Dhaka to Bhavnagar Flights

  About Dhaka

Nestled close to the lovely Buriganga river is the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka. The city has an excess population and exquisite architecture, inspired by the Mughal, British and American rule.

Best time to visit Dhaka

The busiest months for Dhaka are June, January and February. The seasons of Dhaka are quite similar to the ones faced in the North Eastern locales of India. However, they are slightly tweaked depending on the impact of the rains and summer. June is the onset of summer and hence, a very comfortable time to visit. The air is continuously humid, which could be another reason to avoid this time of the year. March through May is spring for Dhaka and the weather is slightly tolerable. Expect some rain though even during spring as the city is known to face regular rains throughout the year. Spring becomes a favoured month among travel enthusiasts who wish to visit the city as the hotel rooms are cheap. Even if you don't make prior reservations, you will find cheap hotels in Dhaka during this season. The crowd in the city is also comparatively few, making it easier for you to venture around.

You will find many cheap flight and hotel deals to Dhaka if you opt for spring. Fall is another such season when the flight and hotel prices are low, allowing tourists to get the perks of good deals. September through November is not ideal for tourism though as the showers can get very risky. The torrential rains could even lead to floods and waterlogging in the city of Dhaka. The city witnesses excess rain from the winds arriving from the Bay of Bengal, which gets really murky. Tourism sees a tremendous dip during this season, making hotel prices very cheap and affordable. The best time to visit though, aside from spring is winter. With temperatures that stand at 223 degree Celsius as opposed to the exorbitant ones during summer, Dhaka's winters are very beautiful. However, as this is a busy time for tourism in the country, you might have a tough time finding decent accommodation in the city. Plus, the prices would also be quite high. The best thing to do to get cheap and affordable deals would be to make prior hotel bookings in Dhaka.

Places to visit in Dhaka

The city has a plethora of lovely neighbourhoods that can be explored. There are a few religious sites that you can start with when visiting in Dhaka. These establishments are top tourist attractions in Dhaka and definitely worth your time. You can start with the Armenian Church of Holy Resurrection which was erected back in 1781 by American missionaries. You do not need a specific tour guide to take you through this place. You also have the Holy Rosary Church to visit. Dhaka also houses many mosques as it is predominantly an Islamic country. You will find exquisite mosques in the city. Check out some prominent ones such as the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Chawk Mosque, Hussaini Dalan Mosque, Musa Khan mosque and Sitara mosque. It is imperative that you follow some protocols of the religion before entering the mosque as they are very strict about their customs. The city also has a Hindu temple, Dhakeshwari Temple, which was built in the 12th century.

An important tourist attraction in the city is the Lalbagh Fort. The fort, built during the Mughal era, has witnessed some bloody wars in the old times. In fact, the spot has experienced some of the biggest iconic moments in Bangladesh's history and hence, holds a prominent position in their cultural heritage. You should also check out the Curzon Hall, which has now been transformed into the University of Dhaka. Also, do not miss the Banga Bhaban, the official abode to the president of Bangladesh. The palace has been heavily inspired by the British India era and reflects the same. The 1857 Memorial is a spot worth checking out. It is basically a vast expanse of memorial that has been built to honour the martyrs who perished during the first Liberation War that took place to oppose the British rule. Do not miss the National Poet's graveyard as well, which is the tomb of the revolutionary poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam. The National Botanical Gardens is a beautiful location within the city which transports you from the excess noise of Dhaka to tranquillity.

Things to do in Dhaka

There are quite a handful of things that you can do during your stay in Dhaka. As part of your excursion to learn more about the city, you can visit the National Museum. The place will take you through the past and struggles of Bangladesh before being blessed with freedom and a separate nation of its own. You can also visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and known more about Bangladesh's freedom fighter Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also called, 'Father of the Nation'. The Dhaka Zoo is another interesting place you can visit when in the city. The zoo has many species of exotic birds and animals including the profound Royal Bengal Tiger. The Sadarghat River Front is also a beautiful place where you can relax and unwind after a long day of indulging in tourist activities. The riverfront rests on the banks of the lovely Buriganga river. You can further elevate your experience by taking up boat rides.

