Mumbai to Mysore 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 Mysore

Mysore is touted to be the city of palaces with the flourishing history of the Wodeyar dynasty. Located near Chamundi Hills, the city is known to be the winter capital of Karnataka. Mysore doesn't just enjoy beautiful climate but also excellent flight connectivity enabling good tourism. You can book a hotel room in Mysore's finest accommodations as the city has lavish stay options. The flight tickets to Mysore are also quite affordable.

Best time to visit Mysore

With a tropical climate, Mysore receives tremendous rain, as well as extremes of cold winters, can be experienced here. The months from July to February are considered to be the best time to visit Mysore. You can book a hotel at Mysore and enjoy the rains while they enhance the city's greenery. Simultaneously, you can also let the winter breeze envelop you as you stroll through the city streets.

Places to visit in Mysore

Palatial excursion

Mysore Palace is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Mysore. Once home to the Wodeyar dynasty rulers, the huge expanse of land is a treat to the eyes. The place with its rich history is a testament to how fascinating the lives of the royals were in the past. The palace literally sees a footfall of more than 2.7 million tourists every year. The illustrious history of the Wodeyar dynasty with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan taking centre stage is something that would definitely intrigue you. Besides the main city palace, you also have Lalitha Mahal, the second-largest royal residence, located on the foothills of Chamundi Hills. Relish the stunning scenic views from the palace and be amazed by the rich architecture with Belgian crystal chandeliers and elegant Persian carpets. Jagmohan Palace has been turned into an Art Gallery with works of artists such as Raja Ravi Verma and SG Heldnkr's artwork on display. The white structure is quite beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

Temples and churches

St Philomena Church is revered for being one of the largest cathedrals in South Asia. The structure has a goth-style architecture with orange tinge shades on the wall. The interiors of the church are also quite splendid with catacombs below the altar. One of the most famous temples in Mysore is the Nandi Temple located adjacent to the grand Chamundi Hills. Hindu mythology has stated Nandi, the sacred bull, to be a friend of Lord Shiva. The trails that take you to Nandi temple will further take you to the summit where the shrine of Chamundeshwari temple rests. Built in the traditional Dravidian-style, the temple has over 1000 steps to the summit. With a seven-tier gopuram, the stunning temple honours Goddess Durga and her form Chamundeshwari. You can further stroll through the hills and be amazed by the views. Another ancient temple located outside the famous Mysore Fort is the Trinesvaraswamy Temple. The three-eyed form of Shiva, known as Trinesvara, is worshipped here. The sanctum's gopuram was destroyed in the 18th century, but the charm and beauty of the temple continue to attract many devotees.

The vast expanse of gardens

Mysore's palaces might boast royalty, but the gardens further showcase the green expanses that could leave you mesmerised. From the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens with its natural wild habitats to the Bonsai Garden's variety of exquisite plantations, the city has some really scintillating gardens. You would be thrilled to see how some of these places, despite being crowded with tourists, have a calm and soothing ambience. A special mention goes to the legendary Brindavan Gardens which has been constructed opposite the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. The beautiful expanse is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Things to do in Mysore

Planet X

Mysore isn't all about palaces and gardens but has some thrilling adventure sports too. Head to Planet X, a famous attraction in Mysore which is snuggled up at the foothills of Chamundi. The entertainment zone has been created to cater to the audience who like to indulge in activities such as go-karting, snooker, billiards and sports in general.

Government Sandalwood Oil Factory

Mysore and sandalwood's connection go way back in time. The city is literally known for its production of sandalwood products. Even a soap brand is named after the city and the commodity used. Sandalwood factory would be quite an experience as you will get to see how the oil is extracted from the sandalwood. Not to mention how the products are later made by incorporating the flavours of sandalwood.

Kukkarahalli Lake

The fact that Kukkarahalli Lake forms a J is intriguing enough for tourists to flock over to check out the lake. The sparkling lake is surrounded by lush green land, which only adds to the charm of the place. You can pack up a nice picnic basket and head over to relax by the lake.

Folklore Museum

The Folklore Museum is a lovely institution that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Mysore. As part of the Mysore University, the museum has astounding collections of folk art, products, artefacts and more that are displayed for tourists. Not just the history of Mysore but even Karnataka's tales from the past can be explored here.

Food and Restaurants in Mysore

Mysore is not just a green haven with the palatial setting but also a paradise for food lovers. The city has some really glamorous restaurants with fine dining scenes. From expensive hotels to budget-friendly joints, the city has a few highlights that you should definitely check out during your stay. Mysore is primarily dominated by South Indian cuisine with a variety of dosas, idlis, seafood, all served on a long banana leaf. Thanks to the place being a Kingdom of Hyder Ali and Tip Sultan, the food culture has some wonderful mix of cuisine too. Over the years, Mysore has managed to expand its cuisine from the primary South Indian fandom to cafes and bistros. Mysore has developed its taste in cuisine and is now selling the same.

La Petite France is a quaint cafe that recently came into existence but has already risen to the top. Thanks to the light food with a comfortable vibe, the restaurant easily becomes a favourite. Hakka's lip-smacking Chinese cuisine is definitely something you should try. With simple decor, much of their focus is on improving the quality of food served. Do try their Tao special noodles and momos. Spring by Radisson Blu Plaza is another great place for fine dining. They serve North and South Indian dishes along with some Continental favourites too. Plus, the vibe is very relaxed and soothing.

While these fancy places will make you happy, the traditional essence of Mysore can only be tasted at the Anima Madhva Bhavan. The place only sells food inspired by the Mysore heritage without using commercial products to spruce up their dishes. Some other names to remember would be Oster Bay for seafood, Vinayaka Mylari for South Indian dishes and hotel RRR for a meat excursion.

How to reach Mysore (Transportation)

By Air

Mysore has its very own airport called Mandakalli airport. It is famously referred to as Mysore Airport as it is more convenient for people to remember the name. The Mysore airport was constructed in the 1940s by the Kingdom of Mysore. However, the commercial services and flights to and from Mysore started just recently. The flight connectivity to and from Mysore is quite decent as there are regular flights to metro cities in India. The domestic route from Mysore to Bangalore, Goa, Kochi, Chennai and Hyderabad is quite strong. The airport has reserved some flights to reach these cities on a regular basis.

There are three airlines, namely IndiGo, Alliance Air, TruJet, that serve flights to Mysore. Flight tickets to Mysore are quite affordable, except for during peak seasons. The closest international airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore which has an excellent connection. There are no international flights from Mysore. Since the airport is located 10 km away from the city centre in the Mandakalli village, you will have to hail taxi cab services.

By Rail

Mysore Junction railway station is extremely popular as many trains from different parts of the country halt at this station. The connectivity of Mysore by train comparatively better than flights to Mysore as major express trains and even mail trains pass through the city. Regular trains from Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Varanasi, Jaipur, Tuticorin, Tirupati, Hubli and more are directly linked with Mysore. Often people do choose travelling to Mysore from Bangalore. Since it is the state capital and has many options to reach Mysore, it becomes convenient.

By Road

The bus services to and from Mysore are exceptional. The city is connected and accessible from many other cities in the country thanks to the bus services. Many deluxe and semi-deluxe buses are available and serviced by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The buses connect Mysore to big cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, Ooty, Kochi, Coorg and more. People also opt for booking rentals from Bangalore, Chennai, Ooty, Hyderabad and cities close to Coorg.

  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.