Pantnagar to Bhubaneswar Flights

  About Pantnagar

Pantnagar is a small city in Uttarakhand that is famous for housing one of the best agriculture university campuses in the country, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture Technology. It is also an industrial town and has fewer sightseeing spots. But it is closer to tourist spots like Corbett National Park, Mukteshwar and Nainital. The Pantnagar airport is also one of the most active airports in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand. You will come across quite a few tourist packages that will help you see the most of this town. You can spend a day or two here in Pantnagar before you head to the neighbouring cities and tourist attractions around it. One of the most endearing and best things to do in the North is visiting the wildlife sanctuaries, and you can visit the one near Pantnagar, too.

Best Time to Visit Pantnagar

Pantnagar is a city that you can visit all year round. The weather remains pleasant, and it is also accessible to a lot of tourists throughout the year. However, it is highly recommended that you visit the city during the winter. The view and the weather are at their best during this time. October to March are ideal for visiting Pantnagar. The temperature ranges from 8 to 15 degree Celsius. The climate is favourable to step out and enjoy some sightseeing. In fact, stepping out in the cold winter mornings for a cup of tea will rejuvenate you.

Summer in Pantnagar begins from April and lasts till June. The temperature ranges from 26 to 42 degree Celsius. Even though the heat is quite terrible, tourists don't hesitate from planning a summer trip. Since it is also a gateway to hill stations like Nainital, the weather won't stop you from paying a visit to the city. In fact, you will even get decent flight deals to Pantnagar and book a hotel in Pantnagar at affordable prices, since it is offseason.

July to September is when the city witnesses monsoon. Pantnagar receives heavy rainfall during monsoon, and the weather also turns quite cold. The constant downpour might make it difficult for you to step out of your hotel rooms or indulge in any sightseeing activities that you have planned for the day. It is not the best time to plan a trip to Pantnagar. Summer and winter are more ideal for a vacation than monsoon.

Places to Visit in Pantnagar

Pantnagar is situated in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and while the city itself has very few tourist spots; also because it is an industrial hub. However, it is quite close to the Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital, Haldwani, Bhimtal, Nanakmatta and the Govind National Park. Haldwani is in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is about 24 km away from the city. Haldwani has quite a few temples and historical landmarks that you mjust not miss. Nainital is a charming hill station which is also a popular honeymoon destination. The hill station also has five lakes that only add to the charm and beauty of the place. The Jim Corbett National Park is recognised as one of the most famous national parks in the country. It was launched in 1973 by a hunter who went by the name Jim Corbett. You will find approximately 500 species of trees, 600 species of birds, elephants, tigers, Sambar deer, Nilgai, King Cobra and a lot more. This is a spot you must never miss if you are visiting Pantnagar.

If you are visiting national parks, you can also head to the Govind National Park. The dense forest is home to several birds, 15 species of mammals, musk deer, leopards, snow leopards, bears and so on. Bhimtal, a city that is named after one of the Pandavas named Bhima, is known for the Bhimtal lake. This is yet another tourist attraction that you must definitely add to your itinerary. You can embrace your spiritual side by visiting Nanakmatta, which is one of the three Sikh Holy places. Hemkund Sahib and Reetha Sahib are two popular places here in Nanakmatta. You also visit the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture to know more about the city. Make sure you book a hotel in Pantnagar that is closer to all the popular tourist destinations in and around the city. You will get hotel accommodations at an affordable price.

Things to do in Pantnagar

Visiting Nainital is a must if you are going to Pantnagar. Even though the hill station is a popular honeymoon destination, there are quite a lot of activities that you can indulge in even if you are solo backpacking or planning a trip with your friends. You can enjoy boating at sunset by the Naini lake or trek to catch a gorgeous sunrise at Tiffin Top, which is about 4 km from Nainital. Do take your trekking gear with you. If you are not a trekking person, you can opt for a horse ride to reach the hilltop. The hill station also has a Tibetan Market for you to go on a shopping spree. If you are planning on visiting Jim Corbett National Park, remember that a safari ride is not the only thing you can do here. You can go river rafting at the Kosi river, take an elephant safari or a jeep safari, go cycling or mountain biking in the national park and also visit the Corbett Museum. Do not miss the Corbett Waterfalls near Ramnagar.