Food and Restaurants in Dhaka

Dhaka has an abundance of food varieties ranging from traditional Bangladeshi food to Chinese, Indian and even Mexican cuisine. Most of the food is served in buffet style at these restaurants with fixed prices so you should carry enough cash with you. To get the best of Dhaka's fine dining scene, you should visit Gulshan, Baridhara, Lalmatia, Banani and Dhanmondi. These streets have elite food establishments with international cuisine. You would be surprised and amazed by some of the astounding joints that these streets have in Dhaka. La Forchetta is one such restaurant that brings the flavours of Italy on a platter. It is one of the best Italian joints in the city and definitely recommended. The city also has steakhouses with a food establishment called Steakhouse.

A&W is one of the famous burger joints with special American-style burger served with fries and a rootbeer float. They also have a jukebox in the background that would take you back in time. Bamboo Shoot is another fantastic restaurant especially in Chinese and Thai food. Adding to the authenticity of the joint are a number of Chinese expats who seem to relish the food here. Bella Italia is another food restaurant that was founded by an individual who served at an Italian restaurant. For some local food, you should check out Dhanshiri, located in Gulshan street. The food served here celebrates the Bangladeshi food and is served at a reasonable price. You can also check out Gulshan Khabar Ghar for some more local food. The cafe scene in Dhaka is also quite good and something you would enjoy. Mermaid Cafe, Bittersweet Cafe are some places where you will get good coffee and baked goods. The ambience served is just as exquisite.

How to reach Dhaka (Transportation)

By Air

Flight connectivity to Dhaka from India is excellent. As a neighbouring country, a majority of flights to Bangladesh sees a layover in Kolkata. In fact, you will find direct and nonstop flights to Dhaka from Kolkata. The city's proximity to Bangladesh's capital makes it possible. This is the most popular route to Dhaka often chosen by travellers visiting the city from India. There are no direct nonstop flights to Dhaka from any other city in the country. If you are travelling from Mumbai or Delhi, you will have to change flights at Kolkata. From Delhi though, Biman Bangladesh is the only airline that has reserved a nonstop direct flight to Dhaka. Besides this, much of the airlines opt for a layover in Kolkata. Many Indian airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo and Vistara, have regular flights to Dhaka. However, they all travel till Kolkata, from where Biman Bangladesh takes the passengers to Dhaka. Flights to Dhaka from India also take international routes with layovers in cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Istanbul, depending on the airlines chosen.

The flight tickets to Dhaka are extremely cheap from India. You can get flight tickets to Dhaka for as less as INR8,000. The flight duration is also quite decent with popular airlines reaching in less than five hours. Of course, these flights are expensive as compared to the ones who reach Dhaka in 12 hours.

By Rail

Flights are not the only way to reach Dhaka, though. There is a special dedicated train that connects Dhaka and Kolkata. The Maitree Express is touted to be the first international railway line connecting Dhaka with an international city, i.e., Kolkata. It is a full-AC train which is quite posh and has luxurious services available.

By Road

AC buses to Dhaka are also available, owing to how close the cities of Dhaka and Kolkata are. Much of these buses are government-run as it has to do with international borders. These buses travel to Dhaka on alternate days and are super cheap.

  About Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar is a state in Gujarat but is part of the Saurashtra region. The city was originally a princely state that belonged to the Rajput Gohil family. However, after the independence, under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's rule, all the princely states were unified, including Bhavnagar. In the past two decades, the city has undergone tremendous development and growth. In terms of infrastructure, the city has found itself a quaint airport with good facilities. The flight connectivity from Bhavnagar to other big cities is also quite good. As a port city, it plays quite a pivotal role in contributing to the economy of the state. However, at the same time, there are many small-scale industries in Bhavnagar that add to the total growth of the state.

The city is quaint and has decent places to visit for a weekend vacation. You can actually book a hotel room in Bhavnagar and enjoy the scenic bliss and simplicity of the small town.

