Kolhapur to Tiruchirapally IndiGo 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 Tiruchirappali

Tiruchirappalli is famously known by its shorter forms, Trichy and Tiruchi. It is a big city in Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest in terms of urban agglomeration. The city sits in the centre of the state of Tamil Nadu and enjoys a plethora of pilgrimage sites. Tiruchirappalli also has the Kaveri river flowing through the city. In the ancient years, the city is known to have been under the rule of various dynasties such as Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Pallavas and Nayaks too. Hence, the city has interesting structures and temples that glorify the ancient dynasties.

Tiruchirappalli is a major roadway and railway hub in the south of the state. Not to mention how it also has an international airport. In fact, the Tiruchirappalli International Airport has about five domestic flight services and seven international flights flying in and out of the city. Tiruchirappalli's international routes by flights are well-connected. Not to mention the flight connectivity of Tiruchirappalli to Indian metro cities is also quite remarkable.

Best time to visit Tiruchirapalli

Being on the Southern-most district of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirapalli suffers from the excess heat and humidity that comes with summer. Not to mention how the weather continues to stay back to make it uncomfortable for people. Locals are used to the hot and humid weather which is teamed with erratic rain schedules and downpour. The maximum temperature peaks up to 41 degree Celsius in Tiruchirapalli during summers. The months from March to May are not ideal for tourism in the city. With temperatures ranging from 36 degree Celsius to 41 degree Celsius, it doesn't look good for tourism. Sadly, the humidity makes it worse. Flight tickets to Tiruchirapalli during this time is actually low and affordable. Many use this opportunity to leave the city and go someplace with cool vibes. If you do plan to visit the city during winter, then be prepared for the excess heat. Carry appropriate clothes on your trip and do not venture out without a bottle of water. Constant hydration is required, especially during summers.

June to September is monsoon month for Tiruchirapalli. However, the weather is erratic with moderate to heavy rainfalls taking over the city. While the rains do bring some relief to people who have been dealing with the scorching summer sun at Tiruchirapalli, it is accompanied by humidity, something worse than heat. There is excess moisture in the air which only makes the city hotter. However, as long as you pick a pleasant date when the heat won't be too much, that would be ideal. Plus, the city does witness scenic bliss as the rain drenches the town and its greenery. The whole sight is beautiful and worth witnessing. Hotel bookings in Tiruchirapalli with monsoon present is quite cheap and affordable. As it is an off-season for the tourism in the city, they drop the accommodation prices to make it friendly for every kind of pocket.

Out of the three seasons, winter is the most pleasant to be experienced by the city and in the city. With winters, the temperatures actually drop down to 19 degree Celsius. In fact, the maximum it rises to is 22 degree Celsius. Not only is this favourable for tourism, but it is also suitable for locals to engage the travellers. With less heat in the environment, it is a tremendous spike in the tourism of the city. Pilgrims flock over to visit some of the temples in the city, the hotel bookings at Tiruchirapalli are reasonable, if not expensive. December to February is especially ideal for tourism as the weather is simply out of the world.

Places to visit in Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirapalli is recognised as a temple city, much like many other cities in Tamil Nadu. With the Dravidian-style architecture and gopurams in every temple, the city witnesses beautiful temple shrines that only add more charm to pilgrimage. During your time in the city, seek blessings at the Samayapuram Amman Temple, Rockfort Ganpathi Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Viralimalai Murugan Temple, to name a few temples. The tourist attractions in Tiruchirapalli are mostly temples. However, some exceptions are found with the presence of the Kallanai Dam and Makkombu, a picnic spot.

Things to do in Tiruchirappali

Aside from pilgrimage, there is nothing much to do in the city. In fact, what you can do is visit the temples and learn about their significance. The Kolli Hills are located closeby and can be visited. You can sit under the Puliyancholai Waterfalls and feel at peace with a tranquil surrounding. Within the Kolli Hills, there is another waterfall called Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, which you should explore. The white waterfall is a beautiful sight.

Food and Restaurants in Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirappalli might be known for South Indian cuisine, but they also entertain varied styles of cooking that don't necessarily have to be Indian. From Chinese to Italian, you will find some exciting tastes from the global kitchen. As a city with many temples and holy sites, Tiruchirappalli offers a range of mainly South Indian vegetarian dishes. The restaurants have recipes ranging from the staple idli, vada, sambar to some interesting twist of coastal seafood such as prawns, fish curry and more. You will not be bored with the food in the city as it caters to a diverse background. Of course, though, the highlight of the dishes has got to be Chettinad-style food. The said dish is quite popular in Tamil Nadu. It involves sun-dried meat marinated with freshly ground spices to give it lovely flavours. You should totally taste Chettinad food.

This can be found at Kannappa Chettinad Restaurant. The hotel chain is quite snazzy with an impeccable dining hall and perfect for a family outing. The place also serves pepper chicken and mutton biryani. Ezham Suvai is another amazing restaurant that plays with flavours to give the best food to the customers. Thanks to its diversity in cuisine, the place is always packed with tourists and even locals. It offers a splendid fusion of cuisine ranging from Gujarati, Jain, Chinese and Tandoori. However, to get the best of tandoori, you should definitely head to the Arab Spice Family restaurant. With moderate prices for dishes, the place certainly has great service and food.