If you are visiting Haldwani, do stop at Kathgodam. It is a popular tourist destination and is also the starting point of the famous Roopkund trek. The Shitla Devi temple is also in Haldwani and a popular place of worship, too. The temple area is crowded in the evenings, and you'll see the most enchanting sunset from here. Boating at the Bhimtal lake is another popular activity. Not only will you enjoy your solitude, but the peace and quiet will only rejuvenate your minds. If you are lucky, you might even find pheasants and exotic deer around the lake. All of these tourist destinations in and around Pantnagar will have a lot of shopping areas, and you can buy multiple souvenirs from these places to take back home for your friends and family. If you are travelling with your family, you will definitely have a great time here. The scenic view of the Himalayas and the multiple lakes around the city will make your trip even better.

Food and Restaurants in Pantnagar

From Chole Bhatures and Parathas to other types of cuisines, you will find everything to satiate your hunger in Pantnagar. There are a lot of restaurants near the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. BE it local street food or cafes or fancy restaurants, you will find a lot of options to choose from here. The Navrang Sweets and Fast Foods is a popular eatery which is about 14 km from the university. You can pack some confectioneries and baked goods to take back home or sit there and enjoy some delectable chole bhature here. You can also head to Standard's Sweets and Restaurant at Rampur Road. You can also go to the Apricot Cafe opposite the Radisson Blu hotel in Rudrapur to hang out for a while and sip some coffee. If you are looking for a proper dine in experience, you can go to The Hunger Garage at Civil Lines. You can choose from a wide range of options from the menu and be assured that you will leave the restaurant satisfied and happy. Route 87 is yet another restaurant that you must definitely try.

You can also try the local eateries and street-side breakfast places around the hotel that you are staying in. Not to mention, do have some or lots of chai while you are travelling in the North. The tea here is simply refreshing and will lift your spirits instantly.

How to Reach Pantnagar (Transportation)

By Air

Pantnagar has its own domestic airport. The flight connectivity from Pantnagar is quite limited and mostly only flies to other cities up North. Connecting flights from Delhi is one of the most popular routes to Pantnagar by air. You can also take a bus or taxi from Delhi to reach Pantnagar. Since Pantnagar's weather is pleasant throughout the year, you might get interesting flight deals to Pantnagar throughout the year. Keep a lookout for cheap flight tickets to Pantnagar.

By Rail

Pantnagar station and Haldi Road railway station are the only two stations that are well-connected to the other major cities up North. The Haldi Road railway station is approximately 5 km away from Pantnagar and is also a very convenient way to travel.

By Road

Travelling by bus or taxi is the best way to reach Pantnagar. The nearest bus station is about 7 km away from the city, and there are a lot of buses that frequently run from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to Pantnagar. If you don't feel like driving to Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi to reach the city.

  About Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is the temple city of India and deservedly so. The City is known for its grand temples and the beautiful architecture and attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over India. In fact, Bhubaneshwar literally translates to 'Lord of the Universe'. The City is an architectural marvel. Though the City is famous for its temples, there are other reasons for you to visit the City, too. Situated in Orissa, Bhubaneswar is also home to a lot of animals like deers and White Tigers. You'll also find Museums in the City that will showcase the arts, crafts and splendid artefacts.

The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most visited temples in the City. It is ancient and has a lot of religious importance. It sees a lot of devotees who come to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva throughout the year. The Parasurameswara temple, which was constructed in 650 AD, is unique because of the one thousand lingas present in the north-west corner of the complex. The Brahmeshwara temple is yet another marvel and a great example of the Oriya architecture, that was built in the 11th century. The Ananta Vasudev temple, built by Queen Chandrika, has Lord Krishna residing in it. The Vaishnavi sculptures will leave you impressed and are a treat to the eyes.

The Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts is a must-visit for anyone who stops to appreciate and admire art whenever they get the opportunity. You'll get to see a lot of traditional costumes, jewellery, weapons, gears and farming equipment at the museum. It will leave you in awe of the artists. The Kedar Gauri Temple, which is one of the eight Asthasambhu Temples, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. The Mahashivratri celebrations across Bhubaneswar. You will feel overwhelmed to see the processions and be a part of the festivities.

