Washington to Jodhpur Flights

  About Washington

Washington DC, is the capital city of the United States of America. The city reflects the rich history of the United States with its neoclassical monuments and iconic locations. The place will keep you engaged with its compelling slew of tourist attractions. As the capital of the United States of America, Washington DC has many traditional attractions with important museums and monuments. Make sure to visit all the Smithsonian American museums as they shed light on various cultural and historical significance of America.

Best time to visit Washington DC

Washington DC's summers are the peak season for travel. However, to steer clear off all the touristy crowd and to engage in some real fun, it is best to opt for spring and autumn. Summers in Washington DC are from June to August when the city experiences sweltering heat and a tremendous tourist crowd. Some of the fun events and festivals hosted by the city during this period include Capital Pride Parade, National Mall Fourth of July Celebration and Summerfest DC. While they may seem like enjoyable activities to participate in, the exorbitant prices of surviving a trip might pull you back. Although many locals ring in summers in other parts of the US, tourists might find Washington DC to be a tad bit expensive during peak season. Even hotel rooms in Washington DC are expensive. The months leading up to summer, though, are quite pleasant and even easy on the pockets. Spring brings with it the season of blossoms as the month of March begins with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Watching the cherry blossoms bloom is a trip and definitely worth experiencing. The city also witnesses the National Memorial Day Parade, another interesting festival to be a part of.

Maybe not summer but the season following summer in Washington DC is just as favourable for tourists. The autumn season is just next to perfection and definitely something all tourists would enjoy. The weather is exquisite and calm as the brisk winter air starts to slowly take over the city. Booking a hotel in Washington DC becomes cheap and affordable too as the summer crowd takes away the expensive tags. However, as many business travellers make their way into the city, the hotel deals might still be a hard snag unless you make prior hotel bookings in Washington DC. The city witnesses the H Street festival and Library of Congress National Book Festival during autumn. The cultural festivals with their historical significance only add to the experience one might take in during a trip to Washington DC. If you want to downscale your budget further, then winter is the best time to visit for you. The city streets freeze up while the temperature ranges between 5 degree Celsius to 7 degree Celsius. The perks, though, are the slash in hotel room prices, which is a sweet deal if you want to experience winter in the city.

Places to visit in Washington DC

The first thing to check out would undoubtedly be the Lincoln Memorial. The location would make quite a postcard-worthy click with Honest Abe's memorial in the background. Next, you can visit Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials, popularly referred to as 'the Wall', which has names of all the Americans who succumbed to the Vietnam War. Just around the Lincoln Memorial is the beautiful Tidal Basin, a must-visit, especially during spring. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a treasure trove which celebrates exquisite aircraft, including Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B and Wilbur and Orville Wright's 1903 Wright Flyer, to name a few. It is a fascinating place and would certainly pique your interest. The city also has the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum which showcases the atrocities faced during the World War II. Do not miss the National Gallery of Art and The White House and the Washington Monument.

Things to do in Washington DC

Majority of the things that you can do in the city pertain to some of the sightseeing. Washington DC is recognised to be the city with a plethora of historical monuments and a haven for American history. The city offers a peek into the country's history as well as important events. Aside from indulging in the past of the country, one of the things you should definitely do is get tickets to a show at The John F Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts. You can explore the US Capitol's Library of Congress to get more understanding of the politics. A picture next to Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial also sounds like a good thing to do. You can also take a break from all the history lessons and head to 9:30 Club to relish some live music. The club has hosted many big bands, including RHCP and Nirvana.

Food and Restaurants in Washington DC

Washington DC's food culture is as diverse as the capital can get. There is an abundance of succulent eateries spread across the city. From piquant Spanish delicacies to oyster shots, there are many ethnic and global restaurants that will get your attention. Check out H Street Northeast, in the Atlas District to get some of the ethnic action as there are Belgian, Japanese and many more cultural kitchens. To get the sophisticated gourmet experience at an upscale restaurant, you can visit José Andrés' hotels such as Zaytinya and Oyamel Cocina Mexicana. Old Ebbitt grill and 1789 are also some lovely places where you will get the high-end fine dining experience. However, if you are on a budget, then opt for some eateries such as Ben's Chili Bowl and Good Stuff Eatery. These places have some signature dishes that you shouldn't miss at any cost. From lip-smacking burgers to rice bowls, the two joints offer an interesting palette of flavours in their meals that is worth all the money shelled out. Good Stuff Eatery's burgers are famous as they have been curated by chef Spike Mendelsohn.

