Vienna to Ranchi Flights

  About Vienna

Austria's capital, Vienna, is recognised as one of the most romantic and historically rich cities in the world. The city is known to have contributed significantly to the intellectual and art world with legends like Mozart, Sigmund Freud and Beethoven, the architecture is pristine. With the Danube river flowing through the city of Vienna, there are impeccable locales that should be visited. The Hungarian city is a big hit among tourists around the world. In Austria, Vienna is easily the economic, political and cultural hub for the country. It is also the sixth-largest city in the European Union. Predominantly a German-speaking city, Vienna has a thriving food culture that deserves to be checked out. The city experiences a great number of tourists every year. Not to mention how Vienna is also recognised to be one of the liveable cities in the world.

Best time to visit Vienna

Vienna's backwaters can best be experienced in the months April to May and September to October. Although the summer months are a big hit among a majority of tourists who flock over to enjoy the cool but fresh summer breeze, spring and autumn are ideal. During spring, which falls on the months of April and May, the city experiences chilly weather transiting to hot summers. The temperatures vary between 15 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius, which is ideal for engaging in touristy activities. As the peak season for tourists is later in the summer, this time makes it perfect for checking out some of the biggest attractions without having to deal with the long queues. It is also the best time to book hotels in Vienna as the prices are quite cheap and affordable. Even the flights flying to Vienna are cheap and come with impeccable deals. You should know though that the summers are when some of the best festivals take place, and the city streets are full of lively purveyors. Events such as Vienna Festival, Rainbow Parade and Danube Island Festival keep the spirits high of the locals as well as the tourists.

September to October, which is fall in Vienna, is again a lovely time to visit the city. Even though the temperatures fluctuate between 14 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius, it still manages to maintain a favourable climate that would keep the tourists happy. It is advised that you book your hotel rooms in Vienna a few weeks in advance to avoid any surge in price. In fact, it would be ideal to even get your flight tickets to Vienna booked so that you don't have to worry about the expensive prices. Don't worry, though as you will find some astounding rooms facing breath-taking views to elevate your experience in the city. Plus, the city also witnesses some big festivals such as Vienna Fashion Week, Viennale Vienna International Film Festival and Long Night of the Museums, that attract a lot of crowds. Hence, even though the city might not be too hot for tourists to enjoy the weather in the city, it certainly would give them quite the experience. Winters are also good, provided you are okay with the chilly breeze and the frigid weather.

Places to visit in Vienna

Vienna's fame doesn't just come from the personalities that the city offered to the world (Mozart, Sigmund Freud, to name a few), but also the rich history and architecture that it preserves. You should start your trip from St Stephen's Cathedral, a Gothic structure that has seen various times of history as it was constructed back in the 12th century. You should also visit the Museum of Fine Arts to celebrate the artwork of European stalwarts Velasquez, Rubens, Titian and Van Dyke. Another important location would be the Schönbrunn Palace, which has historical significance for being a hunting lodge turned palace. House of Music (Haus der Musik) is another famous location in the city where revered musicians such as Mozart, Beethoven, Mahler, Haydn and Strauss once lived. It is a fascinating museum that cherishes the life and works of the elite musicians of Vienna. While in the city, do not miss Tiergarter, known to be the oldest zoo in the world which houses over 750 animal species ranging from lemurs to tigers. Hofburg Palace is also a beautiful structure that should check out when in the city.

Things to do in Vienna

From Vienna, you can take up a day tour to the Danube Valley and Melk Abbey as a way to unwind from the city's tourist attractions. These places are more nature-friendly and bring about calmness and serenity to a person. You should also try to book yourself a ticket and catch a show at the Vienna State Opera for it holds a very important position in Austria. Another fun activity to indulge in would be to check out the Naschmarkt. It is known to be a big market that comes together for the sale and purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. There are some food stalls and joints here too that will amaze you. Vienna sells history, and you should try to soak in as much as you can. The place bustles with beautiful palatial structures and cathedrals with stunning architectural works. It would be a shame to not explore more of the city. You can rent a bicycle to do the same.