Chellammal Samayal, Apple Millet, Banana Leaf are some of the restaurant chains that stick to the basics of traditional South India food. They sell authentic food and great ambience to the customers, which works out pretty well for them. Trichy Arusuvai restaurant, Meridian restaurant, Padma Cafe, are also some lovely restaurants where you will be met with tasty food.

How to reach Tiruchirappalli (Transportation)

By Air

Tiruchirappalli International Airport is acknowledged as the third largest airport in the state of Tamil Nadu, after Chennai and Coimbatore, in terms of passenger traffic. As the airport serves flights coming in from international routes to Tiruchirappalli, it experiences a good passenger footfall. The flight connectivity to Tiruchirappalli from cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Hyderabad, to name a few, is splendid. More than serving flights coming from domestic routes in Tiruchirappalli, the airport caters to international cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and more. Airlines such as AirAsia, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines, Alliance Air, Air India Express, Scoot and more, have flights flying to and from Tiruchirappalli on a regular basis. The airport has a fascinating history as it was established amid the Second World War by the British. Used by the British Airforce, the airport played a base to the British warplanes during the war. The airport is accessible too as it is only 5 km away from the main city, making transit within the city favourable.

By Rail

Just like the airport, even the Tiruchirappalli Junction is considered to be an important railway station in Tamil Nadu. After Chennai and Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli Junction becomes the third important railway junction in the state due to its excellent network with neighbouring cities. It is necessary that you first check the train schedule and ticket availability. The city witnesses tremendous footfall from other cities in India, making ticket reservations a little questionable. A majority of tourists usually opt for the railways to reach the city due to its good connectivity. Major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Delhi have dedicated express trains to and from Tiruchirappalli. Express trains such as Kanyakumari Express, Mumbai - Nagercoil Express, Thirukkkural Express and Anantapuri Express are some of the trains that regularly visit the city.

By Road

As a flourishing city, the road connectivity to Tiruchirappalli is also just as good as the flight and train connectivity. The Central Bus Station sees bus services from various cities within Tamil Nadu as well as cities from neighbouring states. In fact, some buses are also available that travel from Kolkata, Vizag, Bangalore, and more. Ticket bookings can be made via online apps and through a travel agent. However, in comparison to the other modes of transport, travelling to Tiruchirappalli via road is considered to be the least favourable. The roads leading to the city is not well-maintained. Not to mention how the duration and comfort level is compromised when travelling via road. Best to opt for a more viable choice such as flights to Tiruchirappalli or trains, unless you're travelling from within the state. There are many buses and domestic routes connected to Tiruchirappalli from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and more.

  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 Tiruchirapalli Airport

Tiruchirapalli International Airport serves the city of Tiruchirapalli, which is located in the Southern district of Tamil Nadu, in India. The airport is situated on National Highway 336 and is approximately 5 km from the city centre. It is recorded as the 31st busiest airports in India, in terms of passenger traffic and is the third-largest airport in the state of Tamil Nadu, after Chennai and Coimbatore. The Tiruchirapalli International Airport is also recognised as the only airport in Tamil Nadu to serve more international airlines than domestic ones. Overall, the airport allows operations and connectivity of 7 international destinations and five domestic. Originally, the airport came into existence during World War II and served the British as part of their British Airforce. It catered as a maintenance dock for warplanes. After the war ended though, the locals received permission to convert it into a civilian airport for passenger travel operations.

About Tiruchirapalli Airport Terminals

The Tiruchirapalli International Airport has two terminals to cater to domestic and international airlines. The terminals are adjacent and have an integrated passenger terminal which is utilised for both, domestic and international air traffic. The older terminal has now been converted into an international cargo complex which stands at an area of 43,000 sq ft cargo complex. It was commissioned back in 2011 for operational purposes. The terminal is two-story and is handled with a capacity of nearly 0.49 passengers, per year. On peak hours, the capacity of the airport to handle passengers is 470. The new terminal has various intriguing features, including 12 check-in counters with 16 immigration counters. A baggage assistance counter is also present where you can get your baggage wrapping done if needed. There are two lounges in the Tiruchirapalli International Airport with a VIP lounge that is handled by the AAI. The airport also has five X-ray scanners to help with baggage that can later be sent for check-in. With three aerobridges and seven aircraft stands, the airport further has enough space for parking. Expansion work is in progress at the Tiruchirapalli International Airport.

About airport authority

The Tiruchirapalli International Airport is owned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation while it is operated under the Airports Authority of India. Also known as AAI, the statutory body works under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Overall, the organisation falls under the Government of India and takes the responsibility of upgradation, maintenance and management of the aviation activities along with the infrastructure of all the airports owned by them. The Airports Authority of India came into existence in 1994 after a merge between the two bodies International Airports Authority of India and National Airports Authority was commissioned. Since then, the body is responsible for all the airports that fall under its direct wing.

