Mysore to Abu Dhabi Flights

  About Mysore

Mysore is touted to be the city of palaces with the flourishing history of the Wodeyar dynasty. Located near Chamundi Hills, the city is known to be the winter capital of Karnataka. Mysore doesn't just enjoy beautiful climate but also excellent flight connectivity enabling good tourism. You can book a hotel room in Mysore's finest accommodations as the city has lavish stay options. The flight tickets to Mysore are also quite affordable.

Best time to visit Mysore

With a tropical climate, Mysore receives tremendous rain, as well as extremes of cold winters, can be experienced here. The months from July to February are considered to be the best time to visit Mysore. You can book a hotel at Mysore and enjoy the rains while they enhance the city's greenery. Simultaneously, you can also let the winter breeze envelop you as you stroll through the city streets.

Places to visit in Mysore

Palatial excursion

Mysore Palace is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Mysore. Once home to the Wodeyar dynasty rulers, the huge expanse of land is a treat to the eyes. The place with its rich history is a testament to how fascinating the lives of the royals were in the past. The palace literally sees a footfall of more than 2.7 million tourists every year. The illustrious history of the Wodeyar dynasty with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan taking centre stage is something that would definitely intrigue you. Besides the main city palace, you also have Lalitha Mahal, the second-largest royal residence, located on the foothills of Chamundi Hills. Relish the stunning scenic views from the palace and be amazed by the rich architecture with Belgian crystal chandeliers and elegant Persian carpets. Jagmohan Palace has been turned into an Art Gallery with works of artists such as Raja Ravi Verma and SG Heldnkr's artwork on display. The white structure is quite beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

Temples and churches

St Philomena Church is revered for being one of the largest cathedrals in South Asia. The structure has a goth-style architecture with orange tinge shades on the wall. The interiors of the church are also quite splendid with catacombs below the altar. One of the most famous temples in Mysore is the Nandi Temple located adjacent to the grand Chamundi Hills. Hindu mythology has stated Nandi, the sacred bull, to be a friend of Lord Shiva. The trails that take you to Nandi temple will further take you to the summit where the shrine of Chamundeshwari temple rests. Built in the traditional Dravidian-style, the temple has over 1000 steps to the summit. With a seven-tier gopuram, the stunning temple honours Goddess Durga and her form Chamundeshwari. You can further stroll through the hills and be amazed by the views. Another ancient temple located outside the famous Mysore Fort is the Trinesvaraswamy Temple. The three-eyed form of Shiva, known as Trinesvara, is worshipped here. The sanctum's gopuram was destroyed in the 18th century, but the charm and beauty of the temple continue to attract many devotees.

The vast expanse of gardens

Mysore's palaces might boast royalty, but the gardens further showcase the green expanses that could leave you mesmerised. From the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens with its natural wild habitats to the Bonsai Garden's variety of exquisite plantations, the city has some really scintillating gardens. You would be thrilled to see how some of these places, despite being crowded with tourists, have a calm and soothing ambience. A special mention goes to the legendary Brindavan Gardens which has been constructed opposite the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. The beautiful expanse is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Things to do in Mysore

Planet X

Mysore isn't all about palaces and gardens but has some thrilling adventure sports too. Head to Planet X, a famous attraction in Mysore which is snuggled up at the foothills of Chamundi. The entertainment zone has been created to cater to the audience who like to indulge in activities such as go-karting, snooker, billiards and sports in general.

Government Sandalwood Oil Factory

Mysore and sandalwood's connection go way back in time. The city is literally known for its production of sandalwood products. Even a soap brand is named after the city and the commodity used. Sandalwood factory would be quite an experience as you will get to see how the oil is extracted from the sandalwood. Not to mention how the products are later made by incorporating the flavours of sandalwood.

Kukkarahalli Lake

The fact that Kukkarahalli Lake forms a J is intriguing enough for tourists to flock over to check out the lake. The sparkling lake is surrounded by lush green land, which only adds to the charm of the place. You can pack up a nice picnic basket and head over to relax by the lake.

