Kolkata to Jodhpur Vistara Flights

  About Kolkata

The capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, Kolkata, is famed to be one of the best metropolitan cities in the country. Known as one of the busiest cities, the rich and illustrious history is a testament to the Kolkata's culture. The cuisine does not just reflect this that they are famously known for but also the city's pristine architecture. There are a plethora of sites and important institutions that must be visited to understand the history and the magnitude of the British influence on the city. From mishti dois to doi potol to rasgullas, the elaborate list of dishes from the Bengali culture can be found in every nook and corner of Kolkata.

Best time to visit Kolkata

The months from October to March is considered the best to visit Kolkata. The temperatures see a pleasant drop while the air is cool and comfortable. The December and January months see temperatures ranging between 9 degree Celsius and 11 degree Celsius, making it cold but beautiful. The winter season also sees various important festivals observed by the Bengalis such as Durga Puja, Laxmi Puja and Kali Puja. As it is a peak season, the flight tickets to Kolkata might soar a little.

Just like most of India, the months of April to May sees a tremendous surge in the temperatures, making the atmosphere too hot. In Kolkata, summers range between 30 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius, which is quite a lot to bear. It automatically affects the plans to sightsee, especially if you are a tourist. If you are unfazed by the harsh sun during the summer, then you should visit the city. The flight tickets to Kolkata are cheap and affordable. As the accommodations are so low-priced, you can reach the city and book a hotel too.

The city does witness tremendous rainfall from June to September, come monsoon. However, of all the months, August is the wettest for Kolkata during rains. The best part about rains is how the city is filled with hawkers selling munchies while chai becomes the partner in crime.

Places to visit in Kolkata

Ensure to add the Victoria Memorial to your itinerary of places to visit in Kolkata. The structure looks like it has been picked out of a fairytale with its exquisite Victorian architecture and the well-kept gardens. Discover more about the English influence by visiting Fort Williams. The enormous white structure has been an important part of British rule and continues to play a vital role in today's Kolkata as well. This 19th-century palatial estate located in the North of Kolkata once belonged to the royal families of Kolkata.

It would be a sin to miss the Howrah Bridge, when in Kolkata. The Harbour Bridge of India is the oldest and the busiest roads you will find in the city. The bridge has been built over the Hoogly river and plays a vital role in connecting two big cities, Kolkata and Howrah. The Tagore House is also one of the famous tourist attractions. The former house of the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the Tagore House has photo galleries, paintings and literary works of the poet. Kolkata's biggest attraction, though, is the Sunderbans. Listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site and being called the largest tiger reserve in India, the Sunderbans have a reputation for bringing forth a surreal for travellers.

The city also has various temples, churches and mosques that can be added to your list of places to visit in Kolkata. St Paul's Cathedral is famed for its stature as the largest church in Kolkata. As for temples, since the Bengalis have extreme faith in Goddess Durga and her various forms, there are several Devi temples and shrines that you will see in the city. The Kalighat Kali Temple, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Birla Mandir, to name a few are beautiful temples with interesting architecture that should be explored. Do not miss the Nakhoda Mosque, which is located in Rabindra Sarani.

Things to do in Kolkata

There are several fun things to do within the city of Kolkata. You can take a book and sit by the Rabindra Sarovar to savour in the literature as well as the peaceful ambience of the place. Or you can always opt to go a little bonkers at the Aquatica, a water amusement park, touted to be the largest in the Eastern parts of India. If you think there is a lot more you need to know about the city, then the Indian Museum is your place to be.

The city has a few ghats such as Princey Ghat, located close to the Hoogly river and you should check them out. No trip can be signed off as complete with a little shopping indulgence. Head to the Park Street and haggle for some pretty accessories, Dokra and paper mâché masks when you're in Kolkata. You can further indulge in some street food binge too.

Food and Restaurants in Kolkata

The Mughals and British heavily influence Kolkata's food culture. It is believed that the Mughals played a catalyst to bring forth the famed Bengali sweets. The idea to use dry fruits in food was a Persian thing that they practised and have been doing to this day. While the enthusiasm for art and literature is very Western, the cuisine has a blend of Chinese, Portuguese and Armenian.

Flurry's, Mocambo, Fire and Ice Pizzeria, Mrs Magpie, to name a few, have the best Continental and English spread that one can ask for in Kolkata. The quaint restaurants don't just offer their lip-smacking food but also a piece of their soul when they interact with their customers. From cute cupcakes to a delicious English breakfast, these places would give you the best food in the city.

