Bhubaneswar05 Sep 24 1 Traveller Economy
Showing 2 Ho Chi Minh City to Bhubaneswar Cathay Pacific Airways Flights - Starting at Just ₹ 41655
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 Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways, popularly known as Cathay Pacific or Cathay, is the flag carrier of Hong Kong. It has its head office situated at the Hong Kong International Airport, which also accommodates as its main hub. The airlines received its name Cathay, derived from the ancient name used to refer to China. Pacific was added by the founder, Roy Farrell, with the belief that they would, one day, fly across the Pacific Ocean. Also, to avoid the clash of the name Air Cathay, which has been previously used by a comic. Cathay Pacific Airways' operations, as well as subsidiaries, involve scheduled passenger services that cater to more than 190 destinations in about 60 countries. The airline is the world's tenth-largest airline with respect to sales and stands at the 14th position as the largest measured by market subsidization. In terms of cargo airline, Cathay Pacific managed to become the largest international cargo. Cathay Pacific is one of the main founding members of the Oneworld alliance. Along with Cathay Pacific, it's subsidiary Cathay Dragon is also an affiliate member of the Oneworld alliance.
Founded in 1946, Cathay Pacific Airways brought together Australian investor Sydney H. de Kantzow and American Roy C. Farrell. The airlines' major shareholders include Swire Pacific and Air China, which hold about 45 per cent and 29 per cent stakes respectively. The head office of Cathay Pacific, Cathay City, came into existence in 1998 after the airline's headquarters shifted from Swire House. The airline's livery includes a brushwing, which is used on all Cathay Pacific Airlines aircraft. The brushwing logo basically has a calligraphic stroke and is set against a green background. The stroke appears to be the wing of a bird. Flights of Cathay Pacific Airways can be booked on various platforms, including the official website of the airline.
Fleet size of Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific currently operates an all-wide-body fleet which comprises of Airbus A330-300, Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-9 aircraft. Ever since the genesis of the airlines, Cathay Pacific fleet has had an array of aircraft operations. During World War II, the first two aircraft were surplus DC-3s which were named Betsy and Niki. Betsy is currently an exhibit of permanent stature at the Hong Kong Science Museum. Niki, however, was lost during the war. It is believed that Cathay Pacific once held the position of being the largest operator of the Lockheed L-1011, based out of the United States. It had a fleet of 19 before it was replaced by the Airbus A330-342s. Currently, there are a total of 130 fleets in service, excluding the Boeing 777-9. Cathay Pacific Cargo also operates to more than 40 international destinations.
Baggage allowance
Cabin baggage for Economy - Passengers flying on the economy ticket are allowed to carry one bag with them to the aircraft with the maximum dimension of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. The dimensions are inclusive of handles, wheels and side pockets too. Passengers are allowed to bring another small bag too that would fit under the front seat of the aircraft. It should fall under the dimension of 15cm x 30cm x 40cm. It should weight no more than 7 kg.
Cabin baggage for Premium Economy - For passengers who are flying on the premium economy ticket, one bag is allowed onboard the aircraft. The maximum dimensions that the cabin bag should be of are 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. Along with the cabin bag, the passenger can also get a smaller bag which should fall under the dimension of 15cm x 30cm x 40cm. This specific bag should be big enough to fit under the aircraft seat. The items of the bag can be laptop bags, camera bags, briefcases, small handbags and more. The total weight of the same should not exceed 35 kg.
Check-in baggage for Business-class - Passengers travelling from the business class have a standard allowance of 40 kg weight. Two baggage is allowed to be carried within the flight. However, depending on the Marco Polo Club membership (if you have purchased to be a member of Cathay Pacific Airways' premium plan), the weight for the cabin baggage can alter accordingly. Maximum two cabin baggage allowed.
Check-in baggage for First-class - First-class passengers have the liberty to carry about 50 kg weighed baggage. The perk here is that passengers can carry a total of three cabin baggage per person. Once again, depending on the tier members of the Marco Polo Club, the weight of the baggage can change. Even the number of cabin baggage can change along with the weight of the same.
Inflight services
Cathay Pacific's in-flight services include entertainment system that is equipped with personal televisions. They are located in every seat and offer a range of films from Asian to Western programs to even music and games. Further, the airline also offers a slew of varied newspapers and magazines from around the world to keep the passengers up-to-date with their news and content consumption. This also includes the airline's personal magazine called Discovery. A Braille version of the content, especially Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, can be requested by passengers who are visually impaired. There are about 100 movies and 350 TV programs that the passenger can browse through, thanks to StudioCX's collection. Besides entertainment, other in-flight services of Cathay Pacific Airways include complimentary food and beverages. The flight generally offers two hot meals, especially if the travel duration is long. Food delivered to Cathay Pacific is from the Cathay Pacific Catering Services. It is a joint venture with LSG Sky Chefs and caters to in-flight food services for Cathay Pacific Airways, along with catering from Toronto and Vancouver airports. There are in-flight WiFi connections installed in all Cathay Pacific Airways flights. With this, you can always be connected to the world wide web even though you are way up in the sky.
