Nairobi to Bhopal Flights

  About Nairobi

The populous city of Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. Located in East Africa, the city actually replaced Mombasa, the former capital of Kenya, owing to the thriving economic and cultural development. Nairobi has been recognised as the financial and cultural hub of the country. Nairobi is also exclusively known to be home to more than 100 major international companies.

Best time to visit Nairobi

Nairobi's geographical positioning is elevated as it stands at an altitude of 5450 feet. Due to this, the city experiences a mild climate throughout the year. This is despite its proximity to the Equator. However, it still witnesses torrential rains, which would put quite a damper on your travel plans. Keeping a tab on the weather conditions ahead of planning a trip to East Africa is highly recommended. The rains could make or break the possibility of your trip, and hence, it is essential that you keep a check on the weather. Nairobi witnesses hot, wet and cold climates. Even though it is mild most of the year, little rain can be quite a change in the humidity level. The city witnessed two monsoons, a long one from mid-March through May and a mild one from late-October to December. During these two monsoon seasons, the months April and November are the wettest months as the rains are at a peak during these two months. The dry months in Nairobi are from July through October and January through February. The dry months actually help ease the heat and humidity in the air.

In terms of months, July and February are the best months to pick for a Nairobian rendezvous. The rain is extremely less to non-existent, and the climate is quite pleasant. You can undertake various outdoor activities too during these months and not worry about the scorching heat or humid weather. The temperatures during this time are also quite low and pleasant for Nairobi standards. July and August are recorded as the driest months in Nairobi, which works perfectly for you if you are planning for an excursion. You should make sure to carry the right clothes for your trip as the temperatures often confuse people. It can turn from hot to humid to cold in erratic schedules. Layering up would be ideal. The hotel prices don't really see a massive difference during the off and peak seasons. As there are many travellers who constantly travel to the city for professional reasons and conferences, the hotel prices in Nairobi remain constant. However, with the demand for accommodation, you might have a tough time booking a hotel in Nairobi. Hence, it would be best to make prior hotel bookings in Nairobi.

Places to visit in Nairobi

Nairobi's wildlife and green expanses are what draws tourists to the city of Kenya. The Nairobi National Park was established back in 1946 and has been fenced on three sides. The southern boundary has been kept open to enable migration of wildlife to move from the park to the Kitengela plains. The park is going through some concerns in the recent past due to the increasing exposure to humans and the rise in the livestock population. The city also has an adorable Giraffe Centre which is dedicated to protecting endangered giraffe from extinction. The natural sanctuary also works as an educational centre to teach visitors about the necessity of conserving wildlife. The city also has an Elephant and Rhino Nursery where African elephants and rhinos are bred. The place ensures to safeguard the lives of these two animals. The Ngong Hills is a famous place in Nairobi. The hills especially have a beautiful green landscape. You can trek up to the hill and watch the sunrise or the sunset at the summit as it is worth all the expedition. Close to the Nyong Hills was once a location for traditional colonial houses.

Things to do in Nairobi

At the foot of the towering Ngong Hills, you will find the beautiful and quaint Karen Blixen Museum. Although it is 10 km away from the city of Nairobi, the place has historical significance. It actually exhibits the life of the famous Danish author, Karen Blixen. While this is a lovely place to start learning more about the author and African history, you should also indulge in some outdoor activities. The Nairobi Safari Walk is basically crossing a specific bridge with nature on all four sides. While you walk on the bridge, you will actually get to witness some rhinos and other animals hanging around the estate too. You cannot miss the Maasai Market, which offers a plethora of colourful artefacts with traditional African designs. You can actually use this expedition to purchase some souvenirs for a friend and close family members from here.

Food and Restaurants in Nairobi

Kenya's capital is making quite a name for itself in the culinary world too. Nairobi's tea and coffee trade might be the most recognised worldwide. However, their fusion food is just as delicious as their coffee. You would be surprised and even slightly amazed by the beautiful melange of flavours and cuisines that the city's food establishments curate regularly. In fact, they continue to add more interesting dishes and meals on their menu as they experiment with spices and ingredients. There are dishes that range from slow-cooked Indian meat barbequed to a crisp to the classic Japanese sushi. Some of the food establishments in Nairobi will definitely amaze you and leave you wanting for more. You can start your food rendezvous in Nairobi from Hashmi BBQ, run by an Indian family. It is one of the most popular food joints In Nairobi and for all the right reasons. With their chooza chicken's sizzling sauce, poussin chips and a generous helping of garden salads, indulging here for some food would take you to nirvana and back. The spice is really spicy, so if you're not up for it, do not risk your gut.

