Bhuj to Jakarta Air India Flights

  About Bhuj

The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Bhuj is the Rann of Kutch. A lot of people stop at Bhuj to get to the White Desert. Bhuj became a popular name after the earthquake in 2001 that killed close to 20,000 people living there. The quake also destroyed most of the buildings and houses in the city. The city in Gujarat is also quite close to Maharashtra. The city saw significant destruction after the earthquake but was rebuilt quite impressively. The city is not a popular holiday destination but is quite close to one. You can also book a hotel in the city and stay here for at least two days before you leave for The Great Rann of Kutch if at all that's your plan. You'll find perfect hotel rooms in the city and very affordable prices. Taking a bus, train or taxi from Bhuj is a very popular route to get to the Rann Utsav.

Apart from the Rann Utsav, the city also boasts of two majestic palaces, the Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal. Both the palaces were partly destroyed after the earthquake, but you can visit what's left of it and admire the sheer royalty of the palace. The palaces are right next to each other, and you will be charged a nominal fee to enter it. While the Aina Mahal boasts of intricate mirror works inside, the Prag Mahal boasts of large pillars in the Darbar and huge chandeliers. It will make you wonder and wish that you had come to visit the palaces before the earthquake.

You can also visit the Kutch Museum, which is one of the oldest museums in Gujarat. You'll find artefacts from the first century, too, in the museum. You'll also find a collection of unique and old coins. Either hire a tour guide who will take you through the artefacts and collections with a narration of the story behind it, or take a tour along and figure things on your own. You can also chill by the Hamirsar lake in Bhuj and watch migratory birds like the Greater Flamingo, Pelicans and much more. You'll have to plan your trip in winter to witness this though. Take a nice long morning walk alongside the lake with a view of the birds. It is definitely a beautiful start to the day.

On the outskirts of Bhuj is the Bhujia Hills, a top-rated tourist attraction here. It is also an apt place to take some outstanding pictures. A scenic view of the city and nature from the hilltop will make you want to spend time over there in solitude, admiring the view around you. Shopping in Bhuj is also one thing that will not leave you disappointed. The city is famous for its jewellery and handicrafts. You can also buy a lot of home decor items.

Best Time to Visit Bhuj

November to March is when Gujarat experiences winter, and it is one of the best times to visit the city. The Rann Utsav usually takes place in February every year, and the city is buzzing with travellers flocking over from around the country and world during this time. The temperature drops to 8 degree Celsius at night and is quite pleasant during the day. Since it is a desert, Bhuj's summers are quite hot, and it is not advisable to travel during this time. Summer lasts from March to May. The city witnesses monsoon from June to September. The heaviest rainfall occurs in July mostly, but the intensity reduces eventually. There are also chances of cyclones in Bhuj during monsoon so avoid travelling to Bhuj during monsoon.

Places to Visit in Bhuj

The Rann Utsav in Kutch is one of the main reasons that people visit Bhuj. Though a lot of tourists mostly just see Bhuj as a pitstop and an easier way to reach Bhuj, it is definitely a city that you must spend at least two days in. The Rann Utsav is also a festival that you must attend at least once in your lifetime. The Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal are two major tourist attractions in the city. Though a major portion of the palaces was destroyed during the earthquake in 2001, the beauty and royalty of the palaces will take your breath away. The intricate mirror work in the Aina Mahal will leave you astonished.

Gujarat is popular for textile, handicrafts and you can visit the Bhujodi village for a fun shopping spree. Bhuj is also famous for silver jewellery, and that's something you can definitely pick up from here as gifts for yourself or your friends. The Bhujia Hill is one of the highlights of the city. You can literally capture a view of the entire city from up the hill, and it makes for a wonderful place to take pictures. You can take a walk along the Hamirsar lake, which has a very serene feel to it. If you are here during winters, you might even spot migratory birds hovering over the lake in the morning. The Mandvi beach must be on your list of places to visit when you are in Bhuj. The beach promises you a scenic sunset and lives up to that promise.

You can also visit the Kutch Museum that is not very far from the palaces. Not only is it one of the oldest museums in the country but it also has artefacts and coins that date back to the first century.