For the sweet tooth in you, visit Balaram Mullick and Radharam Mullick to taste their legendary flavours as they constantly work on improving and innovating new sweets to keep the customers engaged. The sweets shop is actually run by the Scion of the Mullick Dynasty that was prevalent in Bengal 150 years ago.

Kewpie's Kitchen, Koshe Kosha, Indian Coffee House, Paris Cafe and Kusum Rolls are some joints which offer amazing cafe and fast food. These places do add more intrigue to the food culture of Kolkata.

How to reach Kolkata

By Air

As one of the top cities of India, Kolkata has a domestic as well as an international airport. Touted to be one of the busiest airports in the country, The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, better known as Kolkata International Airport, has excellent connectivity with domestic as well as international cities. The flight connectivity to and from Kolkata is brilliant as the city has flights coming in from major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc. In fact, the airport also sees flights from Kolkata reaching other top international cities.

The international routes directly connected with Kolkata include Doha, Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Chittagong, Dhaka, Hong Kong, etc. You can easily book direct flights from Kolkata to these international destinations without having to compromise on the time duration as well as layover concerns. Major Indian, as well as international airlines, also have dedicated flights and parking stations in the city's airport.

One need to fret over flight tickets to Kolkata as the busy airport sees a lot of action with many travellers making their way in and out of the city. Interestingly, out of all the top metro cities in India, flight tickets to Kolkata are the cheapest. This means you can always opt for a cheap flight to Kolkata and get great deals on the same.

By Rail

There are two important railway stations that connect the city from the rest of the country. The Howrah Railway Station and the Sealdah Railway station see outstation trains arriving in and leaving Kolkata. However, they are not the only two stations which see trains connecting to other cities. Even the Chitpur railway station, Shalimar Railway station and Kharagpur railway station have express and intercity trains connecting Kolkata with various cities within West Bengal and other states.

Some of the most famous express trains to travel to Kolkata are Duronto Express, Rajdhani Express and Jan Shatabdi Express. There are special trains such as Garib Rath Express and Yuva Express that also travel to the city. The train connectivity of Kolkata is excellent as it manages to connect with various states from Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari. If you are unable to get flight tickets to Kolkata, splurging on a train ticket, especially an express train, is a good travel option.

By Road

The city's roadway connectivity is just as immaculate as the train and flight connectivity. Some of the major national highways and state highways connect Kolkata to important metro cities. Taking a road trip seems like a good option, provided you are travelling from Andhra Pradesh or Orissa or Jharkhand or even Bihar. The neighbouring states of West Bengal have dedicated buses to and from Kolkata as the domestic routes are well-connected. You can further connect to the North-Eastern states with utmost ease from the city as the domestic routes from Kolkata connect perfectly with Guwahati and Siliguri.

  About Jodhpur

The second-largest city in Rajasthan after the capital Jaipur is historically rich Jodhpur. The city is often a haven for travellers seeking to learn more about the history and delve into the cultural heritage. From magnificent forts flaunting the architectural prowess to the luxurious escapades offered, Jodhpur easily becomes one of the best cities to head for a vacation.

Due to its stature as a big city, Jodhpur's flight connectivity to other major cities is excellent. Not to mention how the range of accommodations ranges from lavish to affordable. Ahead of your big trip, make sure to book your hotels in Jodhpur and let the city pamper you with its richness.

Best time to visit Jodhpur

The winters in Jodhpur have a comforting vibe that would make anyone extend their trip. The city faces beautiful and serene winters as the temperature drops to 10 degree Celsius while it only rises to 24 degree Celsius during the day. The winter season starts from October and lasts till March. These five months in Jodhpur are blissful as the sun isn't too hot and scorching. If you plan to book flight tickets to Jodhpur, then opt for one of the winter months. Newlyweds who are planning a honeymoon should give Jodhpur a thought for their destination. The place is historically and culturally rich, not to mention romantic.

The months from March to June are observed as summer season. Since it is a desert state, the summers are lethal as the temperatures soar up to 42 degree Celsius. While the evenings can be considerably pleasant if you do visit Jodhpur, you will be too tired by the data's heat to enjoy the evenings. Engaging in sightseeing will especially be tough considering how the temperatures would suck the life out of you. Flight tickets to Jodhpur are exceptionally cheap during summer. You might even crack some flight deals online for booking Jodhpur tickets.

Jodhpur receives scanty rainfall since it is in a dry state. While the temperatures do drop come monsoon, the humidity also skyrockets. The season is definitely not the best time to visit Jodhpur. However, to ensure that travellers continue to visit them, the hotels come up with flash sales and interesting deals. With a view to attracting travellers, crazy accommodation deals are offered by hoteliers. If the weather can't bring down your spirit, then go ahead, book a hotel room in Jodhpur and have an off-season vacation.