Tamarind is another local restaurant which favours seafood and meat meals. Their highlights are deep-fried crab claws, garlic jumbo prawns and some South African sauvignon blanc. The place also serves vegetarian food, in case you are not too thrilled by their eccentric seafood spread. For the classic sushi, head to Misono. Not just their sushi but even their sashimi and teppanyaki will strike a chord with you. Plus, the place is run by a Japanese family so you wouldn't have to worry about authenticity. The food here is as authentic as it can get. Some other famous food establishments in Nairobi are Soi, Tatu, Maru's Bhajia Cage, AA Mithaiwalla, Talisman and Mambo Italia. Do not be surprised by the well-known Indian restaurants and food joints. They are quite popular in the city and one of the most sought-after ones too. However, if you do wish to explore something different, you should visit J's Fresh Bar. It is basically a British gastropub and has meals from the UK. You will find battered fish and chips, peppered squid and smoked scotch eggs. Plus, an in-house DJ would entertain you with whack music.

How to reach Nairobi (Transportation)

Flight connectivity to Nairobi from India is quite decent. Although it could be better than what the current state is of travelling to Nairobi from India, it's still quite good. There are many flights that fly to Nairobi. The most popular route to Nairobi is from Mumbai. In fact, you will find direct flights to Nairobi from Mumbai and at a very cheap ticket price. There are several African airlines that fly to the city from India. Airlines such as Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Oman Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, EgyptAir, are the most prominent ones that have great connectivity from India to Nairobi. Another popular domestic route to Nairobi from India that has better connectivity aside from Mumbai is Ahmedabad. A majority of flights to Nairobi from India require layovers and connecting flights to reach Nairobi. Cities such as Addis Ababa, Kigali, Muscat, Dubai and Doha are some of the international routes taken to reach Nairobi. However, if you pick an African airline, especially Kenya Airways, you will be able to avoid all the layovers and changing of flights.

The flight duration to Nairobi from Mumbai is also quite decent as it would take approximately six hours and fifteen minutes to reach the Kenyan capital. Depending on which airlines you pick, the travel duration will also change as layovers will have to be taken into consideration. Nairobi to India is quite an expensive endeavour. However, from Mumbai, it is not so expensive. You can book cheap flight tickets to Nairobi from Mumbai. It wouldn't cost you much, and you wouldn't have to compromise on the flight duration as well. It costs between INR 22,000 to INR 25,000, to reach Nairobi from Mumbai. However, if you book from any other Indian city, the prices would see a tremendous surge. Another way how you can snag some cheap flight tickets to Nairobi would be by opting for online flight deals. It would be tough, and you will have to spend a lot of time on the internet to get a cheap flight deal to Nairobi. Since the accommodation prices remain close to constant in Nairobi, the best thing to do would be to club the flight and hotel bookings to Nairobi.

  About Bhopal

Also known as the City of Lakes, Bhopal is one of the greenest and cleanest cities in India. With a rich cultural heritage and rapid development, the capital of Madhya Pradesh has found itself in the top 20 list of India's largest cities. Bhopal has been ruled by many influential leaders in the past, ranging from the Maurya Dynasty to the Nawabs to the progressive Begums. It was initially a princely state and witnessed some significant women royalties, who reigned during the British era. Bhopal's rich history also comes with exquisite architecture and inspiring structures. From the stunning Sanchi Stupa to the marvellous Moti Masjid, the city has innumerable tourist attractions that continue to bring travellers from around the world.

The flight connectivity to Bhopal is also quite decent, allowing people to visit the city. If you book your flight tickets well in advance, you will be able to snag some cheap flight tickets. As for accommodations, the city has top-rated hotels and guest houses that you can check out. In fact, peruse through some options and book hotels in Bhopal before you travel.

Best time to visit Bhopal

Winters easily become the best time to visit the lovely city of Bhopal thanks to the chill weather. Starting from October and running till March, the mild winters are pleasant in Bhopal while the nights are chilly. They form the perfect kind of balance that one prefers with December and January being the coldest months. The temperatures usually drop to 5 degrees Celsius in Bhopal. This is also the perfect time to visit other tourist attractions in the city.

