Dhaka to Amsterdam Flights

  About Dhaka

Nestled close to the lovely Buriganga river is the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka. The city has an excess population and exquisite architecture, inspired by the Mughal, British and American rule.

Best time to visit Dhaka

The busiest months for Dhaka are June, January and February. The seasons of Dhaka are quite similar to the ones faced in the North Eastern locales of India. However, they are slightly tweaked depending on the impact of the rains and summer. June is the onset of summer and hence, a very comfortable time to visit. The air is continuously humid, which could be another reason to avoid this time of the year. March through May is spring for Dhaka and the weather is slightly tolerable. Expect some rain though even during spring as the city is known to face regular rains throughout the year. Spring becomes a favoured month among travel enthusiasts who wish to visit the city as the hotel rooms are cheap. Even if you don't make prior reservations, you will find cheap hotels in Dhaka during this season. The crowd in the city is also comparatively few, making it easier for you to venture around.

You will find many cheap flight and hotel deals to Dhaka if you opt for spring. Fall is another such season when the flight and hotel prices are low, allowing tourists to get the perks of good deals. September through November is not ideal for tourism though as the showers can get very risky. The torrential rains could even lead to floods and waterlogging in the city of Dhaka. The city witnesses excess rain from the winds arriving from the Bay of Bengal, which gets really murky. Tourism sees a tremendous dip during this season, making hotel prices very cheap and affordable. The best time to visit though, aside from spring is winter. With temperatures that stand at 223 degree Celsius as opposed to the exorbitant ones during summer, Dhaka's winters are very beautiful. However, as this is a busy time for tourism in the country, you might have a tough time finding decent accommodation in the city. Plus, the prices would also be quite high. The best thing to do to get cheap and affordable deals would be to make prior hotel bookings in Dhaka.

Places to visit in Dhaka

The city has a plethora of lovely neighbourhoods that can be explored. There are a few religious sites that you can start with when visiting in Dhaka. These establishments are top tourist attractions in Dhaka and definitely worth your time. You can start with the Armenian Church of Holy Resurrection which was erected back in 1781 by American missionaries. You do not need a specific tour guide to take you through this place. You also have the Holy Rosary Church to visit. Dhaka also houses many mosques as it is predominantly an Islamic country. You will find exquisite mosques in the city. Check out some prominent ones such as the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Chawk Mosque, Hussaini Dalan Mosque, Musa Khan mosque and Sitara mosque. It is imperative that you follow some protocols of the religion before entering the mosque as they are very strict about their customs. The city also has a Hindu temple, Dhakeshwari Temple, which was built in the 12th century.

An important tourist attraction in the city is the Lalbagh Fort. The fort, built during the Mughal era, has witnessed some bloody wars in the old times. In fact, the spot has experienced some of the biggest iconic moments in Bangladesh's history and hence, holds a prominent position in their cultural heritage. You should also check out the Curzon Hall, which has now been transformed into the University of Dhaka. Also, do not miss the Banga Bhaban, the official abode to the president of Bangladesh. The palace has been heavily inspired by the British India era and reflects the same. The 1857 Memorial is a spot worth checking out. It is basically a vast expanse of memorial that has been built to honour the martyrs who perished during the first Liberation War that took place to oppose the British rule. Do not miss the National Poet's graveyard as well, which is the tomb of the revolutionary poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam. The National Botanical Gardens is a beautiful location within the city which transports you from the excess noise of Dhaka to tranquillity.

Things to do in Dhaka

There are quite a handful of things that you can do during your stay in Dhaka. As part of your excursion to learn more about the city, you can visit the National Museum. The place will take you through the past and struggles of Bangladesh before being blessed with freedom and a separate nation of its own. You can also visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and known more about Bangladesh's freedom fighter Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also called, 'Father of the Nation'. The Dhaka Zoo is another interesting place you can visit when in the city. The zoo has many species of exotic birds and animals including the profound Royal Bengal Tiger. The Sadarghat River Front is also a beautiful place where you can relax and unwind after a long day of indulging in tourist activities. The riverfront rests on the banks of the lovely Buriganga river. You can further elevate your experience by taking up boat rides.