Places to see in Jodhpur

One of the biggest highlights of Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. Built by Rao Jodha back in 1460 AD, it is one of the most exquisite hill forts that you will find in Rajasthan. Not to mention the flawless construction and architecture matched with the grandiose of red sandstone make it a sight for sore eyes. The experience will be one of a kind. Well, when you're in Jodhpur, wouldn't you want to check out the place where Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot? The palatial wedding took place at the Umaid Bhavan Palace, another major attraction in the city. Perhaps you too can plan out your fairytale wedding as Taj Group of Hotels partly operates the palace.

Jodhpur has far too many forts that must be explored. Owing to their illustrious history and the Raja-Maharaja heritage, places like Jaswant Thada, Chand Baori, Raas Haveli, Umaid Heritage Art School, Masuriya Hill Garden, etc., should definitely be in your itinerary as you explore Jodhpur. Plus, there are many temples in the city such as Osian temple, Mahamandir, Om Banna Temple, Chamunda Mata temple and more that you can visit.

Things to do in Jodhpur

Tripolia market

No trip is complete without a little indulgence in splurging at shopping complexes. At Jodhpur, you can find some exquisite Jodhpuri style footwear, accessories and clothes. From pretty batik sarees to chunky metal accessories, the market will cater to your shopping needs.

Party at the Trophy Bar

Jodhpur is for the royals, and those who enjoy extravagant experiences should go to the city's Trophy Bar. Located in the Umaid Bhavan Palace, party like a royal at this sports-themed place while downing rich Rajasthani cuisine.

Photography at the Machia Biological Park

If you are a photography enthusiast, then the Machia Biological Park would give you the best models to cover. Visit the biological park along with your professional cameras. At the park, you will get to spot animals such as lions, wolves, tigers, jackals, gharial, leopards, sloths, porcupines and deer. The park also hosts bird-watching tours so if you wish to enhance your experience further, you can enrol for the expedition.

Camel safari followed by dinner

Camel safaris are a rage in Rajasthan and Jodhpur is no different to this fervour. A little away from the main city, there are many campsites that conduct adventure activities in the desert. You can indulge in camel safari followed by sublime food and camping. The perks of Jodhpur is the extravagance it comes with. You can opt for luxurious camping amid sand dunes and let the tranquillity of the desert coddle you.

Food and Restaurants in Jodhpur

When it comes to food, Rajasthani cuisine is wholesome and too good for words. The vegetarian spread of a thali with bajra roti, gatta curry, Dal paneer, Dal baati churma, Marwari pulao and more form quite the harmony of taste in the mouth. No matter how much you try, the delicious spread with dollops of ghee tempt you to eat till your stomach can't take it. And even if you do manage to finish what has been served to you, they come with more variety and food that you've never heard of. They believe in great hospitality and ensure that you return with a satiated smile.

When you visit Jodhpur, be prepared for a feast because their restaurants with lengthy food menu will entice you to order platter after platter of dishes. Speaking of which, when you're in the city, do visit Shandar Sweet Home and immerse yourself in the traditional desserts of the Rajasthanis. From Dahi vada to gulab jamun ki sabzi, you will be amazed and intrigued by their dishes. Ghost's fame comes from its traditional thali that comprises of 29 dishes. The appetizing good with myriad scents and flavours will leave you in a trance.

Hanwant Mahal, Indique and Janta Sweet Home are some more restaurants and food joints that have found fame in Jodhpur for their delicious spread of ingenious cuisine.

How to reach Jodhpur (Transportation)

By Air

Jodhpur might share its airside with the Indian Air Force, but the city does have a dedicated runway that helps connect with other big cities in India. Flights to and from Jodhpur are connected to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The duration of travel is quite less, so expect flight tickets to Jodhpur to be on the cheaper side. However, depending on whether it is a peak or off-season, you might not be able to get your hands on cheap flight tickets to Jodhpur. As winter brings various festivals with it, the peak season sees an abundance of travellers flocking over from international cities. The domestic routes between Jodhpur and Delhi are always busy as consistent flights are flying to and from Jodhpur. Similarly, Mumbai and Jodhpur also have regular flights flying to the city.

Airlines such as Air India and SpiceJet have dedicated flights to Jodhpur. The airport is only 3 km away from the main city, which makes travelling easier. You can get rentals or taxi cabs at the airport. While you're making your flight bookings to Jodhpur, you should also book a hotel in the city. Peak season will see a surge in prices for everything ranging from transport to accommodation. Hence, make sure to book a hotel room in Jodhpur before your trip commences.

