Mysore to Ahmedabad Flights

  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 Ahmedabad

The city of Ahmedabad is known to be the fifth largest in India and is quite the commercial hub of the state. It is easily one of the fastest-growing cities in India, which also plays a centre for education and various industries. Even though it is not the capital of the state, Ahmedabad has immense scope for development and has been rapidly growing. The city plays an excellent host to a traveller who wishes to experience more of the city's history, development and spirituality. While the development sphere continues to expand in the city, the authorities are further following the Swachcha Bharat campaigns to maintain a neat town.

Ahmedabad is impeccably connected with the rest of the major cities in India. Besides, the international flight connectivity from Ahmedabad is excellent. Reaching the city is easy from all means of transport. As for accommodations, abundant options are ranging from luxury hotels to hostels for all kinds of travellers. You can opt for a fun staycation by booking your hotels in Ahmedabad and make the most of your time in the city. The city also has some great educational institutions that one can consider. In fact, the student crowd in Ahmedabad is rising as the opportunities are immense.

Best time to visit Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad's summers can get pretty rough and hot, but the monsoon and winter are equally pleasant. Interestingly, the Gujaratis actually have specific dishes for every season. For summer, aam ras and dishes made from mango. As for winter, their famous undiyo takes over the kitchens and streets! The monsoon also has some cool street food that one can indulge in, when in the city.

Monsoons are typically dedicated to fun street snacks such as roasted corn, boiled corn and some essential roasted dishes. You can primarily find these on the streets as several vendors indulge in selling smokey flavoured street snacks. During this time, the city also welcomes festivals such as Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami, which are celebrated with gusto.

Undoubtedly though, winter becomes the best season to visit Ahmedabad as it comes with a plethora of cultural relevance as well as sublime atmosphere. The temperature actually drops down to 5-20 degree Celsius, so do pack thermal wear for your trip. Not to mention how festivals such as Navratri, Diwali also take place during the winter months. This means you can actually indulge in some fun Garba as well as dress up for the occasion. Navratri food is another reason why you would want to take a trip to Ahmedabad during the winters.

Places to see in Ahmedabad

Gandhi Ashram

The Sabarmati Ashram, popularly known as the Gandhi Ashram is the place founded by Mahatma Gandhi. What makes this one of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad is the rich historical relevance it holds. The premise of the ashram has teachings of Gandhiji etched on the walls. Interestingly, the ashram continues to work with the principles set by the freedom fighter as the premise also contributes to the handicrafts market with their handmade products. In fact, the ashram also has a handmade paper factory and a spinning wheel factory located within the premise.

ISKCON

The Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Rama is prevalent in many parts of the country and even the world. The inspiring stories of the two deities as well as their teachings resonate with many followers. The temple is beautiful and has a festive air which will soothe your soul.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum

Established by Muni Shri Punyavijayi and Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, the museum is a haven for a bibliograph as it is an abode to priceless book collections, manuscripts and text materials from a long time ago. From Vedic scriptures of Jainism to poetic verses written in ancient India, the manuscripts and published literary work would be of interest to you if you're an avid reader or someone interested in history.

Auto World Vintage Car Museum

At the Auto World Vintage Car Museum, you will find yourself in awe of some of the swanky rides owned by Shri Pranlal Bhogilal, who opted to convert his private collection to public viewing. Not only will you get to see some fancy rides such as Maybach, Cadillac, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Chrysler, Lincoln, etc. but will also get to take one for a spin! Of course, you'll have to pay a token to take one of the cars out for a drive.

Bhadra Fort

The Bhadra Fort was once a pristine palace with lush gardens and gorgeous sights. Built back in 1411, the fort vicinity also has a temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. The fort has some historical significance as well as some spiritual relevance. One can take up a stroll around the Bhadra Fort and learn more about the rich backstory.

Calico Museum of Textiles

Ahmedabad or rather Gujarat, in general, is known for their contribution to the textile industry. In fact, they are the frontrunners in the textile industry. Many might assume that credit goes to Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement, which enabled them to opt for handwoven khadi garments and produce the same. However, Ahmedabad's history with textiles dates back to the 1700s! Please take a tour through the Calico Museum of Textiles to learn more about their history and more.

Things to do in Ahmedabad

Drive-in theatres are a big hit here. You can probably rent a vehicle and head straight to Drive-In Road in the city but ensure to check the show timings before making a plan to watch a movie. Law Gardens is a bustling capital for the shopaholic in you. As long as you can handle some impeccable haggling, Law Gardens is the best place to shop Gujarati ensembles and clothes representing their culture. From glasswork on the fabric to shimmery outfits, you will have a lot of options to pick from at this shopping street.

