Mumbai to Cuddapah Flights

 About Mumbai

Mumbai is to India is what New York is to America, a city of dreams. The place with its rich heritage and urbane culture has since forever brought forth people from all walks of life together. It is also recognised as the commercial capital of India with over millions of migrants flocking over from different parts of the country and even world! Mumbai is the second big city in India after Delhi and has a busy airport as well as an active lifestyle. The city has far too many beautiful places to visit and culture to take in. Mumbai has been named after Mumba Devi and is the state Maharashtra's capital. The flight connectivity of Mumbai is splendid with various major cities in the world, making it one of the most important cities.

Best time to visit Mumbai

Fixing an ideal season to visit Mumbai can be tricky as the city is always bustling with energy and travellers. The winters in Mumbai are pleasant as the temperatures drop, and the city's festive spirit takes over. Even though the atmosphere is humid during winter, the city life would not cease to amaze you. Mumbai's monsoon is legendary as everybody loves and hates the city's rains at the same time. From June to September, the city of Mumbai experiences heavy rain which could be cumbersome for travelling but beautiful nevertheless. Flight tickets to Mumbai are often a little pricey as the city is an important commercial hub. The living expenses and accommodation has a range from cheap to extravagant. You can book a hotel in Mumbai or pick the hostel life.

Places to visit in Mumbai

The city is full of vibrant places and heritages to explore. The top attractions of Mumbai include the Gateway of India. Located right at the Colaba bay is the beautiful gate-like structure build by the Britishers. The structure continues to attract tourists to this day as it faces the beautiful Arabian Sea on one side and the Taj Mahal hotel on the other. While you're exploring South Mumbai, you should check out the ancient Asian Library which is located at Horniman Circle. The steps of the library is a prime spot for concerts hosted by Kala Ghoda Festival. You should also visit the Taraporewala Aquarium which has some beautiful marine life, including the remains of an enormous whale. The Nehru Planetarium located in Worli is an interesting complex where you will be blessed with some fabulous mysteries of the universe.

Beaches

Located on the coast, Mumbai's shores touch the Arabian Sea. The crowded beaches might not be clean as compared to some of the pristine blue shores of Goa or Kerala, but the vibrant energy of people enjoying the sunset on the beach is a wholesome experience. You can check out beaches such as Juhu Beach, Versova Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, Gorai Beach and Aksa Beach, to name a few. A little away from the city centre lies this untouched beach called Rajodi Beach, where you can actually learn how to surf.

Pilgrimage

Mumbai is also famous for its love for Lord Ganesha. The famous Siddhivinayak Temple is interestingly located at the heart of the city, in Dadar. The temple sees a staggering footfall regularly as many devotees worship the power of Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the pandals built around the temple looks exquisite. Another important pilgrimage is the Haji Ali, located on the Arabian Sea and connected to the city by a narrow bridge. Close to the Haji Ali is the Mahalakshmi Temple, also nestled by the edge of the sea. You should also visit Mount Mary in Bandra. Other important temples include Mumba Devi and ISKCON.

Things to do in Mumbai

Walk on the promenade popularly known as Marine Drive

The much-hyped Marine Drive, also known as Queen's Necklace, is a promenade constructed by the city. Many movies have been shot with Marine Drive as the backdrop. There is literally no reason yet every reason to check out this place, sit over the promenade and stare at the wide sea.

Shop at Colaba Causeway Market

Colaba Causeway is another prominent marketplace in the city that is forever crowded. Causeway's collection of accessories, clothes, chappals and the area, everything is a vibe that you'd want to be a part of. Plus, famous cafes such as Mondegar and Leopold are also located here.

Spend a day at Goregaon Film City

Mumbai's biggest highlight and gift to the world is Bollywood. Home to one of the biggest film industries in the world, the Goregaon Film City is one such place you simply cannot miss when in the city. Watch the actors play their roles in a make-believe set that you've always watched in the comfort of your couch at home.

Explore the Sanjay Gandhi National Park

A little away from the city centre is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as the city's lungs, is a vast expanse of lush green forest. You can rent cycles and explore the national park, opt for trekking and trek the trails leading to Kanheri Caves or simply just pack a lunch and indulge in some picnic at the park.