By Train

Train travelling is ideal, and the cheapest option one can look for. The ticket prices to Jodhpur via train is also cheap and quite affordable. Jodhpur takes popular rail routes to connect to Mumbai, Delhi Chennai and Kolkata. There are a bunch of express trains travelling from different parts of the world that use this domestic route to reach Jodhpur. From Chennai Jodhpur Expressed to Jaisalmer Delhi Express, there are several express trains that pass through the city. Details about the train timings and other such inputs are shared on the website of the Indian Railways. Depending on whether the train's timing fits your schedule, you can book tickets to Jodhpur.

By Road

The roadways are connected brilliantly in Rajasthan so you can literally reach Jodhpur from any domestic route you pick. All the major cities in Rajasthan are well connected with each other. It'll take you approximately four hours to reach Jodhpur from Udaipur, close to five hours from Jaisalmer, five hours again from Bikaner and five hours and 30 minutes from Jaipur. One of the main reasons why it is recommended that travellers opt for road trips when in Rajasthan is because of how close the main cities are and how you can reach in less duration of time.

  About Vistara Airlines

Vistara is a fairly new airline that is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. Tata Sons owns 51% stake in the airline, and Singapore Airlines has 49% stake. This was Tata Sons' reentry in the world of Airlines since Air India was nationalised. Tata's still has minority stakes in AirAsia India. However, getting Vistara started was no less of a struggle for both parties involved. The companies had made a bid in the 1990s to launch the full-service carrier in India, but it was not successful and was denied approval by the Indian government. The airline was founded finally in 2013 after India opened up its airline for 49% foreign direct investment. Vistara airlines commenced operations in 2015 with its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. It serves up to 36 destinations domestically and internationally. It operates approximately 200 flights daily and has flown over 20 million passengers already. It has grown quite popular and is slowly becoming one of the most preferred airlines by passengers. While low-cost carriers mostly dominate other airlines, Vistara caters to the high-end business travellers in the country. It also aims to make sure that the passengers have a luxurious and comfortable journey.

Vistara is a Sanskrit word that translates to the limitless expanse, and the airline sure does live up to its name. Vistara carried about half a million passengers in just seven months of commencing operations. It is also one of the few airlines that has the International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership. It flew its first international flight to Singapore in 2019 from Mumbai and Delhi. The airline used its Boeing 737-800NG. Vistara codeshares with British Airways, SilkAir, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines Japan Airlines and Lufthansa. It also has interline agreements with a couple of airlines that include Aeroflot, Air France, Air Mauritius, All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Asiana Airlines, Gulf Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, flydubai, Finnair, Kenya Airways, Japan Airlines and KLM. The airline currently has 40 aircraft in service and is awaiting 52 more that it has ordered. The aircraft has business class, premium economy and economy class for its passengers. Fun fact: Vistara was the first airline to introduce the Premium Economy class.

Not only do the Business Class and Premium Economy Class passengers get special treatment, but so do the economy class passengers. The premium economy class allows you to choose seats that have extra legroom and far more comfortable as compared to the economy class ones. It has eight business class seats that are the most comfortable ones in the aircraft. You can also use Vistara's frequent-flyer program called Club Vistara. You can look up more offers on the website like the Vistara Womanflyer, Vistara Corporate Flyer, Vistara Student Discount, Vistara Senior Citizen Discount, Vistara Affordable Luxury and so on.

Fleet Size of Vistara

Vistara picked up pace and popularity quite quickly. It flew half a million passengers in only seven months of commencing operations, which is quite impressive. Though the airline does not have a fleet as large as the other airlines, it is slowly getting there. Vistara has 13 Airbus A320-200 aircraft which have eight business class seats, 24 premium economy class seats and 126 economy class seats. It also has 20 Airbus A320neo aircraft with the same number of passenger accommodations. It has 6 Boeing 737-800 aircraft that can accommodate 168 passengers, 12 business class and 156 economy class. The Boeing 787-9 can accommodate 30 business class passengers, 21 premium economy class and 248 economy class, passengers. While the airline currently only owns one of these aircraft, it has placed an order of five more of those. It is, without a doubt, one of the biggest Vistara aircraft that can seat more passengers as compared to the other flights.

Vistara acquired its first aircraft in 2014 and commenced flights from 2015. The airline also has quite a few aircraft that it is planning to get on long term leases soon. Vistara is one of the only Indian airlines that have business class seats and also has a lot of offers to provide luxurious services to its customers. Vistara might not exactly have low fares, but it does make sure you get your money's worth.

