Khajuraho to Ahmedabad Flights

  About Khajuraho

Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the architectural masterpieces of India that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not just one but Khajuraho has several temples to its credit. Built around the 950 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty, Khajuraho is recognised for the erotic carvings and sculptures on the walls and pillars of the temple. The walls of the temples depict the most erotic forms of love and also goes on to show how liberal and progressive people were back then. However, the temples have been a topic of heated debate for quite some time now. In fact, a lot of people had even tried to destroy some of the temples but could never destroy all of it. Since Khajuraho is a complex of temples, there are very few things to do apart from visiting all of the temples.

The Kandariya Mahadev temple, the Lakshman temple, Dulhadev temple, Vishwanath temple, Lakshmi temple, Devi Jagdamba temple, Adinath temple, Nandi temple and the list of temples to visit is pretty long. What's unique about all of these temples is the architecture and the intricate carvings on the wall. Almost all temples have sculptures of Gods, Goddesses and nymphs indulging in intimate, passionate moments. There are also a lot of museums, national park, waterfalls and the local street foods that you can add to your itinerary. You must also catch the light and sound show that is being put up in the other grounds of the temples. You will learn more about the inception of and the history of the temples. The show explains the significance of each one of the temples that were built and why they were formed in a certain way.

The ancient temples, however, were not discovered until 1838 when the British found it. Although a lot of the structures are in ruins, you cannot deny that they are architectural marvels. Visit the State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art to know more about the culture. You'll also find a lot of masks, paintings and handicrafts. You can also take a walk around the garden that surrounds it. The Archaeological Museum is yet another place that you can visit while you are in Khajuraho. It was called the Jardine Museum earlier, and it has over 2000 artistic relics from the 10th and 12th-century temples; relics of Hinduism and Jainism.

You can also visit Raneh Falls, which is approximately 20 km away from Khajurao but totally worth it. You will find several big and small waterfalls in this area. If you are visiting the city in February or March, do catch the Khajuraho dance festival, organised by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad. October to February is considered ideal for visiting Khajuraho. The heat can get pretty unbearable during summer and the monsoons too humid, which is why winter is deemed to be perfect for a visit to the Khajuraho temple.

You can either book a hotel in Khajuraho or find a homestay or hostel; you'll find whatever fits your budget and convenience. Getting to or around the city is also not a major inconvenience.

Best Time to Visit Khajuraho

October to February is when the city experiences winter and is also considered as the ideal time to take a trip to Khajuraho. A lot of youngsters have also started adding Khajuraho to their travel plans, which is one of the reasons that the city also has hostels to accommodate them. The temperature drops to 4 degree Celsius at night, and the days are quite warm. The cold weather and the slight mist add more charm to the temples of the city. You can book a hotel in Khajuraho and might even get good flight deals online.

Monsoon is from July to September, and while it does turn the city green, the climate becomes quite humid. Not to mention, outdoor activities like trekking are shut down during this season to avoid any risks.

Summer in Khajuraho, much like the rest of India, starts in April and ends in June. During this time, the temperatures can go up to 47 degree Celsius and is not the best time to visit the city. The unbearable heat will exhaust you and leave you dehydrated. It's best to avoid travelling to the city during this season.

Places to Visit in Khajuraho

Since temples are the major attractions here, you must visit as many temples as you can during your stay. The Kandariya Mahadev temple is popular around the world. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built between 1025-1050 AD. The walls have images and sculptures of women, and you'll find a Shiva Linga inside the temple, which is how Lord Shiva is worshipped in a lot of places. You will have to pay a small fee to enter the temple, and you will also have to adhere to the temple timings.

The Lakshmana temple, which was dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, was built by the Chandela rulers. It is one of the oldest and most important temples in the area. You will also find a statue of the three deities at the entrance. The temple has over 600 carvings of different Hindu deities, and the exterior architecture will take your breath away. Manjeshwar temple is one of the Shiva temples in Khajuraho that does not have any erotic sculptures or carvings on them. Even though the design is very simple, this temple has a very spiritual effect and the morning aarti will definitely lift your mood.