Best time to visit Bhavnagar

Cities in Gujarat do not have the luxury to enjoy summers as the temperatures tend to soar high. In fact, the weather is hot and humid, which only makes the whole experience tad bit annoying. The March to June sees temperatures rise to a close 40 degree Celsius, which is highly unfavourable, especially if you're planning a leisure trip. April and May are peak summer months here where the weather is sweltering, making it difficult to venture out in the city. Several precautions need to be taken up to avoid dehydration or heat strokes. During this time, flight tickets to Bhavnagar are cheap. Since it is off-season, it makes complete sense that several airlines would drop the prices. Even booking hotels in Bhavnagar is cheap during summers as the tourism industry sees a slump. If you are already used to such climates, then it would be a shame not to avail flight deals to Bhavnagar during summer. However, if you cannot bear the excess heat, it is recommended not to visit the city.

Instead, head to Bhavnagar during monsoon or winter. In fact, winter is the most favourable season to visit the city. October to March is when the city experiences winter where the temperatures are between 12 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius. This only enables excess tourism as pleasant weather welcomes tourists from everywhere. Plus, it is also the time when Gujarat celebrates Navratri and Diwali. The celebration during these festivals is an experience one should undergo. The city street bustles with enthusiastic crowd welcoming Navratri and Diwali. This is also a good time for you to wear a Garba outfit and see if you can match to their tunes without stepping on someone's foot. Plus, the added benefit is how the streets are lit with hawkers and Gujarati chaat. The city springs back to life during the winter months, which is great for tourists.

Although monsoons could be fun, the hot and humid weather makes it difficult to enjoy the whole vibe. Unlike the Western Ghats, there is no dense greenery in Vadodara. Hence, even when the rains are moderate, the chill weather witnessed in some parts of India are not experienced in Vadodara. The atmosphere does turn from hot to bearable, while humidity sees a tremendous spike. While it could be a decent trip, it won't have the fervour and excitement of what winters bring to Vadodara.

Places to visit in Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar is a small town in Gujarat and enjoys a decent number of tourist attractions. To indulge in some touristy fun and learn more about the city, then you should visit the Gandhi Smriti, Nilambagh Palace and Barton Library and Museum. As for some spiritual trip, you should visit the Takteshwar Temple and Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. While Takteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Shri Swaminarayan Temple is specifically for the ascetic, Swaminarayan Ji. The locals call this temple Aksharwadu Temple and are quite a famous place in Bhavnagar.

Things to do in Bhavnagar

With limited places to explore, Bhavnagar leaves more room to check out the lifestyle and culture of its local habitat. You can take a stroll through the city's streets and speak to locals about the place. They will have some fun stories to tell you. Not to mention how indulging in Gujarati cuisine would be next to best in Bhavnagar. In fact, you should check out their street food culture as it would be quite rewarding to your taste buds. For the beach bums, you can visit the Gopnath Beach and walk on the shores. Water sports activities do not take place there so best to be careful.

Food and restaurants in Bhavnagar

As part of the state of Gujarat, Bhavnagar's cuisine predominantly comprises of Gujarati dishes. These include the sweet and savoury daals, kadhi, dhokla, khandwa, khaman and more. For authentic Gujarati cuisine, you should definitely opt to check out some of the restaurants within the city. They don't just serve the food but also the engaging environment and a space that would cater to a foodie's eyes. The aroma of flavours filling the room while the waiters bring over lip-smacking dishes from the kitchen would be an overwhelming experience. The city also has options for other cuisines and popular fast foods.

For the best authentic Gujarati thali, you should visit the Rasoi restaurant. It is basically a hall lined with tables and has a mess-sort of a vibe. The hall is maintained quite well and serves the best Gujarati thalis. Rangoli restaurant is also one such place in the city that has a tasty melange of food choices ranging from Gujarati to North Indian to Chinese cuisines on the menu. If scrumptious South Indian food is what you crave in Bhavnagar, you should head to Madras Dosa. The place serves great South Indian food. Perhaps you should also check out some more restaurants such as Tulsi restaurant, Honest restaurant, Rocks N Logs and Sam's Pizza, to name a few.

The city also has an interesting street food scene that you should definitely check out. Gujaratis certainly love to indulge in chaat food, and that is something you'll realise once you visit their shopping streets with food carts.

