kannur to Rajahmundry IndiGo Flights

  About Kannur

God's Own Country, Kerala might be known for its beaches and for being evergreen. On the Malabar Coast of the state of Kerala is yet another quaint paradise going by the name Kannur. It's one of the most stunning places to explore in the state. The gorgeous city is a blend of cultures and architecture from the Portuguese, British, Dutch and Mysore Sultanate. St Angelo Fort, Kannur Lighthouse and the varied beaches make this a major tourist attraction. Not just beaches but you will also find spectacular hill stations in the city. It is also popular for hosting the Theyyam festival every year. The city has pristine beaches, backwaters and scenic hill stations. You have a lot of options to choose from depending on the kind of vacation you want.

Booking a flight to Kannur ahead of time will be convenient for you. The city does witness a lot of footfall, especially from passengers who have left for the Middle East and are returning to meet their families. Based on which locale you choose, you can also book a nice hotel room in Kannur. Despite being excessively developed, most of the cities in Kerala continue to stay true to their roots and nature. Hence, the city will have more green expanse and fewer tall buildings. You might not see the most extravagant hotels in Kannur. However, you will definitely find some decent rooms with great views.

Best Time to Visit Kannur

Kannur is a coastal city and has a tropical climate. October to February is considered to be the most ideal time to visit Kannur. Though a lot of tourists prefer to visit the city during winter, monsoon promises lush green hills and a panoramic overview of the city from a hilltop. You might want to carry umbrellas and mosquito repellents with you.

October to February is winter in Kannur and is also one of the best times to visit the city. Take a walk on the secluded beaches and soak in the view. The temperature ranges from 14 to 25 degree Celsius, which is neither too hot nor too cold. Since this is peak season, you might get decent flight deals to Kannur. Make sure you book a hotel in Kannur that is either close to the beach or near the backwaters. You will be amazed at the view from your rooms.

Monsoon starts from June and lasts till August. While other beach towns in Kerala are not visited a lot during these months, Kannur still sees tourists during this season. Since it is also off-season, getting cheap flight tickets to Kannur will be easier. Not to mention, you won't see a lot of tourists on the streets. You will enjoy the solitude that you desire on vacations.

While monsoon is still bearable, summer is not the best time to visit Kannur. The temperature rises to 36 degree Celsius in May and makes you want to spend all your day indoors. March to May is when the city experiences summer. While the evenings are quite pleasant and you can enjoy your time at the beach, afternoons can be rough.

Places to Visit in Kannur

When in Kannur, who have got to check out the Payyambalam Beach, which is one of the five beaches that form the Kannur beach. The secluded beach is apt for you to just relax with your family and soak in the view of the waves. You can also indulge in water sports that are offered at this beach. The Muzhappilangad beach is one of the longest drive-in beaches in Asia. If you visit the beach in April, you might even get to celebrate the beach festival here. It is also known to be one of the cleanest beaches in Kannur. The Baby Beach is a tiny beach on the shore of the Arabian sea. Its fame comes from the fact that it is ideal for a fun family picnic by the sea.

St Angelo's Fort is a popular destination in Kannur for all the right reasons. The fort was built right by the Arabian Sea, and the view of the sea from up here will leave you awestruck. Don't forget to visit Kannur Lighthouse. It is Kerala's first-ever lighthouse, and you'll certainly enjoy the view from here. It's one of the best places for all you water babies to be. Palakkayam Thattu is a hill station in Kannur that you must visit. The view is breathtaking, and it is also one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala. The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is another place you must visit in Kannur. You will find a lot of exotic animals in the sanctuary, and it is also one of the best places to take pictures. You will also learn a lot about exotic animals.

Things to do in Kannur

Attend the Theyyam festival. Theyyam is a dance festival that is celebrated with a lot of grandiose in Kannur, along with other parts of Kerala. Artists perform Kaliyattam, and it's a treat to the eyes and ears. Indulge in water sports if you are a beach baby. Winter and summer evenings are the best times to indulge in water sports. You can either opt for the Banana Boat ride at Payyambalam beach or go surfing.

