Quick India travel facts
| Best overall time to visit | October–March for much of northern and central India |
| Peak travel period | November–February |
| Cheapest time | Often shoulder or low season, but fares vary by route |
| Popular arrival airports | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi |
| Main UK departure points | London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh |
| Direct UK–India options | Available on selected routes |
| Visa | Most UK visitors require a visa or e-Visa |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Main language | Hindi, plus numerous regional languages |
| Time zone | IST, UTC+5:30 |
For current visa fees and requirements, always check the official Indian government eVisa portal rather than a third-party summary — this page links you there directly in the visa section below.
Flights to India from the UK
London remains the widest gateway, with the greatest choice of direct and connecting routes, but Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports also serve major Indian cities — either directly or via a UK or international hub.
- London to India: the broadest choice of airlines and direct routes into Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Amritsar.
- Manchester to India: direct and one-stop options into several major cities, convenient for the North of England.
- Birmingham to India: a practical Midlands departure point, typically via a UK or Gulf hub for most destinations.
- Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol & Newcastle: generally connect via a larger UK or international hub airport.
Cheapest time to visit India
"Cheapest" varies by destination, departure airport and travel dates, so there's no single universal cheapest month — but broad demand patterns do exist. India's official tourism data shows particularly strong international arrival volumes in December, January, February and November, indicating that late autumn through winter is the busiest, and typically priciest, inbound travel window.
| Period | Typical demand | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| January – February | High | Northern India, sightseeing |
| March – April | Moderate | Cultural trips, many regions |
| May – June | Lower in many plains | Hill stations |
| July – September | Lower in many regions | Monsoon travel, selected destinations |
| October | Rising | Festivals + pleasant weather |
| November – December | High | Winter holidays |
If a lower fare matters more than peak-season weather, comparing shoulder-season dates — outside the November–February rush and outside UK school holidays — on our flights to India page is the most reliable way to find better value.
Best time to visit India
There is no single best month for the entire country — India's geography is enormous, and official tourism guidance divides the country into genuinely different seasonal experiences.
- North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh): generally October–March.
- South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Karnataka): generally October–March, with destination-specific variation.
- Himalayan India (Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand): varies dramatically depending on whether you want snow, trekking, road trips, skiing or general sightseeing.
- Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland): seasonality varies significantly by state — check specific regional guidance before booking.
India weather by month
India's climate varies dramatically by region, but broadly falls into three overlapping patterns: a cooler, drier winter (roughly November–February), a hot pre-monsoon build-up (March–June), and the monsoon season (roughly June–September in most of the country, later in parts of the south).
| Months | General pattern | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – Feb | Cool, dry across most of the north and centre | Sightseeing, the Golden Triangle, most of Rajasthan |
| Mar – Apr | Warming quickly, still comfortable mornings | Early trips before peak heat, Holi season |
| May – Jun | Hot in the plains; pleasant in the hills | Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Ladakh |
| Jul – Sep | Monsoon rains across much of the country | Kerala's lush green season, selected monsoon travel |
| Oct | Rains ease, temperatures moderate | Festival season (Navratri, Durga Puja, Diwali lead-up) |
| Nov | Cooling, generally dry and clear | Diwali travel, start of peak winter season |
Travelling for Diwali or Chhath Puja and want to plan around the exact 2026 dates? See our Diwali 2026 guide and Chhath Puja 2026 Bihar travel guide for date-specific planning.
Best places to visit in India
Where you fly into should follow where you're actually going, not the other way around. Here are the destinations most first-time and repeat visitors build a trip around.
Beyond these gateway cities, Agra (the Taj Mahal), Jaipur, Rajasthan more broadly, Varanasi, Udaipur, Rishikesh, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling and the Andaman Islands round out India's most popular destinations for UK travellers.
Best India destinations by travel type
- Families: Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan tend to offer the easiest mix of comfort, activities and manageable travel distances.
- Couples & honeymoons: Udaipur, Kerala's backwaters and Goa are consistently popular romantic choices.
- Beaches: Goa and Kerala lead, with Gokarna and parts of Tamil Nadu as quieter alternatives.
- Adventure & trekking: Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand offer India's best-known trekking and road-trip routes.
- Culture & heritage: Rajasthan, Varanasi, Amritsar and the Golden Triangle deliver the deepest concentration of historic sites.
How much does a trip to India cost?
Costs vary enormously by city, travel style and season, and depend on flights, hotels, food, local transport, attractions, shopping, any tours, travel insurance and your visa. The ranges below are a general guide, not a fixed quote — always cost out your specific itinerary.