Folklore Museum

The Folklore Museum is a lovely institution that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Mysore. As part of the Mysore University, the museum has astounding collections of folk art, products, artefacts and more that are displayed for tourists. Not just the history of Mysore but even Karnataka's tales from the past can be explored here.

Food and Restaurants in Mysore

Mysore is not just a green haven with the palatial setting but also a paradise for food lovers. The city has some really glamorous restaurants with fine dining scenes. From expensive hotels to budget-friendly joints, the city has a few highlights that you should definitely check out during your stay. Mysore is primarily dominated by South Indian cuisine with a variety of dosas, idlis, seafood, all served on a long banana leaf. Thanks to the place being a Kingdom of Hyder Ali and Tip Sultan, the food culture has some wonderful mix of cuisine too. Over the years, Mysore has managed to expand its cuisine from the primary South Indian fandom to cafes and bistros. Mysore has developed its taste in cuisine and is now selling the same.

La Petite France is a quaint cafe that recently came into existence but has already risen to the top. Thanks to the light food with a comfortable vibe, the restaurant easily becomes a favourite. Hakka's lip-smacking Chinese cuisine is definitely something you should try. With simple decor, much of their focus is on improving the quality of food served. Do try their Tao special noodles and momos. Spring by Radisson Blu Plaza is another great place for fine dining. They serve North and South Indian dishes along with some Continental favourites too. Plus, the vibe is very relaxed and soothing.

While these fancy places will make you happy, the traditional essence of Mysore can only be tasted at the Anima Madhva Bhavan. The place only sells food inspired by the Mysore heritage without using commercial products to spruce up their dishes. Some other names to remember would be Oster Bay for seafood, Vinayaka Mylari for South Indian dishes and hotel RRR for a meat excursion.

How to reach Mysore (Transportation)

By Air

Mysore has its very own airport called Mandakalli airport. It is famously referred to as Mysore Airport as it is more convenient for people to remember the name. The Mysore airport was constructed in the 1940s by the Kingdom of Mysore. However, the commercial services and flights to and from Mysore started just recently. The flight connectivity to and from Mysore is quite decent as there are regular flights to metro cities in India. The domestic route from Mysore to Bangalore, Goa, Kochi, Chennai and Hyderabad is quite strong. The airport has reserved some flights to reach these cities on a regular basis.

There are three airlines, namely IndiGo, Alliance Air, TruJet, that serve flights to Mysore. Flight tickets to Mysore are quite affordable, except for during peak seasons. The closest international airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore which has an excellent connection. There are no international flights from Mysore. Since the airport is located 10 km away from the city centre in the Mandakalli village, you will have to hail taxi cab services.

By Rail

Mysore Junction railway station is extremely popular as many trains from different parts of the country halt at this station. The connectivity of Mysore by train comparatively better than flights to Mysore as major express trains and even mail trains pass through the city. Regular trains from Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Varanasi, Jaipur, Tuticorin, Tirupati, Hubli and more are directly linked with Mysore. Often people do choose travelling to Mysore from Bangalore. Since it is the state capital and has many options to reach Mysore, it becomes convenient.

By Road

The bus services to and from Mysore are exceptional. The city is connected and accessible from many other cities in the country thanks to the bus services. Many deluxe and semi-deluxe buses are available and serviced by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The buses connect Mysore to big cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, Ooty, Kochi, Coorg and more. People also opt for booking rentals from Bangalore, Chennai, Ooty, Hyderabad and cities close to Coorg.

  About Abu Dhabi

While Abu Dhabi is not exactly a tourist destination when compared to Dubai, it is definitely a place where you can go just to relax and feel rejuvenated. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even though Dubai is considered as a more happening place, Abu Dhabi also has a certain charm to it. The Ferrari World is one of the major highlights and tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. Not only will you get to see a lot of Ferraris, but you can even drive them to get a glimpse in the life of a race car driver. The city also has waterparks for everyone who is planning a vacation to the capital of the UAE with their family or group of friends. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only beautiful, but it is also a marvellous piece of art architecturally. It is also a safe place for solo female travellers. You will find a lot of malls, too, to satisfy the shopaholic in you.

Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

November to March is an ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi since it is winter and the weather remains quite pleasant. It is the best time for you to go sightseeing. Since it is also a peak season in Abu Dhabi, you might even get a good deal on flights to Abu Dhabi during this time if you book well in advance. Make sure you also book your hotel in Abu Dhabi in advance since the prices tend to increase in winter. Since this is high season, you will find a lot of tourists in the city. You will also get to go sightseeing without feeling all dehydrated. This is also the best time for you to hit the beach and spend some time there. If you are travelling in March, you can attend the Abu Dhabi Festival or the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

The temperature ranges from 19 to 42 degree Celsius from April to October. While April and May are pleasant because of Spring, the months following May get hot, hotter and hottest. Hotel prices do stop dropping April onwards. For all the book lovers, you can attend the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in April and May. The temperature increases considerably in June till August, but if you just want to be by the pool or indulge in expensive spa treatments and pamper yourself, you can plan a trip during these months. The hotel prices also drop a lot during these months since the city does not have a lot of tourists. It also rains inconsistently during these months, which might put a damper on your sightseeing plans. The temperature starts dropping during September and October since it is the end of summer. This is also one of the best times to head to Abu Dhabi if you want to attend the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Emirates International Date Palm Festival or the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall at Yas Island and Marina Mall is the most popular malls in Abu Dhabi for tourists. The Ferrari World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and quite the luxurious ones, too. You also get to drive one of the cars to experience what it is like to be an F1 driver. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the two mosques in UAE that is open to non-Muslims, too. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country. Abu Dhabi does not deprive you of the beach fun that you might want. You can head to the Saadiyat Public Beach or the Corniche. You can also visit Al Lulu Island to indulge in beach and water activities. It is another tourist destination in Abu Dhabi that is quite popular. You can attend free concerts at Corniche or just enjoy the sunset by the beach with a cup of ice cream. You can also book a hotel in Abu Dhabi in Corniche and stay here for a couple of days.

While you are in Abu Dhabi, you might also want to stay at the Empire Palace for a night or two. Even if you are not, the resort is open for non-guests to book spa treatments here and indulge in a traditional hammam experience. Not to mention, you might also want to put on your fanciest outfit here. You can also head for a desert safari on a jeep or try any of the other desert tours arranged by tour companies here. It is one of the major highlights of Abu Dhabi. Head over to the Emirates Park Zoo with your family, and you'll get to see over 1700 animals here. The zoo is home to lions, cheetahs, Siberian bears, white tigers and so on. You can also have breakfast with giraffes and parrots here. Another lovely tourist attraction is the Warner Bros World. It is a fun theme park that has rides like The Joker Funhouse, Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin, The Scooby-Doo: Museum of Mysteries and so on. You can also visit the Al Jahili Fort and Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sightseeing is one of the major tourist activities in the city. You can go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to know more about the culture and to admire the sheer architecture of the mosque. You can also spend a day shopping at some of the best malls in Abu Dhabi. If you are travelling during the sale, you might even get to buy a lot of high-end fashion products at an affordable price. Visit the Emirates Palace. If you are not staying at the majestic resort, you can still indulge in self-pampering spa treatments and a relaxing hammam (a Turkish bath). You can also indulge in water and beach activities at Corniche. Going on a desert safari is another popular activity that tourists in Abu Dhabi take up. Spend a day at Ferrari World and take lots of pictures, too.

