Accra to Bhubaneswar Flights

  About Accra

Accra is the capital of Ghana and is one of the liveliest cities in Africa. It's a wonderful blend of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Accra is also one of the wealthier cities in Africa and has a rich history. The fact that it is so close to the sea is what attracts tourists to the city. Accra is known for its never-ending party parade. The locals don't need a reason to celebrate and start partying from Wednesday through Sunday. You can head to Labadi beach in the middle of the week, and you'll see the locals partying. The loud music, the party atmosphere, the flowing drinks and the hangover that follows the next day is a normal thing for the people here. The city has a lot of open-air venues and amphitheatres where they host live music. The groove never ends in this city. Not just musicians but you will also find a lot of artists in Accra. You can also check the artworks and the various art galleries in the city. You can head up to Aburi Hills if you want a break from the city and turn it into an adventure. Accra is full of surprises and one of the most underrated destinations for an adventurous holiday.

Best Time to Visit Accra

January to May is the high tourist season in Accra. The temperature averages to 28 degree Celsius making it the best time to hit the beach. Though the weather is moderately humid, it doesn't stop you from pursuing any outdoor activities. Make sure you book your hotel in Accra for several weeks in advance because the hotels will not get packed but also increase their rates. You will also have to book your flight tickets to Accra well in advance before the prices increase. Since this is a high tourist season, the party scenes will only get more exciting. You will, however, have to make sure that you are using your sunblock regularly and drink lots of water. You will find yourself attending a lot of beach parties during this season. You might also have to wait in queues at certain major tourist attractions owing to the increase in tourists.

You can also visit the city from June to September. The temperature ranges from 21 to 32 degree Celsius, and it's quite humid, but it still won't stop you from stepping out and exploring the city. The hotel prices and flight fares might drop since this season doesn't have a lot of tourists holidaying in the city. You will get great flight deals to Accra online if you decide to travel to the city during this time of the year.

October to December is also considered to be a great time to head to Accra. The temperature reaches a maximum of 32 degree Celsius, and it does get pretty hot, but it is also a decent time to hit the beach, or you can chill by the pool in your hotel. You might get cheap flight tickets to Accra during these months since only fewer tourists are seen holidaying here during these months. Since the city is known for its vibrant party scenes, you know that you will have a great time at the New Year's parties here. You can pick from nightclubs or beach parties or both. Put on your fanciest outfit and get your groove on.

Places to Visit in Accra

Jamestown Lighthouse is one of the oldest structures in Accra and offers you a magnificent view of the city from up top. Artists Alliance Gallery is an art gallery that you wouldn't want to miss. You will find the quirkiest artworks and exhibitions. Nubuke Foundation is another place to head to if you want to witness and appreciate good artwork. Fantasy Coffins is one of the unique coffin makers in the world. The coffin can come in any form that the customer wants, and it is worth it. Labadi beach is a popular beach in the city that is known for throwing the craziest beach parties, and you will absolutely love spending an evening here. +233 Jazz Bar and Grill is a nightclub that you can go to if outdoor parties are not your cup of tea. This is also one of the oldest music venues in Accra. If you want to have some casual lunch, shop at the fanciest places and then enter a premier nightclub to the wee hours, ICON House is the place for you. You can shop at La Maison, have lunch at Coco Lounge and head to Carbon, one of Accra's premium nightclubs.

Don't feel like doing anything crazy today? You can just go for a walk at the Aburi Botanical Garden. Accra also has quite a lot of other extracurricular activities for tourists, and You can also go horseback riding, play rugby, surf, etc. The city has something in store for all kinds of tourists. You might even make a few friends before you leave the city. You can also check out the package tours that are available with your tour guide. It is best to hire a guide to explore the city so you know the history of Accra and you might even meet new people if it is a guided tour. You can also go on a shopping spree at the local markets here. You will definitely need help with the bags because you will end up purchasing a lot of things at a minimal price. Whether it is souvenirs or clothes or jewellery, you will find everything that you need here.

Things to do in Accra

If you love parties, Accra is the right place for you. The locals start partying Wednesday onwards and keep at it till Sunday. Well, you don't have to party for four days straight if you don't want to, but it is an experience of a lifetime. You can also sign up for a guided sightseeing tour of the city and cover the major attractions. If you don't feel like going sightseeing, you can always hit the beach and just relax there. The beaches in Accra also offer a variety of water activities for you to try, like surfing, boating and so on. You can also go horseback riding if you want to. If you are in the city during a football match league, you are in for a treat. The locals cheer for their favourite teams quite fiercely. You can just go to a sports bar and cheer for whatever team you like with a pint of beer. You will definitely make a lot of friends this way unless you are cheering for the opposite team.

Foods and Restaurants in Accra

Accra, or Ghana for that matter, is not particularly known for its cuisine. Still, you will find a variety of cuisines from all over the world being served at restaurants here. Bread & Wine is an expensive place in Accra but is completely worth all the money spent. It is a perfect restaurant for celebratory meals or a romantic date or a far romantic proposal. The restaurant serves authentic French cuisines that come with an excellent selection of Wine. You can pack some desert and take it home as the restaurant also has its own bakery. Most customers prefer outdoor terrace seating. Kaya Energy Bar and Design is a unique restaurant that creates dishes and drinks using raw ingredients. They believe that food must be enjoyed raw, so you don't lose any of the nutrients in the cooking process. This is the best place to go to if you are health conscious. Craving for some sushi? Head over to Santoku. You can also tie the restaurant's signature dish, pan-fried scallops with foie gras and orange tobiko. You can also opt for the teriyaki pork belly with ginger ponzu aubergine.

Buka is an African restaurant that serves fusion dishes from Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria. It would be best if you tried the fresh fish soup, grilled guinea fowl and jollof rice here. You can also try La Chaumiere, a bistro that specialises in French cuisine. You will find vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, too. You must order the French onion soup and Nicoise salad here.

How to reach Accra

Kotoka International Airport is the international airport that functions from Accra. The flight connectivity to Accra from India is quite good. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates Airline have more frequent flights to Accra than any other airline, with layovers at Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dubai. Look out for exciting flight deals to Accra online, especially if you are travelling during peak season. You will get cheap flight tickets to Accra during the offseason since the demand is low. The airport has quite a lot of facilities for passengers like several ATMs, information desk, lounges, WiFi, bars, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, car rental services and so on. Getting a cab to your hotel from the airport is not a huge task, and even the airport staff offers to book one for you.

  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.