Baggage Allowance

Make sure you go through Vistara's baggage allowance rules and regulations while you book your Vistara flight tickets. The airline allows 7 kg cabin luggage for economy class passengers, 10 kg for premium economy and 12 kg for business class passengers. Your cabin luggage cannot exceed this limit unless you are carrying items like a handbag, overcoat, camera, infant's feeding aids, medicines, laptops and so on. Baggage allowance rules differ depending on your ticket plan. You can choose between Value, Standard and Flexi plans for whichever travel class you choose. For passengers travelling within India, the maximum limit for check-in luggage for economy class is 15 to 20 kg, premium economy is 20 to 30 kg and business class is 30 to 40 kg. If you are travelling to international destinations like Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore and Colombo, the maximum limit ranges from 30 to 45 kg. For travellers heading to Kathmandu, the limit ranges from 20 to 40 kg. You can either check out the baggage allowance limit on your ticket or find it on the website.

If you have a Club Vistara Gold or Platinum membership, there are chances you might get a few extra kilos of baggage that you can carry without having to pay extra. Make sure you are not carrying any item that has been prohibited by the airline. You cannot carry explosives, flammable or combustible items, sharp objects, chemical or illegal drugs in your luggage or otherwise. You must also make sure that you carry your power bank and portable chargers with your cabin baggage instead of the check-in luggage. It would be advisable to get your web check-in done in advance to avoid any hindrance. You will also have to inform the airline staff hours before boarding the flight in case your baggage exceeds the weight limit.

In-flight Services

Vistara's in-flight services are not only luxurious, but they are completely worth all the money spent. The business class seats are reclined, have an extendable leg rest, footrest, and you can also adjust the height of the headrest. You also get personal storage space at the side of your seat for smaller items. If you are travelling by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, you also get seat ambient lighting, USB outlet, and an 18" HD personal entertainment screen with a video handset. Vistara also offers the most delicious meals as a part of its in-flight dining experience. You can enjoy a range of food options and can also sip on some refreshing coffee from Starbucks. You can enjoy over 70 hours of Hollywood and Bollywood content that are a part of Vistara's in-flight entertainment services. Whether you want to watch a romantic, comedy or action film, or just listen to various genres of music, you will find everything that you are looking for as a part of the in-flight entertainment services. You can look up their website to get a glimpse of all the royal treatment and luxury that you will experience onboard.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Vistara

Vistara connects to various destinations through domestic and international routes daily. It connects to 34 destinations including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Amritsar, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Colombo, Chennai, Dehradun, Dubai, Goa, Guwahati, Delhi, Indore, Kathmandu, Leh, Lucknow, Port Blair, Srinagar and so on. You can check Vistara's flight schedule and your flight status on the website. Vistara makes it a point to operate punctually and not give passengers a chance to complain about anything. The staff is also quite friendly and helpful in case you need help with anything at all.

Why Travel by Vistara?

Vistara has evolved as one of the most favourite airlines among passengers and deservedly so. It offers luxury and convenience at the best price. The fares might not be as cheap as other Indian Airlines, but it does live up to its promise of delivering luxurious services to its passengers. You can book a Vistara flight ticket through the website or get a travel agent to do the same. If you are not able to go through the web check-in process for any reason, you can always get in touch with the call centre. The executives will definitely help you through the process. Vistara also makes sure that it keeps you updated on your flight status and any upcoming or ongoing offers that it comes up with. You can also sign up to become a Club Vistara member to enjoy the benefits. It is also one of the only few Indian airlines that gives luxury a tad more importance as compared to low fares. It leaves its customers satisfied, which is one of the reasons that it flew over half a million customers in only seven months. It is also slowly becoming one of the most preferred airlines among passengers. Its services only keep improving with time.

  About Kolkata Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is located in Dum Dum, in the state of West Bengal. The airport serves the Kolkata metropolis and is about 17 km away from the city centre. It was earlier called the Dum Dum Airport but was later renamed as the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, in 1995. The airport is sprawled over 1,641 acres and is the largest hub for air traffic in the eastern locales of the country. It is also one of the two international airports in the eastern part, along with the Bagdogra Airport. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport accommodates the 20 million passengers, making it the fifth busiest airport in the country apropos passenger traffic. The Kolkata Airport falls behind Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore airports in terms of passenger traffic. The Kolkata Airport is also known to be a major hub for flights to connect to the Northeast parts of India, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, to name a few. Much recently, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport received the honour as the Best Improved Airport in the Asia-Pacific region.