A heritage walk is usually conducted in the city where you are taken through a tour of some of the historical streets of the town. The walk is organised by Ahmedabad's municipal corporation and happens daily. The walk starts at Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur and stretches up to the Jama Masjid. You can choose a day of leisure by hanging out at the Victoria Garden. It is close to the Bhadra Fort.

Food and Restaurants in Ahmedabad

Gujaratis fondness towards food is no big secret. They love food and are always game to explore the variety. In fact, much recently, a man found fame for selling pineapple and rabdi sandwiches! Speaking of which, if you do wish to check out this melange of flavours then you should head to Manek Sandwich in the city's Manek Chowk. For lip-smacking Gujarati thalis, you should check out Vishala. Tadka Punjabi, Sankalp is also some famous food joints in Ahmedabad with impeccable cuisines. While you're here, you should undoubtedly visit Havmor ice cream parlours and get some of that action.

There is something known as Kathiyawadi Food which is an Ahmedabad speciality. In case you're in the mood for some adventure, this is an excellent way to go about your gastronomical journey. Visit Bardi at CG Road for the same. There are more options available at CG Road such as Choice Snacks, Mirch Masala, to name a few that you can check out.

How to reach Ahmedabad (Transportation)

By Air

Ahmedabad has impeccable flight connectivity as various domestic as well as international airlines have flights in and out of the city. The main airport is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport located approximately 15 km from the city centre. The airport is looking at some significant expansion plans to bring in more space for international airlines. Some of the global flight connectivity from Ahmedabad is with cities such as Kuwait, London, Doha, Singapore and Muscat, to name a few. As for domestic destinations, the flight connectivity from Ahmedabad is brilliant as a majority of the domestic airlines have flights in the city. You can fly to a majority of the metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Surat, Goa, Kolkata and more.

By Rail

The Ahmedabad Central Railway Station is also well-connected in terms of daily availability of transport. There are dedicated trains from Mumbai heading to Ahmedabad regularly with multiple connections to other major cities such as Rajkot, Pune , Delhi, Jaipur, Indore, Udaipur, Kolkata, Varanasi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, etc. Other important junctions include the Sabarmati Junction and Maninagar Railway Station which connect to the central railway station.

By Road

Driving up to Ahmedabad is actually a fun ride as the roads are exciting and the highways are not risky. You can either book a bus ticket for yourself or rent a car or even drive yourself. People travelling from Maharashtra, Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh often opt for buses as the best option if railway tickets aren't confirmed. The buses are comfortable too as you have options such as semi seater and sleeper to choose from. You can easily reach Ahmedabad from any corner of the country.

  About Ahmedabad Airport

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport serves as an international airport to the city of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in the state of Gujarat. The airport is about 9 km to the north of central Ahmedabad. The airport has been named after the First Deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It falls in the top ten list of busiest airports in India with respect to passenger traffic. In fact, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport stands at the seventh spot for being one of the busiest airports in India. According to reports received in 2018-19, the airport recorded a whopping passenger capacity of 11.17 million in a year. Ahmedabad Airport also serves as the focus city for GoAir airline.

The airport was originally set up in 1937 for domestic operations. However, the airport eventually received its international operations stature in 1991. In 2000, Ahmedabad Airport was added in the category of international airports in India. In the same decade, works to create a new terminal also commenced. In 2010, the airport's new terminal 2 came into existence, and it was inaugurated to handle international passengers.

Further, a towering 18 foot-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was also erected at the airport. The airport has been recognised internationally for its world-class facilities and modern amenities. In fact, it also received an award in 2017 for being the 'Most Improved Airport' in Asia-Pacific, by the Airports Council International.

About Ahmedabad Airport terminals

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 caters to domestic operations and comprises of two floors. The design and layout of the terminal are exquisite and is capable of handling 1400 passengers during peak hours. The terminal has also reserved spaces for parking cars which can accommodate 250 at one go. It comes with various facilities, including WiFi services and several food establishments. There are about 32 check-in counters as the terminal is sprawled over 480,000 square feet. Just recently in 2018, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport opened a new Plaza Premium lounge in the domestic terminal 1. The lounge is located right next to Gate 4 on the first floor of the terminal building. The lounge has world-class facilities and caters to Priority Pass. You can also use other select bank cards to get access to the lounge. Business-class passengers depending on the airlines that they fly from will also get access to the lounge.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2, also known as T2, was inaugurated in 2010 and commenced operations the same year. Thanks to the exquisite Steel Structure built by the management, the terminal won accolades for the same at the 2009 edition of National Structural Steel Design and Construction Awards. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport's Terminal 2 accommodates four aerobridges with 32 check-in counters. The terminal's floor area sprawls across 41,000 square meters approximately.

