as two A320 and one ATR. The runway is also extended to around 2743 metres in length and 45 metres in width. Further, the airport has also facilitated night landing. It has installed an instrument landing system (ILS) along with navigation equipment such as DVOR/DME (Very High-Frequency Omni-Directional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment) and a non-directional radio beacon (NBD). As for the squadrons present in the airport vicinity, HAL Dhruv, Mikoyan MiG-27, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Mil Mi-17 aircraft are present. These aircraft are operated under the Indian Air Force from the shared airfield.

About airport authority

Jodhpur Airport is owned and operated under the Airports Authority. Although it shares the airside with the Jodhpur Air Base of the Indian Air Force, the air force does not have any management or operational role in the functioning of Jodhpur Airport. In 2017, the government of Rajasthan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force to enable expansion plans that the airport's authority has for the civil enclave. The Indian Air Force agreed to hand over 37 acres of their land to the Airports Authority of India so they can commence expansion and upgradation projects. Over the years, the airport has witnessed a tremendous surge in its passenger traffic, owing to the massive tourism activities that take place in the city. Besides, since Jodhpur's grand palaces have become the ideal spot for wedding destinations, the demand for the airport has also increased. Not to mention how it has even become the 44th busiest airports in the country. Airports Authority of India is yet to reveal expansion designs and plans on what they aim to add to the facilities of Jodhpur Airport. However, they have shown promise to accommodate better equipment and essential modern upgrades to add more charm to the airport's vibe.

Facilities at the Jodhpur Airport

Baggage – Baggage facilities at the airport include free trolleys, porter services and security checks of the checked and hand baggage.

Restaurants – The cafeteria of Jodhpur Airport has a bunch of famous food joints as well as local restaurants that promote Rajasthani cuisine.

Duty-free shops – The airport has a few duty-free shops located in comfortable locations, within the departure hall. The shops majorly have Rajasthani-inspired handicrafts, clothes, shoes, artefacts and more. Ethnic jewellery can also be found at these shops, along with affordable food items.

Special assistance – To cater to the needs of physically disabled, Jodhpur Airport also has special assistance facilities. The passenger can request for wheelchairs and even ask the staff to help escort the passenger. It is essential to inform the airlines about the same in advance so that they can inform the airport to reserve services.

ATMs – ATM kiosks have been facilitated at specific points in the airport's vicinity. Passengers who need to withdraw cash at the airport to travel to the city or to make purchases within the airport can use the ATMs.

First aid stations – Jodhpur Airport has reserved specific first aid stations within its premise to cater to medical emergencies. There are dedicated rooms where the patient can rest. These rooms are equipped with essential medical facilities too. Further, the airport has pharmacies also present to help passengers with their medication needs.

Smoking zones – The airport prohibits smoking in public. They have instead installed smoking lounges that passengers can use to smoke. These zones are well-maintained and are at a distance from the main public lounge. They can be found at the airport's departures and arrivals halls.

Top airlines flying from the Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport has found a lot of fame in recent years with a surge in the wedding market as couples are opting for palatial nuptials and wedding destinations. Currently, there are only three airlines that operate from Jodhpur Airport. These include Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. The airport only caters to four Indian destinations, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Indore. Jodhpur Airport doesn't have a single flight even to the state's capital, Jaipur. However, with the expansion plans commencing, the airport's authority aims at attracting more airlines to operate from the airport premise. Now defunct airlines such as Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines operated from Jodhpur Airport and had far more connectivity with various major cities in India.

How to reach Jodhpur Airport

By Bus

Jodhpur Bus Stand is located near the airport as it stands at a distance of 8.7 kilometres. Often, a majority of the crowd opts for bus services to travel within the state. Hence, if you have to reach Jodhpur Airport from the main city, you can first get to the bus stand and take a taxi cab service from here. The perks of Jodhpur are that there are taxi cabs available at all intervals. You can hail a cab from anywhere within the city. Since it is a tourist haven, there are rickshaw services also available that would reach you to Jodhpur Airport. However, with rickshaws, you will need to fix a fare ahead of the journey. Chances of the rickshaw driver upscaling the fare to reach Jodhpur Airport is quite high. Hence, to avoid being swindled, the best way to go about a rickshaw ride would be by fixing a fare ahead of the journey. The same applies to prepaid taxi services in the city. You can avail these services, or you can also book a vehicle to travel through the city and reach Jodhpur Airport, by signing up with a travel agent.

By Rail

Jodhpur Airport is about 5 km away from Jodhpur Railway Station. Located in the south of the city, the railway station is well-equipped with transport services such as buses, taxi cabs and other such modes of transport. For travellers who are reaching the city by train from other parts of Rajasthan, can hail a taxi cab or a car rental to reach Jodhpur Airport. The services are exemplary and available at all times.

About Jodhpur

Jodhpur is recorded as the second largest metropolitan city in Rajasthan, following its capital, Jaipur. It is also recognised as the former seat of a princely state going by the same name. Jodhpur's historical relevance comes from the Kingdom of Marwar. The city was the historic capital of the kingdom. In present times though, Marwar is part of the state and is an independent city. Thanks to the exquisite palaces, first and temples along with the stark landscape expanse of the Great Indian Desert, Thar Desert, makes Jodhpur a tourist's paradise. It is easily one of the top tourist destinations in India. The city is also popularly referred to as the Blue City and Sun City for its clear skies and gorgeous locales. A major part of the old city lies within the borders of the Mehrangarh Fort, which is bounded by a wall and has several gates. Over time though, the city has expanded its wings to acquire more spaces neighbouring the wall. Geographically, Jodhpur is at the epicentre of the state of Rajasthan. Hence, it is convenient with respect to travel options for travellers to reach other parts of the state.

The city of Jodhpur is also known for hosting numerous educational institutions with the most prominent ones being IIT Jodhpur, AIIMS Jodhpur, DSRRAU Jodhpur, NIFT Jodhpur, SNMC Jodhpur and NLU Jodhpur. Research institutes such as Indian Space research Organisations (ISRO), Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Desert Medicine Research Centre (DMRC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to name a few, are also present in Jodhpur.

  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.