Kolhapur to Chandigarh Flights

  About Kolhapur

Kolhapur is one of the top cities in the state Maharashtra. The city is known for its chappals and spices. In fact, thanks to the originality and impeccable quality of some of the products such as chappals, lavangi Mirchi, jaggery and cuisine, they are all recognised as Kolhapuri. The city is well-connected with Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. People from Mumbai and Pune often take road trips to Kolhapur to enjoy the cool weather and spicy food.

The city does not have a dedicated airport for commercial purpose. As the flight connectivity from Kolhapur is non-existent, people opt for roadways as a means to reach the city. Besides, National Highway 4, which connects to Kolhapur, is so beautiful that a drive to the city would be a fun trip.

Best time to visit Kolhapur

Much like the rest of Maharashtra, Kolhapur is also quite arid with a hot summer season. However, the city experiences pleasant winters and monsoon thanks to the proximity it shares with the Western Ghats. Despite the humidity being in the air, the city makes for a good escape from the other scorching places of the state. The months November to February are considered to be the best time to visit Kolhapur as the temperatures drop to 14 degrees Celsius. You can book a hotel in Kolhapur for winter and enjoy the cold weather. Although there are not many luxury hotels in the city, you can still find some decent places to stay.

Places to visit in Kolhapur

Panhala Fort

The famous Panhala Fort built by Raja Bhoka II is a must-visit in Kolhapur. The strategic location of the fortress built in 1209 has had quite a lot of historical significance for being involved in some of the significant skirmishes between rulers of ancient times. The fort fell under the leadership of several celebrated rulers from the Marathas to the Mughals to the Britishers. With such strong backstories and some of its structures intact, the Panhala Fort easily becomes one of the best attractions of Kolhapur.

Jyotiba Temple

The Jyotiba Temple is located a little away from Kolhapur but is definitely worth the visit. Constructed in 1730, the temple is said to have strong religious significance as Jyotiba is believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu God Shiva. Jyotiba's role in Goddess Mahalaxmi's battle against the demon Ratnasur is a known mythological tale. The temple was erected to worship the deity and continues to see many devotees.

Binkambi Ganesh Temple

Lord Ganesh is the most venerated deities worshipped by the Maharashtrians. The Binkhambi Ganesh Temple, located just 1 km away from the Mahalakshmi Temple, is believed to have been discovered by the villagers. The temple's walls have beautiful designs, but what makes the temple a tourist attraction is because of the lack of pillars. The entire temple has been built without any pillars. Hence, the name Binkhambi has been given to the temple.

Kopeshwar Temple

The enthralling site of Kopeshwar Temple is dated to 12th century, built under the ruler of the Shilahara dynasty. The temple's structure is an architectural bliss as there are sculptures on pillars and walls. Made to honour Lord Shiva, the temple premise also has an idol of Lord Vishnu. The majestic structure is undoubtedly one of the best temples in Kolhapur. It is especially intriguing from an architectural point of view and should definitely be visited.

Maharaja's Palace

The Maharaja Palace, located in the same vicinity of the Chatrapathi Museum, is a quaint grey structure that was built in the 19th century. The palace is home to the current King of Kolhapur, who resides on the first floor of the palace.

Chatrapathi Shahu Museum

Chatrapathi Shahu Museum is touted to be one of the oldest museums in India. Founded back in 1883, the museum's attractions include the sculptures, artefacts from the wars, weaponry, jewellery and garments from the various empires that ruled the city and more. It would be quite the educational tour for you as you will get to learn more about the Maratha empire.

Mahalaxmi Temple

The most popular tourist destination in Kolhapur is the Mahalaxmi Temple, located within the city. Devotees from various corners of the country are said to visit the city to seek blessings of the goddess of wealth. The deity is adorned with exquisite jewellery with diamonds and other precious stones. The temple presence dates back to the 7th century when Karandev of the Chalukya dynasty ruled the city. With stunning architecture and Hemadpanthi sculpture-styles incorporated to construct the temple, the premise easily manages to receive gasps for being an architectural delight. The temple walls also have sculptures of Hindu deities Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha, to name a few.