Food and Restaurants in Mumbai

The list of places with the best food in Mumbai is exhausting. The city, with its urban lifestyle, has a type of restaurant and food for every kind of crowd. For the ones who want to get their hands dirty (literally) with Mumbai's street food culture, Khao gallis is the place to be at. There are many Khao gallis in the city, starting from Churchgate to Ghatkopar. These lanes are dedicated spots for hawkers and street food owners to sell their speciality. You'll find vada pavs, pav bhaji stalls, chat corners, Anna with his slew of South Indian dishes like idli, vada, dosa, guys selling small street pizzas, frankie rolls, etc.

For the ones who wish to indulge in some pricey lounge setting, you should head to Masala Library, Gaylord, Hakkasan, The Bombay Canteen, Olive, The Clearing House, Bastian, Wasabi, to name a few. These places are celebrated and have been founded by renowned chefs from the culinary field. If you do not have any preferences as such, then you should visit some of the popular cafes and restaurants that have been part of Mumbai for a long time. These include Kyani's, Britannia & Co, Bademiya, Cafe Madras, Cafe Mondegar, Sardar Pav Bhaji, Cafe Gulshan, Cafe Leopold, O Pedro, Imbiss, to name a few.

How to reach Mumbai

By Air

Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in India, as is the city's domestic and international airport. As the commercial capital of the country, the city's domestic and international airports are admirably connected to big cities in the country and globally. Flights to and from Mumbai fly to various big cities in India such as Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Guwahati and basically most of the cities in the country. Formerly known by the name Sahar International Airport, the airport was re-christened to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 2) while the domestic airport has been named Santacruz Airport (Terminal 1). It is important for you to know from which terminal you'll be boarding the flight from Mumbai as they are located in two diverse sides of the city.

The airport has major Indian and international airlines stationed at the airport. These include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Etihad Airways, Emirates and more. Mumbai's international routes are crowded too as there are multitudes of flights flying to global cities namely, New York, San Francisco, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, London, Tokyo and more. Travelling from the airport within the city is quite convenient as there are taxi cabs, Ola and Uber services, rickshaws and buses that can be found right outside the airport. In fact, 1 km away from the airport is the Mumbai Metro which connects the city's varied geography.

By Rail

The railway network of Mumbai is touted to be one of the best in the city. It has direct train connections to various cities in India. These cities include Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad and more. The city has two main terminals namely Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Mumbai Central, from where you can take outstation trains. However, much recently, they opened the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, which also connects to various parts of the country. There are mail trains and express trains that travel from the Mumbai city, including Mumbai Rajdhani, Duronto, Konkan Kanya Express and more. The excellent connectivity of Mumbai with other cities makes it easy to traverse.

By Road

Major national highways connect Mumbai to various parts of India. You can literally take a road trip to anywhere you want from Mumbai without any hassle. In fact, you can travel from any part of the country and reach Mumbai with its impeccable roadway connections. Not to mention how there are several buses run by the state and private owners that travel from the city regularly. Many travellers often opt for road trips as the roads leading up to Mumbai are beautiful. Travelling by buses is quite economical as well. 

  About Cuddapah

Cuddapah or Kadapa is a city nestled in the south-central part of Andhra Pradesh's Rayalseema region. With a district headquarters of Kadapa district, the city is famously known for holding the gateway to the sacred Tirumala Hills from the west. The popular route from Cuddapah leads straight to Tirumala Tirupathi Balaji Temple and hence, holds tremendous importance. The city also has some historical significance as it has been ruled by several dynasties including the Cholas, Khalji emperor Alla Uddin from the Mughal era, rulers from the Kingdom of Mysore and eventually, the British Raj. As per shreds of evidence extracted by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is also stated that the Mourya and Satavahana dynasty, Chalukya and Pallavas were also habitants of Cuddapah.

With so many various dynasties taking charge, the city's landscape does have some exciting architecture and cultural structures. Cuddapah's location between the Nallamala and Palkonda Hills on the Eastern and Western ghats have enabled the city to acquire some beautiful lush green landscapes. You will also find forts, mosques, dense forests and temples, which round off to be the top tourist attractions.

The city of Cuddapah has impeccable flight connectivity as well as rail and road transportation. Ahead of the trip, try to book flight tickets with some deals on Cuddapah. You can find a plethora of flight ticket options online. There are quite a handful of decent hotels in the city. Booking hotels in Cuddapah might be slightly challenging if you are looking at lavish accommodations. However, there are some modest hotels that you can choose from.

Best time to visit Cuddapah

Most of the cities in the South of India often face extreme summers. The temperatures range from 35 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius during peak season. Hence, it is recommended to avoid planning trips around this time. Cuddapah also falls under this category and has high temperatures during summer. Travelling during peak season between March to May would not be ideal for your itinerary as the scorching heat would tire you out. Plus, it is also quite unpleasant and should be avoided at all cost.

