Milan to Bhubaneswar Flights

  About Milan

The fashion capital of the world, Milan in Italy is the place to go to if you are a party animal and can't get enough of the fashionable crowd. It's the next best destination to go to after New York and London for an extraordinary holiday. You can put on your fanciest clothes and walk the streets of Milan with a smug look on your face. The city is also popular for the Milan Fashion Week that it hosts quite frequently. It also has some reputed fashion schools that you can check out when you are in Milan. Apart from fashion, Milan is also known as the art capital and is loved for its architecture. It's a place where you can party till wee hours and shop till you drop. Although it is not a tourist destination as popular as Rome, Venice or Florence, it is still a city you must visit even if it is just for a couple of days.

Best Time to Visit Milan

Even though summer is a very popular tourist season in Milan, Spring and Fall are far more pleasant. June to August is summer in Milan, and you will see a lot of tourists in the city during this time. You might want to book your hotel in Milan well in advance if you are visiting in June since this is when the Men's Fashion Week is usually hosted. The flight tickets to Milan can get a tad expensive in summer, and you will also have to carry sunblock and moisturizer in your kit to beat the heat and the humidity. The temperature ranges from 15 to 28 degree Celsius. Since this is peak season and the number of tourists increases, most tourist attractions in the city will be quite crowded. If you are not a huge fan of crowded places, this might not be the right time to plan a visit to Milan. But you might come across a lot of sales at fashion outlets in the city since it is peak season and is also when the fashion week is hosted. But be prepared to wait in long queues at most places that you visit in the city.

Milan welcomes the Spring season in April and May, making it a pleasant time to visit the city. It's right before tourist season kicks in, so the city is already preparing for it. The temperature ranges from 7 to 22 degree Celsius. You might want to carry an extra pair of cardigans or jackets for the chilly evenings, but otherwise, the weather is quite pleasant. Not to mention, you will not have to wait in long queues at the tourist spots. You can peacefully explore the city during this time and head back home right before summer kicks in. September and October is fall, another ideal time to plan a trip to Milan. The temperature ranges from 13 to 18 degree Celsius. Though this is not a high peak season, the women's fashion week begins in September so you will come across quite a few tourists who land in the city just to catch the show. You might also have to book your accommodation and flights to Milan way in advance.

There are chances of showers in October and November so make sure you carry an umbrella if you are travelling to Milan in these months. November to March is winter in Milan. The temperature ranges from 3 to 13 degree Celsius. December to February are the coldest months in the city. While it is not exactly the most popular season to fly to Milan, the Milan Fashion Week for women takes place in February, which invites more tourists in February, too.

Places to Visit in Milan

Since Milan is one of the five fashion capitals of the world with Paris, London and New York, high-end fashion boutiques and shopping is considered to be the most prominent thing to do here. But the city is more than just the fashion capital of the world. Milan Cathedral is not only the largest cathedral in Italy, but it is also the fifth largest one in the world. It is decorated with over 2200 marble statues, and the architecture will take your breath away. The sheer tranquillity of the cathedral along with its marvellous artwork, will stun you. Sforzesco Castle was built in the 14th century and was ideally constructed as a fortress. The Sforzesco Castle is home to a lot of timeless pieces of art. It features Pietà Rondanini, which was Michelangelo's final masterpiece. You will also find Egyptian art on display here. La Scala was designed by architect Giuseppe Piermarini and is one of the best opera houses in the city with red and gold being the prominent colours.

Santa Maria Delle Grazie is another popular tourist attraction in Milan that houses Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper. And we finally get to the best and most memorable part of Milan, the Quadrilatero d'Oro. You will find a lot of exclusive and high-end designer stores here. It's an important place for all fashionistas to head to and comes to life at night. The Piazza Dei Mercanti is another great place to visit at night. You will get a glimpse of the medieval life in Milan at night, and it looks even better and lively during the Christmas holidays. While you are in Milan, make sure you also visit the art galleries here, Pinacoteca di Brera specifically. It is one of the best places for all you art lovers to visit and showcases paintings in more than 40 rooms. You can also explore the streets outside the museum and go shopping for souvenirs at the cute little shops here. Navigli Lombardi is a canal that was constructed in Milan in the 12th century. Boating or cruising at the canal here is a popular tourist activity.

