Kandla to Srinagar Flights

  About Kandla

Gujarat is a state with major tourist attractions like the Gir National Park, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Somnath temple, Bhuj, the Rann of Kutch and so on. Kandla is another popular destination, also known as Kandla Port. It is situated on the Gulf of Kutch and is the largest port of India in terms of the volume of cargo it handles. It might not be an ideal tourist destination, but it is one that you must visit. Since it is the largest port in India, you can head over to catch all the action. You can look at all the heavy cargo being moved and large ships that help with the transport. However, you will need a certain set of approved permissions to get closer to the ships that are parked at the port. If you are travelling with your kids, this is one of the best places to visit. It will be quite the learning experience for them and for you, too. You can also check out the huge hydraulic cranes that take out the massive containers.

Best Time to Visit Kandla

Kandla is the hub of commercial activity in Gujarat, and it is busy all year round. While there are barely any tourist attractions in the port city, there are a lot of attractions near Kandla that you can visit. Bhuj, Rann of Kutch, Mandvi Beach are some of the popular attractions. If you are planning to visit all of these attractions in addition to Kandla, it is best to plan your trip anywhere between October to February. The state witnesses winter, and it is the ideal time to head to Kandla. The temperature ranges from 12 to 35 degree Celsius during October to February. The weather is favourable and pleasant for you to plan a trip to the port. You can also enjoy a mesmerizing sunset by the Gulf of Kutch while you watch the cargo being boarded on the huge ships. The famous Rann of Kutch also takes place during February, which attracts a lot of tourists to the port also during this time.

March to May is summer in Gujarat, and the temperature reaches up to a maximum of 40 degree Celsius. May is the hottest month in Gujarat, and taking a trip to the state during this time can be quite exhausting. It is best to avoid travelling to any place in Gujarat during the summer. Even if you are planning a summer trip, make sure you stay hydrated and carry sunblock with you. June to September is monsoon in Gujarat, and the city doesn't receive very heavy rainfall. The humidity does increase during monsoon, and it might kill any plan that you have to venture out. Heavy rains or not, travelling during monsoon can become quite painful. If you don't like getting drenched, you might have to spend the day sitting in your hotel rooms waiting for the rain to stop. However, since this is the off-season, it will be easier to get cheap flight tickets to Kandla.

Places to Visit in Kandla

Kandla Port is one of the major attractions that is located on Kandla Creek. It was established in 1952 and inaugurated by then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Kandla Port is also the commercial hub of Gujarat and is the centre for importing oil and exporting grains from India. There are quite a few tourist attractions that are near Kandla and are destinations you cannot miss. Gandhidham is a very popular and beautiful town that is 13 km away from Kandla. The town was made for all the people who were left homeless during the India-Pakistan partition. Kandla creek is also where late Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were submerged, which makes it a special place for people to visit. The Rann of Kutch takes place in February and is a very popular event in the country. You get to experience the best of the culture, artwork, tradition, performance arts, music and more. A lot of people club their trips to Kutch with a few hours to spare to visit Kandla Port.

Kandla is also quite close to Bhuj. You can add Kandla to your itinerary if you are planning a trip to Bhuj. The Ashapura Mata temple in Bhuj sees a lot of devotees during Ashwin Navratri and Chaitra Navratri. Dholavira is one of the largest excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization. You can also visit the Mandvi Beach for an evening stroll after you are done soaking in the mesmerizing view at Kandla Port. Bhadreshwar Jain Temple is yet another place that sees a lot of tourists. It is an ancient temple and a highly recommended tourist spot, too. You will also find approximately 52 monuments and tombs surrounding the central temple. The nearby cities of Kandla are worth a visit and will not burn a hole in your pocket at all.

Things to do in Kandla

You will need a certain set of permissions to enter the Kandla Port and look around. If you are with your family, it will certainly be quite an educational trip for your kids. Kandla Port is an important commercial hub, and it will also be quite an experience for you. You can take a look at the massive ships up close and get to know exactly how things work at the port. You can also interact with the workers in their spare time to get to know more about their work culture. Enjoy a beautiful sunset at the port. Kandla Port is also where the ashes of late Mahatma Gandhi were immersed, which also makes it an important historical destination. The port is also near important tourist cities like Bhuj, Rajkot, Mandvi, Ram Leela Maidan, Gandhidham and Kutch. You can head over to the Rann of Kutch if you are visiting the state in February. Gandhidham is also a city of historical significance. It was founded after the partition of India for the refugees. Dholavira is a great place to visit for all the archaeology lovers. Mandvi Beach is also near Kandla Port and is known for its beautiful sunsets. If you are in the mood to do something adventurous, you can go for a hike to the Bhujia Hills, which is also pretty close to Kandla.