Another major highlight to add to Washington DC's food culture are the farmer's markets in the city. Located in the District, a group of farmers huddle up to sell their fresh goods which come in all forms, colours and shapes. You'll find organic vegetables, healthy fruits and a colourful spread of goods at the market. It is a good place to get some of the fruity and healthy veggies action. Columbia Heights Farmers Market and FRESHFARM are two recognised markets that you should check out when in the city. Interestingly, the city also has lovely breweries and brewpubs, which came into existence in the recent past. However, the best way to enjoy the DC spirit would be to indulge in some brunch options. Tabard Inn, Kafe Leopold, Equinox, Cava Mezze, Juniper, Cafe Milano, to name a few, would be the best places to start your brunch rendezvous

How to reach Washington DC

Flight connectivity to Washington DC from India is quite decent but overpriced. There are no direct flights to Washington DC from India and layovers are the only way to reach the capital city. The demand for flights to Washington DC are not as much as for New York City or Chicago. Hence, the connectivity is also quite poor. There are only a handful of airlines that operate from India to Washington. Airlines such as United Airlines, Air Canada, Emirates, All Nippon Airways, to name a few, are the only ones that have flight services to Washington DC from India. There are no nonstop or flights to Washington DC from India, and usually, a layover or connecting flight is the only way to go. The United Airlines has flight connectivity to Washington DC from Newark. Many of the flights use the international route of Newark to reach Washington DC. Emirates is the only other airline that stops at Dubai for a layover before flying to Washington DC. Cathay Pacific also has flights to Washington DC from Delhi. Mostly, the connectivity is only from the Dubai and Newark international routes to reach Washington DC. The popular route to Washington DC often chosen by travellers is from Newark

Travellers require a transit visa to enter the USA and to reach Washington DC. Since the flights have connectivity from Newark, the non-immigrants are required to show a transit visa to let the authorities know that you are just taking a connecting flight to a different destination. A transit visa is a type 'C' visa where basically, you need to show at the Newark airport that you are just taking a connecting flight to Washington DC. To acquire these, you could apply for them at the American embassy, or you can do it online. The provisions are faster online and would be beneficial to you. The flight duration to Washington DC from India is approximately 17 hours, which is subject to change depending on the availability of flights. Do not expect cheap flight tickets to Washington DC. Not only is the capital expensive but even flight tickets to Washington DC is quite exorbitant. Even the accommodation is high-priced, and it would be best to make flight and hotel bookings to Washington DC well in advance to avoid expensive rates.

  About Jodhpur

The second-largest city in Rajasthan after the capital Jaipur is historically rich Jodhpur. The city is often a haven for travellers seeking to learn more about the history and delve into the cultural heritage. From magnificent forts flaunting the architectural prowess to the luxurious escapades offered, Jodhpur easily becomes one of the best cities to head for a vacation.

Due to its stature as a big city, Jodhpur's flight connectivity to other major cities is excellent. Not to mention how the range of accommodations ranges from lavish to affordable. Ahead of your big trip, make sure to book your hotels in Jodhpur and let the city pamper you with its richness.

Best time to visit Jodhpur

The winters in Jodhpur have a comforting vibe that would make anyone extend their trip. The city faces beautiful and serene winters as the temperature drops to 10 degree Celsius while it only rises to 24 degree Celsius during the day. The winter season starts from October and lasts till March. These five months in Jodhpur are blissful as the sun isn't too hot and scorching. If you plan to book flight tickets to Jodhpur, then opt for one of the winter months. Newlyweds who are planning a honeymoon should give Jodhpur a thought for their destination. The place is historically and culturally rich, not to mention romantic.

The months from March to June are observed as summer season. Since it is a desert state, the summers are lethal as the temperatures soar up to 42 degree Celsius. While the evenings can be considerably pleasant if you do visit Jodhpur, you will be too tired by the data's heat to enjoy the evenings. Engaging in sightseeing will especially be tough considering how the temperatures would suck the life out of you. Flight tickets to Jodhpur are exceptionally cheap during summer. You might even crack some flight deals online for booking Jodhpur tickets.

Jodhpur receives scanty rainfall since it is in a dry state. While the temperatures do drop come monsoon, the humidity also skyrockets. The season is definitely not the best time to visit Jodhpur. However, to ensure that travellers continue to visit them, the hotels come up with flash sales and interesting deals. With a view to attracting travellers, crazy accommodation deals are offered by hoteliers. If the weather can't bring down your spirit, then go ahead, book a hotel room in Jodhpur and have an off-season vacation.