Food and Restaurants in Dhaka

Dhaka has an abundance of food varieties ranging from traditional Bangladeshi food to Chinese, Indian and even Mexican cuisine. Most of the food is served in buffet style at these restaurants with fixed prices so you should carry enough cash with you. To get the best of Dhaka's fine dining scene, you should visit Gulshan, Baridhara, Lalmatia, Banani and Dhanmondi. These streets have elite food establishments with international cuisine. You would be surprised and amazed by some of the astounding joints that these streets have in Dhaka. La Forchetta is one such restaurant that brings the flavours of Italy on a platter. It is one of the best Italian joints in the city and definitely recommended. The city also has steakhouses with a food establishment called Steakhouse.

A&W is one of the famous burger joints with special American-style burger served with fries and a rootbeer float. They also have a jukebox in the background that would take you back in time. Bamboo Shoot is another fantastic restaurant especially in Chinese and Thai food. Adding to the authenticity of the joint are a number of Chinese expats who seem to relish the food here. Bella Italia is another food restaurant that was founded by an individual who served at an Italian restaurant. For some local food, you should check out Dhanshiri, located in Gulshan street. The food served here celebrates the Bangladeshi food and is served at a reasonable price. You can also check out Gulshan Khabar Ghar for some more local food. The cafe scene in Dhaka is also quite good and something you would enjoy. Mermaid Cafe, Bittersweet Cafe are some places where you will get good coffee and baked goods. The ambience served is just as exquisite.

How to reach Dhaka (Transportation)

By Air

Flight connectivity to Dhaka from India is excellent. As a neighbouring country, a majority of flights to Bangladesh sees a layover in Kolkata. In fact, you will find direct and nonstop flights to Dhaka from Kolkata. The city's proximity to Bangladesh's capital makes it possible. This is the most popular route to Dhaka often chosen by travellers visiting the city from India. There are no direct nonstop flights to Dhaka from any other city in the country. If you are travelling from Mumbai or Delhi, you will have to change flights at Kolkata. From Delhi though, Biman Bangladesh is the only airline that has reserved a nonstop direct flight to Dhaka. Besides this, much of the airlines opt for a layover in Kolkata. Many Indian airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo and Vistara, have regular flights to Dhaka. However, they all travel till Kolkata, from where Biman Bangladesh takes the passengers to Dhaka. Flights to Dhaka from India also take international routes with layovers in cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Istanbul, depending on the airlines chosen.

The flight tickets to Dhaka are extremely cheap from India. You can get flight tickets to Dhaka for as less as INR8,000. The flight duration is also quite decent with popular airlines reaching in less than five hours. Of course, these flights are expensive as compared to the ones who reach Dhaka in 12 hours.

By Rail

Flights are not the only way to reach Dhaka, though. There is a special dedicated train that connects Dhaka and Kolkata. The Maitree Express is touted to be the first international railway line connecting Dhaka with an international city, i.e., Kolkata. It is a full-AC train which is quite posh and has luxurious services available.

By Road

AC buses to Dhaka are also available, owing to how close the cities of Dhaka and Kolkata are. Much of these buses are government-run as it has to do with international borders. These buses travel to Dhaka on alternate days and are super cheap.

  About Amsterdam

The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is recognised worldwide for its exquisite tourism and artistic heritage. The city is one of the most chill in the world with a culture and lifestyle that resonates well with the city's character. Not to mention how they favour bicycles over cars and other motorcycles. Amsterdam is recognised worldwide for its cultural heritage and tourism.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam's weather can be super notorious throughout the year with its ambiguity, but April to May and September to November are the two seasons that witness the best the city's weather and vibe have to offer. Although summer is considered to be the season when Amsterdam sees a massive population of tourists, the months before and after summers are when you truly get to enjoy the city's pleasant vibe. Summer does see a lovely melange of festivals and events that keep the city busy. With Holland Festival, Amsterdam Gay pride, Jordaan Festival and Taste of Amsterdam taking place in the summer months, many European travellers find this time ideal for a vacation. If you think perhaps the temperatures ranging from 19 degree Celsius and 21 degree Celsius would be tolerable along with excess tourists, you should choose this stretch. Finding or booking a hotel in Amsterdam during the summer (peak season) would be slightly unattainable. But with some good snooping around on the internet, you might be able to get some amazing flight deals to Amsterdam topped with a convenient staycation.