Go on a trek to Paithalmala; a hill station with a view that takes your breath away. You will find a lot of trekking packages, you can choose whichever is convenient for you. In fact, since there are a lot of hill stations in Kannur, you can either pick an easy trek or a challenging one. Trekking during monsoon can be quite challenging but make sure you take all the necessary precautions. Trekking up the hills in Kannur is surely a rewarding experience. Go shopping for local handicrafts or sarees. Invest your time in buying souvenirs for your loved ones. If you love seafood, Kerala is the right place for you to be. Of course, you cannot make a trip to the South of India and not have payasam. Indulge in the special delicacies that the city has to offer, too.

You can also spend an evening boating at the backwaters and soak in the beautiful view. Book a hotel in Kannur overlooking the backwaters, and you can wake up to the scenic view of the water. Go beach hopping over the weekend, and you will not regret it one bit. Pick the right season to visit Kannur and beach hopping will rejuvenate you for sure. If you are not a water baby, you can choose the hill stations. Looking at the city from the up top will be quite overwhelming and enchanting.

Food and Restaurants in Kannur

There are a lot of food joints in Kannur, and you'll find all sorts of food joints since it is a popular tourist destination. Do also try and take back home Kerala's famous banana chips. Idli, Vada, mango-lemon chutney, papaddam are just a few specialities of Kerala. Wheat House is a popular restaurant where you will find authentic Keralan food and the right ambience. Baker Boys is yet another restaurant that offers the best snacks with refreshing chai.

Hotel Odhens is popular for its fish curry and a very popular joint in Kannur, too. Sahib's Grill Kitchen is yet another place that will satiate your hunger pangs. It is known for its non-vegetarian food and friendly staff. Head over to Indian Coffee House for authentic filter coffee and some delicious dosas. Cool Land is a restaurant that serves the best biryanis in Kannur. It is quite popular among locals, too.

How to reach Kannur (Transportation)

By Air

Kannur International Airport, which is approximately 25 km away from the main city, became functional a couple of years back. Calicut International Airport in Kozhikode is also the next nearest airport to reach Kannur, approximately 128 km away. The flight connectivity to Kannur from Kozhikode is excellent. Flights from Kannur to other major cities in the country run quite frequently. You can book your flight tickets to Kannur depending on whatever is a convenient way for you to travel once you land. You will easily get taxis and buses from the airport that will drop you to the station.

By Rail

Kannur is well-connected with the other states in the country. Domestic routes from Kannur connect to Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Mangalore and a lot of other places. Trains like Nizamuddin Express, Madgaon Express, New Delhi AC Express and a couple of other trains pass through Kannur.

By Road

There are a lot of buses that run from major cities to Kannur. Though road travel can be quite time consuming, it is one of the best ways to travel since the view is magical. However, if it is a long journey that you have to cover, make sure you pick between trains and flights. Getting a train ticket at the last moment can be quite the task so book your tickets in advance.

  About Rajahmundry

Nestled on the banks of the Godavari River is the city of Rajahmundry, an ancient town in Andhra Pradesh. It is also called Rajamahendravaram and has a rich history, too. It was earlier ruled by the Dutch and then the British. This is also considered as the place where the language Telugu was born. The city has become a popular tourist spot in the state. The Pushkar Ghats that is located along the river Godavari is an important place and is also where the Pushkara festivals take place every 12 years in a grand manner. You must certainly add Rajahmundry to your vacation destination list, if you are planning one to Andhra Pradesh. Apart from dams and bridges, Rajahmundry is also popular for its hills, lush greenery and for being a textile hub.

Best Time to Visit Rajahmundry

Winter and monsoon are the ideal months to visit Rajahmundry. Since summer in the Southern states of India can get pretty intense and gruelling, it is advisable to not travel to the city during these months. November to March is when the city witnesses winter. The temperature drops down to 14 degree Celsius and you can indulge in a lot of activities in Rajahmundry during these months. The city does not experience very cold winters. You can book a hotel in Rajahmundry at affordable rates during this time since it is also peak season. You might even get decent flight deals to Rajahmundry.