Winters though, are a treat. The city might not see frigid cold weather, but it would certainly have a charming appeal with all the greenery and cool breeze. The winter season starts from December and lasts till February. The lowest the temperatures would fall to is 25 degrees Celsius. This would enable you to step out during the day and explore more of the city without worrying about the consequences of excess heat.

Monsoons in Cuddapah begin in June and last up to October. The rains are quite moderate and don't wreak havoc in the city; the humidity following the rains could be annoying. You can always pack some extra cotton clothes to feel less hot if a trip to Cuddapah during monsoon is inevitable.

Places to visit in Cuddapah

Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary

Another important tourist attraction is the Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary. The green expanse boasts over 1500 motley of plants and trees that you've probably never heard or seen. The sanctuary is also home to a varied species of birds along with wildlife such as spotted deer, blackbuck, sambar, sloth bear, hyena and more. Established in 1989, the sanctuary is well-maintained and continues to see many visitors.

Ameen Peer Dargah

Constructed in 1683 by Sufi Saint Peerullah Hussaini, the Ameen Peer Dargah stands as a symbol of harmony in Cuddapah. The dargah's significance is how it brings forth a feeling of harmony among every individual that nullifies their religious descent. Made in good faith by the Sufi saint, the dargah continues to see a massive number of visitors who find the story and the structure, symbolic. Further, it is also believed that a person of faith's wishes is granted when asked from the Dargah premise.

Pushpagiri

For those heading to Cuddapah for a pilgrimage to Tirumala Hills, you can actually start your temple excursions from the city itself. Pushpagiri is one such famous location which has a handful of temples in the same vicinity. It is the largest temple region and is also known as the second Hampi of India. There are temples of Hindu faith ranging with shrines of Saiva and Vaishnava, to name a few. The temple complex also has Chennakesava Swamy temple which sees tremendous visitors all-year-round.

Sidhout Fort

Snuggled up on the banks of the Pennar River is the beautiful and artistic Sidhout Fort. The existence of the fort dates back to 1303 AD and covers a vast expanse of 30 acres of land. Right from the entrance of the fort with embellished pillars to intricate carvings on the wall, the fort promotes the flourishing architecture of the ancient era. You should definitely visit the place and take in all the astounding architecture.

Bhagvan Mahavir Government Museum

With a dynamic history, the Bhagvan Mahavir Government Museum has quite a lot of historical artefacts and scriptures from the ancient eras. Some of the artefacts exhibited are as old as 5th century. You will find some exciting stories from the antiques and displays. The museum came into existence in 1982, and the government has since then been preserving the institution by consistently adding more displays from their excavation endeavours. It will be quite an educational trip and ideal for travellers who are invested in the history and culture of Cuddapah.

Things to do in Cuddapah

Explore India's Grand Canyon at Gandikota

Touted to be a replica of the famous Grand Canyon of the United States of America, the location of the Gandikota Fort is a little close to the Erramala Ranges in Andhra Pradesh. With the Penna River flowing through the natural wonder, experts have commented that the canyon is easily more than 1000 years old. What makes the place even more alluring is the fact that it has been untouched or exploited by excessive travellers. The area continues to maintain its natural serenity and blends with the rich heritage. As you reach the summit, you will find yourself in the Gandikota Fort. The structure was constructed in the 13-century with stunning red sandstone that continues to glisten to this day.

Some groups will take you through a tour of the canyon. You can take cycles and pedal up to the valley. You can also take up trekking as an option to reach the fort. Make sure that you take tour guide along with you for this trip though.

Aside from the Gandikota excursion, there are several hills around Cuddapah that you can explore by hiking or trekking. Although camping is not allowed due to safety reasons, one can always go on midnight treks to catch the sunrise or opt for a day trek to see the sunset.

Food and Restaurants in Cuddapah

Andhra food is known to be spicy. In fact, they love their colossal quantity of rice on the plate, bowl full of pickles and lip-smacking spicy food. Cuddapah is no different when it comes to the said cuisine. The city does have some variety in their food options, but the Nizam influence inspires much of it. Cuddapah's cuisine is a melange of various famous delicacies including Mughlai, South Indian and biryani binge. Some of the famous restaurants in the city are Mantra Family restaurant, Andhra Spice restaurant, Shahi Dharna and Chennur Dum Biryani, to name a few. These food joints have non-vegetarian food and are exceptionally good when it comes to biryani and Mughlai food. As for the vegetarians, Aaritaku restaurant, Rosayya Tiffin Centre, Aahar 2000 are some joints that only provide vegetarian food.