Popular routes and top cities for Cathay Pacific Airways
As of 2019, Cathay Pacific Airways has flight operations in 79 destinations, including cargo. This number excludes the 46 countries that fall under the codeshare agreement. The airlines that fall under the codeshare agreements with Cathay Pacific include Air Astana, Air Canada (only on selected routes), Air China, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Dragon, Comair, Finnair, Fiji Airways, Hong Kong Express, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Shenzhen Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Vietnam Airlines and WestJet.
The top cities for Cathay Pacific Airways include Indian domestic routes of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad. As for international routes, Cathay Pacific Airways flights fly to and from cities such as Tokyo, Melbourne, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Male, Auckland, Singapore, Seoul, Phuket, Hanoi, Bangkok, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Madrid, London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dubai, Cape Town, Wuhan, Beijing, to name a few. You can book flights of Cathay Pacific Airways to reach these international cities. The provision of web check-in is also available at the airline's official website. Flight schedules of Cathay Pacific Airways are also mentioned on the airline's website to make it easy for the passenger to choose an ideal flight.
Why travel by Cathay Pacific Airways?
Cathay Pacific Airways is considered to be one of the best airlines in the world. With the plethora of world-class services and facilities, it has to offer in terms of lounges, aircraft and fleet to in-flight experiences, the airline easily becomes ideal for travelling. Cathay Pacific airlines offer excellent baggage allowances, domestic and international routes as well as amazing flights. The in-flight services include great entertainment collection, WiFi and other connectivity while flying long haul distances. The aircraft's flying under Cathay Pacific Airways range from A350-900 to Boeing 777 are known to be some of the best fleets in the world. With their facilities that also accommodate first class and business class tiers with exquisite hospitality and treatment, the airline easily becomes a top choice.
Some of the other benefits of Cathay Pacific include the convenient international routes the flights take. This enables the flights to reach the destination at a reasonable duration, making it ideal for travelling. Cathay Pacific Airlines' flight schedules are always updated and shared on their official website. Plus, there are prior intimations regarding changes in the schedules too that are sent to the passengers. You can also book Cathay Pacific flights from all travel websites, including their website. With the airlines' popularity, the flights associated with Cathay Pacific are always available everywhere. The airline also sees tremendous connectivity with a slew of international cities. They are mostly all the major international cities such as Tokyo, New York, London, San Francisco, Dubai, Delhi, Sydney, Paris and more.
Further, on the same, Cathay Pacific's domestic routes to cities within China are also excellent. Over the years, Cathay Pacific has managed to become one of the top players in the global aviation industry as one of the most sought-after airlines.
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.
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 Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways, popularly known as Cathay Pacific or Cathay, is the flag carrier of Hong Kong. It has its head office situated at the Hong Kong International Airport, which also accommodates as its main hub. The airlines received its name Cathay, derived from the ancient name used to refer to China. Pacific was added by the founder, Roy Farrell, with the belief that they would, one day, fly across the Pacific Ocean. Also, to avoid the clash of the name Air Cathay, which has been previously used by a comic. Cathay Pacific Airways' operations, as well as subsidiaries, involve scheduled passenger services that cater to more than 190 destinations in about 60 countries. The airline is the world's tenth-largest airline with respect to sales and stands at the 14th position as the largest measured by market subsidization. In terms of cargo airline, Cathay Pacific managed to become the largest international cargo. Cathay Pacific is one of the main founding members of the Oneworld alliance. Along with Cathay Pacific, it's subsidiary Cathay Dragon is also an affiliate member of the Oneworld alliance.
Founded in 1946, Cathay Pacific Airways brought together Australian investor Sydney H. de Kantzow and American Roy C. Farrell. The airlines' major shareholders include Swire Pacific and Air China, which hold about 45 per cent and 29 per cent stakes respectively. The head office of Cathay Pacific, Cathay City, came into existence in 1998 after the airline's headquarters shifted from Swire House. The airline's livery includes a brushwing, which is used on all Cathay Pacific Airlines aircraft. The brushwing logo basically has a calligraphic stroke and is set against a green background. The stroke appears to be the wing of a bird. Flights of Cathay Pacific Airways can be booked on various platforms, including the official website of the airline.
Fleet size of Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific currently operates an all-wide-body fleet which comprises of Airbus A330-300, Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-9 aircraft. Ever since the genesis of the airlines, Cathay Pacific fleet has had an array of aircraft operations. During World War II, the first two aircraft were surplus DC-3s which were named Betsy and Niki. Betsy is currently an exhibit of permanent stature at the Hong Kong Science Museum. Niki, however, was lost during the war. It is believed that Cathay Pacific once held the position of being the largest operator of the Lockheed L-1011, based out of the United States. It had a fleet of 19 before it was replaced by the Airbus A330-342s. Currently, there are a total of 130 fleets in service, excluding the Boeing 777-9. Cathay Pacific Cargo also operates to more than 40 international destinations.