Things to do in Bhuj

You can visit the animal sanctuaries if connecting with the animal lover in you is one of your motives for taking a trip. You can visit the palaces and the museums in the city to treat yourself to exciting facts and stories that the city has to tell. The city boasts of everything that you would want to do on your vacation. While there are usually accommodations available in the Rann Utsav, a lot of people prefer staying in Bhuj. Commuting within the city is quite easy.

If you are spending some time in Bhuj before you leave for the Rann Utsav, make sure you take a camel ride or a camping trip at Mandvi beach. They won't burn a hole in your pocket. You can also opt for boating at the Hamirsar lake if you get tired of walking around the lake and you want to be closer to the water. You can climb the Bhujia Hill fort instead of taking a different mode of transport if you are feeling very adventurous. You can also explore the local markets within the city to go on a shopping spree. The Bhujodi village is another popular place to shop for handicrafts and silver jewellery.

Food and Restaurants in Bhuj

Shankar Vadapav has gained quite a popularity in Bhuj and is a very highly recommended eatery for everyone who is a fan of vada pavs and street food. Sankalp and Jesal and two other restaurants that are quite famous in the city. Sankalp's menu has a lot of South Indian dishes, but you'll also find Gujarati food if that's what you are craving for. Jesal is known for serving North Indian food along with Indo-Chinese and western dishes that a lot of people might prefer. You'll also get traditional Gujarati thalis at Green Rock restaurant along with other varieties of cuisines. You can also stop at Saffron if you are craving some good Mughlai food. The mix grill platter is a highly recommended dish if you do stop by Mughlai. It also has a variety of options for tandoor and paneer.

How to Reach Bhuj (Transportation)

By Air

The nearest domestic airport is the Bhuj airport. The nearest international airport is Ahmedabad airport. The flight connectivity to and from Ahmedabad is quite frequent. Though the international routes do not connect to Bhuj airport directly, the domestic routes from Bhuj connect with major metropolitan cities. You can book flight tickets online and might even find really good flight deals and cheap flight tickets if you are lucky. You will easily find a cab or rickshaw to hire to reach the city from the airport. This is considered to be the most convenient way to travel since the other modes of transport can be a tad bit time-consuming.

By Rail

Bhuj railway station is only 1 km away from the city and is well-connected to most metropolitan neighbouring towns and cities. Trains to and from Ahmedabad to Bhuj are quite frequent, too. The train journey is also quite comfortable and hassle-free. Getting a taxi or a rickshaw from outside the station is not very difficult.

By Road

From government-run buses to air-conditioned Volvo buses, you'll find a lot of options to choose from if you opt to travel by road. The frequency is also quite good, and it's a convenient way to get to Bhuj or to leave from there. Popular bus routes are from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Vadodara, Indore and a couple of more cities.

  About Jakarta

When you think of Indonesia, Bali is the first place that comes to mind. Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, is an underrated vacation spot that you must consider. The speciality of Jakarta is its diverse culture. The city has a diverse culture, and you will love to explore the food, tourist attractions, and temples in the city. You will also be amazed at and learn more about Balinese customs and traditions. Apart from the diversity in Jakarta, you will also enjoy the culinary scene in the city. You can try the local food joints or dine at high-end, luxury restaurants here. Jakarta is also known as a shopping paradise for all you shopaholics out there. While Bali is known for its beaches, waterfalls and mountains, Jakarta is a concrete jungle with a view of breathtaking skylines at night. You will also find yourself admiring the art and historical scene here. Even if you are planning a trip to Bali, you must add Jakarta to your itinerary. You will not regret visiting the city one bit, and that is certain.

Best Time to Visit Jakarta

Jakarta majorly experiences only two types of seasons, dry and wet. May to September is the dry season in the city and one of the best times to visit Jakarta. The city sees a lot of tourists during these months. Since the weather is also pleasant, your sightseeing or any other outdoor plans will not be affected. It is the busiest time for the city and makes sure you book your hotel in Jakarta well in advance. The prices for hotels start surging and finding an accommodation that fits your budget can be a tad difficult. The warmest month in Jakarta in October and the temperature reaches up to a maximum of 34 degree Celsius. The possibility of rainfalls during the dry season is high, but it doesn't rain as heavily as it does during the wet season. Make sure you plan your trip in July or August to make the most of the city and its pleasant weather.