April to June is summer in Rajahmundry and the temperature crosses 40 degree Celsius sometimes. The blistering heat will only make it difficult for you to plan any outdoor activities. May is one of the hottest months in the city and even heading to the hilly areas won't help deal with it. The evenings might get slightly better than the days but you won't feel like heading for any activities. Tourists also usually avoid travelling to Rajahmundry during the summer.

The city experiences monsoon from August to October and though it does not receive heavy rainfall, the light showers come as a relief from the scorching heat of the summer. The weather is quite pleasant during monsoon and since it is also off-season, you might get cheap flight tickets to Rajahmundry. If you book at the right time, you might even get good deals on hotel bookings for Rajahmundry.

Places to Visit in Rajahmundry

Annavaram is a popular tourist spot in Rajahmundry. It is situated on the banks of river Pampa and is popular for the Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple sees tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. Devotees perform a specific ritual of the Satyanarayana Vratam to please Lord Vishnu, mostly before wedding functions. Maredumilli is another wildlife project in the city that also houses tribal people. Their hospitality will certainly win you over. Rajahmundry is also a pilgrim spot that has a lot of temples like the Draksharama, Maredumilli, Annavaram, Dwaraka Tirumala and ISKCON temple. You can visit the temples to embrace your spirituality. Papi Hills or the Papikondalu mountain range that runs along the river Godavari is a tourist spot that you must not miss. The scenic view from the hilltop is breathtakingly beautiful.

Dowleswaram barrage, built across the Godavari river is another popular tourist attraction in the city. The view from this spot is simply stunning. On the eastern bank of river Godavari, you'll find the Draksharamam temple, one of the five powerful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is about 40 km away from Rajahmundry and was built in the 11th century. The Godavari bridge is the second largest road and rail bridge in the country. It is also a very popular tourist destination in the city. In the forests of the Papi Hills, you'll find a picturesque landscape called Pattiseema. The village is absolutely beautiful and the perfect place to seek solitude. You will find a lot of peace in this village. The Goutami Ghat near the ISKCON temple is another place you must spend some time in Rajahmundry. You can even book a hotel in Rajahmundry that is near the ghat. The Dwaraka Tirumala and ISKCON temples are some of the most visited temples in the city.

Things to do in Rajahmundry

Whether you want to soak in the best of nature or go on a historical tour or visit temples, Rajahmundry has everything in store for you. There are quite a few places along the banks of the Godavari river that are perfect for taking stunning pictures. Head to the Dowleswaram Barrage or the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage to catch the magnificent sunset. You will definitely love taking pictures at this spot. Try camping or stargazing at Papikondalu. You will also find a lot of other activities to take up here and the night stay will surely rejuvenate you giving you a lot of memories to take back home from the trip. Get a taste of wonderful tribal hospitality at the Maredumilli. The place promotes ecotourism and is popular for its greenery, pepper and coffee plantations here.

If you are planning to visit Maredumilli, do stop by at Bhupathipalem Reservoir. It is about an hour and a half away from Rajahmundry and is surrounded by forests. You can either go boating or take stunning pictures of the trees and scenery nearby. If you are travelling with a large group, make sure you also go to Water Village by River Bay. The amusement park has rain dance, slides, pools and a lot of activities that will make your day even better. In fact, you can also stay at the riverside cottages that they offer to a lot of tourists. The Godavari Arch Bridge is one of the major highlights in Rajahmundry. The sunset here looks absolutely spectacular. If you love looking at vintage coins, handicrafts, local art forms and so on, make sure that you visit the Rallabandi SubbaRao Archaeological Museum. It's like paradise for history and archaeology geeks. Attending the aarti at Pushkar ghat is a spiritual experience you cannot miss. Rajahmundry will definitely be a vacation to remember. Make sure you plan your travel at the right season and add some of the best places to itinerary for a unique experience. The wildlife and nature experiences will leave you awestruck and you will even return from the holiday with lots of memories.