Things to do in Milan

Attending the fashion weeks hosted in Milan is one of the popular activities in the city. Of course, you will have to arrange for the passes, tickets and accommodation well in advance. Not just fashion but it is also the culture, art and history that draws tourists to Milan. Visit the art museums to admire some of the best paintings by skilled, legendary artists in the world. You will come across a lot of artworks by Leonardo da Vinci showcased at museums here. Do also visit the Milan Cathedral, also called Duomo and you will be stunned at the spectacular view and architecture. Head to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for a shopping spree. You can hit the streets and try some delicious Italian food at high-end restaurants or quaint cafes. Apollo Club is a hot and happening vintage-style club that also has a games room for its guests. You can drink and dance till wee hours before you head back to the hotel. If you are not travelling during peak season, you can just take a walk on the streets of Milan and discover the city on your own. A lot of tourists also prefer to hire guides or tour packages to explore Milan.

Food and Restaurants in Milan

You will find lots of kinds of pasta, pizzas, gelato and espressos in Milan. The city has also added its touch to certain cuisine making it a speciality here. The Risotto Alla Milanese is a must-try if you want to blend in. The secret ingredient here is saffron, and it only brings out the wonderful flavour in the risotto. Ossobuco, a veal dish, is a popularly ordered food during winter. Milan is also popular for its cheeses and gin. Panzarotti is one of the most famous places to binge on Italian delicacies. Premiata Cremeria Rossi and Pizzium - Via Vigevano are some other restaurants in the city. If you want to try the street food here, you can head to Tram. You will find a lot of high-end, elite restaurants in Milan and you will also find a lot of cute cafes in the city that are worth visiting. You can blend in both during your trip to Milan for a complete experience.

How to reach Milan (Transportation)

The Malpensa International Airport in Milan is one of the largest airports in Italy. The flight connectivity from Milan to India and other international countries is excellent. Although there are no direct flights to Milan from India, you will have layovers in different cities depending on the airlines that you pick. However, if you are travelling to Milan from any other European country, you can take a train to Milan. Kuwait Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines are frequently flying to Milan from India. There are VIP lounges, restaurants, shopping areas and a lot of other facilities made available to passengers at Milan's airport. You will get a better deal on flights to Milan if you book your trip in advance. You might also get cheap flight tickets to Milan if you are travelling during the offseason. Make sure you also book your hotel in Milan in advance.

  About Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is the temple city of India and deservedly so. The City is known for its grand temples and the beautiful architecture and attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over India. In fact, Bhubaneshwar literally translates to 'Lord of the Universe'. The City is an architectural marvel. Though the City is famous for its temples, there are other reasons for you to visit the City, too. Situated in Orissa, Bhubaneswar is also home to a lot of animals like deers and White Tigers. You'll also find Museums in the City that will showcase the arts, crafts and splendid artefacts.

The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most visited temples in the City. It is ancient and has a lot of religious importance. It sees a lot of devotees who come to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva throughout the year. The Parasurameswara temple, which was constructed in 650 AD, is unique because of the one thousand lingas present in the north-west corner of the complex. The Brahmeshwara temple is yet another marvel and a great example of the Oriya architecture, that was built in the 11th century. The Ananta Vasudev temple, built by Queen Chandrika, has Lord Krishna residing in it. The Vaishnavi sculptures will leave you impressed and are a treat to the eyes.

The Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts is a must-visit for anyone who stops to appreciate and admire art whenever they get the opportunity. You'll get to see a lot of traditional costumes, jewellery, weapons, gears and farming equipment at the museum. It will leave you in awe of the artists. The Kedar Gauri Temple, which is one of the eight Asthasambhu Temples, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. The Mahashivratri celebrations across Bhubaneswar. You will feel overwhelmed to see the processions and be a part of the festivities.