Jakarta receives heavy rainfall from October to April, and it is not the best time to visit Jakarta. The wet season also sees a dip in the number of tourists in Jakarta. You will have cheaper hotel accommodations and cheap flight tickets to Jakarta in the wet season. The temperature ranges from 25 to 28 degree Celsius. Indonesia witnesses a lot of earthquakes, but this does not affect its tourism a lot. However, it is advisable that you check the situation in the city before you board your flight. There are a lot of activities that you can indulge in if you visit during the dry season. The incessant rainfall in the wet seasons will certainly put a damper on all of your sightseeing plans or if you have any outdoor activities planned for the day. However, if you have only indoor activities planned like indulging in spa treatments or visiting museums, you can head to the city whenever you want.

Places to Visit in Jakarta

The National Monument is an iconic landmark in the city and a highly recommended place to visit. The 132-meter high structure was built to pay tribute to the Independence struggle. It is an architectural marvel with a rich history and attracts a lot of tourists to it. The Istigal Mosque, constructed in 1978, is the largest in Southeast Asia. It has the capacity to accommodate about 2 lakh people. The stunning marble courtyard and minarets will leave you amazed. Merdeka Square is a popular tourist spot in the city where you can take a stroll and explore the place. This is like the perfect break from a hectic day of sightseeing. It is spread over 1 km and is a little bit like the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, only bigger. It is open 24 hours, and the entry is free for all. Before you decide that Bali is a better holiday destination because of its proximity to the ocean, head over to Thousand Islands located on the north coast of Jakarta, you can book a hotel in Jakarta that is near Thousand Islands or overlooks the spot. The secluded beaches and restaurants add to the breathtaking experience of visiting the place.

Visit the National Museum of Indonesia if you are a history buff. You will learn more about the cultural heritage of Indonesia and come across Hindu-Buddhist artwork. Jakarta Cathedral is yet another marvellous place to visit that reflects Roman architecture. If you are an art lover, you can also visit the National Gallery that flaunts the works of several known Indonesian artists. Jakarta Chinatown is another famous place in the city where you will find a lot of immigrant Chinese people, traditional Chinese architecture, temples, markets, foods and so on. You can also go on a shopping spree here and be assured that you will find the best items at a lesser cost. If you are on a shopping spree, you can also visit the Menteng, Flea Market. Visit the Ragunan Zoo that houses over 3600 species of animals including orangutans and Komodo Dragons. Setu Babakan or the Babakan lake is another popular attraction in Jakarta's Betawi Culture Village. You will also find several amusement parks in Jakarta that you can go to with your family.

Things to do in Jakarta

Sign up for a sightseeing tour of the city, or you can go exploring the main tourist attractions all by yourself. If you are travelling during peak season, you will come across several tourists. Jakarta is also quite popular for shopping, and you must certainly try the several marketplaces in the city to buy souvenirs for your friends or yourself. The city is also known for its vibrant and active nightlife. You can explore the several nightclubs in the city and party till wee hours. Dragonfly is one of the best nightclubs in the city and worth every penny. Try your hand at water sports available in Thousand Islands or the Babakan lake. You can also sign up for a food tour of the city and try authentic Indonesian food at the best restaurants in the city. You can also take up a cooking class and learn how to cook certain Indonesian cuisines. The city is also known for its top-class spas, and you must indulge in a rejuvenating massage therapy at the ayurvedic or regular spas in the city. A lot of monuments and parks in the city also make for the perfect pictures and will be like a treat to the photographer in you.