Visit the Pathani Samantha Planetarium. It is named after the famous astronomer of the same name. Catch the audiovisual shows put up by the authorities. The City is also known for Khandagiri Caves, a series of artificial caves which dates back to the 2nd century. The caves are of great historical significance.

Don't miss visiting the Ramachandi beach, which is 65 km away from the City. It's a beautiful beach that sees the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra converging. It's a sight to behold and one of the best places to take pictures at, too. The beach is accessible quite easily and is a popular location for young couples, tourists and students residing in the City.

Bhubaneswar experiences extreme summers but also intense rainfalls during monsoon. However, that does not stop people from venturing out, and the rains only add to the beauty of the City. October to February is the ideal time to visit the City since the city experiences winter during these months. While you are in Bhubaneswar, make sure you try the Machha Jholo, fish curry that is a speciality here. You must also try the Cuttack chaat, Badi Choora, Rasagola and the Abadha. The vegetarian food served in temples is also a treat to your taste buds. The list of things to do and places to see in Bhubaneswar is endless. Since Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa, it is well-connected to all the major cities. Biju Patnaik Airport is 5 km away from the City and is the nearest airport.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

The ideal time to visit the City is during winters which are from October to February. This is a peak season for tourists and is also ideal for sightseeing. The City experiences monsoon from June to September. Bhubaneswar experiences heavy rainfall, and it is not the most favourable time to visit the City. It will definitely put a damper on all of your outdoor plans. The summer starts from March and lasts till May. The scorching heat and the high humidity make it quite unbearable for you to venture out. This is also why you shouldn't visit Bhubaneswar during summer. The afternoons can get pretty harsh during summer.

Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is known for its temples. The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most popularly visited temples, and devotees of Lord Shiva come to offer their prayers throughout the year. You can also visit the Parasurameswara and the Brahmeshwara temple. Not only will you feel at peace by offering your prayers, but you will also be in awe of the expert Oriya architecture. You can also visit the Ananta Vasudev temple that was built by Queen Chandrika to offer her prayers to her deity, Lord Krishna. The City has a religious significance and is also considered holy. Devotees always leave with a smile and a sense of relief on their faces after visiting the temples.

The City also plays host to a lot of museums like the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts and the Orissa State Museum. You will know more about the City, its culture and ancient art. You will also come across a lot of untold stories during the construction of these marvels. The Nandankanan Zoological Park, established in 1960, is another place you must visit in the City. You will spot different species of tigers and other animals in the zoo. There are also a lot of wildlife sanctuaries that will appease the wildlife photographer in you. Take home all the memories of spotting exotic wildlife in these sanctuaries.

Don't miss visiting the Ramachandi Beach. The beach is quite unique since it sees the convergence of the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra. It's only 7 km away from Konark and a top-rated destination among tourists, too. The City also has a lot of parks for you to visit with your family. Another location for you to take great pictures.

Things to do in the City in Bhubaneswar

Visit all the temples in the City, starting with the Lingaraj temple. Don't just offer your prayers and admire the striking architecture of the temples but also try to discover the stories inception of the temple and the religious importance of it. Find a priest or a knowledgeable person and get them to tell you the stories about the temple. You'll surely leave with a lot of information, things that you never knew before. While the rulers made some of the temples out of respect and devotion to their deities, some have mythological stories and incidents attached.

The City has a lot of historical importance and artistic significance, too. There are a lot of human-made marvels in this City. Visit the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts that showcases the exquisite collections of 62 tribes of Odisha. Explore the culture of all of these tribes and the history of Orissa, too. You can also visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park, the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ekamra Kanan and more sanctuaries to treat the animal lover in you.

Since it's the capital city, it's easier to find and book a hotel as per your budget and convenience. Make sure you find something closer to the tourist attractions so you won't have to spend more time travelling. While you visit the Ramachandi beach, you can sit there and admire the waves or read your favourite book. It's the perfect place to chill and embrace solitude. You won't regret visiting and holidaying in Bhubaneswar for sure.