Top airlines flying from Trichy Airport

Tiruchirappalli International Airport serves majorly as an international airport as it has more airlines for destinations abroad. Even the airport has more international airlines operating as opposed to the domestic ones. You can find international airlines such as AirAsia, Air India Express, Malindo Air, Scoot and Srilankan Airlines, operate from the Tiruchirappalli International Airport. The airlines connect to international cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Singapore, Dubai and Colombo-Bandaranaike. The airport is quite popular for the excellent connectivity it has with foreign countries. Meanwhile, only two domestic airlines are operating from the Tiruchirappalli International Airport. Alliance Air and IndiGo are the two domestic airlines that have flight services from the Trichy International Airport. The airlines cater to connecting the Tiruchirappalli International Airport with Indian cities such as Delhi, Madurai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The airport only caters to major cities in the South of India with New Delhi as an exception.

Facilities at Tiruchirapalli Airport

Lounge - Operated by the Airports Authority of India, Tiruchirapalli Airport has two lounges. Presently, the airport caters to the VIP lounge and the CIP (important commercial persons) lounge. Both the lounges are managed by AAI and are present in the new integrated terminal. The lounges are reserved only for people with specific ticket types or memberships with airlines. Some of the finest facilities are available at the airport lounge to cater to the comfort needs of the passengers. The seating arrangement is relaxing, and the ambience is also perfect for passengers to unwind while they wait to board the flight. There are facilities to rest in the airport lounge as well. You can sleep for a bit before your flight takes off.

Baggage - The airport's baggage facilities are also quite good. They have many services ranging from porter facilities to baggage wrapping deals. You can get your baggage wrapped in plastic at the airport. The benefits of this are that your baggage will be safe and secure. In the case of mishandling or theft, the same would be recognised by the tampering of the luggage. Trolleys are also available at all junctions of the airport's departure and arrivals sections.

Special assistance - Facilities to accommodate special assistance with respect to helping passengers with mobility issues and such are provided at Tiruchirapalli Airport. It is recommended that the passenger inform the airlines about the special requirements beforehand. That way, the airport would be able to reserve all the necessary equipment as well as a staff to help them with their travel concerns. They have professionals who will help the passenger with wheelchairs and other such amenities.

Restaurants and cafes - Food-related services are also available at the airport. You can opt for a snack or delve into a full-course meal. The airport has small-time local joints as well as decent restaurants available. These can be found near the departure and arrival sections of the new integrated terminal. There are multiple establishments for coffee, tea and other beverages as well.

Medical services - First aid is a necessity that every airport should have. Tiruchirapalli Airport has also ensured to follow the same protocol by installing proper medical service counters at all junctions. There is a dedicated room for medical emergencies. Simultaneously, the airport also has pharmacies present in the vicinity. You can find medications or experts to help you with the same.

ATMs - There are dedicated ATM kiosks also available at Tiruchirapalli Airport. In case you have run out of cash and need to withdraw some for airport indulgences, you wouldn't have to worry as they do have ATMs. The shops in the airport vicinity also accept credit and debit cards along with some other means of money transfers.

Duty-Free shops - Much recently, the airport has introduced duty-free shops where passengers can purchase handicrafts and other items. The shops sell some of the finest goods such as coffee, religious items and handicrafts that are a speciality of Tiruchirapalli. You will find some small idols of gods as well, including that of Lord Ganesha. The shops are a good way to kill time before you can board your flight.

Travel agents - At the airport, another perk is to find travel agents who can book touristy activities, hotels and transportation on your behalf. They are present in the arrivals section. The travel agents also have enough information and passenger guide to the city that you can check out. From city attractions to how to reach places, the airport's travel agents would help you out with all the necessary information.

Smoking rooms - There are dedicated smoking zones also available at the airport. To avoid smoking in public, the airport has installed a smoking lounge. Passengers are prohibited from smoking anywhere else but the lounge facility.

How to reach Trichy Airport

The Tiruchirappalli International Airport is situated on the National Highway 336, connecting Pudukottai and Trichy. It has great connectivity with bus services from within the city. There are city buses from the Central Bus Stand and Chatram Bus Stand that connect directly to the airport. You can reach the Tiruchirappalli International Airport by hopping onto one of the buses. These buses would drop you to the airport terminal, which is perfect. The buses are exclusively operated to make reaching the Tiruchirappalli International Airport far more convenient. No metre-line connects to the airport, neither is there a nearby railway station. Aside from the buses, booking a rental is one of the easiest ways to reach Trichy Airport. Much recently, a taxiway and passenger terminal have been constructed at the Tiruchirappalli International Airport.

About Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirapalli or famously referred to as Trichy or Tiruchi is a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is known to be the fourth largest following Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai, in the state. Geographically, the city is located right in the centre of the state with Cauvery Delta beginning about 16 km from the west of Tiruchirapalli. The city's recorded history dates back to 3rd century BC with the rule of the Cholas. The city has also witnessed the rule of the Pandayas, Nayak Dynasty, Pallavas, Vijaynagar Empire and eventually, the British Raj. The diverse reign is reflected in their monuments and historic sites. The city houses one of the most engineering universities in the state, the National Institute of Technology.