Mumbai to Jammu 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 Jammu

Jammu's second name is 'City of Temples' as it is a city which boasts pristine pilgrimage. Nestling on the banks of the Tawi river, the gorgeous city of Jammu sees an astounding number of travellers thanks to the slew of temples and Hindu shrines that are present in and around the city. Surrounded by the Shivalik range, Jammu witnesses beautiful climate and is one of the fewer places in India that is open almost throughout the year.

Tourism has a significant contribution to the city's economy. The focal point for many tourists and pilgrims remains the Vaishno Devi Temple as well as the Kashmir Valley. The state also sees international tourists come over to relish the serenity of Jammu. You can book hotels in Jammu which faces the calm Tawi lake and the Shivalik range.

The city is well-connected with the rest of the country. Since there are numerous flights to Jammu from major metropolitan cities, travelling becomes less cumbersome. If you're in luck, you might actually even get great flight deals for Jammu, depending on the airlines and their plans.

Best time to visit Jammu

Jammu's pleasant weather all-year-round makes it one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in India. The sheer beauty of the city which is snuggled up on the banks of the Tawi river and surrounded by the Himalayas makes Jammu a holiday destination. One of the biggest perks of Jammu's weather is how it remains pleasant and inviting throughout the year, except for the monsoon months. The period between September to April is ideal for visiting Jammu. This basically includes two varied seasons, winter and summer. Depending on which kind of activity appeals to you, you can accordingly book flight tickets to Jammu and pay a visit to the lovely city.

For winter sports such as skiing, cable rides and indulging in other such activities, the months October to February would do you good. The temperatures might go super low, but it would be pleasant and appealing to travellers who like the cold weather.

The spring season is between March to May when the town's vibrant green expanses start dancing under the rays of the sun. With various festivals that take place during this time, the city has a whole new lively vibe that you shouldn't miss. It would be nice to explore the dense green forests with Deodar trees enveloping the lands of Jammu. The Tawi lake also looks pristine under the summer sun.

Although monsoon season doesn't see humid weather or the kind that would annoy your travel itinerary, most of the sightseeing places are shut. Even if you do visit the city, there is not much that you can do. Hence, it is best to avoid going to Jammu during monsoon even if the cheap flight tickets tempt your souls unless you're okay with just hanging out in the city without indulging in tourist activities.

Places to see in Jammu

Temples

Jammu has a plethora of temples including the famous pilgrimage of Vaishno Devi. It is one of the most-visited shrines not just in India but globally as well. Millions of pilgrims go on an expedition and offer prayers to Goddess Mahalakshmi. Since the temple is within a cave and requires the pilgrims to trek to the summit, provisions for helicopter services and palanquins have been made available. Aside from this, the other shrines of gods that you can visit in Jammu are Raghunath Temple, Mahamaya temple, Bhairo Baba Temple and Dudhadhari Mandir. The city sees a surge in travellers every year as many flocks over to seek the blessings of Vaishno Devi.

Forts

The city also has a few century-old forts that were built in the time of princely ruler. The Bahu Fort is one such fort that comes from the Dogra Empire and was constructed under the rule of Raja Gulab Singh. The fort holds a historical significance while the structure's architecture is beautiful. You can also visit the Akhnoor Fort and Poonch Fort, which is a little away from the city centre.

Palaces

Jammu is a city that doesn't just boast impeccable pilgrimage but also numerous castles. The famous landmark of the city is the Amar Mahal Palace. Commissioned by Raja Amar Singh of the Dogra Empire hired a French architecture to design and constructed the palace. Today, it serves as a museum to the city and rakes in a lot of visits from travellers. There are beautiful artefacts and art collections on display. While you're on a palace excursion, do not miss the Mubarak Mandi Palace and Sheesh Mahal as they too have intriguing backstories.

Things to do in Jammu

Visit the Surinsar Lake

The sparkling Surinsar lake with its's crystal clear water and picturesque landscape attracts tourists to experience its peace and tranquil environment.

Dogra Art Museum

The impressive Dogra Empire has shaped much of Jammu's history and culture. You can actually witness some of the alluring paintings sketched by artists of the Dogra Empire.

Explore the Bhimgarh Fort

To reach the Bhimgarh fort, you can choose trekking or hiking as a means to reach the top. As the fort is perched on top of a hill and is 150 meters above ground, it easily becomes a delightful endeavour. Thanks to the aesthetic attractions within the fort with temples, pond and lavish rooms, the place sees excessive travellers. The view from the hilltop is another reason why it receives so much love.

Food and Restaurants

From galgal pickles to gorging down biryanis and kebabs, Jammu sees not just magnificent pilgrimage but also a diversity of cuisines coming together. Interestingly, as the city is a pilgrimage, much of the restaurants promote vegetarian food. However, there are some places which contribute to the biryani parties and chicken kebab clans. You will not miss any food that you've grown up with as Jammu has a variety of delicious Indian spread with Tibetan and Chinese touch.

You can indulge in some scrumptious vegetarian food at Pehalwan's Food Court and Balgotra Vaishno Restaurant. To enjoy food with some pristine view of the Himalayas and the Tawi lake, visit Falak. As for those who simply cannot do without some lip-smacking Mughlai food, Billu Di Hatti and Mughal Darbar are restaurant suggestions for you. There are some options reserved for those who indulge in international food such as Tibetan or Continental, which you can find at RMP Restaurant and The Imperial Grill Restaurant and Bar. But, to round things off, Ahdoos is the one place that will serve you with Kashmir's delightful cuisine.

How to reach Jammu (Transportation)

By Air

The Jammu airport is located at a decent 8 km distance from the city centre and has excellent flight connectivity to and from other major cities in the country. Air is usually considered to be the best mode of transport to choose when travelling to Jammu. The airport receives regular services from major airlines as the flights shuttle between Mumbai, Delhi Leh, Srinagar and more. In fact, Jammu also caters to the international audience as there are flight to and from international destinations. The domestic route for Jammu chosen by a majority of cities within the country passes through Delhi. Not all flights require layovers at the capital.

From the airport, there are shuttle services by hotels, if you have prior bookings. There are many taxi cabs and other modes of transport that would take you to the city centre or wherever you have booked your hotel in Jammu. The peak season sees a lot of crowds, and you might not be able to find good flight deals for Jammu. Hence, it is recommended that you book flight tickets to Jammu beforehand if you wish to snag some cheap flight tickets. Travelling to Jammu by flight is exceptionally comfortable and convenient.

By Rail

Jammu's very own railway station called the Jammu Tawi railway station has excellent connectivity with the rest of the cities in India. There is one train that actually starts at Jammu and ends at Trivandrum in Kerala. Basically, it's the story of two polar cities being joined by a convenient mode of transport. From regular mails to express trains, all kinds of rails will reach you to Jammu effortlessly. Further trains from cities like Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, Amritsar, Delhi and Trivandrum have trains that go to and come from Jammu. Travelling to your booked hotel room from the railway station is also not tough as there are many taxi cabs available right outside the premise.

By Road

Delhi is a popular route for Jammu and travellers often opt to travel to the capital and take a bus for the Jammu pilgrimage. As the capital has various inter-state buses that go to varied places in the North such as Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, etc., they have dedicated buses going to Jammu as well. There are state-run buses from Chandigarh too that you can choose to travel from. Many motorcycle enthusiasts take this as an opportunity to cruise through the Himachal Pradesh to reach Jammu. Depending on the domestic routes selected by motorcyclists, the said pass would lead them to Jammu.

  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.