How to reach Cuddapah (Transportation)

By Air

Cuddapah Airport (also called Kadapa Airport) has decent flight connectivity from Hyderabad and Chennai. The only direct flights to Cuddapah are from these two cities, and hence, if you're travelling from different parts of India, you will have to change flights in Chennai or Hyderabad. There is one dedicated airline called TruJet that has regular flights to and from Cuddapah. There are a bunch of flight deals that you can acquire when looking for flights to and from Cuddapah. No specific international routes connect to Cuddapah as it is a small city in Andhra Pradesh. The presence of the airport simplifies travelling. There are some decent hotels in Cuddapah as well. The flight tickets to Cuddapah are quite cheap and affordable, even on peak season.

By Rail

The city has its railway station called Kadapa Railway Station. Interestingly, the busiest domestic routes that pass through Cuddapah is from Mumbai to Chennai. Often people who wish to reach Tirumala Hills get down either at the Kadapa station or the Guntakal station. The state is currently also working on constructing a Cuddapah-Bangalore line to make travelling convenient by train.

By Road

The road connectivity to Cuddapah from other cities is quite robust. There are buses and other forms of transport from major cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Nellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool and more, that pass through Cuddapah. Public and private buses take the domestic route from Cuddapah to reach other major cities.

  About Mumbai Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which was acknowledged as Sahar International Airport, is a prominent international airport that serves the Mumbai metropolis. It is deemed to be the second busiest airport in India, after Delhi, with respect to international passenger traffic and cargo traffic. Recently, the airport crossed London's Gatwick Airport to become the world's busiest airports to operate a single runway at a time. The airport is sprawled across 1,850 acres and takes care of about 950 aircraft movements in a day. The airport has been awarded various titles including, "Best Airport in India and Central Asia". Mumbai airport is also recognised as one of the three airports to implement Airport Collaborative Decision Making in India. A-CDM has been implemented to ensure that the efficiency in terms of takeoffs and landings, along with other necessary facilities.

About Mumbai Airport Terminals

Initially, the Mumbai Airport, also previously known as Sahar International Airport, had both the international and domestic terminals located in the same airport. With the introduction of T2, the terminals were divided into dedicated domestic and international airports, sharing the same runway and airport complex. The domestic airport, also called the Santacruz Airport, served flights to primarily operate domestic airlines and low-cost carriers. Meanwhile, the international airport focussed on international airlines and flights flying out of the city. However, much recently, all the domestic and international flight activities have been shifted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Terminal 2 has many provisions, including multi-level parking for 5,000 cars, 192 check-in counters, 60 immigration counters for departure, 14 baggage carousels and 76 immigration booths for arrival. There are many numerous lounges, including the GVK lounge, which is a luxury lounge. There are lounges for Business class travellers and first-class passengers as well.

About airport authority

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is owned and served by MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Private Limited). MIAL is a consortium of GVK Industries Ltd., Bidvest, Airports Company South Africa and Airports Authority of India. While the consortium holds 74 per cent ownership, the other 26 per cent is owned by the Airports Authority of India. Ever since the MIAL venture has come into existence, the international airport has witnessed tremendous infrastructural growth. There are tremendous improvements in terms of the aesthetics, passenger convenience, design and refurbishing of the domestic terminals 1A&1B as well as the international terminals 2B & 2C. A new domestic terminal 1C has also been introduced in Terminal 2. MIAL has also undertaken projects to improve the taxiways, aprons and rehabilitation of both the runways.

Facilities at the Mumbai Airport

Child care centres: To make travelling with young ones easier and convenient, special child care rooms have been created at the Mumbai Airport. The room is reserved to cater to the needs of young kids ranging from changing diapers to feeding and many such necessities. It is well-sanitised and is well-maintained to ensure that the mother feels safe. Baby strollers have also been made available at the airport

Smoking zones: Enclosed smoking rooms have been arranged for at the Mumbai Airport. The smoking lounges are facilitated to ensure that the atmosphere of the airport is smoke-free. You can also purchase packets at the airport.