With this, the terminal has the potential to accommodate over 1,600 passengers at all times. Similar to the terminal 1 lounge, terminal 2 also has a new Plaza Premium, which was opened in 2018. The new lounge at the terminal has been reserved for business class and first-class passengers. In fact, passengers who have special Priority Pass and other bank card are also given access to the terminal 2's lounge. Along with great facilities, the terminal also accommodates a 51,975 square metre long apron that enables parking bays for nine A-321 and four ATR-72 types of aircraft.

Terminal 3 - Terminal 3 is located next to terminal 1 and is used for domestic flight activities. The terminal is yet to start functioning, but as of 2019, the airport has managed to lay the foundation. Construction work has already commenced for the new terminal. The terminal building is set to accommodate a parking facility of 200 cars and will predominantly be used for Hajj season.

Terminal 4 - Terminal 4 is reserved for cargo activities. The airport has the capacity to accommodate about 51,637 tonnes of cargo, this includes gold and silver. Sixty per cent of the cargo is derived from various domestic sources. Presently, cargo airlines such as Blue Dart Aviation, Emirates SkyCargo, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Qatar Airways Cargo operate from Terminal 4 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

About Airport Authority

Airports Authority of India is the owner and played as the operator of the Ahmedabad Airport. However, in 2015, they announced to privatise the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Until 2015, much of the airport's management and operations were handled by the Airports Authority of India. Following a bid to transfer the ownership or rather operations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Adani Group has become the management now. Plans of expansion and upgradation under the operations of Adani Group have not been revealed yet.

Facilities at the Ahmedabad Airport

Lounge – The international and domestic terminals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have dedicated lounge services. Called the Plaza premium lounge, the two lounges have great hospitality and comfortable facilities.

Medical services – With a view to handle medical emergency cases, the airport has installed medical services and first aid rooms too. These are present in the domestic as well as international terminals.

WiFi – The airport offers free WiFi facilities for passengers. One can avail the free internet services without having to pay an extra tariff of any sort. Also, the internet connection is strong and can be utilised from various spots in the airport premise.

Currency exchange - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is an international airport and hence has a foreign exchange counter available in the terminal. You can get your currencies exchanged for a decent rate and also get money transfers done.

Child care rooms – There are provisions for parents travelling with kids to relax at the child care room. These rooms have been installed specifically to help parents calm their kids and to cater to their needs. The rooms are private in nature and have facilities such as changing tables, comfortable chairs and more. They also have baby products such as powders and diapers, in case the parent runs out of these essentials.

Spa – Ever since the airport has undergone upgradation, they have installed some interesting new features. One of them is a spa service. You can avail the spa services at the airport's terminals and relax ahead of the flight. They are mostly present in the international terminal.

Restaurants – There are dedicated food courts available at both the terminals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. You can find famous restaurants and food joints from around the world at the airport. Famous establishments such as McDonald's, Subway, KFC, to name a few, are also part of the airport terminals. Affordable food joints and beverage points are present at the airport as well. You can pick from the most upscale establishments to the cheap and affordable ones at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

ATMs – The airport facilitates various ATM kiosks of local banks at selected spots in the international and domestic terminals.

Top airlines flying from Ahmedabad Airport

As one of the most important airports in India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport accommodates several domestic and international airlines. The domestic airlines that operate from Ahmedabad Airport include Air India, AirAsia India, Air Deccan, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Star Air, TruJet and Vistara. These airlines connect to major cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Varanasi, Pune, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Patna, Kozhikode, Kochi, Bagdogra, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Indore and Dehradun, to name a few. Meanwhile, the international airlines that operate from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport are Air Arabia, AirAsia X, Druk Air, Emirates, flydubai, Iraqi Airways, Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile. These airlines connect to international destinations such as Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Paro, London, Baghdad, Kuwait, Doha Singapore, Jeddah, Dubai, Bangkok and Abu Dhabi, to name a few.

How to reach Ahmedabad Airport

By Bus

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is approximately 8n km away from the bus stand. From the bus stand, you can easily find taxis and private buses that will directly reach you to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. There are several prepaid taxi booths also available near the bus stand for you to reach Ahmedabad Airport. Reaching Ahmedabad Airport from the bus stand is quite convenient and comfortable. You can also find transportation facilities on Ola and Uber to reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It would take approximately 20 minutes to reach Ahmedabad Airport. However, depending on the city traffic, the duration can vary.

By Rail

The railway station is also located about 8 km from the airport. If you have a flight to catch from Ahmedabad Airport and if you are travelling to Ahmedabad from other parts of Gujarat, it would be a comfortable journey. You can get various taxi cabs and other such vehicle services at the railway station to reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Private cabs are available at the station and would take you around 20 to 25 minutes to reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.