Food and Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai, you will find a variety of cuisine in Abu Dhabi, too. Be it Indian cuisine or Mexican, Korean, Chinese, or even Russian food, and you will find whatever you feel like eating here. However, trying out the local food is a must to complete your holiday experience at Abu Dhabi. Some of the important ingredients include the famous Middle Eastern spices like cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and cardamom. Cuisines made of chickpeas are also quite popular in Abu Dhabi. If you want to grab a bite as soon as you land, before you head to your hotel, you can go to Madang Korean Restaurant which is near Terminal 2. Cabana Beach Bar and Grill at Corniche is a popular place to have healthy food or European cuisine. You can also head to The Terrace On The Corniche or Kuzbara for authentic Middle Eastern food. Khayal Restaurant is popular for its variety of cuisines. It offers Japanese, Arabic, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian food in its menu. Treat yourself to delicious burgers and shakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes at Yas Mall. Hoi An is an interesting place to head to if you want to try out Vietnamese or other Asian food. The service is great, so is the ambience. Dino's Bistro Italiano and Villa Toscana are known for their expertise in Italian cuisine. In fact, at Villa Tuscana, you can also choose between the Mediterranean, Tuscan and European food. Desert Lotus Thai Bisto & Sushi has the best Thai food in the city, and you will simply love the sushi here. If you want to try authentic Indian food, you can head to Punjab Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal.

How to reach Abu Dhabi (Transportation)

The Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates. The flight connectivity from Abu Dhabi to other cities and countries is excellent. There are a few direct flights to Abu Dhabi from India on a daily basis, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours only to reach. While you might choose Etihad Airways or Emirates to fly to the Middle East, other airlines like GoAir, British Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Srilankan Airlines frequently fly to and from Abu Dhabi. The airport is only 30 km from the main city, and it is quite easy to get a taxi service from the airport to your hotel. Abu Dhabi International Airport is quite a luxe with a lot of facilities. It has airport lounges, premium spa facilities, sleeping pods, children's play area, shopping areas and a lot of international dining options. You will certainly not get bored if at all if you have to wait for a few more hours to board your flight. If you are travelling by Etihad, they also have premium lounges and spa facilities for their passengers at the airport.

  About Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the only airport in Emirates of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to cater to international flights and airlines. After Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest in UAE, which can accommodate 20 million passengers. The airport has three operational terminals for passengers. It is sprawled across 8,500 acres of land and provides services to over 30 airlines which fly to over 120 destinations. The airport is primarily the hub for Etihad Airways, which is also UAE's second flag carrier airline, after Emirates. The airport sees tremendous air traffic and passenger traffic for being a hub city and the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

About Airport Terminals

The airport has three terminals in total. Terminal 1 is the oldest building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The terminal features arrivals and departure areas with nine gates and jetbridges. The airport also has check-in and arrivals equipped in a separate location that is connected to the building. Terminal 2 is comparatively new and located on the east side of Terminal 1. There are 19 check-in counters along with two baggage claim conveyor belts. It mainly caters to low-cost carriers only. Terminal 3 is fairly new from the other two terminals and has the capacity to hold bigger flights, including Airbus A380s that are flown by Etihad Airways.

About Airport Authority

Abu Dhabi International Airport is currently operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which came into existence in 2006. ADAC has since offered a plethora of services to the aviation industry and Abu Dhabi airports. Along with Abu Dhabi International Airport, the organization also caters to managing Al Bateen Executive Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Sir Bani Airport and Dalma Airport.

Top airlines flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi sees tremendous passenger traffic from Indian cities and hence, accommodates flights from an Indian airline. Some of the airlines that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport are Air India, Air India Express, GoAir and IndiGo.

In terms of international airlines, the ones that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport include, AnadoluJet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, SriLankan, Turkish Airlines and Turkmenistan Airlines.

Facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport

WiFi - You can connect to the airport's free wireless network. All you would need to do is to follow some steps to get access to Abu Dhabi International Airport's WiFi connection. Plus, there are internet kiosks available for free. At the departure terminals, you can find about 50 internet kiosks. It is free of cost so you can simply just go over to the kiosk and use the facility. Airport lounges also have wireless connections that you can avail.

ATM and foreign exchange - The airport has many ATMs and foreign-exchange booths available at regular intervals. There are about 16 currency exchange facilities that are present at Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are local banks also present at the airport where you can make transfers and deposits along with cash withdrawals. The prices are also quite reasonable for foreign exchange. A dedicated agency, Travelex, is available at the airport.

Medical services - Abu Dhabi International Airport is also equipped to take care of medical emergencies that take place at the premise. There is a 24-hour clinic to ensure that medical services are available at all times. There is also a paramedic with an ambulance which will take the emergency case to the nearest local hospital. The information desk and 'May I Help You' counters will assist you with this service. Plus, the airport also has pharmacies installed at regular intervals.