Foods and Restaurants in Bhubaneswar

Apart from the local speciality, you will also find restaurants that serve other cuisines that you might crave for. Even though it is a city with a lot of temples, you will find certain places that serve non-vegetarian food. Do try the Machha Jholo if you are a fan of seafood. Do not leave without taking back home a pot of rasagolas. Since the City is usually always budding with tourists, finding a decent restaurant is not a tedious task. If you are craving for some South-Indian food, do stop by at Truptee Restaurant. It is famous for its variety of dosas and other South Indian snacks.

Tangerine 9 is yet another restaurant that serves mouth-watering food at reasonable prices. You can also give the Hare Krishna restaurant a try. It's a delight for vegetarians and worth every penny spent. Not just their food but even the special ghee that they serve will leave you impressed.

How to reach Bhubaneswar

By Air

The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport and is also the only international airport in Orissa. It connects the City to all of the domestic routes and international routes as well. You can get fair flight deals online and cheap flight tickets, if you are lucky.

By Rail

The Bhubaneswar railway station is well-connected to all the major cities in the country. You will also find a taxi or a bus easily from outside the station to your hotel.

By Road

A lot of deluxe buses with AC coaches and government buses will be available from major cities and the nearby ones, too. You can also take a private cab or drive to Bhubaneswar.

  About Bhubneshwar Airport

Biju Patnaik International Airport also referred to as Bhubaneswar Airport, is the primary international airport that serves the city of Bhubaneswar which is the capital of the state Odisha. The airport is located about 4 km south-west of the Bhubaneswar Railway Station and 6 km away from the main city. The city's main airport has been named after the former chief minister of the state of Odisha, Biju Patnaik. He is a famed aviator as well as a freedom fighter. Biju Patnaik International Airport is the 15th busiest airport in the country. As for the Airports Authority of India's list of airports, Biju Patnaik International Airport falls on the 11th busiest which a registered 27.9 per cent growth in the passenger and air traffic.

The airport came into existence in 1962 and was dedicated to catering to the travel needs of the citizens of Odisha. It is the first commercial airport to be installed in the state. The airport caters to domestic and international carriers, activities of which are divided into two terminals. In 2013, the former minister of civil aviation, Ajit Singh, inaugurated the newly refurbished Terminal 1 to enhance the travelling experience of the domestic passengers. Terminal 2 was also upgraded to handle better international operations. It received international stature in 2013 and commenced operations to international destinations.

About Bhubaneswar Airport Terminal

Along with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Biju Patnaik International Airport is also recognised as a major civil aviation hub for Eastern India.

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 was refurbished and inaugurated in 2013 to accommodate a passenger capacity of 4 million in a year. Lanco Infratech built it at the cost of INR 1.45 billion. The project upgradation was developed by the Airports Authority of India as part of their scheme to enhance 35 of their non-metro airports in India. Terminal 1 is equipped with two storeys and a total area of 18,240 square metres. The new terminal comprises of four aerobridges, several escalators, four elevators, 18 check-in counters, multiple seating and three arrival baggage conveyors. Terminal 1 also houses some lounges in the departure and arrival sections. There is a total of three VIP lounges also installed at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. The airport has been constructed keeping the green building standards on the check. There are sewage treatment plant and rainwater harvesting facilities located at the terminal. Reflecting the culture and tribal traditions of Odisha, the airport also has tribal paintings, sculptures, motif designs and several such artefacts.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 is reserved for international operations and was constructed in the mid-1960s. Originally, the terminal catered to domestic flight activities in the 1960s. However, with the addition of the new airport terminal building, the domestic operations were shifted. Biju Patnaik International Airport's terminal 2 comprises of six check-in counters, four customs counters, ten immigration counters, various facilities and a slew of seating area too.

Terminal 3 - Terminal 3 is a passenger terminal building that has been proposed by the airport's authority to expand its passenger handling to 8 million in a year. The terminal is set to spread across an area of 58,000 square metres for INR 9.3 billion. With this, Biju Patnaik International Airport's capacity would be increased from 3.5 million to 11.5 million. The positioning of the terminal started in 2019 with construction works to be completed in three years, as scheduled. Once completed, the terminal would be handling all domestic passenger activities with the existing 1 and 2 terminals catering to international flight activities.

