Milan to Port Blair 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 Port Blair

Port Blair, famously known to have been a prison during the British era, is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It is the only city in the archipelago with airport connectivity. The beautiful city of Port Blair has a significant history and culture that you should definitely explore. Not to mention the stunning beaches and green expanses that envelop the island city. The flight tickets to Port Blair are a little on the expensive side, but you can always opt for ferry or ships as an alternative to reach the city.

Best time to visit Port Blair

Port Blair offers a different vibe in every season, making it one of the most interesting places to visit. The summer season from March to May are perfect for scuba diving. The weather is not too harsh compared to the other places in India. The sky is clear, as are the waters, making it a diver's Shangri-La. The temperatures during summer in Port Blair range between 28 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius, which is quite pleasant and bearable. Besides, the waters would be there to cool your senses.

October to February is yet another stretch of months that sees good weather in Port Blair. The winters are quite mild but pleasant with temperatures dwindling between 15 degree Celsius to 34 degree Celsius. The weather plus the clear skies make it the most favourable season to visit Port Blair. Many honeymooners and travellers choose this season to visit the lovely Andaman Islands and explore its beaches. The city is full of life with bustling markets and beaches. Getting cheap tickets to Port Blair during the peak season is going to be quite challenging. However, if you spend more time online to figure out a good flight deal to Port Blair, immediately take it up.

Monsoon is definitely not ideal for visiting Port Blair, especially if you're planning to visit via the sea route. The heavy rainfall would cause a lot of discomfort during your voyage. Even flights might get delayed owing to bad weather.

Places to visit in Port Blair

Cellular Jail, famously known as Kalapani, is easily one of the top tourist attractions of Port Blair. What makes this place famous is how it played as a gruelling prison during the Colonial era, the memorial celebrates the lives of freedom fighters who were imprisoned on the island. The historical relevance of the place draws a lot of attention, as does the intriguing landscape. While you're here, also ensure to check out the Japanese Bunker, a complex boasting the relics of World War II. The place certainly has made several contributions to the Indian as well as global history and is definitely worth a visit. Aside from historic sites, the place also has one of the biggest pilgrim sites with a massive Murugan Temple. The exquisite Dravidian-style architecture with deities nestled on the gopuram makes for quite an experience.

An interesting excursion would be to check out the Mangkutan village where you will be taken through the rubber plantation, which is the primary source of income for people residing in Port Blair. You should also add the Marina Park and Aquarium in your list of places to visit in Port Blair. It hosts over 350 marine species, including turtles and sharks.

Things to do in Port Blair

As a city on an island, much of the place is surrounded by pristine beaches and azure blue water touching the shores. You can take up beach hopping as a way to visit some of the finest beaches of Port Blair and its surrounding. Do add Ross and Smith Islands, Butler Bay Beach, Rutland Island, Parrot Island, Cinque Island and Karmatang beach in your list. These beautiful beaches will give you the best treatment with open waters and a calming breeze. If you wish to indulge in some water sports, which we do recommend you should, go over to Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex to make the most of your time on the island. From parasailing to banana boat rides, the complex would give you a bunch of water sports activities to choose from.

Corbyn's Cove is quite a sight for sore eyes. The quaint space with its pristine blue waters would keep you engaged. Not to mention how the coconut and palm trees lining the beach would further add more scenic beauty to your pictures. If the beaches have started to bore you and you wish to get an aerial view of the lovely island where Port Blair is located, then you should trek up to the Madhuban Ranges. It is located in the Mount Harriet National Park and is known to offer the best views of the city and island from atop.

Food and Restaurants in Port Blair

Being an island could mean barely any options for vegetarians. However, vegetarians don't have to worry about that in Port Blair. The famous Annapurna restaurant and Kattabomman restaurants, both offer amazing South Indian food at an affordable cost. You will find vegetarian Chinese dishes at these food institutions as well. As for the travellers who cannot wait to check out what the seafood platter in Port Blair restaurants consists, head straight to New Lighthouse restaurant located near Marina Park in the city. You will definitely not be disappointed by the food or the ambience. You also have Sinclair's Bayview resort with its sea-facing restaurant to visit. The place has cuisine ranging from local Port Blair speciality to continental spread.

The city also caters to honeymooners and has some lovely romantic setting to give them a splendid experience. Amaya Lounge Bar is one such place where the location will blow your mind and the food, your senses. The cuisine is friendly to all as it sells experience more than heavenly food. Speaking of a romantic setting, to make things more personal, you can opt to go to Bonova Cafe and Pub, which is located close to the Govind Nagar Beach. The place has an exquisite vibe and food so divine. Mandalay restaurant is also one such restaurant in Port Blair that faces the sea and offers top-rated food. Plus, the price is not too expensive so you can try more for less money.

How to reach Port Blair

By Air

Port Blair, being the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has a domestic airport, commercially known as Veer Savarkar Airport. The airport has great flight connectivity from Port Blair to major cities in India. In fact, there are direct flights from Port Blair to Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Vizag and Delhi. These are the only destinations in India from where you can find flights to Port Blair. As for the other cities, options of connecting flights and layovers would be the only way to reach Port Blair by flight. There are no international routes connected to Port Blair as there is provision for only domestic flights. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and Vistara have regular flights flying in and out of Port Blair. The closest cities to the Andaman Islands are Chennai, Vizag and Kolkata.

Reaching the island state from these three cities is known to be the easiest domestic route that can be taken. It barely takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Port Blair by flight from Chennai and Kolkata. However, if you are travelling from Delhi, the flight duration to Port Blair would easily take you 5 hours. International services to Port Blair are not allowed so travellers flying in from international routes will have to take a connecting flight to Port Blair. It is imperative that you carry your official documents and government papers as an international traveller. The airport conducts strict immigration checks to ensure non-natives do not enter unless the government gives them the green signal.

Interestingly, there are chopper services also available to reach Port Blair from Indian cities. Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd. has dedicated chopper services transporting people to Port Blair from Chennai.

By Water

Various private and government ferries connect to Port Blair. You can find these ferries at the Chennai port as well as Vizag and Kolkata. Although reaching Port Blair from the sea is time-consuming, it does give you a different kind of experience, which is worth it. Out of the ships and ferry options, Chennai port is closer compared to Vizag and Kolkata, so it is recommended that you board your ships from here. Travelling by ship works perfectly if you are planning a long vacation. However, if the trip is time-bound, then you should opt to fly to Port Blair. The ship and ferry services connect to Port Blair and some of its famous islands such as Havelock, Neil Island and more.

For travellers opting ship and waterways as the medium of transport, it is recommended that you book your tickets 15 days in advance. You can make online bookings for your tickets to Port Blair as these government-owned as well as private ships have active online portals. At the same time, be abreast of the challenges that would come with travelling by sea. Many people tend to fall seasick, and this results in the whole trip being ruined. Be mindful and cautious before choosing ships.