Food and restaurants in Vienna

Austrian cuisine is predominantly meat-based. The city's cuisine is something one should definitely indulge in, but it might be difficult for a vegetarian to survive. Much if their dishes come from their love for meat, which is something that a vegetarian cannot enjoy. Hearty meals such as Austrian taverns, also known as beisls, are basically hefty portions of boiled beef (tafelspitz), goulash (a stew prepared from potatoes and beef) and a schnitzel (deep-fried wiener). To get the best and authentic flavours of an Austrian meal, you should check out Lugecj and Ofenloch, located within Innere Stadt. Of course, if you need to save some money because you're following a strict budget, then you should leave Innere Stadt and walk up beyond the city centre. Innere Stadt is quaint and extremely posh, which would only work for you if you have to the bucks to splurge.

To get some cheap and affordable food that continues to express the culture of Austria, then you should visit Gmoakeller in Landstrasse and Motto in Weiden. Although it is recommended that you savour in as much Austrian, you can indulge in some international cuisine too. In the city, you will find Asian and Italian cuisine to continue your food expedition. Remember to carry enough cash for your food as most of their restaurants and food establishments do not accept credit or debit card. Vienna's streets have cafes, desserts and patisseries galore which would leave you in awe of their gugelhupfs (Bundt cake) and apple strudel. Everything they consume is incomplete without wine, so do not hesitate to pick a fine wine for your dining. Or you can call for some beer too to complete your meal.

How to reach Vienna

There is an abundance of flights available that fly to Vienna from India. However, there are no direct flights that fly to Vienna from India. However, thanks to some of the airlines, there are layovers and connecting flights that fly to Vienna. Airlines such as Lufthansa, IndiGo, Turkish Airlines, Vistara, LOT Polish Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, to name a few, have regular flights to Vienna. The most popular route to Vienna often picked by tourists is the one connecting from Istanbul. The duration via this route is the least and hence, is the most convenient. Some of the other cities where layovers take place are Warsaw, Doha, Munich, Cairo, Frankfurt, Muscat and Dubai. The duration of flights to Vienna from India is close to 11 hours from Mumbai. However, depending on the airlines that you pick, the duration can extend accordingly. The flight tickets to Vienna are also decently priced, but it might be steep for you if you have a lot of other cities in Europe that you plan to travel to from Vienna. Flight deals to Vienna might be available online provided you book in advance and get more miles.

As a holiday destination, there is a high demand for Vienna from India. People mostly opt to travel to a plethora of cities as part of their European trips. Hence, they start from one place in the EU Union and then travel within the continent. When using this method, Vienna is best reached via Munich by train. Either Munich or Zurich, there are fancy trains that traverse to the beautiful Austrian city. Booking your hotels in Vienna is key to getting great discounts and cheap deals. The city is always crowded with tourists, thanks to its popularity. It is also one of the cheaper vacations one can look for, which makes the accommodations a tad bit difficult to find. If you are planning for a trip, especially during peak season, it is best advised to book rooms in Vienna to avoid the surge in prices.

  About Ranchi

Ranchi is not only the city of waterfalls but is also the summer capital of Jharkhand. It is easily one of the most beautiful cities and a popular tourist destination, too. It does complete justice to its title 'City of Waterfalls'. You will come across the most breathtaking views of the waterfalls, hills and lush greenery. The city is also popular for its golgappas that will be a treat to your taste buds. Since the city is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and cultural wonders, getting to Ranchi will not be that difficult for you. It's also a great spot for adventure lovers who love trekking.

Best Time to Visit Ranchi

November to February is considered to be the ideal months to visit Ranchi. The winter makes the weather pleasant and the nights cold. This is also the best time to go sightseeing or pursue any other activities. The temperature drops to 2 degree Celsius at nights and about 27 degree Celsius during the day. You won't have to worry a lot about sweating or getting drenched in the rain during this time. Don't miss out on the Makar Sankranti celebrations in the city during January. However, since it is peak season, getting cheap flight tickets to Ranchi or booking a hotel in Ranchi at cheaper rates might not be possible. You might come across decent flight deals to Ranchi though if you book way in advance. Since this season is also a peak season, you will see a lot of tourists in the city.

The city experiences summer from March to June and the temperature ranges from 18 to 36 degree Celsius. You can plan a trip or a trek to the hills and the waterfalls to beat the heat. It's not the most popular time to plan a visit to Ranchi, and you will see lesser tourists in the city. This will be a great time to travel to Ranchi if you don't like a lot of crowds and want to enjoy your solitude. In fact, you can also visit all of the tourist attractions without getting caught in the hustle and bustle of a lot of tourists.

