Khajuraho to Srinagar SpiceJet 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 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.

  About SpiceJet

SpiceJet is one of the most popular airlines in India and quite affordable, too. Lowest airfares and high customer value is what the airline aims to deliver to its passengers. The airline has 630 daily flights operating to 64 destinations, of which 15 are international destinations. It has hubs at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. One of the specialities of the airlines is its dynamic fares. It makes sure that the fares are affordable to every citizen of the country. Spicejet is practical and yet stylish, and there is no denying it. The airline also has a very efficient and helpful crew who make sure that you have had a safe and comfortable flight. It was founded in 2004 as Royal Airways and commenced operations in 2005 as SpiceJet. The first flight was operated between Mumbai and Delhi after which it soon became the third-largest low-cost carrier in the share market after Air Deccan and Indigo. Media magnate Kalanidhi Maran also acquired a major stake in the airline through Sun Group. The company was originally acquired by entrepreneur Ajay Singh who is the Managing Director of the airline.

SpiceJet initially leased two Boeing 737-800 aircraft when it started operations and had planned to order ten new crafts to expand. By 2010, the airline ordered 30 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and 15 Bombardier Q4 Dash. Though the airline suffered a lot of loss in 2012 due to the increase in global crude prices, it recovered and returned to profits later that year. SpiceJetrecently added the B737 - Max 8 aircraft to its fleet, which is a state-of-the-art aircraft. Most SpiceJet flights can seat from 150 to 200 passengers, except the Bombardier Q400 that only seats between 78 to 90 passengers.

The airline also has an elite SpiceClub, a membership program for passengers that offers a lot of privileges and benefits. You can earn frequent flyer points for every Rs. 100/- spent on the flights, along with the add-ons. If you have enough points, you might even get a chance to fly for free. The airline now also offers premium services to passengers who fly under the SpiceMax program. It allows passengers to choose their seats well in advance along with priority check-in and boarding, priority baggage handling but at a higher price. SpiceJet also has a cargo airline called SpiceXpress which was launched in 2018. It became the first airline that operated freight services between Southeast Asia and North East India after it began its services in 2019 between Guwahati and Hong Kong.

Fleet Size of SpiceJet

With increasing popularity, the airline kept adding more aircraft to increase efficiency. The maximum number of passengers that a SpiceJet flight can seat is up to 212, depending on the aircraft, of course. Boeing 737-900 ER is one of the largest economy passenger flights that can accommodate 212 passengers. Boeing 737-900 can seat 139 economy class passengers and 28 business class passengers. SpiceJet has 4 Boeing 737-900 ER aircraft and only one Boeing 737-900 aircraft. Boeing 737 Max 8 is an upgrade from the previous aircraft and has a narrow body. It can seat 189 economy class passengers. However, due to two fatal accidents of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, the aircraft was grounded worldwide. Approximately 346 people lost their lives in these plane crashes, which is one of the primary reasons for the aircraft to get grounded worldwide. The Civil Aviation Administration of China was the first one to ground the aircraft nationwide, and other countries followed suit. The aircraft is expected to start flying after some major changes to its flight control system. There are a total 54 Boeing 737-800 aircrafts in service of which 18 also cater to a few business class passengers.

Boeing 737-700 has seven aircraft of which four can accommodate business class passengers. The total capacity of these aircraft is between 134 to 149. SpiceJet also has 2 Airbus A320-200 aircraft that can accommodate up to 180 passengers. The Bombardier Q400 is a comparatively smaller aircraft that accommodates fewer passengers as compared to the Boeing aircraft. SpiceJet has about 32 of these that can accommodate 78 to 90 passengers. SpiceJet has announced that it will induct 16 Boeing 737-800 and 5 more Bombardier Q400, owing to the demand. Since SpiceJet also caters to business class and premium passengers who are willing to pay extra for comfort and exclusive offers, you will find a lot of flights that have sections reserved for these passengers in the aircraft. The best part about the Bombardier Q400 is that there are two people on either side of the aircraft, which makes more room for you to have a relaxing journey. However, it only flies to shorter distances as compared to the other aircraft.

Baggage Allowance

Like most airlines, SpiceJet also has a specific set of rules adhering to the baggage that you can and cannot carry. There are a certain set of rules for domestic passengers and other sets of rules for passengers travelling internationally. Spicejet has certain baggage allowance restrictions that every passenger must follow. Currently, domestic passengers are allowed only one check-in baggage that does not exceed 20 kgs. Passengers who are carrying more than the baggage allowance will have to bear extra costs and will need to be booked at least 6 hours before the flight departure. Make sure you are not carrying any radioactive or explosive items in your baggage. You also have to steer clear of corrosives like acids, alkalis, mercury and compressed flammable or combustible gases. There are also certain rules with carrying your phone charger and power banks that you must follow. You can only carry these in your hand luggage and not your check-in luggage.

It is advisable to get your web check-in done in advance so you won't have to spend a lot of time at the counter. You can just collect your boarding pass, hand over your luggage and head to the gate. SpiceJet allows the Free Baggage Allowance of the International sector if you are travelling from domestic to international or vice versa on a connecting flight within 24 hours. If you have a connecting flight and have to change to another airline, you are allowed Free Baggage Allowance of one check-in bag weighing 20 kg or less. Again, you need to ensure that you are not carrying anything that you are not allowed to carry. It is also advisable that you do not pack your valuables like jewellery, money or electronics in your check-in luggage. Make sure you add those to your hand luggage since the airline is not responsible for any damage to property. It is also a piece of thoughtful advice to protect your assets.

In-flight Services

Though SpiceJet used to function on economy class-only seating when it commenced operations, it introduced premium in-flight services to SpiceJet passengers under the title SpiceMax. Passengers are offered additional benefits like pre-assigned seats with extra legroom, priority check-in and boarding, meals onboard and so on at a higher price. You are also eligible for a complimentary upgrade and free cancellation. The airline does not offer or provide complimentary meals to passengers flying by economy class. Though it has a frequent flyer programme, it does not provide in-flight entertainment options. With the airline evolving and introducing new offers and services to keep its customers happy, don't be surprised if they introduce in-flight entertainment services for the premium passengers.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for SpiceJet

SpiceJet connects to various domestic and international routes on a daily basis. It connects to 54 Indian destinations and 15 international destinations with 630 flights operating on a regular basis. It has its hubs at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad so don't be surprised if your flights have layovers at these cities whether you travel domestically or internationally. The staff is quite accommodating and helpful. They will help you out with any query that you have regarding your layovers or other flight details. Do make sure you are allowed to step out of the airport and explore the surrounding area before you board the flight again after your layover.

Why Travel by SpiceJet?

SpiceJet is not only one of the most affordable airlines in India, but it is also an efficient one. The airline ensures that its passengers are informed about the flight status more than just once along with the SpiceJet flight schedule. Even if your flight witnesses the slightest delay, the authorities make sure they keep you informed about it so you can plan your commute to the airport according to that. Web check-in is also made easy through your phone or using a kiosk at the airport. Booking a SpiceJet ticket is also quite easy and anything but complicated. It aims to attract passengers with low fares and quality service. It also manages to live up to its mission. The staff is also quite friendly and helpful.