Jagdambi Temple is another architectural marvel that Khajuraho has to offer. Adorned by enchanting sculptures and carvings, the temple that is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Maa Kali is visually stunning. The State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art has artefacts of the tradition and religious aspects of the city along with the different relics. You will be able to understand the culture and history of the place better in this museum.

The Raneh Falls is carved out of a deep canyon and is 20 km away from Khajuraho. The valley in which you will find the waterfall is made of crystalline granite. It shows shades of red, pink and grey. It's a beautiful sight to behold and one of the best places to take lots of selfies. If you are planning a picnic with your friends or family, head over the Beni Sagar dam that is built over River Khuddar, it's a popular place for picnickers from all over the country.

Things to do in Khajuraho

You can take a tour of the temples in Khajuraho since it is known for its temples and their architecture. The temple also organises a special Sound and Light show that you can attend. The show is put up by the authorities near the Western Group of Temples. You'll know the importance and history behind each one of the temples that were built in Khajuraho.

Head over to Chhatarpur's Panna National Park, which is also a tiger reserve. You will spot a tiger if you are lucky enough, but you will easily spot cheetahs, langur, jackal, wild boars, vulture and many other animals here. Opt for a safari to get around the national park. Attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival. It's a very popular event organised in the month of February. The performances will make you want to give the artists a standing ovation.

Check out the bewitching beauty of the Pandav waterfalls. It is believed that the Pandavas walked through the waterfall here during their exile, which also inspired its name. You'll come across the waterfall inside the Panna National Park. Visit the Ajaigarh fort that was built by and for the Chandela Kings. This is one of the most important pieces of history.

Food and Restaurants in Khajuraho

Try the street food in Khajuraho. Different types of chaats with the most delicious chutney is all you need to make your day. It's a treat to your tummy and your mind. Take a break from dieting while you are on your trip. Have the rogan josh, mutton kebabs, chicken biryani, kheema, jalebi and the list goes on. You will find all sorts of cuisines here, depending on your craving. Paradise restaurant, opposite Shivsagar lake, is one of the best places for foodies with a variety of things on their menu. Mediterranean is another option if you are craving pastas and pizzas. Maharaja Cafe and Restaurant, which is opposite the Western Group of Temples, is the best place to chill after a long, tiring day of sightseeing.

How to reach Khajuraho (Transportation)

By Air

Since Khajuraho is an important tourist destination, it connects well with the domestic routes. The nearest airport is the Khajuraho airport. It is connected to major cities in India. If you are visiting during peak season, you might get good flight deals and book cheap flight tickets.

By Rail

The Khajuraho railway station connects with all the major cities pretty well. You can take a taxi from outside the station to your hotel.

By Road

There are lots of bus services that run from other cities like Bhopal, Indore and New Delhi to Khajuraho. You can also opt for a private taxi if you want to enjoy your privacy and avoid other people.

  About Ahmedabad

The city of Ahmedabad is known to be the fifth largest in India and is quite the commercial hub of the state. It is easily one of the fastest-growing cities in India, which also plays a centre for education and various industries. Even though it is not the capital of the state, Ahmedabad has immense scope for development and has been rapidly growing. The city plays an excellent host to a traveller who wishes to experience more of the city's history, development and spirituality. While the development sphere continues to expand in the city, the authorities are further following the Swachcha Bharat campaigns to maintain a neat town.

Ahmedabad is impeccably connected with the rest of the major cities in India. Besides, the international flight connectivity from Ahmedabad is excellent. Reaching the city is easy from all means of transport. As for accommodations, abundant options are ranging from luxury hotels to hostels for all kinds of travellers. You can opt for a fun staycation by booking your hotels in Ahmedabad and make the most of your time in the city. The city also has some great educational institutions that one can consider. In fact, the student crowd in Ahmedabad is rising as the opportunities are immense.

Best time to visit Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad's summers can get pretty rough and hot, but the monsoon and winter are equally pleasant. Interestingly, the Gujaratis actually have specific dishes for every season. For summer, aam ras and dishes made from mango. As for winter, their famous undiyo takes over the kitchens and streets! The monsoon also has some cool street food that one can indulge in, when in the city.

Monsoons are typically dedicated to fun street snacks such as roasted corn, boiled corn and some essential roasted dishes. You can primarily find these on the streets as several vendors indulge in selling smokey flavoured street snacks. During this time, the city also welcomes festivals such as Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami, which are celebrated with gusto.