July to September is when Ranchi experiences monsoon, and it only makes the city look spectacular. The lush greenery, the waterfalls, the hills look enchantingly beautiful. This is also the perfect time for you to go on a hike. You can even catch the Jagannathpur mela or the Rath mela that is organised in the city. This is a 10-day event and is organised on a grand scale. You can buy souvenirs from the different stalls, go on a food tasting tour at the different food stalls and you can also watch the performances put up by artists during the mela.

Places to Visit in Ranchi

Ranchi is a city of waterfalls, and you must definitely visit each and every one of them. The Panch Gagh falls, in the village of Khunti, is quite special. It has five waterfalls cascading through the steep hills, which is why it is called the Panch Gagh falls. Visiting this place will only make your trip ideal and memorable. The Patratu Valley, about 40 km away from Ranchi is another popular tourist destination in Ranchi. The drive along the Patratu valley ghat is magnificent, and you can soak in the scenic landscape on your drive. The valley has lush greenery on one side and the waters of the Patratu dam on the other. However, it is advisable to not travel to the valley after dark. The Johna Falls in Ranchi is also worth visiting. River Ganga and Raru merge to form these falls that fall from a height of about 45 meters. It is also called the Gautamdhara Falls, courtesy a Buddhist shrine that is near the falls. The Dasham Falls near the Taimara village in Ranchi is another destination that you should add to your itinerary. Sita Falls, Hudru falls, Hirni falls, Lodh falls, and Murga Mahadev falls are few other waterfalls that will leave you awestruck.

Apart from these, you can also visit the different lakes in the city. The Ranchi lake and Topchanchi lake are buzzing with tourists, especially during the peak season. The Tagore Hill is one of the most popular spots in the city and an apt place to enjoy some peace and quiet. The Pahari Mandir in Ranchi that is at an altitude of 2140 feet promises one of the most stunning views of the city. You will have to climb approximately 300 steps. The temple sees a lot of devotees climb all of those steps to offer their prayers during the Shravan season. The city is also popular for the Jagannath temple, which is a smaller replica of the one in Puri. It is a popular landmark in Ranchi. The Rock Garden in Ranchi offers you a blend of waterfalls, beautiful sculptures, art and a scenic beauty that makes for the best pictures. The garden is located on a hillock near the Kanke Dam. This is the perfect place for you to spend some quality time with your family amidst a beautiful view of the city.

Things to do in Ranchi

Ranchi is like paradise for everyone who loves adventures and nature. Pack your bathing suits, an extra pair of clothes, a picnic and head over to the Johna Falls. You will see River Ganga and River Raru combine and fall from a height of about 140 feet. You will have to climb about 700 steps, and this will prove to be quite the tedious hike but completely worth it. You can also try the jalebis and other delicacies from the local shops on your way or from the fair. You must also try the local food in Ranchi that promise you a gastronomic experience. Hit the local Golgappa stalls, kulfi parlours and do try the Litti Chokha, a popular dish in Ranchi. The Birsa Zoological Park is one of the most beautiful zoos in the country and is a delight to wildlife photographers and animal lovers. Taking a tour of the zoo will make your day!

Head over to Tagore Hill and plan a picnic with your family. Make sure you also stay till sunset or reach the hill right in time to combine your picnic with a breathtaking sunset. The Rock Gardens is a popular destination in Ranchi, and you will surely have a great time here. You can also visit the Kanke Dam, which is closer to the gardens. The whole vibe of the place will leave a smile on your face, and it also makes for a great place to take pictures. If you are feeling spiritual, you can head over to any one of the temples and offer your prayers or meditate over there. If you are in Ranchi during festival season, make sure you attend as much as you can. A morning trek to the Panch Gagh falls is yet another activity you must add to your trip itinerary.