Food and Restaurants in Kandla

Gujarat is known for its lip-smacking delicacies like Dhokla, Fafda, Khandvi and so on. The Gujarati thali is also highly recommended for tourists who want a complete dining experience of the state. Wave is a popular restaurant in Gandhidham's Radisson Hotel near Kandla. Not only is the food delicious, but the service is also top-notch. You will not leave disappointed from here. The Cafe Irani is another recommended restaurant for a refreshing chai and bun maska. You must also try the Akuri and other dishes made of eggs at the restaurant. If you are a fan of Iranian and Parsi food, you will love it here. Head over to Rangoli Restaurant at Zanda Chowk in Gandhidham to try some authentic and yummy Gujarati thali. The restaurant is known for its service and for serving the best Gujarati food in the vicinity. You can also try Big Bite Restaurant and Rasoi Restaurant for a variety of Indian cuisines offered on their menu. The food is delicious, affordable and comes with service that you cannot complain about at all. Rajwadi Rasoi in Anjar serves both Indian and Chinese cuisines but is known for its delectable Rajasthani thali. The Chocolate Room, which is about 2 km away from Radisson Hotel in Gandhidham, is also worth a try if you are not in the mood to try traditional Indian desserts. It is also a popular franchise in the country, and you will love it here.

How to reach Kandla (Transportation)

By Air

Kandla Airport is called Gandhidham Airport, which was constructed in the 1950s. The flight connectivity to Kandla is quite limited. It is also a small airport in comparison to other airports and can only accommodate over 100 passengers at a time in the terminal building. Only domestic routes from Kandla airport can be accessed, and the destinations are limited. International routes from Kandla can be accessed through connecting flights from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Another nearest airport to Kandla is Bhuj Airport. It is also difficult to find flights to Kandla from most major or small cities in the country since it only flies to and from limited destinations. It is not very difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Kandla since the fares are quite low.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Gandhidham, and it is connected to other cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. You will get a taxi or an auto outside the station to Kandla Port. Do make sure that you have the necessary permissions in place before you head to the port.

By Road

Reaching Kandla by road is one of the best and most convenient options. You will get buses and taxis from Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Vadodara and Ahmedabad.

  About Srinagar

Called as the Paradise on Earth, Srinagar is located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, near the banks of river Jhelum. It is a significant tourist attraction along with Ladakh. The city is known for its enchanting lakes, colourful boats, Kashmiri handicrafts and their culture, of course. Since it is one of the most popular tourist locations, it is well-connected with all the major cities in the country. The town also plays muse to several poets and lyricist who use the river Jhelum a lot in their poems or songs. The markets in the city will also ensure you take a piece of the town with you back home through a souvenir of sorts.

Best Time to Visit Srinagar

No matter what season it is, Srinagar is a sight to behold throughout the year. Different seasons come with different kinds of activities for you to do. Summer, which is from March to June) is the apt season to visit the city if you are on your honeymoon. The tulip garden that blooms during the summer adds to the beauty of the town. Booking a hotel in Srinagar if you are on your honeymoon comes with a lot of offers. You can choose from a lot of options. The summer is not too harsh here. The maximum temperature touches 30 degree Celsius, and the lowest is 14 degree Celsius. You will also come across excellent flight deals for Srinagar during this time.

It does not rain a lot in Srinagar, but the monsoon is from July through September. Autumn sets in from September to October, and this is the most beautiful season, too. The weather is pleasant, and the entire city turns into a spectacular garden. Though it will be a tad bit cold, so do pack your winter clothes. Visiting the Dal lake during this season on a Shikara ride is an experience you won't forget.

October to February is winter and the temperature ranges between 0 to 15 degree Celsius. Winter is a peak season and ideal for multitudes of tourists to fly to Srinagar. The locals of Srinagar celebrate Shivratri and Nuroz (an Armenian festival) by the end of winter. You will have to book flight tickets to Srinagar during this season since most roads are blocked, thanks to heavy snowfall. Travelling by road is also not a very popular route to reach Srinagar during winters. This is also one of the best times to go trekking in Srinagar. You can either find a group within the city itself and join them, or you can book one online, in advance.

Places to Visit in Srinagar

Dal Lake is one of the major attractions of Srinagar and for all the right reasons. Be amazed at the reflection of the mountains that fall on the lake. Take a gondola ride and lots of pictures, too. You cannot go to Srinagar and not visit the Tulip Garden. The Shalimar Bagh, a garden built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor, is another major tourist attraction. While you are visiting Dal Lake, make sure you also pay a visit to Char Chinar, an island that is in the middle of the lake. It is one of the most visited places in the city.