Smoking zones - All terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport are non-smoking buildings. Hence, there are specific smoking zones that have been installed. Smoothing lounges and booths are located in each terminal and are enclosed. The booths also have good air quality that you can enjoy while you smoke a cigarette.

Multi-faith room - Separate prayer rooms have been installed for men and women at Abu Dhabi International Airport. They are present at all terminals of the airport. Intending to value diverse faith, the airport has ensured to have multi-faith rooms at all levels of the terminals. Wheelchairs are also accessible at the prayer rooms.

Airport lounges - Overall, Abu Dhabi International Airport has six airport lounges. In fact, four of the airport lounges are actually owned by Etihad Airways. While terminal 1 has Al Reem Lounge, Al Dhabi Lounge, Etihad Premium Lounge, Terminal 3 houses Etihad First Class Lounge and Spa, Etihad Premium Lounge and Etihad US Premium Lounge. These lounge experiences are one of a kind. Not to mention how the airport also has a dedicated Etihad Arrivals Lounge as well for international travellers. The facilities at the lounge are top-notch with exceptional services and hospitality.

Airport hotels - An in-house hotel is also available at Abu Dhabi International Airport. You can visit Aerotel to benefit from their world-class facilities and to unwind. The hotel is located in Terminal 1 and has been aesthetically designed to please the senses of international travellers. Premier Inn Hotel is also present within the airport premise that you can check out. Premier Inn is also very convenient and recognized for its high standards with respect to providing quality services with modern amenities.

Baggage services - The airport offers a plethora of baggage services ranging from wrapping to storage. In case you need to save your luggage from possibilities of theft and mishandling, you can get them wrapped in plastic. Further, on the same, you can also seal your baggage to prevent them from external damages. You can ship your luggage to a delivery address too instead of going yourself. There are storage facilities also available at the airport where you can keep your luggage, especially if it's a layover or if you need to spend time at the airport before the next flight.

Spa - There are two spas available at the airport's premise. Six Senses Spa is located within the Etihad Diamond First and Pearl Business Class lounges. Meanwhile, TOSA Spa, an award-winning spa chain of the Middle East, Maldives and India, is also available at the airport's Terminal 1. You can avail a string of services from the spas for relaxation. Body massage and other treatments are also there with separate rooms for women and men. Along with this, they also have separate changing rooms for men and women.

Special assistance - The airport caters to special assistance services that travellers require. This includes helping out passengers with reduced mobility and to take care of their trolleys, among a few. You can speak with your airlines in advance to book special assistance. The trained staff will help you through the process and even enable a comfortable experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Nursing stations - For all the parents who are travelling with infants and young babies, there are dedicated nursing stations available at all terminals. There are entertainment decks for kids as well as nursing rooms for new mothers with infants. Plus, the rooms are sanitized and kept in a hygienic condition.

How to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport

Public transport

One of the best things about the airport is its facilities that enable direct connections to the city centre. If you need to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can always take a bus as it is economical and convenient. The air-conditioned buses are available from the bus stop to within the city. You can find the stops outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. There are blue and white signs that indicate to the bus stops. You can follow them, or you can ask for more details at the airport's information desk. You can reach Abu Dhabi International Airport from any part of the city thanks to their bus services. Depending on where you wish to go, the buses have services to those routes. The ticket cost is also very affordable and menial. It would take close to 45 minutes to reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport from the city, depending on the traffic.

Taxicabs and rentals

There are luxury airport taxis that you can find at the airport. They are available at all the terminals, close to the arrivals. A clear signpost is also present to indicate the taxi services. There are male and female drivers who are well-equipped with the city's geography as well as international languages. You can also reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport by availing tax services. In fact, you can actually book for a ride online or check with your airlines for provisions of the same. Hotels in Abu Dhabi also have facilities for an airport shuttle. You can benefit from the same to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport without any hassle. As long as you make prior bookings, you wouldn't have to worry about anything with respect to reaching the Abu Dhabi International Airport.