How to reach Bhavnagar (Transportation)

By Air

Bhavnagar does have an airport called Bhavnagar Airport. The flight connectivity to Bhavnagar is quite decent but limited. There are very few direct flights to Bhavnagar from other cities. The location of the airport is very convenient as it is only 3.9 km away from the city centre. Despite Bhavnagar not being a popular route for flights, the city does see a good footfall of passengers flying in to Bhavnagar. There are only two airlines, namely, Air Deccan and Alliance Air, that have dedicated flights to Bhavnagar. However, cities such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad have flights assigned for Bhavnagar. As the airport is located close to the Bhavnagar port, the flight experience is quite good with scenic landings and takeoffs. The closest airport from Bhavnagar is Surat International Airport which is at a distance of approximately 93 km. The airport is accessible from the city as there are auto-rickshaws, taxi cabs and rentals that make transit convenient.

By Rail

As part of the western railway line, Bhavnagar Railway station witnesses great connectivity via rail. While there might not be enough flights to Bhavnagar, the city's station witnesses many trains coming in from Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore and more. What the city's airport lacks the railway station can match up. Not to mention the fact that its location within the city is so convenient, it enhances the transit convenience of tourists. Booking a hotel room in Bhavnagar, especially close to the railway station is also possible and a choice many travellers often take up. Travelling to Bhavnagar via train is also very comfortable and convenient in terms of travel time as well as the ticket price. Although the flight ticket prices to Bhavnagar are not exorbitant, the fact that there are only a few caters to domestic cities makes is a downside.

By Road

The NH 8A is known to be the best way to connect Bhavnagar to big cities. It is a popular route to reach Bhavnagar as it brings cities like Ahmedabad Surat and Mumbai closer. Many bus services pass through and to Bhavnagar from Surat, Mumbai, to name a few. In fact, this domestic route of NH 8A to Bhavnagar sees regular bus services from Mumbai and Surat. Some bus providers send at least four buses in a day to Bhavnagar. The roadway is only viable to people depending on the geographic location you're travelling from. If it is Mumbai or cities in Gujarat then travelling by road is convenient. However, for other cities that are further away from Bhavnagar, traversing by road might not be the best bet. The city does have good accommodation so you can probably book a hotel room in Bhavnagar's finest places to unwind from the tedious journey.

  About Hazrat Shahjalal Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is the most prominent international airport that is installed in Dhaka. It is situated about 17 km from Kurmitola. The airport is also part of the BAF Bangabandhu Base which is being utilised by Bangladesh Air Force. The airport was previously known as Dacca International Airport, which later changed to Zia International Airport, to honour Shah Jala, one of the most venerated Sufi saints from Bangladesh. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport caters to Bangladesh's flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as a primary hub. It is also known to be a hub for many private Bangladesh-based airlines such as Regent Airways, US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair. It currently accommodates a whopping 18.5 million passengers. The first landing strip was constructed in 1941, at Kurmitola, by the British government and used for World War II's airfare.

About Airport Terminals

There are two functional terminals available at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A third one is being constructed to expand the passenger capacity and to add more features to the airport. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both have international flight functions. They are located in the same building. Terminal 1 is on the ground floor, and it is used as an international arrivals hall. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is on the upper floor and serves as the departure hall for international travels. In the domestic terminal, the arrivals and departure halls are present on the same floor. A designated VIP terminal has also been constructed with a view to accommodate Bangladesh's delegates. The terminal is only 200 meters away from the international terminals.

Terminal 3 is currently under works, the foundation of the same was laid in 2019 by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The terminal is slated to complete on 2022. A portion of the financial assistance is being provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The new terminal is said to include passenger terminal with a floor that is sprawled across 64,000 sq ft, a VVIP complex, a multi-level parking bay in the building terminal and the capacity to accommodate 20 million passengers.

About Airport Authority

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport falls under the ownership of the Government of Bangladesh. It is currently operated by Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB). The statutory body functions as a regulatory frame to cater to all activities that relate to aviation in Bangladesh. CAAB is recognised nationwide and is the central aviation authority. It operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The authority is headquartered in Dhaka's Kurmitola. Over the years, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has witnessed several upgradations and development schemes to make it better.