Food and Restaurants in Rajahmundry

Rose Milk is one of the top-rated dessert places in Rajahmundry and you must definitely try it out. The outlet is pretty small but it has a lot of customers crowding in, waiting for their turn patiently to get their hands on the rose milk. You will find pretty great reviews of this place and it is also recommended by the locals. The service is also pretty good and you won't be disappointed with it. Citrus Restaurant is another place that will fit your bill if you are looking for a fine dining experience. The South Indian cuisine here is mouthwatering and the service is also pretty good. The restaurant also offers a wonderful ambience. Head over to Sitara Coffee House for a refreshing cup of caffeine. Aharam Restaurant is another restaurant that is inside the Anand Regency Hotel that is quite famous. It is a highly recommended place for tourists. Dolphinn's Restaurant and JK Restaurant are also recommended by locals if you want to enjoy a scrumptious meal. Do head to Anand Sweets later for desserts. This place is like paradise for everyone who has a sweet tooth.

How to Reach Rajahmundry (Transportation)

By Air

The Rajahmundry Airport is about 18 km away from the city centre and the flight connectivity from Rajahmundry is quite limited. The airport is connected to cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai. Connecting flights from Hyderabad and Bangalore are the most popular routes to Rajahmundry. Getting a taxi or a bus from outside the airport to reach the city centre is not very difficult. You will easily get a taxi from the airport to reach the city or wherever it is that you want to go. In fact, you can even take a taxi or a bus from Hyderabad airport to reach Rajahmundry. If you book your flight tickets to Rajahmundry well in advance, you might get cheap flight tickets to Rajahmundry.

By Rail

All trains between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam stop at Rajahmundry and since it lies on the Howrah-Chennai main coastal rail, a lot of trains stop here. You will get taxis quite easily from the railway station and in fact, travelling by train is also one of the most economical options to reach Rajahmundry. You will also enjoy the view outside during your train journey.

By Road

Rajahmundry is well-connected to the nearby cities by bus and other private transport. A lot of buses leave from and reach the city regularly. While it is a cheaper option to travel, it might not prove to be the most comfortable option. You can also take a private taxi or drive to Rajahmundry from the nearby cities.

  About Indigo Airlines

Indigo is the largest passenger airline in India and the oldest one, too, in terms of passengers that it carries and its fleet size. It operates about 1500 flights every day to 87 destinations, of which 63 are domestic, and 24 are international destinations. Its primary hub is at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Indigo commenced operations in 2006 and went on to become the largest India carrier by passenger market share in 2012. It connects to all major Indian cities and small cities like Aizawl, Agra and so on. Internationally, it connects to Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Malta, Paris, Dublin, Copenhagen, Zurich, Prague, Amsterdam, London, London Heathrow and Gatwick among others. Not only is it a low-cost operator in India, but it is also a low-cost airline globally. Indigo is also India's most preferred airline and for the right reasons. It offers great service at low fares and does not disappoint its passengers. It has grown to become one of the most trusted airlines in the country.

Indigo has a fleet size of more than 260 and has also been getting the 'Great Place to Work for in India' title for eight years in a row now. It was also given Aon's Best Employer in 2016 and 2017. It has been running profitable operations for ten consecutive years. It is considered as the most valuable and strongest airline brand in the country. In 2010, Indigo had replaced Air India as the third largest airline in India. In 2013, it became the second fastest-growing low-cost carrier in Asia after Lion Air, an Indonesian airline.

One of the specialities of Indigo is that it is customer-oriented, efficient and offers great services. It also offers low fares, which makes it one of the preferred airlines in the country. It is also one of the only airlines that connect to so many cities across the country. It operates to cities like Agartala, Aizawl, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Belagavi, Aurangabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, Dimapur and the list goes on. Since Indigo is a low-cost carrier, it only offers economy class seating. However, you get to choose a seat of your preference in advance if you pay a little extra. There is no in-flight entertainment or pre-booked meals. You can buy your in-flight meals after the take-off, and you will be dependent on your own electronics and headsets to keep yourself entertained during the flight.