Monsoons are not the most sought-after choices to visit Bhopal as the heavy rains and thunderstorms could be a tad bit scary. The natural beauty and greenery is enhanced during the rains but owing to the other concerns it comes with, monsoon is not ideal for travel plans to Bhopal.

Summers in Bhopal are from March to June, and it is easily the hottest season. The heat often gets unbearable, especially during the peak months of May and June. Often the temperatures cross 40 degree Celsius which makes travelling outside difficult.

Places to see in Bhopal

Moti Masjid

Built back in 1862, the illustrious Moti Masjid has exceptional historical and socio-cultural value. The mosque is said to be made by Sikander Jahan Begum, touted to be the most progressive and free-spirited woman of the said era. The structure holds an uncanny resemblance to the Jama Masjid of Delhi with its use of white marble and architecture. Travellers enthused by history would find the mosque intriguing.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Lakshmi Narayan Temple is yet another famous tourist attraction of Bhopal. The temple was built to honour Goddess Lakshmi and her consort Lord Vishnu. The temple premise also has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Parvati. The impeccable designs and well-kempt gardens of the temple complex help soothe the eyes as well as the heart.

Van Vihar National Park

Located in close proximity with the Upper Lake is the Van Vihar National Park, home to an array of wildlife including Sambar, Blackbuck, Blue Bull, Hyena, Porcupine and more. The park is well-maintained as it plays lungs to the city, which has seen some troubled times in terms of environmental hazards. The vast expanse of the national park has exotic flora as well to combine the joys of a wildlife and nature lover.

Sanchi Stupa

The Sanchi Stupa is a structure that dates back to 3rd century BCE and is said to be built by the great emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, King Ashoka. As the Mauryan King pursued the path of Buddhism and contributed to the spiritual movement, the Stupa's dome structure has been turned into a central vault to preserve the relics of Lord Buddha. The historical significance, as well as the Stupa's unmatched architecture, has made it a venerated tourist attraction in Bhopal. In the premise of the Sanchi Stupa, you will find some intricate designs on the walls of the structure which explain significant timelines of the Buddhism history. Moreover, visiting the Stupa would be an educational expedition that would certainly be quite enjoyable.

Upper Lake

Prominently known as Bhojtaal or Bada Talab, what makes the Upper Lake so famous is the fact that it is the oldest artificial lake in the country. The lake is believed to be built in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj. The lake has a scenic view and faces the royal garden, also known as Kamla Park. Either, you can sit by the banks of the lake to enjoy the sunset, or you can take up boating as an activity.

Taj-Ul-Masjid

Touted to be one of the most pristine mosques in Madhya Pradesh is the Taj-Ul-Masjid which translates to 'Crown of Mosques'. The name fits the image perfectly as the mosque is an architectural bliss with soothing blush walls while the domes are white. The premise of the mosque also has a grand courtyard with marble flooring and a pond. It would be best if you visited the mosque, especially for its architectural prowess.

Things to do in Bhopal

Entertainment at the Sair Sapata

One of the entertainment attractions of Bhopal has got to be the Sair Sapata. While the city's rich history and exquisite architecture could keep you on your toes, the Sair Sapata with its stimulating entertainment activities such as bike racing, boating, hiking, car dash and more must be visited. Irrespective of your age, the place is entertaining for everyone.

Boating at Bhojtal and Halali Dam

The city has quite a few lakes and rivers flowing, which makes boating a favoured activity. Often people take up boating on the Upper River or Bhojtal. You can engage in the same kind of activity at the Halali Dam too, which is approximately 40 km away from the city centre.

Trek to Raisen Fort

Located close to 23 km from the city centre is this mighty proud Raisen Fort. The Fort is actually atop a hill and is also surrounded by some quaint temples and reservoirs. The Raisen fort is famous for being a shrine to Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, a venerated Muslim saint. Over the centuries, the Fort witnessed a slew of rulers since the 13th century. You can easily do a trek and explore more of the Fort, which also has a mosque and dome structures within the complex.

Explore Bhimbetka Caves

Bhimbetka Caves enjoys the stature of being a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site. The caves are more than 30,000 years but continue to offer aesthetic vibes with the aptly sculpted rock formations. The natural green surrounding further amplifies the beauty of the place. One can simply take a 20 Ltr hiking bag and stroll through the magnificent caves.

