Travel
The World’s Best Airports : 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards
The airports you can’t wait to fly into again.
International travelers are in for a pleasant surprise when they return to their favorite airports: Many major hubs used the pandemic downtime to spruce up their facilities, renovating lounges and expanding common spaces for more social distancing. Some had already undergone dramatic transformations, as starchitects worked their magic, creating bright and airy airports with amenities ranging from spas and yoga rooms to lush outdoor gardens and swimming pools. Read on to see which international airports made the top 10 in our 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
10. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
One of Europe’s busiest airports by passenger traffic, London Heathrow continues to add services and amenities for transit travelers; its shopping selection is so good, in fact, that you might even pray for a delay. Aficionados flock to the World of Whiskies shop for its popular Scotch tastings, and to outposts of High Street emporia like Burberry, Harrods, and Fortnum & Mason. Those with cash to burn can also take advantage of a “reserve and collect” service or utilize the airport’s free personal shopper service, another plus that has raised Heathrow’s standing among fashionable fliers in recent years.
9. Zurich Airport (ZRH)
As Switzerland’s largest international airport, Zurich is also the main hub for Swiss, which operates business-class and first-class lounges—and those clubs are no joke, thanks to champagne and whiskey bars. Looking for a place to buy some duty-free chocolate? There are dozens of shops here to browse. Readers also like the variety of restaurants and bars, and if the weather cooperates, there’s an outdoor observation deck with sweeping views of the action on the runways.
8. Athens International Airport (ATH)
Greece’s busiest airport and the capital home base of Aegean Airlines, Athens International has won praise for its modern facilities, an easy-to-navigate layout, and its convenient location not far from the capital. Since the Greek government became one of the first to welcome vaccinated Americans this year, the airport has enjoyed direct flights from major U.S. cities via American, Delta, United, and now Emirates.
7. Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
As the gateway to one of North Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, Marrakech’s Menra Airport is a worthy introduction to Morocco; it’s not only close to its home city, but also wins raves from fliers for its “stunning” design. As one Traveler reader put it, “The moment you land, you know you have been transported into Northern Africa. The airport is a direct reflection of the culture.”
6. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
As one of the biggest airports in the world overall, Dubai, unsurprisingly, also has one of the world’s biggest duty-free shopping centers. As the base for flag airline Emirates, a Readers’ Choice favorite, it is also served by scores of international airlines, and it’s long been a popular stopover destination for North American travelers heading to East Asia or the South Pacific. Amenities like zen gardens and nap pods help pass the time on a stay of any length.
5. Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Doha’s airport is a major connecting hub for Qatar’s eponymous home airline (also a Readers’ Choice pick) and at times, it can seem more like a resort hotel than a bustling transportation hub, with amenities that include a fitness center, squash courts, and an indoor swimming pool. It’s gotten high marks for its premium amenities, with a wide choice of lounges, plus quiet rooms and child’s entertainment zones for passengers in any airline class. For those on longer layovers, there is an upscale hotel right inside the terminal, with half- or full-day rates available.
4. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Seoul’s main international airport opened 20 years ago on reclaimed land in the port city of Incheon and has been expanding ever since: A second passenger terminal opened in 2018, part of the airport’s aim to double its capacity to 100 million passengers annually. Primarily serving the country’s two main airlines, Korean and Asiana, Incheon International also gains points for its spacious VIP lounges and amenities, including an indoor skating rink, a spa, and a “Cultural Street” with local cuisine and dance performances. While it’s 30 miles from the capital, a high-speed rail link makes the trip from terminal to city center in 43 minutes.
3. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
As home to both Japan Air Lines and All Nippon Airways, Tokyo’s Narita is Japan’s main international airport and a major connecting hub for travelers from North America to Asia. While it’s a lot farther from the city than Haneda, airport express trains help cut the travel time from terminal to downtown to about 40 minutes. Narita’s three terminals offer an array of duty-free shops, and a choice of dining options for those craving ramen or sushi. Transit passengers in need of a shower or nap can book one of the airport’s day rooms; there’s also an in-terminal capsule hotel, fittingly named “Nine Hours.”
2. Istanbul Airport (IST)
Opened in 2018 amid great fanfare—and bold ambitions to become the world’s biggest airport—the new IST gets praise for its modern design by Grimshaw Architects, which has netted awards for its emphasis on efficiency and sustainability. With high-tech touches like a fleet of robots to direct passengers through the 818-million-square-foot hub and runway capacity to move a total of 90 flights per hour, the airport is poised to take off as a major global player.
1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
That Changi has once again snagged the top spot among world airports is no surprise, given that it’s home to our readers’ favorite carrier, Singapore Airlines, making it an ideal gateway to dozens of locations in the region. The airport is a destination in itself, with waterfalls and gardens, open-air decks and a variety of restaurants. Traveler readers also like the self-boarding gates and free and fast Wi-Fi, and there’s even a swimming pool if you’ve got time to take a dip.