About Kolkata Airport Terminals

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport recently received the new integrated terminal called T2. It is spread over 2,510,000 sq ft and can accommodate about 25 million passengers yearly. This is massively better compared to the previous terminal, which could only hold a capacity of 5 million. The L-shaped structure has six levels, 128 check-in counters and about 78 immigration booths with 12 customs counters. The airport also has passenger lounges that are provided by Air India. T2 is well-equipped with 18 aerobridges and sees remote parking bays of 57. The airport authorities have further planned to erect an 18-foot statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the T2 complex. The domestic terminals have been shut down for a good while the integrated terminal is in function. In the past, the airlines did see some setbacks as Lufthansa withdrew services to Frankfurt, leaving the airport with no nonstop and direct connections to countries beyond Asia. However, since the extended new terminal, the international operations have resumed and are attracting several airlines as well.

About airport authority

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is owned and served by the Airport Authority of India. The AAI has been catering to the extension, maintenance and development progression of the domestic and the international terminals of the Kolkata Airport. Over the years, the statutory body has been extending its development plans to make the airport more efficient. AAI was initially two separate boards namely, National Airports Authority and International Airports Authority of India, handling domestic and international flights respectively. In 1995 though, the two individual bodies were merged to form the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The present works to make the Kolkata Airport more accessible is in progress. There are talks of the airport receiving connectivity with a metro rail system to connect to the main city of Kolkata. Currently, buses and prepaid taxis are the only ways to reach the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Hence, the metro line would connect to the terminal directly.

Top airlines flying from Kolkata Airport

The Kolkata International Airport is the hub for airlines and flights flying to the North-Eastern parts of India. Many domestic and international airlines operate from the city. Kolkata is the hub of the East in India. The Kolkata Airport, one of the oldest in the country, has tremendously good connectivity to the North Eastern cities of India. Airlines such as Air Asia, AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara, operate from the Kolkata International Airport. The futuristic airport manages to connect to cities such as Imphal, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Aizawl, Agartala, Shillong, Jharsuguda, Tezpur, Silchar, to name a few. These domestic airlines operating from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, have dedicated flights to various other cities in India too, including the major ones such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.

As the fifth busiest airport, Kolkata does offer good connectivity to the North East cities as well as countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and other countries in Southeast Asia. International airlines such as Bhutan Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern Airlines, Druk Air, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Malindo Air, Myanmar Airways, NovoAir, Qatar Airways, Regent Airways, Singapore Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Smile and US-Bangla Airlines, operate from the Kolkata International Airport. The airport also has international airlines connecting cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong and more.

Facilities at Kolkata Airport

Airlines lounges - The airport accommodates a handful of airline lounges along with the airport's dedicated lounge. As an international airport, the Kolkata Airport does cater to world-class facilities at the lounge including spas, restaurants and relaxing seats to unwind.

Baggage - Some of the big perks of baggage at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport include the provision of baggage wrapping services. This is to avoid the bags from being mishandled or for the contents to be affected. A wrapping fee is charged at the airport, which can be paid by cash, online payments or with the use of a debit or credit card. Along with the wrapping service, the airline also provides a storage facility. You can keep your bags here if there is a long layover or you can ask for a porter service too, to take care of your luggage. The services can be availed for up to 30 days, but the airport would carry a thorough security check before allowing the baggage to be stored.

Child care centre - For travellers in-transit with infants, the airport has reserved special child care rooms. The facility has all the child care essentials, including a changing table for the baby. They can be found at the arrival as well as the departure section of all the terminals. The room is well-maintained and hygienic.

ATMs and forex - Foreign exchange services are also available at the airport for travellers who may need extra liquid cash. Money transfers and other such money-related services are also available at the airport. These are specifically reserved for international passengers or travellers flying out of the country. Dedicated local banks have also been made available at the airport to help the passengers.

Postal services - In case you need to share some important document via courier or other mailing options, the airline has reserved a postal service specifically for such situations. You can find the postal services within the premise of the airport. You can find out more about this at the information desk located at regular intervals in the airport.

WiFi - The airport also allows free WiFi services within the vicinity. You can directly connect to the airport's WiFi network with a valid Indian mobile number. The services are available at the domestic and international terminals, at the waiting areas. The high-speed connection can be availed for approximately 45 minutes. Following this, the passenger will have to pay a fee to get access to more internet.

Medical services - There are round the clock medical facilities available at Terminal 2 of the airport. The medical services are managed by the Airports Authority of India along with Medica Super Speciality Hospital. They have inspection rooms as well as emergency paramedic supplies as well.