Food and Restaurants in Bhopal

With a rich Mughal influence, you will find some of the best Mughlai food in Bhopal. Zamzam is one such restaurant which is popular for its lip-smacking biryani. The menu is quite affordable and the food, certainly delectable. Another food paradise that you should visit for cuisines ranging from Awadhi to Bhopali is the Za-aiqa restaurant. It is located in Kohefiza, Bhopal and offers a compelling variety of delicacies that would make the foodie in you, a happy person. You will get to taste the taste of Awadhi food as well as can delve into the impeccable Mughlai spread.

Other popular food destinations in Bhopal are Kebabsville, Bhopal Express, Manohar, Da Pizzeria, La Kuchina and more. Since Bhopal is a metro city, the place has acquired many of the commercial foot joints. However, to get the true essence of Bhopali cuisine, one must definitely visit these places.

How to reach Bhopal

By Air

Bhopal airport is located on the northwestern side and is 13 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to and from Bhopal is excellent as it connects with major metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Indore and Gwalior. The Raja Bhoj Airport witnesses regular domestic flights as airlines Air India and SpiceJet have flight services to the city. The main city of Bhopal is easy to reach from the airport as the distance is not much and there are taxi cab and other transport facilities available.

By Rail

The Bhopal Railway Station is also well-connected with domestic routes and can reach the city from various parts of the country. There is a domestic route from Delhi to Mumbai that connects to Bhopal. A Delhi-Chennai main line also passes through Bhopal by train.

By Road

Bhopal's location makes it easy for bus services to reach the city. There is an abundance of public and private-owned bus services that can be found from all parts of the country, except for the Northeastern states. From Indore to Ratlam to Nagpur, the city can be reached from several parts of India. It is recommended that ahead of the travel, you book your hotels to avoid complications.

  About Bhopal Airport

Raja Bhoj Airport, which is the fundamental airport serving, Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is known to be the second busiest in the state. The Bhopal Airport comes after Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport of Indore as an important airport in the state. It is 15 km away from the city centre and the Bhopal Junction railway station. The airport is perfectly located at the intersection of the National Highway 46 as well as State Highway 18. The State Highway connects the city of Bhopal to Indore. The airport also stands 20 km away from the Habibganj railway station, which is located in the south of Bhopal. The city does offer domestic and international flights which include the famous Hajj pilgrimage to Jeddah. It is flown by Saudia airlines, and the airport accommodated operations of the same from 2010, specifically for Hajj travellers. The flight has decent connectivity with the city centre as there are buses, trains and taxi cabs available from and to the Bhopal Airport.

About Bhopal Airport Terminals

For the longest time, the Raja Bhoj Airport had a domestic stance, but after accommodating the Saudia airlines as well as flight connectivity with Middle Eastern cities, the proposal to turn it international is being acknowledged. The airport is required to have immigration facilities to ensure that the international services that operate from the Raja Bhoj airport. The integrated terminal building at the Bhopal Airport has been built across an expanse of 289,940 sq ft with 14 check-in and four immigration counters for departure. For arrival, though, it has six immigration booths. There are about 22 customs desks also prevalent at the airport with 11 for departure and 11 for arrival. A dedicated X-ray machine for security is also present at the airport. Much recently, the terminal has also introduced a food establishment and some local stores. The whole initiative has been taken by the Airport Authority of India, as part of their development scheme. There are also two aerobridges connecting the terminal. Meanwhile, the third aerobridge's construction is to start soon.

About airport authority

The Raja Bhoj Airport is owned and operated by the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The statutory body is responsible for the management, infrastructural expansion, upgradation and maintenance of the airport. The authority has worked to better the Bhopal Airport and done a pretty good job with it. In fact, Bhopal Airport has been developed extensively with a view to adding the international tag to the airport's status. The Bhopal airport does accommodate international flights that connect to cities such as Jeddah and Riyadh.

Top airlines flying from Bhopal Airport

Bhopal Airport is a domestic airport that only caters to flights and airlines flying in the country. The city has good connectivity to domestic cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, to name a few. These are the big cities in the country and have immaculate connectivity with the rest of the country. Domestic airlines such as Air India, Alliance Air, IndiGo and Saudia operate from the Raja Bhoj Airport. While mostly the airlines flying from the Bhopal Airport are domestic, some of the Indian airlines also have flights to Jeddah and Riyadh. Air India has a dedicated flight to Jeddah. Meanwhile, Saudia is the only international airlines operating from Bhopal Airport. The airlines have flights flying to Jeddah and Riyadh from the city. The airlines cater to the Hajj pilgrimage and hence, fly from the city of Bhopal. While the Raja Bhoj Airport has a bare minimum of airlines flying international, the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport, located in Indore, serves as a domestic and international airport. It caters to domestic airlines and international airlines.