Visit the Pathani Samantha Planetarium. It is named after the famous astronomer of the same name. Catch the audiovisual shows put up by the authorities. The City is also known for Khandagiri Caves, a series of artificial caves which dates back to the 2nd century. The caves are of great historical significance.

Don't miss visiting the Ramachandi beach, which is 65 km away from the City. It's a beautiful beach that sees the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra converging. It's a sight to behold and one of the best places to take pictures at, too. The beach is accessible quite easily and is a popular location for young couples, tourists and students residing in the City.

Bhubaneswar experiences extreme summers but also intense rainfalls during monsoon. However, that does not stop people from venturing out, and the rains only add to the beauty of the City. October to February is the ideal time to visit the City since the city experiences winter during these months. While you are in Bhubaneswar, make sure you try the Machha Jholo, fish curry that is a speciality here. You must also try the Cuttack chaat, Badi Choora, Rasagola and the Abadha. The vegetarian food served in temples is also a treat to your taste buds. The list of things to do and places to see in Bhubaneswar is endless. Since Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa, it is well-connected to all the major cities. Biju Patnaik Airport is 5 km away from the City and is the nearest airport.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

The ideal time to visit the City is during winters which are from October to February. This is a peak season for tourists and is also ideal for sightseeing. The City experiences monsoon from June to September. Bhubaneswar experiences heavy rainfall, and it is not the most favourable time to visit the City. It will definitely put a damper on all of your outdoor plans. The summer starts from March and lasts till May. The scorching heat and the high humidity make it quite unbearable for you to venture out. This is also why you shouldn't visit Bhubaneswar during summer. The afternoons can get pretty harsh during summer.

Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is known for its temples. The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most popularly visited temples, and devotees of Lord Shiva come to offer their prayers throughout the year. You can also visit the Parasurameswara and the Brahmeshwara temple. Not only will you feel at peace by offering your prayers, but you will also be in awe of the expert Oriya architecture. You can also visit the Ananta Vasudev temple that was built by Queen Chandrika to offer her prayers to her deity, Lord Krishna. The City has a religious significance and is also considered holy. Devotees always leave with a smile and a sense of relief on their faces after visiting the temples.

The City also plays host to a lot of museums like the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts and the Orissa State Museum. You will know more about the City, its culture and ancient art. You will also come across a lot of untold stories during the construction of these marvels. The Nandankanan Zoological Park, established in 1960, is another place you must visit in the City. You will spot different species of tigers and other animals in the zoo. There are also a lot of wildlife sanctuaries that will appease the wildlife photographer in you. Take home all the memories of spotting exotic wildlife in these sanctuaries.

Don't miss visiting the Ramachandi Beach. The beach is quite unique since it sees the convergence of the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra. It's only 7 km away from Konark and a top-rated destination among tourists, too. The City also has a lot of parks for you to visit with your family. Another location for you to take great pictures.

Things to do in the City in Bhubaneswar

Visit all the temples in the City, starting with the Lingaraj temple. Don't just offer your prayers and admire the striking architecture of the temples but also try to discover the stories inception of the temple and the religious importance of it. Find a priest or a knowledgeable person and get them to tell you the stories about the temple. You'll surely leave with a lot of information, things that you never knew before. While the rulers made some of the temples out of respect and devotion to their deities, some have mythological stories and incidents attached.

The City has a lot of historical importance and artistic significance, too. There are a lot of human-made marvels in this City. Visit the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts that showcases the exquisite collections of 62 tribes of Odisha. Explore the culture of all of these tribes and the history of Orissa, too. You can also visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park, the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ekamra Kanan and more sanctuaries to treat the animal lover in you.

Since it's the capital city, it's easier to find and book a hotel as per your budget and convenience. Make sure you find something closer to the tourist attractions so you won't have to spend more time travelling. While you visit the Ramachandi beach, you can sit there and admire the waves or read your favourite book. It's the perfect place to chill and embrace solitude. You won't regret visiting and holidaying in Bhubaneswar for sure.

