GETTING TO AND AROUND RAJASTHAN
International Airport
Jaipur is the only International Airport in Rajasthan and only daily international flight of Indian Airlines from Dubai. The infrastructure at the airport is being upgraded so that more international airlines open Jaipur as their destination.

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.

Rajasthan has well connected network of railways and well managed railway stations. Most important Rajasthan town are well connected by daily services from New Delhi, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta and other principle cities of India. For comprehensive information on train schedules, fares and booking position you can log on to www.indianrail.gov.in. The railway enquiry number locally from any city is 131. You can book tickets to from any destination to any destination from a remote booking office. Railways also offer packages for tourists.

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