September to November is basically the onset of winter and an ideal season for a vacation in Amsterdam. The temperatures are mild and dangle between 9 degree Celsius to 18 degree Celsius. Plus, the city also witnesses lovely events such as Amsterdam Light Festival, UNESCO World Heritage Weekend, TCS Amsterdam Marathon and Amsterdam Fringe Festival. During this time, you might even be able to get great hotel booking deals in Amsterdam as the establishments tend to slash off prices. It is imperative that you carry necessary layers of clothes and an umbrella as the weather could get unpredictable.

What makes the months April and May a good choice for a trip to Amsterdam is the fact that the tulips bloom and the Keukenhof Flower Garden springs to life. It is one of the highly anticipated events of the year, and many tourists wish to watch the tulips bloom and hence, plan for a trip around this time. Another amazing fact about this weather is how the accommodation rates do not see a spike. In fact, you can actually book a hotel room in Amsterdam during this season without worrying about exorbitant euros you assume you'll have to spend. The months would be like carnivals with events such as Liberation Day, King's Day, National Restaurant Week and of course, Tulip Festival, that take place in the city.

Places to visit in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's laidback lifestyle with all the vice it is associated with, makes travellers wonder if there are any tourist sights and attractions that can be found in the city. Amsterdam does have some of the best and eccentric museums with world-class stature. The Rijksmuseum Museum is the city's largest museum which celebrates the Dutch history and traces their tales from the Netherlands to around the globe. It is most certainly a fascinating place and definitely should be on your itinerary list. A gorgeous museum has been built to honour the works of legendary artist Vincent van Gogh. Visit the Van Gogh Museum and take in his odd yet real take on art and life. You can continue with your history tour and add Anne Frank's House to the list as well. The artefacts within the premise include belongings of the 15-year-old, documents, images and photographs. The list goes incomplete without the addition of Amsterdam's biggest highlight, Keukenhof, also known as the Tulip Garden. The lush fields with multi-hued tulip bulbs are quite a sight that you simply cannot miss during your trip to Amsterdam.

Interestingly, the city also entertains extremely bizarre museums such as the Kattenkabinet (Cat Cabinet) and The Mouse Mansion. The true essence of these places can only be comprehended once you visit them. If the museums get too weird for you, a little detour to attractions such as Concertgebouw (a concert building) and the Royal Palace Amsterdam. You should know that Amsterdam also comes with a coast that touches the Atlantic. You simply cannot miss their beach, Zandvoort, which is not quite far from the city centre. While backpacking and couch-surfing are a big culture in the city, you can book a hotel within Amsterdam and get some good prices for it. The flight tickets to Amsterdam aren't all that expensive, but the trip overall could be steep.

Things to do in Amsterdam

The city has far too many awesome things to do, especially for youngsters and backpackers. The city favours bicycles over any other mode of transport. You can simply rent a bicycle and go on a tour of your own. Explore the Nine Little Streets for alluring canals, boutiques and shopping souvenirs. You can also walk around Leidseplein, which has a plethora of options for entertainment ranging from nightclubs to casinos to quaint coffee shops. The city's hub has everything, including hotel bookings in Amsterdam. You can book your stay in the city centre, or you can take up hostel life and make friends with complete strangers. Similarly, you can also take a personal trip to Jordaan with a guide or a map. The neighbourhood thrives with lovely eateries and gorgeous Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, Leidsegracht and Lijnbaansgracht canals. It is an experience that certainly cannot be replaced with any kind of sentiment.

You can also take up cruise trips that leave from the city and sometimes even return on the same day. Depending on what travel package you have chosen, you can accordingly head out of the city on a cruise. You can also take your bicycles or book a tour of the city's countryside with charming cottages and lush green expanses. There are boat tours that traverse from the canals of Amsterdam. The impressive canal system is quite interesting, especially if you pass through it.