Foods and Restaurants in Bhubaneswar

Apart from the local speciality, you will also find restaurants that serve other cuisines that you might crave for. Even though it is a city with a lot of temples, you will find certain places that serve non-vegetarian food. Do try the Machha Jholo if you are a fan of seafood. Do not leave without taking back home a pot of rasagolas. Since the City is usually always budding with tourists, finding a decent restaurant is not a tedious task. If you are craving for some South-Indian food, do stop by at Truptee Restaurant. It is famous for its variety of dosas and other South Indian snacks.

Tangerine 9 is yet another restaurant that serves mouth-watering food at reasonable prices. You can also give the Hare Krishna restaurant a try. It's a delight for vegetarians and worth every penny spent. Not just their food but even the special ghee that they serve will leave you impressed.

How to reach Bhubaneswar

By Air

The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport and is also the only international airport in Orissa. It connects the City to all of the domestic routes and international routes as well. You can get fair flight deals online and cheap flight tickets, if you are lucky.

By Rail

The Bhubaneswar railway station is well-connected to all the major cities in the country. You will also find a taxi or a bus easily from outside the station to your hotel.

By Road

A lot of deluxe buses with AC coaches and government buses will be available from major cities and the nearby ones, too. You can also take a private cab or drive to Bhubaneswar.

  About Bhubneshwar Airport

Biju Patnaik International Airport also referred to as Bhubaneswar Airport, is the primary international airport that serves the city of Bhubaneswar which is the capital of the state Odisha. The airport is located about 4 km south-west of the Bhubaneswar Railway Station and 6 km away from the main city. The city's main airport has been named after the former chief minister of the state of Odisha, Biju Patnaik. He is a famed aviator as well as a freedom fighter. Biju Patnaik International Airport is the 15th busiest airport in the country. As for the Airports Authority of India's list of airports, Biju Patnaik International Airport falls on the 11th busiest which a registered 27.9 per cent growth in the passenger and air traffic.

The airport came into existence in 1962 and was dedicated to catering to the travel needs of the citizens of Odisha. It is the first commercial airport to be installed in the state. The airport caters to domestic and international carriers, activities of which are divided into two terminals. In 2013, the former minister of civil aviation, Ajit Singh, inaugurated the newly refurbished Terminal 1 to enhance the travelling experience of the domestic passengers. Terminal 2 was also upgraded to handle better international operations. It received international stature in 2013 and commenced operations to international destinations.

About Bhubaneswar Airport Terminal

Along with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Biju Patnaik International Airport is also recognised as a major civil aviation hub for Eastern India.

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 was refurbished and inaugurated in 2013 to accommodate a passenger capacity of 4 million in a year. Lanco Infratech built it at the cost of INR 1.45 billion. The project upgradation was developed by the Airports Authority of India as part of their scheme to enhance 35 of their non-metro airports in India. Terminal 1 is equipped with two storeys and a total area of 18,240 square metres. The new terminal comprises of four aerobridges, several escalators, four elevators, 18 check-in counters, multiple seating and three arrival baggage conveyors. Terminal 1 also houses some lounges in the departure and arrival sections. There is a total of three VIP lounges also installed at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. The airport has been constructed keeping the green building standards on the check. There are sewage treatment plant and rainwater harvesting facilities located at the terminal. Reflecting the culture and tribal traditions of Odisha, the airport also has tribal paintings, sculptures, motif designs and several such artefacts.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 is reserved for international operations and was constructed in the mid-1960s. Originally, the terminal catered to domestic flight activities in the 1960s. However, with the addition of the new airport terminal building, the domestic operations were shifted. Biju Patnaik International Airport's terminal 2 comprises of six check-in counters, four customs counters, ten immigration counters, various facilities and a slew of seating area too.

Terminal 3 - Terminal 3 is a passenger terminal building that has been proposed by the airport's authority to expand its passenger handling to 8 million in a year. The terminal is set to spread across an area of 58,000 square metres for INR 9.3 billion. With this, Biju Patnaik International Airport's capacity would be increased from 3.5 million to 11.5 million. The positioning of the terminal started in 2019 with construction works to be completed in three years, as scheduled. Once completed, the terminal would be handling all domestic passenger activities with the existing 1 and 2 terminals catering to international flight activities.