The airport is currently working on several extension and up-gradation plans. There is a passenger extension apron that is being constructed from foxtrot taxiway to the export cargo apron recently concluded. Along with this, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has also laid new asphalt concrete on the runway. Along with this, consultancy services have also upgraded the airport's premise. Meanwhile, some of the works in action are improving the security system of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Additionally, there are works to develop the entire airport and expand it to accommodate more airlines.

Top airlines flying from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Bangladesh's proximity with India has enabled the functioning of several direct flights to the city of Dhaka. There are three Indian airlines that operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. In fact, the Indian airlines that operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. Along with some Indian airlines, there are a few international airlines to that function from the airport. Airlines that fly from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport include Air Arabia, Air Asia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Druk Air, Emirates, Gulf Air, Himalaya Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Malindo Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines. The international airlines mostly connect with Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Cities such as Abu Dhabi, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Medina, Riyadh, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Colombo, Istanbul, Doha and more, are well-connected with Dhaka.

Facilities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Baggage - The airport provides several baggage services that one can avail. At the entrance of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, you can find trolleys to take your luggage inside the airport with ease. There are baggage wrapping services also available along with porter facilities and storage. For baggage wrapping, you might have to inform the airlines beforehand so they can fix it for you.

Lounge - The terminals also have a lounge. The airport lounge has services such as restaurants, relaxing spaces, complimentary shower booths and more. You can avail all of this along with their good hospitality, provided your ticket or premium membership at any of their airlines allows.

Medical services - With a view to providing services in times of medical emergencies, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has also ensured to keep clinics in their premise. Along with clinics, the airport also has pharmacies as well as an ambulance. This is to make sure that there are enough amenities available in times of emergencies.

ATM and banks - The airport also offers some of their local banks at the premise to help with transfers and withdrawals of money. You can get access to your personal funds from the airport and avail their bank services. Further, there are foreign exchange facilities also available at the banks. They give decent rates too, making the currency exchange easier and affordable. ATMs are also present at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport so you can withdraw money and use it for currency exchange.

Hotel booking - At the airport, there is a dedicated travel agent booth. They basically help travellers with information about the city along with tours and travel packages that one can avail. The booking booth also has hotel recommendations and accommodation facilities. You can book your hotel at the airport itself. It's convenient and easy as you wouldn't have to traverse through the city a lot before finding the ideal place to stay. They have a range of hotels from mid-range to luxury.

WiFi - Free WiFi is a perk the airport gives away. This is mostly at the international terminal for passengers travelling from other countries. You can get details on how to log in to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's network at their information desk or even the official website.

Entertainment deck - With a view to indulging and entertaining the travellers who are waiting for their boarding, the airport has also facilitated entertainment decks. These dedicated spaces have TVs that you can watch. You might have to share the space with other passengers as well since the entertainment deck's area is limited.

Prayer room - Multi-faith rooms are also available at the airport but separated for men and women. These can be found at the arrival as well as departure zones of the terminals.

Restaurants and cafe - At the departure and arrival sections of the terminals, there are many restaurants and cafes also installed. You can find dedicated restaurant spaces as well as a food court for affordable munchies and snacks. The same can be availed at the airport lounge as well. However, the lounge comes with an exorbitant cost and is exclusive to specific ticket holders or premium members.

Visitor's facility - A special deck has been installed which is called as visitor's faculty. Basically, all visitors who are dropping off passengers or expecting them, use this space to relax.

How to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has a perfect connection with downtown Dhaka. The government has constructed an eight-lane Airport Road to directly connect the airport and the main city. You can take this route to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. There are many ways to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from the city centre.

Public transport

There is a dedicated railway station that directly connects with the airport. In fact, the station called Airport Railway Station is located juxtaposed to the airport. The train can be taken from within the city. You can take the train to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Since the airport is currently undergoing tremendous expansion plans, the entire city has been engulfed by the airport. This means you can easily make it to the airport from anywhere in the city.

Taxicabs

Taxicab and rental services are also available at the airport and from anywhere in the city. In fact, if you have checked into one of the big hotels with airport shuttle services, you can make use of the same facility. The prices are reasonable, but you might have to haggle with the driver before getting into the car. There are many hotels located in proximity to the airport so you can easily get a room in one of these accommodation services. Rickshaw services are also available that would reach you to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.