Fleet Size of Indigo

Indigo has one of the largest fleets of aircraft in the country, which enables it to run 1500 flights daily. It has 123 Airbus A320-200 in service that can accommodate 180 passengers. It also has 100 Airbus A320neo in service and ordered for 232 more, making it the largest operator. In addition to this, it has 15 Airbus A321neo aircraft in service that can accommodate 222 passengers each and has placed an order for 135 more aircraft of the same category. It also has 25 ATR 72-600 which can seat 74 passengers per flight.

In 2005, Indigo had placed an order for 100 Airbus A320-200 aircraft and commenced operations in 2006. In 2011, it placed an order for 180 Airbus A320 aircraft. It was a great year for the airline since it also got the permission to launch international flights that year. In 2015, it placed an order for 250 Airbus A320neo, which was the largest single order in Airbus' history. It made headlines quickly. In 2019, it placed another order for 300 Airbus A320neo aircraft and broke its own record. Later that year, it became the first Indian airline to operate 1500 flights daily. It also became the first airline to have a fleet size of 250+ aircraft. The Airbus A320neo and Airbus A320-200 have non-reclining seats, but there are a few seats that give you extra legroom. The ATR 72-600 has a twin-seat setting which not only gives you extra space but also gives you a lot of privacy. You won't have to sit next to a third stranger or sit uncomfortably.

Baggage Allowance

Indigo has certain baggage allowance restrictions that every passenger is expected to follow. You can carry cabin baggage that weighs up to 7 kg and check-in luggage up to 20 kg. However, for certain international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Colombo, Kuwait and so on, the maximum limit on check-in luggage is 30 kg. If your luggage exceeds the maximum limit, you will have to pay a certain fee depending on the weight. You will also need to inform the airline staff a couple of hours before boarding the flight about the excess luggage so they can make the necessary arrangements. You can do so through the website or get in touch with the call centre. An executive will help you complete the process without any hindrance or complications. It is advisable to get your web check-in done in advance so you can sail through all the formalities at the airport smoothly.

If you are carrying bigger bags with you that have golf clubs or surfboard bags, you will have to pay approximately Rs. 1200 /- for domestic and Rs. 2500/- for international trips to accommodate it in the check-in luggage. Please ensure that you carry important things like medicines, electronics or perishable items in your cabin luggage. Portable chargers and power banks go in your hand luggage and not the check-in luggage. You will not have to check-in again to collect your bags if you have to board a connecting flight. The airline makes sure that you receive your baggage at your final destination. Please ensure that you are not carrying anything that has been prohibited by the airline like explosives, hazardous or flammable objects, sharp objects and electronics. You will also have to reach the airport a couple of hours before your flight so you can get through the security formalities well in advance.

In-flight Services

Indigo's in-flight services are quite limited. In fact, the airline does not have any in-flight entertainment services. Since it operates on low fares, it does not provide complimentary meals on any of its flights. However, you can buy meals on board. The airline does offer premium services like pre-booking seats, priority check-in and multiple cancellations at a higher price. You can also get your hands on Indigo's magazine called Hello 6E. With the increasing competition and passenger's will to pay extra for comfort and convenience, the airline is also bringing in new offers and services for its passengers. The airline had also announced its tie-up with SonyLiv in 2019 that it will provide to its passengers as in-flight entertainment. You can also check out their website to find out more services that are offered by the airline.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Indigo

Indigo connects to various domestic and international routes regularly. Indigo connects to 63 domestic destinations and 24 international ones. It got the permission to expand its operations internationally in 2011. The domestic cities that Indigo is connected to are Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Agra, Aizawl, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Coimbatore and so on. The international destinations include Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Colombo, Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, Dhaka, Hanoi, Istanbul, London and so on. The airline is quite particular about punctuality, and there are rarely any delays in flights unless there is an emergency or bad climatic conditions. You can also lookup offers and services on their website to make sure you make the most of your trip. Since the airline has already ordered more aircraft, there are high chances that they will add more cities to the list. Indigo will definitely go on to breaking more records and even making some in the next few years.