Foods and Restaurants in Jakarta

From local street food to fine dining at some of the classiest restaurants, you have a lot of options to choose from in Jakarta. You can try the local food that includes Bakso, Satay Ayam, Indo Soto Mie and Gorengan or head over to restaurants that serve other types of cuisines. You will also come across a lot of Indian restaurants in the city. However, finding restaurants that serve vegetarian food can be a tad difficult. Even though there are various options available in the city, with respect to cuisines, seafood remains the staple foods of Indonesia. You can head to Bandar Djakarta for some delicious seafood. OKU is a popular restaurant and bar that serves Japanese cuisine. The lavish setting and impeccable service are add ons at this restaurant. Le Quartier is a popular French restaurant in Jakarta that is the perfect blend of fine dining and casual. If you are in the mood to give authentic Indonesian food a chance, head over to Lara Djonggrang, Namaaz Dining or Bunga Rampai.

How to reach Jakarta

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport is the main airport in Jakarta is about 20 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Jakarta from India is excellent. Singapore Airlines runs the maximum number of flights to Jakarta from India with a layover at Singapore's Changi Airport. If you book way in advance, you might come across some decent flight deals to Jakarta online that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Getting a car rental or taxi service from the airport is also quite easy. You can book a taxi for yourself from the counters inside the airport itself to avoid bargaining with the drivers outside. If you want to kill time till you board your flight, you can head to the golf course at the Jakarta airport. It has over 18 holes, and the golf course was used for the Indonesia Open during the PGA European Tour. You can also crash at the airport hotels if you are scared of reaching the airport late to board your flight. The airport also has lounges for you to wait in, shopping areas, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops and free WiFi. If your flight is delayed or if you have reached the airport way too early, you will certainly not get bored at the airport. You can finish your security check and chill in one of the lounges.

 About Air India

Air India was the first Indian airline that went by the name Tata Airways when it was launched. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata launched it in 1932 in Karachi. The first flight was from Karachi to Mumbai and then to Chennai. The airline became a public limited company after World War II, under the name Air India. In 1948, a Lockheed Constellation L-749A called the Malabar Princess landed in London Heathrow from Bombay, which was the airline's first international flight. Air India got its first Boeing 707-420 and became the first Asian airline to enter the Jet Age. It launched services to New York in 1960. It took delivery of its first Boeing 747-200B in 1971 and named it Emperor Ashoka. It acquired its first Airbus A310-300 in 1986 and Boeing 747-400 in 1993 which was named Konark later. The airline also operated its first non-stop flight between New York and Delhi during this year. In 2007, Air India merged with Indian Airlines under Air India Limited. They acquired their first Boeing 777 that year. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is Air India's main hub. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is the secondary hub. Chennai International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad and Trivandrum International Airport are its focus cities domestically.

Air India made Frankfurt Airport its international hub in 2009 for onward connections to the United States of America from India. Still, they had to shut it down because of high operating costs. In 2010, Air India decided to open a new hub for its international flights in Dubai. The airline's financial growth has been a topic of conversation for decades. For years, there were debates around the privatisation of Air India, but the Government of India refused to go ahead with it. When it did decide to hand over responsibility to private companies, no one came forward. Air India launched its low-cost airline, Air India Express, a couple of years back that majorly flew to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Despite suffering losses in the market and going through a lot of ups and downs, the airline is functioning since it is the national carrier.

Air India has also gone through a lot of modifications with its brand logo and mascot. The Maharajah is the main mascot of the airline and was created by Bobby Kooka, the commercial director of Air India then and Umesh Rao, who was an artist with J Walter Thompson Limited in 1946. The mascot was given a makeover in 2015, and the airline decided to go with a younger version of Maharajah. Since India's colour scheme is red and white, the airline's logo also incorporates the same in its logo. The name of the airline is written in Hindi and English in red. The first logo of the airline was a centaur shooting an arrow in a circle which represented the wheel of Konark. However, the airline decided to give its logo a makeover in 2007, which was a flying swan with the wheel of Konark in it.