Things to do in Kolhapur

The landlocked city of Kolhapur might have many temples and historical places to explore. However, there are some fun things to do, as well. One of the best places you can visit to soak in the bliss of an environmentally blessed environment is Rankala Lake. It is said to be one of the most popular sites visited by tourists. The hangout is maintained well with neat seating areas and walkways. Plus, the area is surrounded by lovely green spaces of gardens. It might seem like a crowded place, but even in the noise, you will find solace as there is a space reserved for the same. Called the Rankala silence Zone, you are not allowed to make a sound, which only helps with the purpose of finding peace and tranquillity.

You can always find time to visit the Shivaji Market. Kolhapuri chappals are a rage in the country, and you can get your hands on some of the authentic Kolhapuris. If you are enthusiastic about wildlife, then you must pay a visit to the Kolhapur zoo, which is located very close to the New Palace Lake. The place has exquisite migratory birds including peacocks, emus and flamingos.

Food and Restaurants in Kolhapur

Kolhapuris are not too modest when it comes to spices in their food. They love to spice things up, and by this, we mean quite literally. From their take on non-vegetarian food to the famous, Kolhapuri misal, the city's food culture is definitely worth exploring. While it may take a strong gut to stomach all the spices that Kolhapur has to offer, it definitely is worth all the tears!

The city's famous dish misal, has far too many joints to pick from. However, it is not surprising since even the locals love to indulge in some evening misal pav rendezvous. You can visit Bawada Misal, which has had various celebrities visit the restaurant. Other popular misal joints include Fadatare Misal and Chorage Misal. There are various cafes too in the city that should be explored such as Datta Cage, The Oven, Milano's, Khembraj Bakery and more. The city's love for spice is visible in the meat they eat too. There are many non-vegetarian hotels in the city such as Hotel Meghdoot, Hotel Opel, Hotel Victor Palace and more. The food here is heavenly, and even though the spices might make you cry, your soul will scream with joy!

How to reach Kolhapur (Transportation)

By Air

Kolhapur does have an airport going by the same name. However, the airport is currently not operational for commercial use. Hence, often people choose to go to airports that are close to Kolhapur. The nearest airports to Kolhapur are Belgaum Airport and Pune Airport. These two airports are fairly connected with major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and more. Kolhapur airport is located in Ujlaiwadi, which is close to the city. Works to turn it into a civil airport is underway. Aside from Pune and Belgaum, people also opt to reach Goa Airport or Mumbai Airport and take roadways to reach Kolhapur.

By Rail

Kolhapur Railway Station is located a little away from the city centre. Although it is only 5 km away from the main city, the connectivity to important cities in India from Kolhapur is quite good. There are dedicated trains from cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Tirupati, Pune and Satara. South-bound trains going to Karnataka, Goa and Kerala also stop at the Kolhapur railway station. Since Kolhapur falls on the domestic route to cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Goa and more, the connectivity by railway is quite convenient. From the railway station, there are a plethora of transportation options such as rickshaws and buses that can be taken to reach Kolhapur's main city area.

By Road

To reach Kolhapur, National Highway 4 is the best choice. NH4's domestic route connects Kolhapur to Mumbai and Bangalore. In fact, the highway is also known as the Mumbai-Bangalore highway since it connects the two big cities. NH4 has recently been spruced up, making road trips easier. The highway has not just been enhanced in terms of aesthetics but is also well-maintained. This has enabled less traffic on the highway and a drop in the estimated travel time. A slew of bus services, both government-based and private, have services for Kolhapur. In fact, many buses going to Bangalore or returning to Mumbai from Bangalore pass through Kolhapur.

  About Chandigarh

Located on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, is the gorgeous city of Vancouver. It is famously known to be one of the most densely populated cities in the country. Not just the population but even the ethnic diversity sets the city apart from the others. Vancouver has a plethora of gardens and parks, along with museums and galleries. The city has managed to find fame amid travellers in recent years. Owing to the landscape scenery and thriving food establishments, Vancouver has grown into becoming one of the most important cities in Canada. It is easy to connect flights to Vancouver as well.

Best time to visit Chandigarh

Vancouver is predominantly a cold city with temperatures barely exceeding 22 degree Celsius. However, the spring, summers and fall are pleasant in Vancouver, giving way to tourists. Since summer is the peak season in Vancouver, often you will find a plethora of tourists from around Canada to flock over for some fun. The city's thriving culture and lifestyle, topped with the slew of amazing festivals such as TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival, Vancouver Folk Music Festival and Bard on the Beach, further make people want to head to the city. With so many events and lovely weather to take in, the hotel prices and flight tickets also tend to get expensive. Plus, with the crowd, it might be difficult for you to enjoy a quiet and quaint environment. The cruise port also gets busy as the travellers need to be accommodated. However, the spring season will get your spirits high and your pockets happy. From March to May, the city turns lively as the cherry blossoms bloom and the whales pass through the Vancouver waters. It is a beautiful sight and certainly comes with great perks.

