Cape Town to Jaipur Flights

  About Cape Town

Located on the west of South Africa is the second-most populous city and culturally diverse Cape Town. The city is particularly famous for its diverse habitants and a thriving culture. Its urban setting close to the harbour makes it one of the most important cities in South Africa. Tourist spots such as Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope tend to take up all the attention of tourists for the right reasons. Aside from the beautiful locales that the city is blessed with, the food and lifestyle of the city are exquisite. You will find delectable dishes from all over the world in the best possible global fusion scenario. The city further stands in the frontline as an advocate of climate change mitigation. The city sees an excellent footfall of travellers coming over from various parts of the world.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape Town's seasons are a contrast from the Indian months. Unlike how India witnesses summers between March to June, Cape Town sees summer from December to February. The same goes for most of their seasons. Although the summers of Cape Town sees tremendous tourists, it is the autumn month from March to May that is considered to be the best time for tourism. The season comes with several events and festivals, including the wine harvest month. The city easily turns its streets into a carnivalesque theme. During this season, the wineries around Cape Town allow tours and events for tourists to engage in. It is quite the gathering as you get to interact with wine connoisseurs from around the world.

You can also indulge in some of the fun activities by participating in the ones that take place during these tours. The temperature is also at an agreeable 20 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius. In the second half of the fall, the hotels start to drop their prices, making accommodation affordable. Festivals and events such as Cape Town Carnival, Infecting the City, Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Constantia Food and Wine Festival are some highlights that take place in March and May. This could be a good time for you to book hotels in Cape Town and relish the vibrant environment.

Not just the fall but even the springtime in Cape Town is quite beautiful. The popular attraction of Cape Town, Table Mountain blooms during this season and the temperature is also very favourable. For budget-travellers, this is the best time to visit the city. The hotel deals in Cape Town during this time is worth nabbing as they come at an affordable rate. Plus, festivals like Cape Town Diwali Festival and Cape Town International Kite Festival also adds to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Places to visit in Cape Town

Cape Town has an audience for literally everything the city in the city! The biggest attraction in the city, though it has got to be Table Mountain. Towering over the gorgeous city of Cape Town, this place attracts tourists like fire does to moth. It's nestled within the Table Mountain National Park, which also encompasses Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope as some other tourist attractions. You shouldn't miss any of those three as they each possess an interesting backdrop. You also have Camps Bay, which lies on the we3stern edge of Table Mountain. The quaint spot is perfect for soaking in all the cool breeze that the city boasts. In the city, you should walk around the District Six Museum and take a look at the city's compelling history. Bo-Kaap is known for its colourful street and indeed a sight for sore eyes. It is predominantly acquired by descendants of Cape Malays (slaves brought in from Malaysia, Indonesia, parts of African, by the Dutch). In the city, you also have Two Oceans Aquarium, located close to the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The aquarium will blow your mind with the plethora of marine creatures it hosts.

Things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town has far too many things to do as it is quite a vibrant city. However, you can start with a small tour to the Constantia Valley and explore the exquisite vineyard. From crisp whites to robust reds, you will get to witness how some of the finest wines are made in the city. Plus, the mansions where the wine is preserved in barrels is another lovely trip. After some wine tasting, you should also check out some of their restaurants with their abundance of cuisines, styles and flavours at your perusal. The Cape of Good Hope also houses adorable penguins that you can check out. They simply walk the shores of Cape Point and have a good time. As for the ardent shoppers, Greenmarket Square can be your source of entertainment.

Food and Restaurants in Cape Town

The city of Cape Town is a haven for global cuisine and a food-enthusiast. Not only does it entertain the plethora of dishes from around the globe but also caters to the varied tourists who flock over for wanderlust. Cape Town's unique food culture is popular and probably one of the highlights of the city. While there are some dishes that manage to stand out as Cape Town's classic dishes, much of the food is a global fusion. Since Cape Town was under the colonial rule of the Dutch and British, their menu reflects the same in terms of flavours, styles and techniques. Interestingly, Cape Town is also big on Indian food and has reserved a special spot for Indian cuisine. The best part about the city is how it brings together food from around the world and makes for rich food culture. The classic food includes fish and chips, grilled meat (your regular chicken, pork and beef), gatsby (a large sandwich stuffed with an array of meats, sauces and chips), bunny chow (classic South African delicacy made from chicken or beef), bobotie (minced beef mixed with milk and eggs custard) and more. Interestingly, the city also has the best sushi that won't disappoint you.

