Minneapolis to Bhubaneswar Flights

  About Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a city in the United States of America that has a lot of Scandinavian population. The farming city of the US has also given the world some very popular artists like Prince and Bob Dylan. Be assured that the music and nightlife scene is something you cannot miss. You will simply love holidaying in Minneapolis. Even though it has still maintained its old traditions and customs, Minneapolis and the people here have also welcomed the modern way of living. The city has also introduced some talented architects to the world like Jacques Herzog, Frank Gehry and Pierre de Meuron. One of the major attractions in the city that you can take your kids to is the Nickelodeon Universe. As the name suggests, it is a Nickelodeon-theme park and is quite big, too. Your kids will certainly love spending time in Minneapolis. There are quite a few art museums, too that you can visit if you are an art lover. The city also has quite a few parks that you can visit if you don't have any sightseeing plans for the day. The city is quite welcoming of its tourists.

Best Time to Visit Minneapolis

Like most vacation destinations, summer is a peak tourist time in Minneapolis. There are quite a few festivals and farmer's markets for you to attend. The city experiences summer from June to August, and you will find a lot of tourists in the city. The temperature ranges from 14 to 28 degree Celsius, July being the hottest month. You might even experience high humidity and occasional thunderstorms in July. Make sure you book your hotel in Minneapolis in advance or before the prices start surging. There are quite a few events and festivals that happen during this season that you must attend. Grand Old Day, Twin Cities Pride, Minneapolis Aquatennial, Basilica Block Party, Uptown Art Fair and Minnesota State Fair are some of the events that you can attend on your visit to the city. You will also need to book your flight tickets to Minneapolis in advance. If you don't mind the heat and a lot of tourists buzzing around, this is the best time for you to visit the city.

September to November is the autumn season in Minneapolis, and the weather is quite pleasant. There are fewer tourists in the city, and you can explore it without being hassled by tourists. You won't even have to wait in queues if you are heading to museums and other attractions in the city. The temperature ranges from -3 to 22 degree Celsius, November being the coldest autumn month. You will find a lot of college students buzzing around the city during autumn. You can attend events like Minnesota State Fair, Medtronic Twin Cities and Zombie Pub Crawl. You can also attend a lot of parties in the city during this time and experience the vibrant, happening nightlife. December to February is the winter season in the city, and this is also a low tourist season in Minneapolis. However, booking a hotel in Minneapolis at cheaper rates is like a cherry on the cake if you are planning a trip to Minneapolis in winter. You will also get cheap flight tickets to Minneapolis in winter. You can attend events like Holidazzle and Saint Paul Winter Carnival, but the Christmas celebrations in the city are also worth taking a trip. The temperature ranges from -13 to -1 degree Celsius. Make sure you pack all of your warm and festive clothes for the trip.

Spring season hits Minneapolis from March to May. Though it starts with a lot of snow, the weather becomes quite pleasant as the months progress. The temperature ranges from -4 to 20 degree Celsius. The hotel rates are reasonable during this time, and it won't burn a hole in your pocket. You will get to attend festivals and events like the Food and Wine Festival, the Minnesota Craft Beer Festival and Soundset Festival.

Places to Visit in Minneapolis

Basilica of St Mary is dedicated to Roman Catholics and was built in the early 1900s. Apart from the Catholic services, the basilica also hosts music festivals and concerts. If you are visiting the city with your children, you can visit the Minnesota Children's Museum. You can also head to the Historic Fort Snelling to get a glimpse into history. Walker Art Centre and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is another place that art lovers would love to visit. If you want to experience the wildlife, you can head over to Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. You will get to see animal and plant exhibits for free along with educational classes and youth camps. It is a great place to go with your kids. Minnehaha Park is another popular tourist attraction that has the Minnehaha Falls. You can also catch a movie at the Fitzgerald Theater. It was built in 1910 and is the oldest surviving theatre in the city.

St Paul's Grand Avenue is where you can head to for a shopping spree. The place also has bars, restaurants and events that you can attend. The Weisman Art Museum is in the University of Minnesota campus and is free for all. While Minneapolis does have a happening nightlife, it has more museums and historical monuments that you can visit with your family. There are also quite a few locations in the city where you can go shopping and give the shopaholic in you a real treat. You can also binge on your favourite cuisine at some of the finest restaurants here. Minneapolis is the perfect destination to head to if you want a laid-back vacation and not indulge in a lot of adventurous activities. It is also the perfect place for you to head with your family. It has a lot of family-friendly attractions and educational ones, too, for your kids.

Things to do in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is connected to St Paul, and both the cities are usually visiting together. The twin cities have quite a few tourist attractions that you must visit. You can sign up for a sightseeing tour with your family or explore the city on your own. Sign up for a food tour of the city and visit the best restaurants in Minneapolis. You can also try the cuisines at the local food stalls if you are attending any of the events. You can also find out more about the cultural and lifestyle of the locals here. You can head over to Mall of America or Nicollet Mall in downtown. You can also go jogging or boating. You can also sign up for a Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour or try the craft beer in the city.

Foods and Restaurants in Minneapolis

Minneapolis-St Paul has a very vibrant dining scene, along with a happening nightlife. You will find a lot of international cuisines, too, at most restaurants here. There are a lot of steakhouses and burger joints in the city, too, that most locals visit. Cathedral Hill area near St Paul is a popular place to head for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. The city is known for its craft beer, and there are a lot of breweries you can go to for a fun night. You can stop by Surly Brewing Co, Fulton Brewery or 612 Brew. You can also try Summit Brewing Company if you are in St Paul. Isles Bun and Coffee Company is the perfect place to go to if you feel like going out for a cup of coffee. Spoon & Stable, 112 Eatery, The Capital Grille, Red Cow North Loop are some of the popular restaurants that serve American food. Pizzeria Lola, Zelo, Broders' Pasta Bar and Bar La Grassa are some of the popular Italian restaurants in the city. You can also head to Kramarczuk East European Deli for a variety of options. You can choose between Polish, European, Czech and Ukrainian cuisines. You can also try Murray's and Cafe Lurcat for some American food and steak.

How to reach Minneapolis

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is about 16 km away from downtown Minneapolis. It is also the main hub for Delta Air Lines. The flight connectivity to Minneapolis from India is excellent. There are several American Airlines flights to Minneapolis daily. There are layovers in London, Chicago or Dallas. If you book at the right time, you can find cheap flight tickets to Minneapolis from India. Getting to and from the airport is quite easy and convenient. It is pretty easy to get taxis or hire car rentals from the airport. The airport is also well-equipped to make everything convenient for passengers. There are premium airport lounges, restaurants, cafes, dining areas, children's play areas and a lot more. If you are travelling during the offseason, you might even come across exciting flight deals to Minneapolis online. The airport also offers hotel services, and you can opt for one that is closer to the airport if you have an early flight to board and wish to avoid the commute.

  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.