Undoubtedly though, winter becomes the best season to visit Ahmedabad as it comes with a plethora of cultural relevance as well as sublime atmosphere. The temperature actually drops down to 5-20 degree Celsius, so do pack thermal wear for your trip. Not to mention how festivals such as Navratri, Diwali also take place during the winter months. This means you can actually indulge in some fun Garba as well as dress up for the occasion. Navratri food is another reason why you would want to take a trip to Ahmedabad during the winters.

Places to see in Ahmedabad

Gandhi Ashram

The Sabarmati Ashram, popularly known as the Gandhi Ashram is the place founded by Mahatma Gandhi. What makes this one of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad is the rich historical relevance it holds. The premise of the ashram has teachings of Gandhiji etched on the walls. Interestingly, the ashram continues to work with the principles set by the freedom fighter as the premise also contributes to the handicrafts market with their handmade products. In fact, the ashram also has a handmade paper factory and a spinning wheel factory located within the premise.

ISKCON

The Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Rama is prevalent in many parts of the country and even the world. The inspiring stories of the two deities as well as their teachings resonate with many followers. The temple is beautiful and has a festive air which will soothe your soul.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum

Established by Muni Shri Punyavijayi and Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, the museum is a haven for a bibliograph as it is an abode to priceless book collections, manuscripts and text materials from a long time ago. From Vedic scriptures of Jainism to poetic verses written in ancient India, the manuscripts and published literary work would be of interest to you if you're an avid reader or someone interested in history.

Auto World Vintage Car Museum

At the Auto World Vintage Car Museum, you will find yourself in awe of some of the swanky rides owned by Shri Pranlal Bhogilal, who opted to convert his private collection to public viewing. Not only will you get to see some fancy rides such as Maybach, Cadillac, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Chrysler, Lincoln, etc. but will also get to take one for a spin! Of course, you'll have to pay a token to take one of the cars out for a drive.

Bhadra Fort

The Bhadra Fort was once a pristine palace with lush gardens and gorgeous sights. Built back in 1411, the fort vicinity also has a temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. The fort has some historical significance as well as some spiritual relevance. One can take up a stroll around the Bhadra Fort and learn more about the rich backstory.

Calico Museum of Textiles

Ahmedabad or rather Gujarat, in general, is known for their contribution to the textile industry. In fact, they are the frontrunners in the textile industry. Many might assume that credit goes to Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement, which enabled them to opt for handwoven khadi garments and produce the same. However, Ahmedabad's history with textiles dates back to the 1700s! Please take a tour through the Calico Museum of Textiles to learn more about their history and more.

Things to do in Ahmedabad

Drive-in theatres are a big hit here. You can probably rent a vehicle and head straight to Drive-In Road in the city but ensure to check the show timings before making a plan to watch a movie. Law Gardens is a bustling capital for the shopaholic in you. As long as you can handle some impeccable haggling, Law Gardens is the best place to shop Gujarati ensembles and clothes representing their culture. From glasswork on the fabric to shimmery outfits, you will have a lot of options to pick from at this shopping street.

A heritage walk is usually conducted in the city where you are taken through a tour of some of the historical streets of the town. The walk is organised by Ahmedabad's municipal corporation and happens daily. The walk starts at Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur and stretches up to the Jama Masjid. You can choose a day of leisure by hanging out at the Victoria Garden. It is close to the Bhadra Fort.

Food and Restaurants in Ahmedabad

Gujaratis fondness towards food is no big secret. They love food and are always game to explore the variety. In fact, much recently, a man found fame for selling pineapple and rabdi sandwiches! Speaking of which, if you do wish to check out this melange of flavours then you should head to Manek Sandwich in the city's Manek Chowk. For lip-smacking Gujarati thalis, you should check out Vishala. Tadka Punjabi, Sankalp is also some famous food joints in Ahmedabad with impeccable cuisines. While you're here, you should undoubtedly visit Havmor ice cream parlours and get some of that action.

There is something known as Kathiyawadi Food which is an Ahmedabad speciality. In case you're in the mood for some adventure, this is an excellent way to go about your gastronomical journey. Visit Bardi at CG Road for the same. There are more options available at CG Road such as Choice Snacks, Mirch Masala, to name a few that you can check out.