Why Travel by Indigo?

Indigo is one of the most prestigious and low fare airlines in the country. It made its way to the top airlines in the country quite quickly and made sure that passengers experienced the best services at a minimal price. It is also one of the largest airlines in the country that operates 1500 flights to domestic and international routes daily. It connects 24 international and 63 domestic destinations. It has its major hubs at Chennai International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. You can check the Indigo flight schedule and your flight status on their website. The airline also makes web check-in quite easy for its passengers. The airline has also won several awards and accolades for its service over the years. Customers rarely have a disappointing experience flying with Indigo. If you are a frequent flyer, you might even get discounts and other offers while booking your next flight. Make sure you go through the offers on the airline's website. You can also get in touch with an executive at the call centre to know more about the offers.

  About Kannur Airport

Kannur International Airport is an international airport that caters to the district of Kannur in the northern regions of the state of Kerala. The area of the airport is about 2,300 acres and is situated 28 km at the east of Kannur town. The airport came into existence in 2018 and has already managed to accommodate enough domestic and international airline operations. It has been speculated by the airport authorities that the airport's passenger traffic would increase five-fold by the year 2025. Originally, Kannur just had an airstrip that was predominantly used for commercial aviation purposes in 1935. There was just one weekly operation of flights between Bombay and Trivandrum chartered by TATA airlines with stops at Goa and Cannanore.

In 1997, under the authority of the then union minister of civil aviation CM Ibrahim, the blueprints for an airport was conceptualized along with a proposal for an airport in the Kannur district. However, the project was stalled as the land sanctions took about a decade. Not to mention once the sanction was accorded in 2008, the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation announced that the land chosen for the airport wasn't feasible. Eventually, the original plots were dropped, and two new sites were proposed for the airport's construction. Eventually, land acquisition commenced as the compensation for the land were fixed in 2008. The foundation stone was laid in 2010 and construction for the new airport was followed soon. Flight operations at Kannur International Airport finally kickstarted in 2018 with the first flight being an Air India Express IX 715 (Boeing 737-800 aircraft) to Abu Dhabi.

About Kannur Airport Terminal

The airport plans to accommodate an integrated passenger terminal that would cater to both domestic and international travellers. The floor area of the terminal is spread across 1,040,000 sq ft for departure and arrival, respectively. The terminal is set to accommodate about 2,000 passengers at peak hours thanks to its unique swing facility. The integrated terminal also features a plethora of modern facilities such as six aerobridges along with 46 check-in counters, 16 customs counters, 32 immigration counters and four conveyor belts for baggage. The airport plans to utilize the international gates for domestic operations during times of no international flights. The terminal building has been constructed with a double skin aluminium roofing system and also has efficient LED lighting, which makes it a building that follows environmental perks.

Kannur International Airport has only one runway which permits an obstacle-free approach for flights and cargo activities. The runway is set to have simple lightings installed soon. Full-length parallel taxiway and apron to accommodate 20 wide-body aircraft to park are also set to be installed as part of their expansion plans. A 300 metres long and 90 metres wide runway end safety area is being installed at both ends of the runway. The idea behind constructing the same is to avoid and alleviate the risk of casualties that could crop up to the aircraft due to undershooting, excursion or overshoot from the runway. A plethora of ground support equipment is also being made available to cater to the aircraft amid flights. Some of the services include chocks, dollies, aircraft refuelers, catering vehicles, belt loaders and aircraft service stairs.

Kannur International Airport also accommodates a fuel farm as well as an MRO facility (maintenance, repair and overhaul). A special air enclave is also being reserved for the Indian Navy. It would cater to the Ezhimala Naval Academy, which is about 60 kilometres away from the Kannur International Airport.

About airport authority

The state owns Kannur International Airport while a public, private partnership platform undertakes the operations. A public-private consortium owns it. After Cochin International Airport, Kannur International Airport is second greenfield airport in the state of Kerala that follows a public, private partnership. In terms of operations, the airport is currently managed by Kannur International Airport Ltd. (KIAL) which is a public company. Former chief of Air India, V Thulasidas IAS, is the present Managing Director of Kannur International Airport Ltd. Pinarayi Vijayan, the current chief minister of Kerala, also plays a pivotal role in the management structure of the airport as he holds the position of chairman.