WiFi and Telecommunication Services: WiFi and telecommunication services are also available at the Mumbai Airport. There are free WiFis and Premium WiFis available. This way, you wouldn't have to compromise on your business and professional obligations. You can also find SIM card facilities at the airport for a temporary SIM if you have come for a short period of time.

Medical Centre: The Mumbai Airport is well-equipped with medical services to cater to emergencies. There are ICU ambulances and medical centres catering to medical emergencies 24/7. They are spread out in the airport's vicinity.

Luggage services, cloak room and baggage trolleys: Special storage services have been accommodated where you can keep your luggage and other items. Other luggage facilities include depositing of the baggage at the domestic terminal and receiving them at the international terminal. You can also find baggage trolleys outside the airport as well as in the terminal.

ATMs and Currency exchange: The airport also has provisions for foreign exchange. The airport also has ATMs and other money-related facilities to make travelling more convenient for passengers. The airport has a bevy of foreign exchange counters, ATMs and banks.

Valet parking and other parking facilities: Mumbai airport also has valet parking and other parking services. You can pay a nominal fee and keep your car at the airport's parking zone. You can also avail from their valet parking services.

Play zone, prayer and meditation rooms: If you are travelling with kids, you can actually take them to the play area that has been reserved for kids. They are safe and child-friendly. The airport also has special rooms for multi-faith prayer rooms as well as meditation halls. While you wait for your flight and are nervous, you can use this time to relax and calm your nerves.

Restaurants and cafes: The airport has a slew of restaurants and cafes that you can check out. From classic local establishments such as Shiv Sagar to globally recognised joints such as Burger King, McDonald's and KFC, you can find them at the airport. There are provisions for restaurants serving liquor as well.

Automated buggies: To make commute within the airport convenient, you can also take the buggy services. They will pick you up from the security check and drop you at the boarding area. The services are especially recommended for people with medical conditions and disabilities. The airport also has wheelchairs and other services to commute within the terminal.

Postal services: The Mumbai airport also has provision for postal services. Postal services are located at the exit of both the terminals of Mumbai airport. If you have any last-minute document that needs to be mailed, you wouldn't need to worry about it.

VIP lounge: The airport is also host to many VIP lounges and upscaled restaurants and food establishments. If you are a premium member at any of the airlines with airport lounge as one of the perks, you will be able to benefit the privileges of the VIP lounge as well as the services provided by them.

Top airlines flying from the Mumbai Airport

Mumbai airport is excellently connected to major domestic and international cities. Unsurprisingly, it is known to be the second busiest airport in the country due to its phenomenal ability to accommodate a slew of international and domestic airlines. In fact, the airport witnesses approximately 950 aircraft activities on a daily basis. Mumbai airport connects domestic cities such as Rajkot, Dehradun, Madurai, Lucknow, Kannur, Leh, Ranchi, Jabalpur and more. Thanks to the brilliant connectivity Mumbai has with other cities in the country, it doesn't require any connecting flights too. In fact, the Mumbai airport has a majority of airlines operating from the city. Airlines such as Alliance Air, Air India, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, TruJet and Vistara operate from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The city also harbours a plethora of international cities and flights. The international airlines operating from Mumbai airport are quite similar to the ones that operate from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. International airlines such as Air Asia, Air Arabia, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Air Tanzania, Bangkok Airways, Bhutan Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, IranAir, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Nepal Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Uzbekistan Airways, operate from Mumbai airport. Thanks to the immaculate connectivity, the city sees a lot of crowd flocking over from various other cities and towns to take international flights.

How to reach the Mumbai Airport

The domestic and the international airport of Mumbai have separate gateways to enter. While the domestic airport, Terminal 1, also known as Santacruz Airport, is located in Santacruz, the international airport, T2, is located in Andheri. To reach Mumbai airport, it is imperative that you know which terminal you need to catch your flight from. Depending on the same, you can travel to the airport.

By Rail

To reach Mumbai airport Terminal 1, the closest railway station is Ville Parle railway station which falls on the Western and Harbour Line of the Mumbai railway network. Meanwhile, to reach the international Mumbai airport, Terminal 2, you should get down at the Andheri station lying on the Mumbai railway network. From here, you can take a rickshaw and reach the city. Mumbai's metro line is perfectly connected with Airport Road and Marol Naka stations while T1 is close to the Western Express Highway station. Both the terminals are very close to the Mumbai Metro. The city is currently expanding the Mumbai metro line further by adding more lines to connect to the airport. An underground network from Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ is in the works which have one stop at the Santacruz airport and the other close to the GVK SkyCity terminal.