There are some fascinating events such as the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and Vancouver International Dance Festival that take place during spring. It is certainly the kind you shouldn't miss as the streets turn carnivalesque. Autumn is just as favourable as spring as the city prepares for the winters. It is easier to book hotels in Vancouver during this season as people are departing from the summer fun, reducing the demand for the city. Just as the temperatures go down, even the hotel prices and flight ticket costs drop, making it easier for tourists with a strict budget to traverse. While the city folks continue with their fairs and events, a new wave of budge tourists come over to be entertained by what the city has to offer. The temperatures would require you to carry jackets and coats along with you. It can get super cold, especially if you're from a hot country and are not used to the drop in temperatures. The experience of autumn in Vancouver is just as beautiful with the city streets turning crimson red as maple leaves flood the streets.

Places to visit in Chandigarh

Life in Vancouver is on the outside and not indoors. The city bustles and brims with opportunities for tourists to engage in. The Stanley Park is one sweet place from where you can begin your Canadian tour. Granville Island is the one place that will give you trendy restaurants, theatres and alluring galleries. All you've got to do is to hitch up a ferry ride and ho to the island. Another lovely place to visit would be Queen Elizabeth Park, a famous outdoor attraction in Vancouver. Famously known as the Kitsiklano 'Kits' Beach, the stretch of shores finds itself in the lines of an LA or Venice beach, thanks to the pristine water it touches. Spanish Banks Beach is another thrilling spot that would make you happy, especially if the water is something you love. The city has far too many gardens so you will never be tired of the greenery around you. The VanDusen Botanical Garden also deserves to be visited as it is one of the pretty places. It's not just gardens and beaches though, the city also has Yaletown, a chic neighbourhood to indulge in some upscaled lifestyle.

Things to do in Chandigarh

One of the best things to do in Vancouver is easily the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is 450 ft long, and 230 ft elevated from the ground that offers a stunning view of the river flowing under. It is quite thrilling and definitely poles apart from the feeling the gardens in Vancouver invoke. You can indulge in some leisure sightseeing and shopping at the Lonsdale Quay Market. Another fun thing to take up in Vancouver would be to indulge in a food tour. As the city does brim with a vast opportunity for lip-smacking food, you will not be disappointed with the establishments the city has. Sailing is another activity that you can take up in the city. It would be fun, and you will get to learn something new. Plus, for the outdoorsy kind, you can visit Grouse Mountain for some adventure fun.

Food and Restaurants in Chandigarh

Vancouver is nestled along the Pacific coast, making seafood as it's the staple food. In fact, much of their food has fish and other aquatic life as the base. That includes the classic fish and chips too, which is otherwise a London speciality. These can be found in the city's markets such as Granville Island. The place is ideal for you to explore their seafood delicacies. While Granville has some of the basic but delicious street meat, Yaletown upscales the whole experience, which would be ideal for you if you're on a romantic rendezvous. The setting at Yaletown is formal and posh. Some of the food establishments that you should visit during your trip are Rodney's Oyster House, Blue Water Cafe, to name a few. These are the best seafood restaurants in the city which you will surely like. You can also check out YEW Seafood + Bar, which is located at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. Their speciality includes Sidney Island venison and Qualicum Bag scallops. These are a big hit in the city, and something many would recommend.

A little away from Vancouver is Richmond (in British Columbia), where you'll find more seafood with wild salmon, tuna, mussels, crab and halibut too. What makes this place special is how the fish are fresh catch of the day which the fishermen get from the docks. These you can find at Steveston Village. Not just seafood but Vancouver also has its own version of Chinatown where you will find some of the best Asian dishes. In fact, you can also experience the little India that is settled in Vancouver. There is a Punjabi Market which is basically an Indo-Canadian neighbourhood located in the South Vancouver. Rest assured, all your cravings for Indian curries and delicacies shall be fulfilled here.