Food and Restaurants in Amsterdam

A quintessential Dutch cuisine includes the traditional raw herring, Dutch pancakes with stuffed or topped bacon/blueberries, krokets, bitterballen, poffertjes and erwtensoep, to name a few dishes. They are a melange of the meals as well as savouries. However, Amsterdam is not known for Dutch delicacies, at least not when it comes to fine dining experiences for tourists. The city celebrates food as multi-ethnic cultures coagulate with their best cuisine. Amsterdam is a haven of multitudes of international cuisine. Interestingly, the city actually has thriving Indonesian restaurants in the city. Places such as Restaurant Blauw, Restaurant Jun and Sampurna are some of the Indonesian establishments that have made quite an impact on the city's food culture.

In fact, many of the locals also prefer the array of meals from around the world over their own traditional Dutch food. The de Pijp neighbourhood is actually quite famous among millennials and backpackers as the place serves some of the cheapest and tastiest food. Many of the tourists who visit Amsterdam are predominantly backpackers or solo travellers. Hence, they prefer to keep a set budget for their expenses, this majorly caters towards them being careful around extravagant spending on food. However, if you wish to splurge on a lavish dining experience, you should try out Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) where you'll find some of the most exquisite fine dining establishments. In fact, you will also be pampered with world-class quality cuisine and hospitality at restaurants located in the Reguliersdwarsstraat areas. Elandshgracht Street is another amazing space in Amsterdam that boasts top-notch food. Overall, food will not be a big disappointment to you. You should also check out Distillery 't Nieuwe Diep to get a whiff of the lovely Dutch gin.

How to reach Amsterdam (Transportation)

The Amsterdam Airport has immaculate flight connectivity from India. As one of the most visited cities in the world from the country, Amsterdam is constantly on demand. Many Indians flock over to the beautiful and quaint city regularly, making the availability of flights also easier. In fact, there are regular flights that fly to Amsterdam from India. There are direct flights also that fly to Amsterdam from India. Operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways, these flights fly to Amsterdam on a regular basis and have great flight connectivity. Depending on the availability of cheap flight tickets, it is determined whether you will be able to snag a nonstop flight to Amsterdam from India or if you will have to book a connecting flight or one with long durations of a layover.

Flights to the Netherlands from India use the Middle Eastern international routes to reach Amsterdam. Usually, layovers take place in cities such as Munich, Zurich and Paris. Sometimes even Brussels witnesses flights coming in from India with Amsterdam as the final stop. In India, the most popular route to Amsterdam is from Mumbai as the flight connectivity, a number of flights and even nonstop and direct flights are easily available port city.

  About Hazrat Shahjalal Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is the most prominent international airport that is installed in Dhaka. It is situated about 17 km from Kurmitola. The airport is also part of the BAF Bangabandhu Base which is being utilised by Bangladesh Air Force. The airport was previously known as Dacca International Airport, which later changed to Zia International Airport, to honour Shah Jala, one of the most venerated Sufi saints from Bangladesh. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport caters to Bangladesh's flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as a primary hub. It is also known to be a hub for many private Bangladesh-based airlines such as Regent Airways, US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair. It currently accommodates a whopping 18.5 million passengers. The first landing strip was constructed in 1941, at Kurmitola, by the British government and used for World War II's airfare.

About Airport Terminals

There are two functional terminals available at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A third one is being constructed to expand the passenger capacity and to add more features to the airport. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both have international flight functions. They are located in the same building. Terminal 1 is on the ground floor, and it is used as an international arrivals hall. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is on the upper floor and serves as the departure hall for international travels. In the domestic terminal, the arrivals and departure halls are present on the same floor. A designated VIP terminal has also been constructed with a view to accommodate Bangladesh's delegates. The terminal is only 200 meters away from the international terminals.

Terminal 3 is currently under works, the foundation of the same was laid in 2019 by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The terminal is slated to complete on 2022. A portion of the financial assistance is being provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The new terminal is said to include passenger terminal with a floor that is sprawled across 64,000 sq ft, a VVIP complex, a multi-level parking bay in the building terminal and the capacity to accommodate 20 million passengers.

About Airport Authority

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport falls under the ownership of the Government of Bangladesh. It is currently operated by Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB). The statutory body functions as a regulatory frame to cater to all activities that relate to aviation in Bangladesh. CAAB is recognised nationwide and is the central aviation authority. It operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The authority is headquartered in Dhaka's Kurmitola. Over the years, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has witnessed several upgradations and development schemes to make it better.