About airport authority

Biju Patnaik International Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The government body was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Government of India and came into existence to cater to the infrastructural management and maintenance of civil aviation across the country. Overall, the airport's authority handles about 126 airports along with 11 international airports. Biju Patnaik International Airport also falls under the international airport list of the aviation body. The airport authority has brought forth several expansion, and upgradation plans to make Bhubaneswar Airport accessible and ideal for more airline activities. Much recently, they refurbished their terminals and have proposed for a new terminal that would cater to domestic operations. Meanwhile, the old two terminals would take care of international operations.

Following the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, Biju Patnaik International Airport's authority has announced that they would be changing their operations. Following the lifting of the lockdown, the airport plans to operate in a single shift that would only take place between 10 am to 6 pm. Overall, 16 flights with two flights per hour would be operated Special guidelines to avoid the abundant footfall of passengers will also be taken care of at the airport. They are handling limited cargo operations too.

Facilities at the Bhubaneswar Airport

ATMs – Biju Patnaik International Airport has installed four ATM kiosks at one spot that range from domestic to international banks. This makes it easier for international tourists to withdraw money without much hassle. It is available at the departure and the arrival sections of the terminal building.

WiFi – The airport also has WiFi facilities available. By using the local mobile number, the passengers can connect to the airport's WiFi network and avail the free services.

Child care rooms – To cater to parents travelling with infants, the airport has installed designed child care rooms. These rooms are well-equipped with baby products as well as comfortable chairs and changing tables. They also have some baby products such as powders and diapers, in case the parent has exhausted these products.

Lounge – An airport lounge is also present in the departure section where passengers with relevant passes can access. You can also make some payments and enter the comfortable lounge area. They provide great hospitality and good services.

Smoking lounge – As smoking is not allowed in public spaces, the airport has reserved special smoking zones for passengers. These spaces can be utilised, and even boxes of cigarettes can be purchased at the airport.

Medical services – With a view to dealing with medical emergencies, the airport has installed relevant services. There is a special team of doctors and medical professionals who are present at the airport to deal with emergency cases. Plus, there are pharmacies also present at the airport.

Baggage – The baggage services offered by Biju Patnaik International Airport are quite good. You can opt for wrapping services, porter services, conduct thorough security checks of bags and even use the trolleys.

Top airlines flying from the Bhubaneswar Airport

Currently, the airport has some of the top domestic airlines functioning from the premise. In fact, airlines that operate from Biju Patnaik International Airport include AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. These flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport connect to major Indian cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Varanasi, Surat and Ranchi, to name a few. The airport also caters to one international airline, AirAsia, which connects to Kuala Lumpur. The services to the Malaysian capital has been suspended owing to the coronavirus pandemic. However, once things go back to normal, international flight services from the airport will be resumed.

How to reach Bhubaneswar Airport

By Bus

The city of Bhubaneswar has excellent bus facilities that are run by the state government. Called the MO Bus, the services have been rolled out by the Capital Region Urban Transport to connect Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri, in the state of Odisha. The service is known to be one of the most reliable ones in the city that has reduced the transportation challenges that one might have had to face earlier. The MO Bus also has a mobile app with provisions of the map of its routes, ticket booking options and schedules of the buses traversing within the city. The ticket fare is also quite cheap and affordable. You can easily pick a bus route from the MO Bus to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. These buses are available in AC as well as Non-AC to add to the comfort of the passengers.

By Taxi and Ridesharing apps

The city has an abundance of taxi cab services available. You can easily hail a taxi cab from the city to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. Besides, it is only 3 km away from the city centre, so travelling is usually not an issue. Depending on the traffic of the city and your location, the travel time might differ, but it will not exceed 15 minutes to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. Besides, ridesharing apps can also be used within the city premise. You can book cabs on Ola and Uber to reach Bhubaneswar Airport. Normal taxi cabs can also be hailed in the city, but you will need to discuss the fare ahead of the journey. Usually, the cabs in the city-run at fixed prices so it is always safe to ask in advance about the fare and whether it is feasible.