Places to see in Jodhpur

One of the biggest highlights of Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. Built by Rao Jodha back in 1460 AD, it is one of the most exquisite hill forts that you will find in Rajasthan. Not to mention the flawless construction and architecture matched with the grandiose of red sandstone make it a sight for sore eyes. The experience will be one of a kind. Well, when you're in Jodhpur, wouldn't you want to check out the place where Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot? The palatial wedding took place at the Umaid Bhavan Palace, another major attraction in the city. Perhaps you too can plan out your fairytale wedding as Taj Group of Hotels partly operates the palace.

Jodhpur has far too many forts that must be explored. Owing to their illustrious history and the Raja-Maharaja heritage, places like Jaswant Thada, Chand Baori, Raas Haveli, Umaid Heritage Art School, Masuriya Hill Garden, etc., should definitely be in your itinerary as you explore Jodhpur. Plus, there are many temples in the city such as Osian temple, Mahamandir, Om Banna Temple, Chamunda Mata temple and more that you can visit.

Things to do in Jodhpur

Tripolia market

No trip is complete without a little indulgence in splurging at shopping complexes. At Jodhpur, you can find some exquisite Jodhpuri style footwear, accessories and clothes. From pretty batik sarees to chunky metal accessories, the market will cater to your shopping needs.

Party at the Trophy Bar

Jodhpur is for the royals, and those who enjoy extravagant experiences should go to the city's Trophy Bar. Located in the Umaid Bhavan Palace, party like a royal at this sports-themed place while downing rich Rajasthani cuisine.

Photography at the Machia Biological Park

If you are a photography enthusiast, then the Machia Biological Park would give you the best models to cover. Visit the biological park along with your professional cameras. At the park, you will get to spot animals such as lions, wolves, tigers, jackals, gharial, leopards, sloths, porcupines and deer. The park also hosts bird-watching tours so if you wish to enhance your experience further, you can enrol for the expedition.

Camel safari followed by dinner

Camel safaris are a rage in Rajasthan and Jodhpur is no different to this fervour. A little away from the main city, there are many campsites that conduct adventure activities in the desert. You can indulge in camel safari followed by sublime food and camping. The perks of Jodhpur is the extravagance it comes with. You can opt for luxurious camping amid sand dunes and let the tranquillity of the desert coddle you.

Food and Restaurants in Jodhpur

When it comes to food, Rajasthani cuisine is wholesome and too good for words. The vegetarian spread of a thali with bajra roti, gatta curry, Dal paneer, Dal baati churma, Marwari pulao and more form quite the harmony of taste in the mouth. No matter how much you try, the delicious spread with dollops of ghee tempt you to eat till your stomach can't take it. And even if you do manage to finish what has been served to you, they come with more variety and food that you've never heard of. They believe in great hospitality and ensure that you return with a satiated smile.

When you visit Jodhpur, be prepared for a feast because their restaurants with lengthy food menu will entice you to order platter after platter of dishes. Speaking of which, when you're in the city, do visit Shandar Sweet Home and immerse yourself in the traditional desserts of the Rajasthanis. From Dahi vada to gulab jamun ki sabzi, you will be amazed and intrigued by their dishes. Ghost's fame comes from its traditional thali that comprises of 29 dishes. The appetizing good with myriad scents and flavours will leave you in a trance.

Hanwant Mahal, Indique and Janta Sweet Home are some more restaurants and food joints that have found fame in Jodhpur for their delicious spread of ingenious cuisine.

How to reach Jodhpur (Transportation)

By Air

Jodhpur might share its airside with the Indian Air Force, but the city does have a dedicated runway that helps connect with other big cities in India. Flights to and from Jodhpur are connected to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The duration of travel is quite less, so expect flight tickets to Jodhpur to be on the cheaper side. However, depending on whether it is a peak or off-season, you might not be able to get your hands on cheap flight tickets to Jodhpur. As winter brings various festivals with it, the peak season sees an abundance of travellers flocking over from international cities. The domestic routes between Jodhpur and Delhi are always busy as consistent flights are flying to and from Jodhpur. Similarly, Mumbai and Jodhpur also have regular flights flying to the city.