Food and Restaurants in Ranchi

Ranchi is popular for its Golgappas and the unique chaats. You will find delicacies like Pua, Litti Chokha, Handia, Aloo Chokham Dubhni Roti and so on. You can even try the kebabs and the various tribal food in the city. Ajam Emba is a very popular place and unique, too. The restaurant serves authentic Adivasi food and delicacies that you might not get elsewhere. The restaurant has a very rustic decor and very different from other places. They also only use locally-produced raw ingredients in their food. The Waterfront Restaurant inside the Radisson Blu hotel combines a wonderful ambience with great food for its customers. While you are there, you can also head to The Great Kebab Factory. If you are attending any of the fairs in the city during your visit, you can also try the desserts from the local stalls.

How to reach Ranchi

By Air

The Birsa Munda Airport connects Ranchi to major domestic cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, Delhi and Bangalore. The flight connectivity from Ranchi is quite limited to a few cities in the country, but you will also find direct flights to Ranchi from certain cities. However, connecting flights from Delhi is a popular route to Ranchi by air. The nearest international airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. You can also change flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. If you are travelling during the offseason, you might get great flight deals to Ranchi or even cheap flight tickets to Ranchi.

By Rail

Ranchi Junction is well-connected to other cities. You can pick a regular express train or superfast trains, too. Boarding a train or getting a train ticket from or to Ranchi is not very difficult. Travelling by train is also a very convenient way to reach the city.

By Road

There are frequent bus services that run from Jamshedpur, Patna and Kolkata to Ranchi. You can also take a taxi from nearby cities.

  About Ranchi Airport

Birsa Munda Airport or popularly known as Ranchi airport, is the primary airport that serves the city of Ranchi, which is the state capital of Jharkhand. The airport has been named after the freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who strived for the freedom of tribal living in the state of Jharkhand. Belonging to the Munda tribe, he spearheaded the religious Millenarian movement in the late 19th century. He has been recognised for his extensive contribution to the history of Jharkhand. Currently, Birsa Munda Airport is being managed by the Airports Authority of India. It is situated in Hindoo, which is approximately 5 km from the main city. Hence, in terms of connectivity, it is easy to reach Birsa Munda Airport. The airport is sprawled across an area of 1568 acres of land. The airport has a capacity to accommodate approximately 2.4 million passengers in a year. Birsa Munda Airport is also recognised as the 25th busiest airport in the country. Expansions plans are to help the airport accommodate more flights and passenger traffic.

About Ranchi Airport Terminal

Birsa Munda Airport currently has one integrated passenger terminal that caters to all domestic flight operations. The airport only has domestic flights and airlines function from its premise. The new passenger terminal was built in 2013 and inaugurated by Ajit Singh, the then civil aviation minister. The new integrated terminal building is spread across 19,600 square metres. It was constructed at a whopping cost of INR 1.38 billion. The upgraded building accommodates two aero-bridges and six escalators with equipment imported from countries such as Singapore, China and Germany. The new terminal's facilities have enabled a smooth transit for passengers travelling to Ranchi. Thanks to the expansion and installation of the new terminal building, Birsa Munda Airport's capacity to accommodate passengers has increased to 500 at a time. Further, to attract more domestic airlines to Birsa Munda Airport, the airport reduced the tax on aviation turbine fuel from 20 per cent to 4 per cent. Adding to the attractive offers, the airport also announced that they would allow free overnight parking of aircraft in the vicinity free-of-charge. Plans to expand the runway are currently in talks.

About airport authority

Birsa Munda Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The statutory body has been responsible for conducting management operations of the airport. It works under the Ministry of Civil Aviation which is part of the Government of India. Since the genesis of the airport, AAI has been working on constantly upgrading and expanding the facility.

In 2019, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that they would be working on expanding the Birsa Munda Airport further to accommodate newer facilities. They are rooting to add six parking bays to the airport to allow more flights to park. The main idea behind the expansion of the parking bays is to enable flight operations of about 11 aircraft at a time. Due to the increase in the air traffic witnessed by Ranchi Airport in the last four years, the Airports Authority of India has proposed the upgradation plan. Along with this, the airport also plans to utilise two aerobridges to enable passengers to board the aircraft from the terminal's departure area directly.

As of 2020, Birsa Munda Airport has the space to accommodate three Airbus A320 and two 19-seater ATRs. The new apron is set to accommodate five Airbus aircraft and one ATR plane at one moment. The airport would expand to accommodate about eight Airbus and three ATR plans in total to be parked at a time. A senior official of the Ranchi Airport has further stated that the new apron would be able to accommodate operations of 80 flights in a day.