Special assistance - Passengers who require special assistance with respect to being escorted in a wheelchair or help with the braille symbols, can request for the same. It would be best to inform the airline ahead of time so that the airport staff can be accommodated to cater to the same. A staff would accompany the traveller with mobility or other health conditions.

Smoking zone - Smoking in public has been prohibited by the government. Hence, special smoking lounges have been installed within the premise of the airport. You can find them at both the domestic and international terminals.

Retiring room - The airport has introduced a convenient retiring room for passengers who have layovers. There are retiring rooms and dormitories at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport that passengers can avail to rest and freshen up.

How to reach Kolkata Airport

By Rail and Metro

The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport was once well-connected to the main Kolkata Suburban Railway system. From the Dum Dum Cantonment railway station (now Kolkata Suburban Railway Station), the airport was connected at the Biman Bandar station. However, with the state's plan to work on a metro line that connects the airport to the railway, the station has been shut for construction. Presently, the metro rail is under construction with the Kolkata Suburban Railway system's connectivity shut down. The distance is 4km long and elevated which also passes through Jessore Road. Once the metro rail completes construction, it will be directly linked with the terminals of the Kolkata Airport.

By Road

Currently, the only way to reach the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is by hailing a taxi or getting a prepaid ride. The airport and the city have excellent prepaid taxi facilities and AC buses that do connect the city with the airport. The 2 km flyover built from Kestopur to Raghunathpur was specifically constructed to increase the efficiency of reaching the airport and to avoid the traffic. You can make bookings of a prepaid taxi can be made at the booths and counters at the domestic and international terminals of the airport. You can easily reach Kolkata International Airport by road.

  About Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport is a joint-use civil enclave airport located in the city of Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India. The airport was originally set up by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in the 1920s to accommodate the Jodhpur Flying Club. A small airfield was constructed right next to the Chittar Palace. The airfield witnessed a consistent expansion and growth in the following three decades as it was also acquired by the Royal Air Force to cater to fighter planes during World War II. Eventually, after independence and the exit of the Britishers from India, the airfield was upgraded in 1950 which became part of the Indian Air Force. Until 1965, the airfield was majorly used by the Indian Air Force's Air Force Flying College. This continued until the 1965 war. Eventually, the operations were shifted to creating an airport out of the already existing airfield. Jodhpur Airport is about 3.2 km away from the city centre of Jodhpur. Even though it is operated for passenger flights, the airport continues to see parts of its premise being used by the Jodhpur Air Base which is connected to the Indian Air Force.

About Jodhpur Airport Terminal

Jodhpur Airport has only one domestic terminal which caters to almost three gates. The interiors of the airport terminal are well-equipped with essential facilities ranging from check-in counters to baggage conveyor belts. Overall, the terminal has seven check-in counters, three boarding gates, both located in the domestic terminal premises. The airport also has an apron measuring 140 x 100 metres which are made of concrete and consists of three parking pays for aircraft such as two A320 and one ATR. The runway is also extended to around 2743 metres in length and 45 metres in width. Further, the airport has also facilitated night landing. It has installed an instrument landing system (ILS) along with navigation equipment such as DVOR/DME (Very High-Frequency Omni-Directional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment) and a non-directional radio beacon (NBD). As for the squadrons present in the airport vicinity, HAL Dhruv, Mikoyan MiG-27, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Mil Mi-17 aircraft are present. These aircraft are operated under the Indian Air Force from the shared airfield.

About airport authority

Jodhpur Airport is owned and operated under the Airports Authority. Although it shares the airside with the Jodhpur Air Base of the Indian Air Force, the air force does not have any management or operational role in the functioning of Jodhpur Airport. In 2017, the government of Rajasthan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force to enable expansion plans that the airport's authority has for the civil enclave. The Indian Air Force agreed to hand over 37 acres of their land to the Airports Authority of India so they can commence expansion and upgradation projects. Over the years, the airport has witnessed a tremendous surge in its passenger traffic, owing to the massive tourism activities that take place in the city. Besides, since Jodhpur's grand palaces have become the ideal spot for wedding destinations, the demand for the airport has also increased. Not to mention how it has even become the 44th busiest airports in the country. Airports Authority of India is yet to reveal expansion designs and plans on what they aim to add to the facilities of Jodhpur Airport. However, they have shown promise to accommodate better equipment and essential modern upgrades to add more charm to the airport's vibe.

Facilities at the Jodhpur Airport

Baggage – Baggage facilities at the airport include free trolleys, porter services and security checks of the checked and hand baggage.