How to reach Chandigarh

There are no direct flights from Indian to Vancouver. However, the flight connectivity to Vancouver from India is exceptional. Canada, in general, receives a lot of tourists and potential residents from India. Due to this, the popularity of flights to this route is quite high. In fact, every second day, there are people travelling to Vancouver or other parts of Canada. Since there are no direct or nonstop flights to Vancouver from India, many airlines do have services to reach with layovers in other international cities. Airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Air France, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines, British Airways have some dedicated flights flying to Vancouver. As there are no direct flights, many have layovers in their origin countries. For example, Air France has flight connectivity to Vancouver from Paris, so there is a layover in the city. Similarly, other cities with layovers are in Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Newark, Istanbul, to name a few. The most popular route for flights to Vancouver is from Paris and Frankfurt. However, some of the flights need a second layover which either takes places in Montreal, Toronto or Newark.

To fly to Vancouver from India, you will require to apply for a transit visa. Since the international routes connecting Vancouver and India are from cities like Paris and Frankfurt, they require a transit visa from the passenger. To make things easier, the Canadian Embassy has allowed for online applications. All you need to do is fill up the application online and submit the same. The process is easier and less time-consuming. Besides, the status of the application is received promptly. The flight tickets to Vancouver are considerably on the expensive side. The distance is quite a lot and travelling through certain airlines is why the prices are steep. However, you can always find exceptional flight deals online. There are provisions of miles as well which enable the ticket prices to reduce. You can find cheap flight tickets to Vancouver online, especially if you book them well in advance. Simultaneously, you can make your hotel reservations too. Booking in advance always comes with its perks and booking your hotels in Vancouver will also be cheap if you do it beforehand.

  About Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh International Airport is a custom airport that also serves as a passenger airport to the Union Territory Chandigarh. Along with the city, the airport also serves Panchkula, Mohali and other cities in the states of Punjab, Haryana and a few southern districts of Himachal Pradesh. The airport runway is situated in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. In contrast, the international terminal falls on the south side of the runway, close to the village of Jhiurheri in Mohali, Punjab. The international airport has all its civil and commercial operations conducted from the civil enclave of the Indian Air Force Station. In the 1970s, the airport witnessed tremendous flight activity and operations from Indian Airlines. There were regular flights connecting Chandigarh to Delhi.

Following the construction of a new airport building in the civil enclave in 2011, all operations were diverted to the new terminal. This special air terminal was announced as a customs airport in 2011, giving it the international stature. Although it became an international airport, the terminal never witnessed international flight activities operate from its premise. In 2008, the Government of Punjab acquired a land area of 304.04 acres to construct the new international terminal. Over its completion in 2015 and a few Public Interest Litigation case hearings that took place at the Punjab High Court and Haryana High Court, the airport finally witnessed international flight activities from 2016. IndiGo and Air India Express became the first airlines to commence international flights to fly to Dubai and Sharjah from Chandigarh International Airport.

About Chandigarh Airport Terminal

The new international terminal came into existence in 2015 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The new terminal has been built in an eco-friendly manner with several features validating the same. Larsen and Toubro constructed the airport's new terminal. The airport's interiors have an abundance of plants which gives a rather botanical garden feel. The earlier domestic terminal now caters to VIP flights and is also reserved for flying club. Meanwhile, the new terminal includes two link taxiways that connect to the terminal as well as the cargo complex. There are four aerobridges apron reserved for parking of four in contact, and eight remote parking stands for aircraft. The terminal is divided into two levels with the first level taking care of all departures while the ground level has arrivals. The first phase of the airport terminal has the capacity to handle about 1,600 passengers at a time with a parking space to accommodate 150 vehicles. Although the airport is not a greenfield airport, it does use the runway of the current Indian air force base. The departure section of the terminal has relevant facilities such as ATMs, WiFi and a duty-free shop. Much recently, the terminal's check-in counters have also been expanded from 24 to 26.

About airport authority

Chandigarh International Airport is jointly owned by the government of Punjab, the government of Haryana and the Airports Authority of India. In fact, they have formed a consortium as the airport's operations are handled by Chandigarh International Airport Limited. In the consortium, Airports Authority of India holds a maximum stake with 51 per cent equity while the Government of Punjab and Government of Haryana hold 24.5 per cent of shares respectively. Chandigarh International Airport Limited is responsible for all the management, maintenance and other such operations of the airport terminal. Ever since the airport's genesis, CHIAL has been working towards expanding the airport's premise and providing world-class facilities to attract more flights and passengers. After quite a lot of struggle with cases going up to the high courts of both the states, Chandigarh International Airport finally even received international flight operations. Currently, the airport caters to a slew of domestic airlines, some of them catering to Indian as well as international cities.