With so many dishes to try, don't forget to leave room for some dessert. Traditional sweets such as milk tart, koeksisters, malva pudding, etc., deserve your attention. These recipes are quite famous and definitely a good way to end a wholesome meal. To enjoy the best food in Cape Town, you should head to Kalky's, Snnoekies, The Golden Dish, Cosy Corner, Mzoli's Chef's Warehouse, Mzansi, to name a few. You will not run out of restaurants and food joints. Don't just spend time in the fancy restaurants but also check out some of the food joints by the corner of every street. They make just as amazing and delicious food that you'll probably not find elsewhere.

How to reach Cape Town (Transportation)

By Air

After Johannesburg, Cape Town is noted to be the second most popular city in South Africa which sees a great turnout of tourists from around the world. The best way to reach South Africa's Cape Town from India is easily by air. Major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore have flights that fly to and from Cape Town. Although there are no direct or nonstop flights that fly from India to Cape Town, these flights mostly have layovers and travellers would often have to rush for connecting flights in the airport terminal. Airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and South African Airways, Kenya Airways are a few that directly connect to Cape Town. In terms of flight connectivity to Cape Town from India, it is quite decent as there are frequent flights available to the city.

Often the layovers or connecting flights would have to be taken from cities such as Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Dubai Johannesburg and more. The travel duration of flights to Cape Town is quite a lot depending on the international route that you pick. Since there are various options for layovers and routes to Cape Town, often people go for the cheap tickets. From India to Cape Town, flight tickets would be less expensive with more duration. Similarly, for shorter flight duration, the ticket cost of flights to Cape Town would be high-priced. Hence, you will have to be very mindful about your trip to Cape Town. Cheap flight tickets to Cape Town would come at the cost of flight duration.

By Rail

Many travellers often opt for flights to Johannesburg to reach Cape Town. Not only does this enable them to visit two cities during the trip but also check out the famous luxury train from Pretoria. Known to be one of the most opulent rails, Pretoria's domestic rail route connects to Cape Town, but it's a 27 hours long journey. The views through the trip though, along with the luxury of the train's services, is definitely worth the time. You will be pampered by the coach's posh treatment, not to mention how it will also be a good way to meet new people from other nationalities.

  About Jaipur

The Pink City of India, Jaipur is one of the jewels of Rajasthan. It's India's first-ever planned city, and it will surely take your breath away. There's grandeur in every wall, every person and everything that you find in Jaipur. Its rich culture and heritage is what attracts people to the city and makes them fall in love with it all over again. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction not just among Indians but also among international travellers who visit the country. You will find a lot of old Havelis, forts, palaces and buildings that were built even before the Mughals ruled India. Jaipur is a extraordinarily famous and one of the most visited tourist destination in India. You'll have no trouble booking hotels in Jaipur, especially the ones that meet your requirement.

You cannot help but be amazed by the royal palaces, the majestic forts and delicious Rajasthani food that makes your vacation worth every penny spent. Apart from the palaces, forts and the culture, Jaipur is also quite famous for the quilts, clothes, clothing accessories and jewelries. Among the list of impressive royal palaces is Hawa Mahal. Made with red and pink sandstone, the Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The five-storey palace is one of the main attractions of the city. You will be mesmerised by the sheer simplicity yet complex beauty of the palace.

What makes Jaipur special is that though it is home to a lot of majestic palaces and forts, the people who reside in the city lead a very simple lifestyle. In fact, even the royals of Jaipur led a very simple lifestyle. The City Palace of Jaipur is yet another palace that will leave you in awe of it. Not just with your families but you can visit Jaipur with your friends, too. Not just hotels but there are a lot of hostels in Jaipur, too, for youngsters from all over the world. The city plays host to people from across the globe, and you'll not need to worry about hospitality as it is excellent.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

The best time to visit the city is in winter from November to February. The temperature drops to 5 degrees Celsius at night and the city experiences a warm, pleasant climate during the winters. This is also a peak season for the city with lots of tourists buzzing around. Don't forget to carry your cosy, warm clothes if you are visiting the city during winter. Since the city is situated in an arid desert, it experiences the hottest summers. If you are planning a trip during summer despite the weather, ensure that you book a hotel room that has air conditioner facilities and drink lots of water during the day to avoid sunstrokes or dehydration. The summer starts from March through July, and the temperature can shoot up to 45 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season is brief but can get quite intense.