Restaurants – The cafeteria of Jodhpur Airport has a bunch of famous food joints as well as local restaurants that promote Rajasthani cuisine.

Duty-free shops – The airport has a few duty-free shops located in comfortable locations, within the departure hall. The shops majorly have Rajasthani-inspired handicrafts, clothes, shoes, artefacts and more. Ethnic jewellery can also be found at these shops, along with affordable food items.

Special assistance – To cater to the needs of physically disabled, Jodhpur Airport also has special assistance facilities. The passenger can request for wheelchairs and even ask the staff to help escort the passenger. It is essential to inform the airlines about the same in advance so that they can inform the airport to reserve services.

ATMs – ATM kiosks have been facilitated at specific points in the airport's vicinity. Passengers who need to withdraw cash at the airport to travel to the city or to make purchases within the airport can use the ATMs.

First aid stations – Jodhpur Airport has reserved specific first aid stations within its premise to cater to medical emergencies. There are dedicated rooms where the patient can rest. These rooms are equipped with essential medical facilities too. Further, the airport has pharmacies also present to help passengers with their medication needs.

Smoking zones – The airport prohibits smoking in public. They have instead installed smoking lounges that passengers can use to smoke. These zones are well-maintained and are at a distance from the main public lounge. They can be found at the airport's departures and arrivals halls.

Top airlines flying from the Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport has found a lot of fame in recent years with a surge in the wedding market as couples are opting for palatial nuptials and wedding destinations. Currently, there are only three airlines that operate from Jodhpur Airport. These include Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. The airport only caters to four Indian destinations, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Indore. Jodhpur Airport doesn't have a single flight even to the state's capital, Jaipur. However, with the expansion plans commencing, the airport's authority aims at attracting more airlines to operate from the airport premise. Now defunct airlines such as Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines operated from Jodhpur Airport and had far more connectivity with various major cities in India.

How to reach Jodhpur Airport

By Bus

Jodhpur Bus Stand is located near the airport as it stands at a distance of 8.7 kilometres. Often, a majority of the crowd opts for bus services to travel within the state. Hence, if you have to reach Jodhpur Airport from the main city, you can first get to the bus stand and take a taxi cab service from here. The perks of Jodhpur are that there are taxi cabs available at all intervals. You can hail a cab from anywhere within the city. Since it is a tourist haven, there are rickshaw services also available that would reach you to Jodhpur Airport. However, with rickshaws, you will need to fix a fare ahead of the journey. Chances of the rickshaw driver upscaling the fare to reach Jodhpur Airport is quite high. Hence, to avoid being swindled, the best way to go about a rickshaw ride would be by fixing a fare ahead of the journey. The same applies to prepaid taxi services in the city. You can avail these services, or you can also book a vehicle to travel through the city and reach Jodhpur Airport, by signing up with a travel agent.

By Rail

Jodhpur Airport is about 5 km away from Jodhpur Railway Station. Located in the south of the city, the railway station is well-equipped with transport services such as buses, taxi cabs and other such modes of transport. For travellers who are reaching the city by train from other parts of Rajasthan, can hail a taxi cab or a car rental to reach Jodhpur Airport. The services are exemplary and available at all times.

About Jodhpur

Jodhpur is recorded as the second largest metropolitan city in Rajasthan, following its capital, Jaipur. It is also recognised as the former seat of a princely state going by the same name. Jodhpur's historical relevance comes from the Kingdom of Marwar. The city was the historic capital of the kingdom. In present times though, Marwar is part of the state and is an independent city. Thanks to the exquisite palaces, first and temples along with the stark landscape expanse of the Great Indian Desert, Thar Desert, makes Jodhpur a tourist's paradise. It is easily one of the top tourist destinations in India. The city is also popularly referred to as the Blue City and Sun City for its clear skies and gorgeous locales. A major part of the old city lies within the borders of the Mehrangarh Fort, which is bounded by a wall and has several gates. Over time though, the city has expanded its wings to acquire more spaces neighbouring the wall. Geographically, Jodhpur is at the epicentre of the state of Rajasthan. Hence, it is convenient with respect to travel options for travellers to reach other parts of the state.

The city of Jodhpur is also known for hosting numerous educational institutions with the most prominent ones being IIT Jodhpur, AIIMS Jodhpur, DSRRAU Jodhpur, NIFT Jodhpur, SNMC Jodhpur and NLU Jodhpur. Research institutes such as Indian Space research Organisations (ISRO), Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Desert Medicine Research Centre (DMRC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to name a few, are also present in Jodhpur.