Facilities at the Ranchi Airport

Baggage – Baggage facilities such as wrapping services, free trolleys and porter systems are available at the Ranchi Airport.

Food court – At the departure section of the airport, a food court has been installed with various small establishments and food joints. One can pass their time by availing the food services that the food joints provide.

ATMs – In case of last-minute cash withdrawals, the airport has enabled ATM services too. There are kiosks available at the departure as well as arrival section of the airport.

Smoking Zones – There are dedicated rooms for smoking. Passengers are not allowed to smoke in public lounge spaces as it would cause discomfort to fellow passengers. The smoking zones are kept clean and are perfectly sanitised.

Medical services – The airport has reserved some medical services for passengers. There are first aid kits that are available across the airport's terminal. You can visit the information desk to get more details on their medical assistance. Simultaneously, you can also avail the services of the pharmacies that are present at the airport. Any last-minute medical purchases can be made at the airport. Or, if you are feeling under the weather, ahead of the flight, you can visit the pharmacies. The staff are quite friendly and would help you through your purchase.

Special assistance – You will need to request for special assistance services from your airlines before travelling to the airport. They do have facilities to help the elderly and dedicate staff to take passengers through the procedures. If need be, the staff will escort the passenger to the aircraft as well. Special assistance services are usually reserved for passengers who fall under certain categories such as senior citizens, expecting mothers, disabled individuals, children travelling alone and more. Depending on the situation, the airport allows for special assistance services.

Duty-free shops – Despite offering fewer facilities, Ranchi Airport does have a duty-free shop that is cheap and affordable. You can find some of the interesting artefacts and items that reflect the cultural heritage of Ranchi and Jharkhand at these shops. From ethnic jewellery to intricate showpieces, you will find some interesting purchases at the airport's duty-free shops.

Top airlines flying from the Ranchi Airport

There are a handful of domestic airlines that operate from Birsa Munda Airport. Despite catering to international airlines, the airport doesn't witness many flights flying out of the country or operating from the city's airport. Much of the connectivity within India from Ranchi Airport is also minimal. Presently, airlines that operate from Birsa Munda Airport include AirAsia India, Alliance Air, GoAir, Vistara and IndiGo. These airlines mostly cater to Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Indore, Raipur, Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar. The airport is striving to make some massive upgradations and expansions to attract more flight activities. Although there are no international activities that take place from Birsa Munda Airport, the management is trying to get hold of some airlines that would cater to international cities that are in the proximity of the country. The aircraft movement has seen a significant rise as in 2020 as it has increased to 19,137, which is quite good considering how the airport is quite limited with its flight and airlines options.

How to reach Ranchi Airport

Birsa Munda Airport is about 7 km away from the city centre. Hence, the best way to reach Birsa Munda Airport is by prepaid taxis. The facilities are available within the city of Ranchi. In fact, there are bus services also available in the city that would reach you to Birsa Munda Airport. However, hailing a taxi cab is considered to be the best way to reach Ranchi Airport. Not to mention how airport shuttle services can also be availed at the hotel. You will need to ask them ahead of the journey if there are any such airport shuttle services that the hotel provides. Further, you can also approach a travel agent to book a ride for you so you can travel within Ranchi as well as reach Birsa Munda Airport.

About Ranchi

Ranchi is the capital of the state of Jharkhand and is located in the centre of the state. It became the centre of the Jharkhand movement which announced or rather fought for a separate state that would be reserved to the tribal regions of South Bihar, western West Bengal, northern Orissa and eastern Chattisgarh. A portion of Bihar's Chota Nagpur and Santhal Parganas was divided to form the state of Jharkhand. Ranchi's proximity to the Tropic of Cancer gives it a tropical climate. While Hindi is the official language of the city, there are many tribes that reside in the area, making diverse dialects such as Kurmali and Khortha, just as famous. Nagpuri, Mundari are also spoken. Over the years, it has turned into a major industrial city in Eastern India with an abundance of mineral-based industries. Ranchi has also managed to attract a lot of tourism over the years with the installation and upgradation of its airport, Birsa Munda Airport. Many tourists have started visiting the city to learn more about their tribal culture and various other dimensions of touristy activities that can or rather should be explored in the city.