Places to Visit in Jaipur

The Hawa Mahal is one of the top attractions of Jaipur and is considered as a prominent piece of history. The palace looks enchanting at night, and you will surely be overwhelmed by how the palaces look from outside at night in the city. Jantar Mantar is yet another palace that is worth visiting. In fact, it even made its way to the World Heritage List. It was constructed in the Mughal era and showcases astronomical skills. While you're at it, add Amber Fort to your list of places to visit, too. You would not want to miss the sound and light show that is put up by the locals at the Amber Fort at evenings. You'll hear the beautiful folk songs and stories being narrated. Chokhi Dhani is yet another place worth visiting. Experience the simple lifestyle, the authentic cuisines, attire and charm of Rajasthan's villages. No trip is ever complete without a fun shopping spree, and Johari Bazaar is one of the most popular and best places to fulfil all your shopping needs. From traditional bandhinis, mojaris to jewellery and artefacts, the market has everything that will make you want to empty your pockets. Not to mention, you'll also find a lot of lakes in the city that is worth visiting. The Sambhar lake, Ramgarh lake, Man Sagar lake and Chandlai lake are some that you must visit. It will be a well-deserved break from visiting the dreamy palaces and forts in the city.

Things to do in Jaipur

The list of things to do in Jaipur is quite long and very satisfying, too. From ticking off the palaces and forts in your list to experiencing the rich culture and indulging in the traditional delicacies of the state, there are myriad things you can do in the city. Be assured that you won't be tired of it. You will take back some beautiful memories back home. The Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the most popular events that has writers and thinkers from all over the world in attendance. You can also attend the Kite Festival in January during Makar Sankranti. It's definitely a festival you would love to celebrate in the city.

Since you are already indulging in all things majestic and royal, why not opt for an elephant ride outside the Amber Fort. Elephants have added to the grandeur of the Rajputs and continue to do so. They are a very important part of the culture and tradition of the city. Treat yourself to some delicious Daal Baati, Laal maas, different types of Lassi and Ghewar, when you're in the city. If you love collecting postcards, you will find a lot of options, and honestly, it's going to be challenging to choose from. You can pick a postcard from every destination that you prefer.

As the place has a rich history and culture, you will get to hear some intriguing stories from the people you meet during your trip. You will also find classes where you will be taught how to make certain crafts that have been mastered by the artists. People in Jaipur are quite friendly, and you will not leave the city without making any new friends. If you are a social butterfly, then this is the best place for you to do so. You will even learn more about their lifestyle and culture. If you want to spend a quiet evening, we suggest you visit one of the many lakes in the city and spend time admiring the beautiful city.

Food and Restaurants in Jaipur

Apart from the rich culture, traditions and royalty, Rajasthan is known for its food, and it is irresistible. Daal Baati is one of the most popular delicacies in Rajasthan and quite easy to find, too. Santosh Bhojanalya is one of the most popular places to enjoy a scrumptious meal of Daal Baati Churma. Gopi Mishtan Bhandaar and Rawat Mishtan Bhandaar are some of the most popular places to try out Ghewar, a sweet dish that is popular in the city.

Gatte Ki Sabzi is also a dish that is popular in Rajasthan, and you can indulge in this savoury dish during your shopping spree at the Johari Bazaar. Do stop at Lakshmi Mishtan Bhandaar. You must try out the traditional Rajasthani thali during your trip. You can get back to your diet regime and strict workout schedule once you are back from the trip. The staff at every hotel or Bhojanalya that you visit will be hospitable and very welcoming.

Do not hesitate to try out the street food in Jaipur. You'll find a lot of chaat corners that will add a Rajasthani touch to traditional chaat dishes. Jaipur is also like paradise for all you tea lovers out there.