About airport authority

Biju Patnaik International Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The government body was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Government of India and came into existence to cater to the infrastructural management and maintenance of civil aviation across the country. Overall, the airport's authority handles about 126 airports along with 11 international airports. Biju Patnaik International Airport also falls under the international airport list of the aviation body. The airport authority has brought forth several expansion, and upgradation plans to make Bhubaneswar Airport accessible and ideal for more airline activities. Much recently, they refurbished their terminals and have proposed for a new terminal that would cater to domestic operations. Meanwhile, the old two terminals would take care of international operations.

Following the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, Biju Patnaik International Airport's authority has announced that they would be changing their operations. Following the lifting of the lockdown, the airport plans to operate in a single shift that would only take place between 10 am to 6 pm. Overall, 16 flights with two flights per hour would be operated Special guidelines to avoid the abundant footfall of passengers will also be taken care of at the airport. They are handling limited cargo operations too.

Facilities at the Bhubaneswar Airport

ATMs – Biju Patnaik International Airport has installed four ATM kiosks at one spot that range from domestic to international banks. This makes it easier for international tourists to withdraw money without much hassle. It is available at the departure and the arrival sections of the terminal building.

WiFi – The airport also has WiFi facilities available. By using the local mobile number, the passengers can connect to the airport's WiFi network and avail the free services.

Child care rooms – To cater to parents travelling with infants, the airport has installed designed child care rooms. These rooms are well-equipped with baby products as well as comfortable chairs and changing tables. They also have some baby products such as powders and diapers, in case the parent has exhausted these products.

Lounge – An airport lounge is also present in the departure section where passengers with relevant passes can access. You can also make some payments and enter the comfortable lounge area. They provide great hospitality and good services.

Smoking lounge – As smoking is not allowed in public spaces, the airport has reserved special smoking zones for passengers. These spaces can be utilised, and even boxes of cigarettes can be purchased at the airport.

Medical services – With a view to dealing with medical emergencies, the airport has installed relevant services. There is a special team of doctors and medical professionals who are present at the airport to deal with emergency cases. Plus, there are pharmacies also present at the airport.

Baggage – The baggage services offered by Biju Patnaik International Airport are quite good. You can opt for wrapping services, porter services, conduct thorough security checks of bags and even use the trolleys.

Top airlines flying from the Bhubaneswar Airport

Currently, the airport has some of the top domestic airlines functioning from the premise. In fact, airlines that operate from Biju Patnaik International Airport include AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. These flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport connect to major Indian cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Varanasi, Surat and Ranchi, to name a few. The airport also caters to one international airline, AirAsia, which connects to Kuala Lumpur. The services to the Malaysian capital has been suspended owing to the coronavirus pandemic. However, once things go back to normal, international flight services from the airport will be resumed.

How to reach Bhubaneswar Airport

By Bus

The city of Bhubaneswar has excellent bus facilities that are run by the state government. Called the MO Bus, the services have been rolled out by the Capital Region Urban Transport to connect Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri, in the state of Odisha. The service is known to be one of the most reliable ones in the city that has reduced the transportation challenges that one might have had to face earlier. The MO Bus also has a mobile app with provisions of the map of its routes, ticket booking options and schedules of the buses traversing within the city. The ticket fare is also quite cheap and affordable. You can easily pick a bus route from the MO Bus to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. These buses are available in AC as well as Non-AC to add to the comfort of the passengers.

By Taxi and Ridesharing apps

The city has an abundance of taxi cab services available. You can easily hail a taxi cab from the city to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. Besides, it is only 3 km away from the city centre, so travelling is usually not an issue. Depending on the traffic of the city and your location, the travel time might differ, but it will not exceed 15 minutes to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. Besides, ridesharing apps can also be used within the city premise. You can book cabs on Ola and Uber to reach Bhubaneswar Airport. Normal taxi cabs can also be hailed in the city, but you will need to discuss the fare ahead of the journey. Usually, the cabs in the city-run at fixed prices so it is always safe to ask in advance about the fare and whether it is feasible.