Airlines such as Air India and SpiceJet have dedicated flights to Jodhpur. The airport is only 3 km away from the main city, which makes travelling easier. You can get rentals or taxi cabs at the airport. While you're making your flight bookings to Jodhpur, you should also book a hotel in the city. Peak season will see a surge in prices for everything ranging from transport to accommodation. Hence, make sure to book a hotel room in Jodhpur before your trip commences.

By Train

Train travelling is ideal, and the cheapest option one can look for. The ticket prices to Jodhpur via train is also cheap and quite affordable. Jodhpur takes popular rail routes to connect to Mumbai, Delhi Chennai and Kolkata. There are a bunch of express trains travelling from different parts of the world that use this domestic route to reach Jodhpur. From Chennai Jodhpur Expressed to Jaisalmer Delhi Express, there are several express trains that pass through the city. Details about the train timings and other such inputs are shared on the website of the Indian Railways. Depending on whether the train's timing fits your schedule, you can book tickets to Jodhpur.

By Road

The roadways are connected brilliantly in Rajasthan so you can literally reach Jodhpur from any domestic route you pick. All the major cities in Rajasthan are well connected with each other. It'll take you approximately four hours to reach Jodhpur from Udaipur, close to five hours from Jaisalmer, five hours again from Bikaner and five hours and 30 minutes from Jaipur. One of the main reasons why it is recommended that travellers opt for road trips when in Rajasthan is because of how close the main cities are and how you can reach in less duration of time.

  About Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport is a joint-use civil enclave airport located in the city of Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India. The airport was originally set up by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in the 1920s to accommodate the Jodhpur Flying Club. A small airfield was constructed right next to the Chittar Palace. The airfield witnessed a consistent expansion and growth in the following three decades as it was also acquired by the Royal Air Force to cater to fighter planes during World War II. Eventually, after independence and the exit of the Britishers from India, the airfield was upgraded in 1950 which became part of the Indian Air Force. Until 1965, the airfield was majorly used by the Indian Air Force's Air Force Flying College. This continued until the 1965 war. Eventually, the operations were shifted to creating an airport out of the already existing airfield. Jodhpur Airport is about 3.2 km away from the city centre of Jodhpur. Even though it is operated for passenger flights, the airport continues to see parts of its premise being used by the Jodhpur Air Base which is connected to the Indian Air Force.

About Jodhpur Airport Terminal

Jodhpur Airport has only one domestic terminal which caters to almost three gates. The interiors of the airport terminal are well-equipped with essential facilities ranging from check-in counters to baggage conveyor belts. Overall, the terminal has seven check-in counters, three boarding gates, both located in the domestic terminal premises. The airport also has an apron measuring 140 x 100 metres which are made of concrete and consists of three parking pays for aircraft such as two A320 and one ATR. The runway is also extended to around 2743 metres in length and 45 metres in width. Further, the airport has also facilitated night landing. It has installed an instrument landing system (ILS) along with navigation equipment such as DVOR/DME (Very High-Frequency Omni-Directional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment) and a non-directional radio beacon (NBD). As for the squadrons present in the airport vicinity, HAL Dhruv, Mikoyan MiG-27, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Mil Mi-17 aircraft are present. These aircraft are operated under the Indian Air Force from the shared airfield.

About airport authority

Jodhpur Airport is owned and operated under the Airports Authority. Although it shares the airside with the Jodhpur Air Base of the Indian Air Force, the air force does not have any management or operational role in the functioning of Jodhpur Airport. In 2017, the government of Rajasthan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force to enable expansion plans that the airport's authority has for the civil enclave. The Indian Air Force agreed to hand over 37 acres of their land to the Airports Authority of India so they can commence expansion and upgradation projects. Over the years, the airport has witnessed a tremendous surge in its passenger traffic, owing to the massive tourism activities that take place in the city. Besides, since Jodhpur's grand palaces have become the ideal spot for wedding destinations, the demand for the airport has also increased. Not to mention how it has even become the 44th busiest airports in the country. Airports Authority of India is yet to reveal expansion designs and plans on what they aim to add to the facilities of Jodhpur Airport. However, they have shown promise to accommodate better equipment and essential modern upgrades to add more charm to the airport's vibe.

Facilities at the Jodhpur Airport

Baggage – Baggage facilities at the airport include free trolleys, porter services and security checks of the checked and hand baggage.

Restaurants – The cafeteria of Jodhpur Airport has a bunch of famous food joints as well as local restaurants that promote Rajasthani cuisine.