How to reach Jaipur

By Air

Since Jaipur is also the capital of Rajasthan, the flight connectivity from all the metropolitan cities is topnotch. The nearest domestic airport to Jaipur is Sanganer airport. Since the city also hosts guests and travellers from other countries, they can take connecting flights from Jaipur International Airport. You will find excellent flight deals online for Jaipur. In fact, the right season, you might even get lucky and get cheap flight tickets to Jaipur.

By Rail

The Jaipur junction is well-connected within the city and to all the major cities as well. To take things up on a luxurious level, you can also opt for Palace On Wheels, the world's 4th most luxurious train that leaves from Delhi and you will definitely feel like a King or a Queen. Though it is quite expensive, it is an experience of a lifetime and worth every penny spent.

By Road

Buses run from all major cities to Jaipur, and though it might take longer, it is worth it. Not just normal government-run buses but a lot of AC buses also leave from and stop at Jaipur. However, if you want to cut down on the travel time, travelling by trains or flights will be the best option. Hiring a taxi or taking your car out to reach Jaipur is a popular way to reach the city from Delhi.

  About Jaipur Airport

Jaipur International Airport serves as the primary airport to the state capital Jaipur. Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, the airport was declared by the Airports Council International as the 'World's Best Airport', in the category of 2-5 million passengers in a year. Jaipur International Airport stands at the 11th position as the busiest airport in India. This is with respect to the scheduled flight operations that are conducted on a daily basis. Situated in the southern suburb of Sanganer, the airport is about 13 km away from the city centre of Jaipur. While it started as a domestic airport, Jaipur International Airport received its international stature in 2005. Currently, the airport has the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers at a time in its new terminal building. Currently, the airport accommodates two runways which are 1,592 metres and 3,500 metres long respectively. The second runway started operations in 2016 and was constructed with a view to catering to bigger aircraft such as Boeing 747. Following the construction of a new runway, the airport's authorities further extended its runway to handle Boeing 777s.

About Jaipur Airport terminals

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 was dedicated to international flight operations until 2012. The airport authorities shifted the operational activities of international flights to the new Terminal 2, leaving terminal 1 for cargo-related functions. For a brief period of time, the airport conducted all domestic and international flight operations from terminal 2 while reserved terminal 1 for cargo operations. Eventually, in 2017, the authorities brought commercial flight operations to be terminal 1 as the passenger traffic exceeded the capacity of terminal 2. Currently, Hajj pilgrimage and cargo flights are the only ones to operate from terminal 1. The airport authorities have announced expansion plans to accommodate more cargo operations to terminal 1. The plan is to upgrade and expand the terminals to cater to international departures and arrivals only. The design will celebrate the Rajasthani heritage of the city with rich tapestry and other such Rajasthan-inspired layouts.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 came into existence in 2009 with a view to handle domestic operations. The terminal is spread across an area of 22,950 square metres and headlines modern facilities ranging from the central heating system to inline x-ray baggage inspection systems along with departure conveyor systems. Further, Jaipur International Airport's Terminal 2 has also installed common-use terminal equipment (CUTE) and a public address system. The airport's terminal is also known to handle a passenger capacity of 500 during peak hours and an annual accommodation capacity of 400,000. Terminal 2's entrance has been made of the famous sandstone that envelops much of Jaipur. The gate is further adorned with Dholpur stones, and Rajasthani paintings hung on the walls.

The terminal is being utilized for both domestic and international flight operations. Terminal 2 also has three VIP lounges to avoid the overcrowding of the terminal to bring inconvenience to important guests and passengers. There are 14 airport check-in counters, four customs counters and six immigration counters at Terminal 2 along with four security-check counters. These counters are perfectly equipped to accommodate passenger traffic that the airport witnesses.

About Airport Authority

Jaipur International Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The government body is responsible for the management and infrastructural development of the airport. The authority body has been working towards enhancing the efficiency of Jaipur International Airport and making it accessible and comfortable for passengers. Simultaneously, they are also working on expansion plans to accommodate more flight operations. The airport authority has announced to expand the current terminal 2 by a width of 20 metres on either side. They also plan to install a new hall in the departure section to add three conveyor baggage claim belts in the arrivals section. Further, on the same, they also have plans to add two new aerobridges to enable smooth passenger movement. The expansion work is slated to be completed by 2020. There are plans to construct a third terminal to accommodate world-class facilities and amenities that the airport too that have been announced. It is said that terminal 3 would be at least seven times larger than terminal 2. Expansion plans are yet to be announced.