Facilities at the Chandigarh Airport

Food court - Chandigarh International Airport may not have a slew of fancy restaurants installed in its vicinity; it does have a dedicated food court. Passengers can avail lip-smacking dishes from the airport's food courts. They have local and globally recognised food joints available. From burgers to chole bhatures, you can find all kinds of cuisine.

Trolleys and wheelchairs – Trolleys and wheelchairs are available at the airport. While the trolleys can be found at every junction of the airport's arrivals and departure section, wheelchairs need prior intimation. You will need to speak with the airlines and inform them about the requirement for a wheelchair at the entrance of the airport's departure gates. Following the same, the airport will send trained staff to help out the passenger in need of the wheelchair.

Baggage – The baggage system and services at the Chandigarh International Airport include trolleys, baggage wrapping services, storage facilities and more. There are dedicated reclaim baggage conveyor belts located in the arrivals section from where passengers can get access to their checked luggage.

ATMs and currency exchange – As an international airport, Chandigarh International Airport has installed currency exchange booths in the arrivals section of its international terminal. International travellers can get their currencies exchanged and also make money transfers at the forex counters. Plus, there are ATM kiosks also available in the airport premise. Passengers can withdraw money if needed, especially if they are travelling within any liquid cash.

Medical facilities – The airport also has medical facilities available for emergency cases. It is essential to have medical experts on the airport campus at all times. Hence, the airport has ensured to keep a team of dedicated medical professionals. There are medical rooms also available at the airport. You can avail these services for free. There are pharmacies also available at the airport. They provide medicines as well as toiletries that you can purchase.

Child care room – Parents travelling with infants can avail the child care room facility. These rooms have been reserved for parents to help tend to their infant babies. Activities such as breastfeeding and changing diapers can be done in these rooms as it offers privacy. Simultaneously, the child can be put to sleep in the room while they wait for boarding. These rooms are kept well-sanitised.

Smoking zones – Chandigarh International Airport does not allow smoking in public. Hence, they have provided special smoking zones for passengers. These can be found at the departures and arrivals of both the domestic and international terminals. It is essential for passengers to adhere to these rules and smoke within the premise of the smoking lounge provided by the airport.

Special assistance – The airport caters to special assistance for disabled travellers. Prior intimation needs to be given to the airlines by the traveller if they wish to avail these services. You can also specify the requirements for the traveller to the airlines, and the airport will make the necessary accommodations for the same.

International SIMs – For travellers who are visiting Chandigarh and do not have a local SIM number, you can get hold of the same at the airport. There are dedicated counters at the arrivals section of the international terminal where counters have been installed to provide temporary SIMs. Mobile phones are also available, in case you need one.

Top airlines flying from the Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh International Airport currently enables operations of seven domestic airlines and caters to connect two international destinations. Presently, the airlines that operate from Chandigarh International Airport are AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. These airlines have excellent connectivity with various Indian cities along with designated international destinations. Chandigarh International Airport connects flights to cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Dharamshala, Pune, Jammu, Chennai, Kullu, Dubai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Patna and more.

How to reach Chandigarh Airport

By Bus

The new terminal of Chandigarh International Airport is close to 14 km away from the main city of Chandigarh. The city of Chandigarh has excellent bus transport facilities that help connect to various parts of Punjab, Haryana and parts of Himachal Pradesh too. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking has AC buses that operate from the main city to the airport's new terminal. The buses take Route 38 and 36 to reach Chandigarh International Airport. It is easily one of the most sought-after ways to reach Chandigarh International Airport. The ticket fare is also quite affordable and ideal for travellers. Besides, the buses have been designed in such a way that they offer a comfortable journey to the airport. The transport service also has a mobile app from where you can book tickets and get details about the bus schedules and routes to reach Chandigarh International Airport.

By Taxi cabs

Taxicab services are also present within the city to reach the Chandigarh International Airport. You can hail a taxi cab from anywhere around the city or the other surrounding states to reach Chandigarh International Airport. It might be challenging as you will need to communicate with the drivers and ensure that they don't make you pay an exorbitant amount for the journey to reach the Chandigarh International Airport.