Duty-free shops – The airport has a few duty-free shops located in comfortable locations, within the departure hall. The shops majorly have Rajasthani-inspired handicrafts, clothes, shoes, artefacts and more. Ethnic jewellery can also be found at these shops, along with affordable food items.

Special assistance – To cater to the needs of physically disabled, Jodhpur Airport also has special assistance facilities. The passenger can request for wheelchairs and even ask the staff to help escort the passenger. It is essential to inform the airlines about the same in advance so that they can inform the airport to reserve services.

ATMs – ATM kiosks have been facilitated at specific points in the airport's vicinity. Passengers who need to withdraw cash at the airport to travel to the city or to make purchases within the airport can use the ATMs.

First aid stations – Jodhpur Airport has reserved specific first aid stations within its premise to cater to medical emergencies. There are dedicated rooms where the patient can rest. These rooms are equipped with essential medical facilities too. Further, the airport has pharmacies also present to help passengers with their medication needs.

Smoking zones – The airport prohibits smoking in public. They have instead installed smoking lounges that passengers can use to smoke. These zones are well-maintained and are at a distance from the main public lounge. They can be found at the airport's departures and arrivals halls.

Top airlines flying from the Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport has found a lot of fame in recent years with a surge in the wedding market as couples are opting for palatial nuptials and wedding destinations. Currently, there are only three airlines that operate from Jodhpur Airport. These include Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. The airport only caters to four Indian destinations, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Indore. Jodhpur Airport doesn't have a single flight even to the state's capital, Jaipur. However, with the expansion plans commencing, the airport's authority aims at attracting more airlines to operate from the airport premise. Now defunct airlines such as Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines operated from Jodhpur Airport and had far more connectivity with various major cities in India.

How to reach Jodhpur Airport

By Bus

Jodhpur Bus Stand is located near the airport as it stands at a distance of 8.7 kilometres. Often, a majority of the crowd opts for bus services to travel within the state. Hence, if you have to reach Jodhpur Airport from the main city, you can first get to the bus stand and take a taxi cab service from here. The perks of Jodhpur are that there are taxi cabs available at all intervals. You can hail a cab from anywhere within the city. Since it is a tourist haven, there are rickshaw services also available that would reach you to Jodhpur Airport. However, with rickshaws, you will need to fix a fare ahead of the journey. Chances of the rickshaw driver upscaling the fare to reach Jodhpur Airport is quite high. Hence, to avoid being swindled, the best way to go about a rickshaw ride would be by fixing a fare ahead of the journey. The same applies to prepaid taxi services in the city. You can avail these services, or you can also book a vehicle to travel through the city and reach Jodhpur Airport, by signing up with a travel agent.

By Rail

Jodhpur Airport is about 5 km away from Jodhpur Railway Station. Located in the south of the city, the railway station is well-equipped with transport services such as buses, taxi cabs and other such modes of transport. For travellers who are reaching the city by train from other parts of Rajasthan, can hail a taxi cab or a car rental to reach Jodhpur Airport. The services are exemplary and available at all times.

About Jodhpur

Jodhpur is recorded as the second largest metropolitan city in Rajasthan, following its capital, Jaipur. It is also recognised as the former seat of a princely state going by the same name. Jodhpur's historical relevance comes from the Kingdom of Marwar. The city was the historic capital of the kingdom. In present times though, Marwar is part of the state and is an independent city. Thanks to the exquisite palaces, first and temples along with the stark landscape expanse of the Great Indian Desert, Thar Desert, makes Jodhpur a tourist's paradise. It is easily one of the top tourist destinations in India. The city is also popularly referred to as the Blue City and Sun City for its clear skies and gorgeous locales. A major part of the old city lies within the borders of the Mehrangarh Fort, which is bounded by a wall and has several gates. Over time though, the city has expanded its wings to acquire more spaces neighbouring the wall. Geographically, Jodhpur is at the epicentre of the state of Rajasthan. Hence, it is convenient with respect to travel options for travellers to reach other parts of the state.

The city of Jodhpur is also known for hosting numerous educational institutions with the most prominent ones being IIT Jodhpur, AIIMS Jodhpur, DSRRAU Jodhpur, NIFT Jodhpur, SNMC Jodhpur and NLU Jodhpur. Research institutes such as Indian Space research Organisations (ISRO), Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Desert Medicine Research Centre (DMRC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to name a few, are also present in Jodhpur.