Baggage allowance
Cabin baggage for Economy - Passengers flying on the economy ticket are allowed to carry one bag with them to the aircraft with the maximum dimension of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. The dimensions are inclusive of handles, wheels and side pockets too. Passengers are allowed to bring another small bag too that would fit under the front seat of the aircraft. It should fall under the dimension of 15cm x 30cm x 40cm. It should weight no more than 7 kg.
Cabin baggage for Premium Economy - For passengers who are flying on the premium economy ticket, one bag is allowed onboard the aircraft. The maximum dimensions that the cabin bag should be of are 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. Along with the cabin bag, the passenger can also get a smaller bag which should fall under the dimension of 15cm x 30cm x 40cm. This specific bag should be big enough to fit under the aircraft seat. The items of the bag can be laptop bags, camera bags, briefcases, small handbags and more. The total weight of the same should not exceed 35 kg.
Check-in baggage for Business-class - Passengers travelling from the business class have a standard allowance of 40 kg weight. Two baggage is allowed to be carried within the flight. However, depending on the Marco Polo Club membership (if you have purchased to be a member of Cathay Pacific Airways' premium plan), the weight for the cabin baggage can alter accordingly. Maximum two cabin baggage allowed.
Check-in baggage for First-class - First-class passengers have the liberty to carry about 50 kg weighed baggage. The perk here is that passengers can carry a total of three cabin baggage per person. Once again, depending on the tier members of the Marco Polo Club, the weight of the baggage can change. Even the number of cabin baggage can change along with the weight of the same.
Inflight services
Cathay Pacific's in-flight services include entertainment system that is equipped with personal televisions. They are located in every seat and offer a range of films from Asian to Western programs to even music and games. Further, the airline also offers a slew of varied newspapers and magazines from around the world to keep the passengers up-to-date with their news and content consumption. This also includes the airline's personal magazine called Discovery. A Braille version of the content, especially Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, can be requested by passengers who are visually impaired. There are about 100 movies and 350 TV programs that the passenger can browse through, thanks to StudioCX's collection. Besides entertainment, other in-flight services of Cathay Pacific Airways include complimentary food and beverages. The flight generally offers two hot meals, especially if the travel duration is long. Food delivered to Cathay Pacific is from the Cathay Pacific Catering Services. It is a joint venture with LSG Sky Chefs and caters to in-flight food services for Cathay Pacific Airways, along with catering from Toronto and Vancouver airports. There are in-flight WiFi connections installed in all Cathay Pacific Airways flights. With this, you can always be connected to the world wide web even though you are way up in the sky.
Popular routes and top cities for Cathay Pacific Airways
As of 2019, Cathay Pacific Airways has flight operations in 79 destinations, including cargo. This number excludes the 46 countries that fall under the codeshare agreement. The airlines that fall under the codeshare agreements with Cathay Pacific include Air Astana, Air Canada (only on selected routes), Air China, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Dragon, Comair, Finnair, Fiji Airways, Hong Kong Express, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Shenzhen Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Vietnam Airlines and WestJet.
The top cities for Cathay Pacific Airways include Indian domestic routes of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad. As for international routes, Cathay Pacific Airways flights fly to and from cities such as Tokyo, Melbourne, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Male, Auckland, Singapore, Seoul, Phuket, Hanoi, Bangkok, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Madrid, London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dubai, Cape Town, Wuhan, Beijing, to name a few. You can book flights of Cathay Pacific Airways to reach these international cities. The provision of web check-in is also available at the airline's official website. Flight schedules of Cathay Pacific Airways are also mentioned on the airline's website to make it easy for the passenger to choose an ideal flight.
Why travel by Cathay Pacific Airways?
Cathay Pacific Airways is considered to be one of the best airlines in the world. With the plethora of world-class services and facilities, it has to offer in terms of lounges, aircraft and fleet to in-flight experiences, the airline easily becomes ideal for travelling. Cathay Pacific airlines offer excellent baggage allowances, domestic and international routes as well as amazing flights. The in-flight services include great entertainment collection, WiFi and other connectivity while flying long haul distances. The aircraft's flying under Cathay Pacific Airways range from A350-900 to Boeing 777 are known to be some of the best fleets in the world. With their facilities that also accommodate first class and business class tiers with exquisite hospitality and treatment, the airline easily becomes a top choice.
Some of the other benefits of Cathay Pacific include the convenient international routes the flights take. This enables the flights to reach the destination at a reasonable duration, making it ideal for travelling. Cathay Pacific Airlines' flight schedules are always updated and shared on their official website. Plus, there are prior intimations regarding changes in the schedules too that are sent to the passengers. You can also book Cathay Pacific flights from all travel websites, including their website. With the airlines' popularity, the flights associated with Cathay Pacific are always available everywhere. The airline also sees tremendous connectivity with a slew of international cities. They are mostly all the major international cities such as Tokyo, New York, London, San Francisco, Dubai, Delhi, Sydney, Paris and more.
Further, on the same, Cathay Pacific's domestic routes to cities within China are also excellent. Over the years, Cathay Pacific has managed to become one of the top players in the global aviation industry as one of the most sought-after airlines.
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.