How to reach Ahmedabad (Transportation)

By Air

Ahmedabad has impeccable flight connectivity as various domestic as well as international airlines have flights in and out of the city. The main airport is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport located approximately 15 km from the city centre. The airport is looking at some significant expansion plans to bring in more space for international airlines. Some of the global flight connectivity from Ahmedabad is with cities such as Kuwait, London, Doha, Singapore and Muscat, to name a few. As for domestic destinations, the flight connectivity from Ahmedabad is brilliant as a majority of the domestic airlines have flights in the city. You can fly to a majority of the metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Surat, Goa, Kolkata and more.

By Rail

The Ahmedabad Central Railway Station is also well-connected in terms of daily availability of transport. There are dedicated trains from Mumbai heading to Ahmedabad regularly with multiple connections to other major cities such as Rajkot, Pune , Delhi, Jaipur, Indore, Udaipur, Kolkata, Varanasi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, etc. Other important junctions include the Sabarmati Junction and Maninagar Railway Station which connect to the central railway station.

By Road

Driving up to Ahmedabad is actually a fun ride as the roads are exciting and the highways are not risky. You can either book a bus ticket for yourself or rent a car or even drive yourself. People travelling from Maharashtra, Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh often opt for buses as the best option if railway tickets aren't confirmed. The buses are comfortable too as you have options such as semi seater and sleeper to choose from. You can easily reach Ahmedabad from any corner of the country.

  About Ahmedabad Airport

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport serves as an international airport to the city of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in the state of Gujarat. The airport is about 9 km to the north of central Ahmedabad. The airport has been named after the First Deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It falls in the top ten list of busiest airports in India with respect to passenger traffic. In fact, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport stands at the seventh spot for being one of the busiest airports in India. According to reports received in 2018-19, the airport recorded a whopping passenger capacity of 11.17 million in a year. Ahmedabad Airport also serves as the focus city for GoAir airline.

The airport was originally set up in 1937 for domestic operations. However, the airport eventually received its international operations stature in 1991. In 2000, Ahmedabad Airport was added in the category of international airports in India. In the same decade, works to create a new terminal also commenced. In 2010, the airport's new terminal 2 came into existence, and it was inaugurated to handle international passengers.

Further, a towering 18 foot-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was also erected at the airport. The airport has been recognised internationally for its world-class facilities and modern amenities. In fact, it also received an award in 2017 for being the 'Most Improved Airport' in Asia-Pacific, by the Airports Council International.

About Ahmedabad Airport terminals

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 caters to domestic operations and comprises of two floors. The design and layout of the terminal are exquisite and is capable of handling 1400 passengers during peak hours. The terminal has also reserved spaces for parking cars which can accommodate 250 at one go. It comes with various facilities, including WiFi services and several food establishments. There are about 32 check-in counters as the terminal is sprawled over 480,000 square feet. Just recently in 2018, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport opened a new Plaza Premium lounge in the domestic terminal 1. The lounge is located right next to Gate 4 on the first floor of the terminal building. The lounge has world-class facilities and caters to Priority Pass. You can also use other select bank cards to get access to the lounge. Business-class passengers depending on the airlines that they fly from will also get access to the lounge.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2, also known as T2, was inaugurated in 2010 and commenced operations the same year. Thanks to the exquisite Steel Structure built by the management, the terminal won accolades for the same at the 2009 edition of National Structural Steel Design and Construction Awards. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport's Terminal 2 accommodates four aerobridges with 32 check-in counters. The terminal's floor area sprawls across 41,000 square meters approximately.

With this, the terminal has the potential to accommodate over 1,600 passengers at all times. Similar to the terminal 1 lounge, terminal 2 also has a new Plaza Premium, which was opened in 2018. The new lounge at the terminal has been reserved for business class and first-class passengers. In fact, passengers who have special Priority Pass and other bank card are also given access to the terminal 2's lounge. Along with great facilities, the terminal also accommodates a 51,975 square metre long apron that enables parking bays for nine A-321 and four ATR-72 types of aircraft.