Indian Railway
Railways to directly operate auto-rickshaw service in Kannur railway station
Railways to directly operate auto-rickshaw service in Kannur railway station
The auto counter will start functioning from July first week. The railway is planning to allocate passes to 100 autos with a town permit in the first stage with a permit fee of Rs 750 which has to be renewed every three months. The drivers have to present a certificate from the police that they have not been involved in any criminal cases to ensure the safety of the passengers. Railways will provide identity cards to these drivers and also place railway stickers on the auto. Once it is launched, the authorities would not allow other drivers to pick up passengers from the station.
“We have decided to introduce such a system following a large number of complaints from the passengers. The passengers who reach the station late at night are having issues with the drivers over the rate. There were incidents that some auto drivers were not willing to take some trips. Nobody has the details of the drivers’ and it causes safety concerns. So as a solution to the problem, we are introducing an auto counter controlled by the railway inside the station compound. We will not allow the drivers to operate if any passengers raise a complaint against the driver,” a railway official said.
Travel
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple Kodaikanal (Entry Fee, Timings, Entry Ticket Cost, Price)
Located at a distance of 3 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, Kurinji Andavar Temple is the place worth visiting not just for religious tourists. Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the temple holds an important position amongst Hindu devotes. Lord Muruga is referred as ‘God of hill’. In Tamil language, the word Kurinji means ‘hill region’ and Andavar means ‘God’. Thus the name itself symbolises its connection with the hill and the God of the hill. The temple has also connection with the Kurinji flower which blooms on the hill once in 12 years. It is said that the flower bloomed last in the year of 2004. According some, the honey from this place during the year when the Kurinji flower booms has medicinal value.
The temple is dedicated to the Lord Muruga who is referred as ‘God of hill’. Just famous 3 kms from the lake, it is vaery famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. Along with this, you can also have amazing view of the Palani and Vaigai dam from this temple.
Apart from this temple, there are many other religious places as well such as the Mariamman Temple, Vinayagar Temple, Murugan Temple, two mosques at Ellis Villa and Munjikal, sacred Heart Church and many more.
The temple also acts as an important venue for summer festival which is organised during the month of May every year. Hordes of tourists visit the temple to seek the God’s blessings. Along with religious significance, the temple also presents tourists with breath taking view of the Vaigai dam and Palani hills. Thus it is a place which presents amazing sightseeing options for nature lovers as well as offers good photographic opportunities.
The hill station of Kodaikanal has many other religious spots which also make for an interesting visit. Some of these are Mariamman Temple, Vinayagar Temple, Murugan Temple, two mosques at Ellis Villa and Munjikal, sacred Heart Church, Munjikal, Francis Xavier Church, Gorapur, St. Mary’s Church, Lassalette, St. Joseph’s Church, Luthern Mission Church, Lake End, etc.
Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple Address
Kurinji Andavar Temple Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101, India
Location Map for Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple, Kodaikanal
Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple Kodaikanal Timings
Monday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wedesday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Kodaikanal was established in 1845 to serve as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases during the summer in the plains. It is a popular tourist destination and is referred to as the “Princess of Hill stations” with much of the local economy based on the hospitality industry serving tourism.
Kodaikanal is a town and hill station in Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,225 m (7,300 ft) in the Palani hills of the Western Ghats. As per the 2011 census, the city had a population of 36,501.
What is the speciality of Kodaikanal hills?
The cool and misty weather, the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and the wooded forest of Kodaikanal and its surroundings will mesmerize any visitor throughout the year.
Which is highest, Ooty or Kodaikanal?
Ooty has an elevation of 2,400 meters, with Kodaikanal just a little behind at an elevation of 2,133 meters. Kodaikanal is known as the “Gift of the Forest”, while Ooty is lovingly referred to as, “Queen of Hill Stations”.
Which is colder, Ooty or Kodaikanal?
Temperature: Both hill stations have a pleasant climate during monsoon, with cooler temperatures compared to the surrounding plains. However, Kodaikanal generally experiences milder weather during this time, with temperatures often staying more moderate than Ooty.
What food is special in Kodaikanal?
Dosas, idilis, Upma, Parota, Sambhar, Rasam, Paysam, Kesari, Sweet pongal and lots more.
Which is the best month to visit Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal can be visited through the year, but the ideal time is in the winter between October and March. The summer and monsoon months from April to June and between July and September respectively, also make for a good Kodaikanal trip.
Which is the nearest airport to Kodaikanal?
Madurai
Kodaikanal doesn’t have an airport, so if you want to come here by air, then you will have to fly down to the nearest airport which is in Madurai, which is 120kms away, or Trichy which is 150kms away. Another airport that is often used to get to Kodaikanal is Coimbatore airport which is 175km away.
What is the special thing in Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal is home to almost 10 unique waterfalls. The most visited of these are Liril Falls, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade Waterfall, Vattakanal Waterfalls, Fairy Falls, Kumbakkarai Falls, Pambar Falls, and Thalaiyar Falls.
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Railways to directly operate auto-rickshaw service in Kannur railway station
