Puttaparthi to Chennai Flights

Chennai International Airport, formerly known as Madras Airport (IATA: MAA), is the third busiest airport in India. It is located at an approximate distance of 21 km southwest of the city centre. The airport has three passenger terminals, two international terminals(terminals 3 & 4) and one domestic terminal known as Kamaraj Terminal. Terminal 3 is also known as Anna terminal and it hosts international arrivals from more than 20 countries. Terminal 4 was opened in 2017 and only hosts international departures. There are several services offered at the airport including an Information Counter, Tourist Information Booths, Currency Exchange, Security Check, baggage lost and found, counter, wheelchair assistance, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, medical and health scan facilities, child care room, conference rooms and prayer rooms. There are several restaurants and duty-free shops at the airport. Modes of transport to and from the airport include buses, taxis, metro rail and car rentals.

Earlier known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has a warm and humid climate. Also known as the Gateway to South India, Chennai is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The history of this city can be traced back to the Paleolithic period and has since developed into a bustling centre of trade networks and architectural wonders. During the colonial era, the city started as a British settlement called Fort St. George. Madras became the administrative and commercial capital of Southern India. After Independence, Madras Presidency became Madras State, and it was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1968. The official name of the city changed from Madras to Chennai in 1996. Home to more than 600 Hindu Temples and a plethora of churches and mosques, Chennai holds centuries of tradition and antiquity. Bharatnatyam is a prominent classical dance form in the city and is also referred to as the fire dance. One of the most important festivals in Chennai is Pongal celebrated in January for four days. Pongal is a harvest festival and it marks the end of the farming season. Chennai is a region of multi-ethnicity with a predominantly Tamil population. Tamil cuisine includes sambhar, idli, dosa, uttapam, rasam, dry curry, kootu, coconut chutney and many other dishes. The food is often served on a banana leaf. Chennai is also known as the 'Detroit of India' because of the high presence of automobile manufacturing industries established in and around the city.

Puttaparthi Airport does not operate commercial flights. Hence, the nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR) in Bengaluru. The airport is located at a distance of 127 km from Puttaparthi and 40 km north of Bangalore. It began its operations in 2008 and is built over an expanse of 4000 acres. This airport has a single passenger terminal that is divided into four different levels and caters to both domestic and international services. The airport provides multifarious facilities such as VIP lounges, duty-free shops, information desks, souvenir shops, prayer rooms, child care rooms, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, baggage trolleys, baggage wrapping, buggy services, wheelchair assistance, a smoking lounge and medical assistance. Food outlets and restaurants are available too. Mode of transport to and from the airport includes options such as taxis, buses and car rentals. There are dedicated AC buses for the airport from the city bus stand.

Puttaparthi is a small village located in the Anantapur district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. This town has become a world-renowned pilgrimage hub and is famously known as the birthplace of Sathya Sai Baba. The town was originally known as Gollapalli and is situated on the bank of the river Chitravathi. Sathya Sai Baba was born Sathyanarayana Raju in 1926 and is known to have exhibited spiritual and intellectual capabilities. At the age of 14, he proclaimed himself to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba and took the name Sri Sathya Sai Baba. People started following him and he thus became a famous spiritual leader. His teachings are based on peace, truth, love, righteousness and non-violence. The super speciality hospital was set up by Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The hospital offers free treatment and surgery to those who cannot afford it and many distinguished physicians volunteer to provide free services. Prashanti Nilayam ashram is a major source of revenue for this town and most people work as support for tourists. Puttaparthi also has a couple of temples that make it a pilgrimage centre. Authentic South Indian food such as idli, dosa, rice and sambar are available at restaurants here.