Terminal 3 - Terminal 3 is located next to terminal 1 and is used for domestic flight activities. The terminal is yet to start functioning, but as of 2019, the airport has managed to lay the foundation. Construction work has already commenced for the new terminal. The terminal building is set to accommodate a parking facility of 200 cars and will predominantly be used for Hajj season.

Terminal 4 - Terminal 4 is reserved for cargo activities. The airport has the capacity to accommodate about 51,637 tonnes of cargo, this includes gold and silver. Sixty per cent of the cargo is derived from various domestic sources. Presently, cargo airlines such as Blue Dart Aviation, Emirates SkyCargo, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Qatar Airways Cargo operate from Terminal 4 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

About Airport Authority

Airports Authority of India is the owner and played as the operator of the Ahmedabad Airport. However, in 2015, they announced to privatise the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Until 2015, much of the airport's management and operations were handled by the Airports Authority of India. Following a bid to transfer the ownership or rather operations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Adani Group has become the management now. Plans of expansion and upgradation under the operations of Adani Group have not been revealed yet.

Facilities at the Ahmedabad Airport

Lounge – The international and domestic terminals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have dedicated lounge services. Called the Plaza premium lounge, the two lounges have great hospitality and comfortable facilities.

Medical services – With a view to handle medical emergency cases, the airport has installed medical services and first aid rooms too. These are present in the domestic as well as international terminals.

WiFi – The airport offers free WiFi facilities for passengers. One can avail the free internet services without having to pay an extra tariff of any sort. Also, the internet connection is strong and can be utilised from various spots in the airport premise.

Currency exchange - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is an international airport and hence has a foreign exchange counter available in the terminal. You can get your currencies exchanged for a decent rate and also get money transfers done.

Child care rooms – There are provisions for parents travelling with kids to relax at the child care room. These rooms have been installed specifically to help parents calm their kids and to cater to their needs. The rooms are private in nature and have facilities such as changing tables, comfortable chairs and more. They also have baby products such as powders and diapers, in case the parent runs out of these essentials.

Spa – Ever since the airport has undergone upgradation, they have installed some interesting new features. One of them is a spa service. You can avail the spa services at the airport's terminals and relax ahead of the flight. They are mostly present in the international terminal.

Restaurants – There are dedicated food courts available at both the terminals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. You can find famous restaurants and food joints from around the world at the airport. Famous establishments such as McDonald's, Subway, KFC, to name a few, are also part of the airport terminals. Affordable food joints and beverage points are present at the airport as well. You can pick from the most upscale establishments to the cheap and affordable ones at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

ATMs – The airport facilitates various ATM kiosks of local banks at selected spots in the international and domestic terminals.

Top airlines flying from Ahmedabad Airport

As one of the most important airports in India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport accommodates several domestic and international airlines. The domestic airlines that operate from Ahmedabad Airport include Air India, AirAsia India, Air Deccan, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Star Air, TruJet and Vistara. These airlines connect to major cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Varanasi, Pune, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Patna, Kozhikode, Kochi, Bagdogra, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Indore and Dehradun, to name a few. Meanwhile, the international airlines that operate from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport are Air Arabia, AirAsia X, Druk Air, Emirates, flydubai, Iraqi Airways, Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile. These airlines connect to international destinations such as Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Paro, London, Baghdad, Kuwait, Doha Singapore, Jeddah, Dubai, Bangkok and Abu Dhabi, to name a few.

How to reach Ahmedabad Airport

By Bus

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is approximately 8n km away from the bus stand. From the bus stand, you can easily find taxis and private buses that will directly reach you to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. There are several prepaid taxi booths also available near the bus stand for you to reach Ahmedabad Airport. Reaching Ahmedabad Airport from the bus stand is quite convenient and comfortable. You can also find transportation facilities on Ola and Uber to reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It would take approximately 20 minutes to reach Ahmedabad Airport. However, depending on the city traffic, the duration can vary.

By Rail

The railway station is also located about 8 km from the airport. If you have a flight to catch from Ahmedabad Airport and if you are travelling to Ahmedabad from other parts of Gujarat, it would be a comfortable journey. You can get various taxi cabs and other such vehicle services at the railway station to reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Private cabs are available at the station and would take you around 20 to 25 minutes to reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.