The Shankaracharya temple, built to honour Lord Shiva, is on the top of a hill in Srinagar. It is recognised as one of the most sacred shrines in the city. For all, you adventure lovers out there, do go for the Tarsar Marsar trek in the Aru Valley of Kashmir. You will find quite a few tour guides and packages to go trekking in the valley.

Things to do in Srinagar

You can take a Shikara ride across the Dal lake and be mesmerised by the beauty of the city. The city also has floating markets, which is a kind of experience you will only get in this part of the country. Paragliding is one of the activities that the city offers to its tourists. It is one of the adventurous activities that you must try here. If you are not too keen on booking a hotel in Srinagar, you can also choose to stay in a houseboat. It is one of the most sought options in the city and who wouldn't want to wake up to the view of the mighty mountains and the scenic Dal Lake. Srinagar is a city with a lot of gardens and greenery.

Visit the enchanting Mughal gardens and the Tulip garden, too. You can take a heritage walking tour of the city or go paragliding if you are a fan of adventure sports. You can also opt to go on a shopping spree in the local markets or for a street food crawl. Try the local cuisines and explore the culture further. With the rising political tension, make sure you also study the current scenario of the city along with that of its neighbours before you plan a trip to Srinagar. You do not want to get stuck amid a difficult situation.

Along with its spices and food, Srinagar is also famous for its rich culture. If you are in the city during any of the festivals celebrated here, make sure that you attend it and be a part of it. You won't regret it at all. No matter what season it is, the city never fails to cast its spell on you with its beauty.

Food and Restaurants in Srinagar

It's no secret that Kashmiri food is rich in flavour and a lot of spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. are used to serve that aromatic food. It's a treat for your taste buds. The Kashmiri Biryani, Kahwa, even Dum Aloo is worth a try when you visit the city. You will come across a lot of Mughlai cuisines with a blend of Kashmiri spices in the food. Mughal Darbar is one of the most popular places to dine in the city.

If it is snacks and coffees that you are in the mood for, you can visit the Cafe De Linz or Coffea Arabica. Both of these cafes are the perfect combination of ambience and good food. Ahdoos is also a popular joint that offers authentic Kashmiri food at affordable prices. If you are in the mood for a luxe dining experience, head over to The Chinar at The Lalit Grand Palace for an exquisite dinner. Not only do they serve mouth-watering delicacy, but the outdoor restaurant adds to the pleasant ambience while dining. Jade Dragon at Vivanta by Taj is yet another restaurant that you must definitely try if it is a five-star treatment that you want to experience. The Kashmiri Kahwa, which is a kind of tea made in Kashmiri style, is also highly recommended when you holiday in Srinagar.

How to reach Srinagar (Transportation)

By Air

The Sheikh ul Alam International Airport or the Srinagar International Airport is about 15 km away from the city. Srinagar airport also serves as a military airbase to the Indian Air Force. While the airport welcomes domestic flights with excellent connectivity, it does have designated airlines or space for international flights despite being recognised as one. There are domestic flights from Srinagar that regularly fly to Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh and other major cities. However, international flights from Srinagar are comparatively less to non-existent. The flight connectivity from Srinagar to other cities nationally and internationally is excellent. Some great domestic airlines such as AirAsia India, GoAir, SpiceJet, Vistara, IndiGo, Air India and more have dedicated flights to Srinagar. If booked earlier, you will even get cheap flight tickets to Srinagar and exclusive flight online deals. The airport is about 12 km away from the central city of Srinagar. But thanks to fantastic inter-city transport such as government-run buses and taxi cabs, it is convenient for tourists to reach the central town and check into their hotel rooms.

By Rail

Jammu Tawai is the closest railway station to reach Srinagar. It is about 290 km away from the city. You will have to hire a taxi from the station and enter the beautiful city. Travelling by train will not burn a hole in your pocket at all, and you'll also get to enjoy the stunning scenic views of the lush green valley. The domestic route to Srinagar also connects to Banihal, which is on the other side of Pir Panjal, thanks to the new Banihal tunnel that has been constructed. The tunnel is 11 km long and has found fame for the same. In fact, it is known to be the longest rail tunnel to have been built and takes approximately 9 minutes to cross to the other side.

By Road

The most popular routes to Srinagar by road are connected from Chandigarh, Gulmarg, Jammu, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Delhi. Though a road trip does sound like a lot of fun and easier way to travel, the roads are closed during late winter because of heavy snowfall. It is advisable to travel by air during winter.