Facilities at Bhopal Airport

WiFi - The airport caters to domestic and just one dedicated international flight that caters to Hajj pilgrims. Hence, they have reserved WiFi services. The WiFi connection can be availed for free and is available in all areas of Bhopal Airport. However, the free use can only last up to 200 Mb. Post this, the passenger might have to pay for the services. Details of the same can be acquired at the airport itself

ATMs and forex - Bhopal Airport also provides ATM kiosks located at convenient spots as well as forex centres. Currency exchange counters are usually located in the arrival sections of the international terminal. There is access to reach the forex counter and exchange currencies. You can take the help of any airport staff to reach the currency exchange counter.

Child care centres - With a view to helping out travellers with infants, Raja Bhoj Airport has reserved special facilities to cater to them. Dedicated child care rooms have been installed within the premise of the airport to help take care of the infant's needs. These could range from feeding to changing of diapers. The room can be utilized for free and is available on the first level of the airport. Further, you can find baby products also, in case you run out of them.

Post office - A post office has also been installed in the passenger concourse to cater to the passengers. In case there are any last-minute couriers that need to be sent. Or even if there are some baggage woes where you might need to courier some of the items from your bag, the same can be done without a hassle. You can ask details of the same at the airport itself. The staff are quite helpful.

Medical aid services - First aid centres and medical professionals are available at the airport. With a view to helping with medical emergencies at the Raja Bhoj Airport, they have installed medical rooms and other such services. There are pharmacies also available within the premise of the airport to help with last-minute medication purchases.

Smoking zone - Dedicated smoking lounges have also been created in the airport as smoking in public is prohibited. The smoking lounges are available on the ground as well as the first levels in both the terminals.

Lounges - A VIP lounge is available at the airport and can be used by all passengers. No specific cabin class tickets are required to hang out at the lounge. Raja Bhoj Airport has made the lounge free to use for all passengers. The lounge comes with relaxed seating and restaurants.

Restaurants and cafes – Food courts and restaurants are present at the airport. The food court has small joints as well as globalized fast food joints such as Subway, KFC, McDonald's and more. There are small coffee and tea establishments also available at the arrivals and departures.

How to reach Bhopal Airport

There are dedicated buses that are often opted to reach the Bhopal Airport. Two reserved buses service from the Raja Bhoj Airport to downtown Bhopal. The buses are air-conditioned and perfectly well-connected to reach the city centre. The routes chosen by the buses are also very convenient as they pass through the most important spots in Bhopal. There are stops at Habibganj Railway Station, New Market, Misrod and even Board Office. The bus tickets to reach the Bhopal airport is also quite minimal and affordable. There are specific schedules that need to be followed, and you can find them at the Bhopal Airport. Another comfortable mode of transport chosen to reach the Bhopal Airport are by prepaid taxis and car rentals. There are several of these available in the city centre as well as the Raja Bhoj Airport. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Raja Bhoj airport from Bhopal's city centre. While a metro line is being constructed to connect the Bhopal Airport and the city centre, there are no direct railway lines connected otherwise. No railway station is connected directly or is even close to the Bhopal airport.

About Bhopal

Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The city is famous for its flourishing artificial lakes and for being one of the greenest and beautiful cities in the country. Bhopal's fame also comes from the princely regime that took place during the British rule. To this day, the city continues to celebrate its Nawabi culture and celebrate some of the cultural heritages from the Nawab period. These include places such as Taj-ul-Masajid and Taj Mahal palace, to name a few. Bhopal is also known worldwide for the tragic industrial disaster which resulted in the loss of lives and natural habitat.

Bhopal gas tragedy took place in 1984 following a gas leak from the Union Carbide India Limited's (UCIL) pesticide manufacturing plant. The disaster resulted in the loss of lives and also shed light on the socio-political challenges of people living in Bhopal. However, the city overcame the tragedy and now stands as one of the smart cities to be developed under the current prime minister's flagship project, Smart Cities Mission. Bhopal has been receiving the coveted title of the greenest cities in the country for consecutive years.