However most
travellers arriving in Rajasthan land in New Delhi
or Mumbai. New Delhi is the closest major
international airport and is the preferred gateway
of most travellers to Rajasthan. New Delhi airport
is 260 kms from Jaipur and variety of transport to
Jaipur is available from there. Mumbai is also an
alternative and is one of India major international
airports.
AIR
Rajasthan has airports at Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur,
while the airport at Jaisalmer opens from 1st
October to 31st March. Government run airline Indian
Airlines and private airline Jet Airways operate
daily services to all airports in Rajasthan from New
Delhi and Mumbai. The domestic airport at New Delhi
and Mumbai are located near the international
airport and flight to Rajasthan operates from
domestic airports only.
Check-in
time for
all airlines is one hour before the flight scheduled
time. You are allowed 20 kgs of baggage in economy
and 30 kgs of baggage in business class. There is a
stringent security check your clothing is frisked
and your hand baggage is checked. Remember to get a
hand baggage tag before checking-in because it is
stamped if cleared for security. You will also be
required to identify your baggage at tarmac before
its loaded on the aircraft. If you are taking a
domestic flight to catch an international make sure
to have at least 12 hour in advance to avoid missing
their flights because of delays.
TRAIN
India
has one of the worlds biggest railway services
network managing over 60,000 kms of track and
transporting over 11 million passengers every day.
Indian railways are an efficient service and
reliable and cheap means of transport. A variety of
services like the super fats, mail, express, inter
city and country passenger services are offer to
choose from. The services are also classified for
comfort in travel like the most luxurious in
air-conditioned first class. Most of the trains
offer air-condition service in other classes also
two tier, three tier and chair car. The lowest is
second-class three-tier sleeper berth and chair car.
Good catering is available on train and constant
supply of cold and hot beverages and mineral water
is available. Alcoholic drinks and smoking are
forbidden on Indian trains and should be avoided.
Bookings of tickets can sometimes be taxing and
trains are overcrowded so advance planning is
suggested. However most railway booking office offer
a separate queue for foreign travellers as a
facility. Special quota reservation for foreign
tourist is also available on showing travel
documents and money changing receipts or ATM slips
when paying in rupees.
Indian
railway stations have every conceivable amenity on
the stations. There are refreshment room, kiosks
selling snacks and beverages, books, newspaper and
magazine stall, waiting rooms with toilets and
change facility, lockers, emergency medications and
first aid, basic toiletries, overnight stay room,
wheel chairs for the invalid and infirm, push
trolleys for heavy baggage and phone booths. There
is well-informed enquiry window besides frequent
announcement of train delays, arrivals and departure
on the public address system and of course the
porters can also give authentic information. The
reservation chart is placed at a well-appointed
place to locate you coach number. Every railway
station is protected by the railway protection force
and have police station for complains. In case of
any assistance you also approach the Station Master
or the Station Superintendent.