Fleet Size of Air India

Air India had started its operations with a de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft back in 1932. It inducted its first Boeing 707-420 later on and named it Gauri Shankar. It became the first Asian airline to add a jet aircraft in its fleet. Since it is the oldest airline in the country, it has both Boeing and Airbus aircraft in its fleet. It inducted its first Boeing 747-400 in 1993 and named it Konark. The airline inducted its first Airbus A320-200 aircraft in 1989 which now covers both domestic and international short hauls. The airline has a total of 70 Airbus aircraft including one A320 Classic, 4 A320ceo, 19 A319 aircraft, 20 A321, 5 A320ceo (Single Configuration), 27 A320neo and 3 A319 (Single Configuration). It has a total of 172 narrow-body aircraft and 49 wide-body aircraft. Air India uses one of the five Boeing 747-400s as VIP flights. Air India grounded its last Airbus A320 classic fleet in 2019, and the last flight flew from Delhi to Mumbai.

Air India had also sold five of its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to Etihad Airways in 2013 to make up for its financial losses. The airline also had plans to introduce long flights to Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco but had to cancel, owing to weak demand and high fuel prices.

Baggage Allowance

Air India has certain baggage allowance rules and regulations that every passenger must follow. As per Air India's baggage allowance rules, you cannot carry cabin luggage that exceeds 8 kg, and your check-in luggage cannot exceed 20 kg. If you are flying internationally and if you are a premium club member, you will be allowed up to 40 kg of baggage. Even if you are ready to pay extra, your hand baggage cannot exceed 10 kg. First Class passengers are allowed a maximum of 40 kg baggage while Business Class passengers can only carry 35 kg. If you are travelling by the Economy Class, your baggage cannot exceed 25 kg. However, if you have an infant travelling with you, an extra 10 kg baggage allowance is offered by the airline. Make sure you inform the airline staff well in advance if your luggage is going to exceed the allowed weight. The airline has also made web check-in quite convenient for its passengers. You can either log in to the website and get it done, or you can get in touch with the call centre. The executives will help you get your web check-in done. It is best to get your web check-in done in advance, so you get to pick the right seat instead of settling for something chosen by the staff at the airport.

In-flight Services

Air India's First Class is royalty and luxury personified. The seats recline up to 180-degree, and the interiors are a sight for sore eyes. In addition to the ultra-comfortable seating, Air India's in-flight services are extremely efficient, and the best part is that the first-class cabin only seats 12 passengers. You can order your favourite cocktails and cuisines that are a treat to your taste buds. You can also do all of your duty-free shopping onboard. The first-class and business class cabins are also equipped with the Thales i3000 in-flight entertainment system. You can access five channels in Hindi and English. You can also browse through Air India's in-flight magazine called Shubh Yatra. First Class and Business Class passengers can also access the Maharaja Lounge. Business-class passengers are treated to plush seats and lip-smacking entrees that are accompanied with wine. You also get an exclusive check-in and lounge facility. Don't fret if you are not travelling by the premium class. Economy class passengers have complimentary refreshments and meals on all of their flights. You will also get complimentary liquor or wine on the international flights. The airline staff makes sure that passengers have a great time during their journey.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Air India

Air India connects to various domestic and international routes daily. Since it is one of the oldest and the first airlines, it connects to more cities domestically and internationally. It connects to approximately 102 destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and so on. It also flies to international destinations that cover the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Air India has frequent flights running to other destinations and makes sure you have had a great journey as well. Do make sure that you get your web check-in done well in advance.

Why Travel by Air India?

Air India is the national airline and has been in the airline industry since 1932. The airline makes sure that you have had a comfortable journey and seldom leaves any room for complaints. It has maintained its legacy of making sure that every passenger gets a royal treatment. It is also one of the very few airlines in the country that offers first-class flights to its passengers. You can check Air India's flight schedule and your flight status on their website. Even if you cannot access the website for some reason, you will certainly get updates and messages from the airline regarding the same. It also makes web check-in quite easy for its passengers. The staff is well-equipped to solve any grievances or requests put forth by passengers. You can book an Air India flight from the website. You can also get in touch with your travel agent and get them to book the ticket for you. It would be best if you experienced the royal treatment and luxury of being Air India's first-class passenger at least once in your life. The airline has come a long way and continues to give its passengers the best services and experience. The airline also makes sure that the flights run on time.