Facilities at the Jaipur Airport

Lounge – Jaipur Airport has lounge facilities in the international terminal. The lounge caters to several facilities that help the passengers feel at ease.

WiFi – There are WiFi services available at the airport. However, the WiFi network is only available for 30 minutes. Post the stated time, the airport will charge you to utilize the WiFi network.

Baggage – The airport has free trolleys that are up for grabs at the entrance of the departure gate as well as the arrivals section. You can use these trolleys to take your luggage within the airport premises. Further, there are storage spaces also available where you can leave your baggage. Porter services are also available at the airport vicinity. Plus, you can get your luggage wrapped and processed for safety.

Restaurants and cafe – The airport has a food court and exquisite restaurants also available at the terminals. While the departure section has many restaurants and cafes, the arrivals mostly have food joints. Tea, coffee and other beverages can be found at the domestic as well as arrivals sections of the airport terminals.

Child care room – Designated child care rooms have been put up in the airport terminals. Passengers who are travelling with infants can avail the rooms for feeding, changing of diapers and other such necessary activities. These rooms have been sanitized properly and are maintained by the airport staff. The seating is also quite comfortable and the perfect for mothers to tend to their babies.

Smoking zones – Smoking zones have also been introduced in the airport terminal at both domestic and international terminals. As the passengers are prohibited from smoking in public lounge spaces, specific smoking zones can be utilized. You can also make cigarette purchases outside the smoking lounges.

ATMs and forex counters – As an international airport, Jaipur Airport has installed foreign exchange counters in the arrivals section. You can make currency exchanges as well as transfer money. Along with the foreign exchange counters, the airport is well-equipped with ATM kiosks as well. Cash withdrawals can be made at the airport premise without any hassle.

Medical facilities – The airport has medical facilities available to cater to any emergencies that might take place in the premise. On-call medical professionals are present at the airport at all times to ensure that all medical cases are immediately handled without any stress. Pharmacies are also installed in the airport. You can purchase medication and toiletries from the pharmacies that are present in the departure sections.

Top airlines flying from Jaipur Airport

As the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur Airport witnesses good passenger traffic. As the 11th busiest airport in the country, Jaipur International Airport is well-connected with several Indian cities. Some of the domestic airlines that operate from Jaipur International Airport include Air India, AirAsia India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo and SpiceJet. These airlines connect to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Agra, Bhopal, Lucknow, Raipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Goa, Guwahati, Indore, Kolkata, Surat, Varanasi, Jaisalmer, Patna, Chennai and Amritsar, to name a few. Simultaneously, Jaipur Airport also caters to international flight activities. Although the international airline operations are limited with a handful functioning from Jaipur International Airport, they do connect to some big international destinations. Air Arabia, Air India Express, AirAsia X, Oman Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile are some of the airlines operating from Jaipur International Airport. They serve cities such as Sharjah, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat and Bangkok. With its terminal building expansions, the airport will be able to accommodate more flights and enhance the passenger carrier activities soon.

How to reach Jaipur Airport

By Bus

Jaipur International Airport is located about 11 km from the main city bus stand. Travellers who are exploring all the top cities in Rajasthan, often take buses to reach the Pink City and take public transport such as cabs and prepaid taxis to reach Jaipur International Airport. There are rickshaw services also available, and since the distance is quite decent, the fares are also accommodating to one's budget. It is recommended that the traveller fix a price for travelling to the airport as they might charge more at the destination. The airport also has provisions of taxis and rickshaws that would reach the bus stand and the main city.

By Rail

The main railway station of Jaipur is also located only 13 km away from Jaipur International Airport. As a hub for transport, the railway station has a plethora of transportation options to reach Jaipur International Airport. One can hail taxi cabs or rickshaws from the railway station to reach Jaipur International Airport. Not to mention how there are provisions of apps such as Ola and Uber that enable booking vehicles and travelling within the city and to the airport.