The government of Kerala also holds a stake in the airport as it is the principal investor with a whopping 32.86 per cent of shares in the venture. Other shareholders in KIAL include 22.54 per cent invested by State and Central Public Sector Undertakings, 9.39 per cent shares owned by Airports Authority of India and a whopping 35.21 per cent by others (individuals, cooperatives, societies, banks, companies, basically all legal entities that have been approved by the Board of Directors.

Facilities at the Kannur Airport

Medical room – Every airport is required to have medical rooms and professionals to deal with medical emergencies. Kannur International Airport has also installed a medical room to cater to the same needs. There are medical professionals present in the airport vicinity at all times.

Baby care rooms – For travellers who are travelling with infants, the airport has reserved specific rooms that pertain to baby care. These rooms have immaculate facilities and are baby-proofed too. The rooms offer privacy to the mother and the infant for breastfeeding and changing of diapers. Plus, there are baby products also available in the room.

Foreign exchange counters – The airport witnesses a lot of activities from international flights as it caters to several Middle Eastern cities. Hence, there are specific foreign exchange counters that have been installed in the arrivals section of the international terminal. One can easily get the currencies exchanged, that too at a decent rate. In case you are not able to find the currency exchange booths, you can ask for help from any of the professionals at the airport premise. Also, money transfers can be done at the exchange counters.

Baggage – As an international airport, there are various top-notch baggage facilities made available. They have baggage wrapping services for passengers who are carrying fragile items or are travelling to an international destination. The baggage is wrapped in plastic to avoid mishandling and theft of the contents of the luggage. Trolleys are also made available at the departures and arrivals section of its terminal.

ATMs – The airport offers ATM kiosks at specific junctions for passengers to make cash withdrawals. In case you have trouble finding the same, you can approach the information desk or any airport personnel to help you out.

Lounge - Kannur International Airport has two lounges, one in the domestic and international terminals, respectively. Called the Pearl Lounge, the two lounge services can be availed by all passengers. While the pass holders need not spend any money to avail services of the lounge, others will be required to be a specific tariff to hang out at the lounge. Details of the same can be found on the official website of the airport as well as the information desk at the airport premise.

WiFi - In three easy steps, you can connect to the WiFi network of Kannur International Airport. The system would require your name and local mobile number to grant access. Once the OTP has been shared, the passenger can avail free WiFi services for the first 15 minutes. Following the 15 minutes, though, they will need to decide whether they wish to pay for a temporary top-up plan or if they are done with the services.

Top airlines flying from the Kannur Airport

As the airport had only opened in 2018, there are only a handful of airlines that operate from Kannur International Airport. Domestic airlines such as Air India, GoAir and IndiGo operate from the airport. Kannur International Airport also caters to international destinations, mainly the Middle East cities. International airline Air India Express also operates from Kannur International Airport. Major cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Goa, Hubli and Chennai, are well-connected with the airport. Some of the big Middle-Eastern cities connected to Kannur International Airport include Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Sharjah, Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Riyadh and Dubai, to name a few.

How to reach Kannur Airport

Kannur International Airport is well-connected with various districts in the state. The nearest city to the airport is Mattannur which is only 5 km away. The small town has bus services that will reach you to the Kannur International Airport. KSRTC offers services to districts such as Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram. Pre-paid taxi cabs are also available that can be found within the city to reach Kannur International Airport. The fares are usually decided ahead of the journey to ensure that the passengers are not overcharged. You can opt for autorickshaw services also at the airport from Mattanur and other districts. Again, the best way to reach the Kannur International Airport by rickshaw would be to fix a fare beforehand. The closest railway stations to Kannur International Airport are Thalassery and Kannur which are at 25 km and 27 km away, respectively. You can take rickshaws or taxi cabs to reach Kannur International Airport from the railway stations.