The airport is currently working on several extension and up-gradation plans. There is a passenger extension apron that is being constructed from foxtrot taxiway to the export cargo apron recently concluded. Along with this, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has also laid new asphalt concrete on the runway. Along with this, consultancy services have also upgraded the airport's premise. Meanwhile, some of the works in action are improving the security system of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Additionally, there are works to develop the entire airport and expand it to accommodate more airlines.

Top airlines flying from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Bangladesh's proximity with India has enabled the functioning of several direct flights to the city of Dhaka. There are three Indian airlines that operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. In fact, the Indian airlines that operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. Along with some Indian airlines, there are a few international airlines to that function from the airport. Airlines that fly from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport include Air Arabia, Air Asia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Druk Air, Emirates, Gulf Air, Himalaya Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Malindo Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines. The international airlines mostly connect with Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Cities such as Abu Dhabi, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Medina, Riyadh, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Colombo, Istanbul, Doha and more, are well-connected with Dhaka.

Facilities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Baggage - The airport provides several baggage services that one can avail. At the entrance of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, you can find trolleys to take your luggage inside the airport with ease. There are baggage wrapping services also available along with porter facilities and storage. For baggage wrapping, you might have to inform the airlines beforehand so they can fix it for you.

Lounge - The terminals also have a lounge. The airport lounge has services such as restaurants, relaxing spaces, complimentary shower booths and more. You can avail all of this along with their good hospitality, provided your ticket or premium membership at any of their airlines allows.

Medical services - With a view to providing services in times of medical emergencies, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has also ensured to keep clinics in their premise. Along with clinics, the airport also has pharmacies as well as an ambulance. This is to make sure that there are enough amenities available in times of emergencies.

ATM and banks - The airport also offers some of their local banks at the premise to help with transfers and withdrawals of money. You can get access to your personal funds from the airport and avail their bank services. Further, there are foreign exchange facilities also available at the banks. They give decent rates too, making the currency exchange easier and affordable. ATMs are also present at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport so you can withdraw money and use it for currency exchange.

Hotel booking - At the airport, there is a dedicated travel agent booth. They basically help travellers with information about the city along with tours and travel packages that one can avail. The booking booth also has hotel recommendations and accommodation facilities. You can book your hotel at the airport itself. It's convenient and easy as you wouldn't have to traverse through the city a lot before finding the ideal place to stay. They have a range of hotels from mid-range to luxury.

WiFi - Free WiFi is a perk the airport gives away. This is mostly at the international terminal for passengers travelling from other countries. You can get details on how to log in to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's network at their information desk or even the official website.

Entertainment deck - With a view to indulging and entertaining the travellers who are waiting for their boarding, the airport has also facilitated entertainment decks. These dedicated spaces have TVs that you can watch. You might have to share the space with other passengers as well since the entertainment deck's area is limited.

Prayer room - Multi-faith rooms are also available at the airport but separated for men and women. These can be found at the arrival as well as departure zones of the terminals.

Restaurants and cafe - At the departure and arrival sections of the terminals, there are many restaurants and cafes also installed. You can find dedicated restaurant spaces as well as a food court for affordable munchies and snacks. The same can be availed at the airport lounge as well. However, the lounge comes with an exorbitant cost and is exclusive to specific ticket holders or premium members.

Visitor's facility - A special deck has been installed which is called as visitor's faculty. Basically, all visitors who are dropping off passengers or expecting them, use this space to relax.

How to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has a perfect connection with downtown Dhaka. The government has constructed an eight-lane Airport Road to directly connect the airport and the main city. You can take this route to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. There are many ways to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from the city centre.

Public transport

There is a dedicated railway station that directly connects with the airport. In fact, the station called Airport Railway Station is located juxtaposed to the airport. The train can be taken from within the city. You can take the train to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Since the airport is currently undergoing tremendous expansion plans, the entire city has been engulfed by the airport. This means you can easily make it to the airport from anywhere in the city.

Taxicabs

Taxicab and rental services are also available at the airport and from anywhere in the city. In fact, if you have checked into one of the big hotels with airport shuttle services, you can make use of the same facility. The prices are reasonable, but you might have to haggle with the driver before getting into the car. There are many hotels located in proximity to the airport so you can easily get a room in one of these accommodation services. Rickshaw services are also available that would reach you to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.