~£50/day
Budget travel: hostels or basic guesthouses, local food, public transport and modest sightseeing.
~£100/day
Mid-range comfort: 3-4 star hotels, mixed dining, private transport for some journeys, guided tours.
£150+/day
Premium travel: 4-5 star hotels, private drivers, curated experiences and greater flexibility.
These figures exclude international flights, which are typically the largest single cost of an India trip for UK travellers, and vary by season, airline and how far ahead you book.
India visa requirements for UK travellers
British passport holders need a visa to enter India for tourism — India does not offer visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for UK citizens. The main exception is valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, who can enter using their OCI card alongside their British passport without a separate visa. Most UK tourists now apply online for the e-Tourist Visa rather than visiting a consulate in person.
- Passport validity: generally required to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least two blank pages.
- eVisa types: the e-Tourist Visa is typically available in short-term, one-year and longer multi-entry options — exact validity periods and fees are set by the Indian government and can change, so check the official portal for current terms.
- Application: apply online, upload a passport bio-page scan and a recent photo, pay the fee, and receive your Electronic Travel Authorisation by email.
- Processing time: often completed within a few business days, but apply at least four to seven days ahead to allow for processing and to fix any document issues.
- Entry points: e-Visas are valid for entry through a list of designated international airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa and Kochi) and a small number of seaports — land border entry is not permitted on an e-Visa.
- e-Arrival Card: since April 2026, foreign nationals have also been required to complete a mandatory digital e-Arrival Card before boarding, in addition to holding a valid visa — confirm this requirement is still current before you fly.
For visa fees and the complete, current application process, always use the official Indian government eVisa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) rather than a third-party site — fees and requirements are updated periodically and this page isn't the authoritative source for them.
Visa sorted, ready to book? Compare live UK to India flight routes and fares before you finalise your travel dates.
Best airlines flying to India from the UK
A mix of full-service and regional carriers connects the UK to India, either directly or via a hub. Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate direct UK–India routes, while IndiGo, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Swiss, Finnair, Oman Air, Gulf Air and Saudia all connect the UK to India via their respective hub cities. Which is "best" depends on your priorities — journey time, baggage allowance, price, or your preferred stopover city — so comparing live options for your specific route and dates is more useful than a fixed ranking.
Direct or one-stop flights to India?
| Option | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Direct | Faster, simpler, better for families and fewer connection risks |
| One-stop | More departure airports, potentially cheaper, more Indian destinations and airline choice |
If your priority is speed and simplicity, filter for direct flights first. If price or reaching a smaller Indian city matters more, comparing one-stop options via a Gulf or European hub often opens up better value and more destination choice.
Major international airports in India
Choosing the arrival airport closest to your first stop, rather than always defaulting to Delhi or Mumbai, usually saves an unnecessary internal connection.
| Airport | Best for |
|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | The Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, the north |
| Mumbai (BOM) | Western India, Maharashtra, onward Goa connections |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | Karnataka, southern India |
| Chennai (MAA) | Tamil Nadu, temple heritage sites |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | Telangana, central-south India |
| Kolkata (CCU) | West Bengal, the east, onward Bihar/Northeast connections |
| Kochi (COK) | Kerala's backwaters and beaches |
| Ahmedabad (AMD) | Gujarat |
| Amritsar (ATQ) | Punjab, the Golden Temple |
| Goa (GOI/GOX) | Beaches, direct leisure travel |
UK to India flight routes
Compare live fares and connection options for the most popular UK–India city pairs directly on our dedicated route guides:
| Destination | Route guide |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Flights to Delhi |
| Mumbai | Flights to Mumbai |
| Bengaluru | Flights to Bengaluru |
| Chennai | Flights to Chennai |
| Hyderabad | Flights to Hyderabad |
| Kolkata | Flights to Kolkata |
| Ahmedabad | Flights to Ahmedabad |
| Amritsar | Flights to Amritsar |
| Goa | Flights to Goa |
| Kerala (Kochi) | Flights to Kochi |
| Trivandrum | Flights to Trivandrum |
Not sure which city fits your itinerary? See our wider UK to India flights 2026 guide for more on routes and booking timing, or go straight to the flights to India page to compare everything at once.
When should you book flights to India?
Peak demand periods — Christmas and New Year, UK summer school holidays, Diwali, and Indian wedding season — push fares up noticeably, so booking three to six months ahead for these windows is worth it. Outside peak periods, more flexible travellers can often find good value booking closer to departure. Airline pricing is dynamic, so there's no single "cheapest day of the week" to rely on — comparing several dates directly, ideally with more than one UK departure airport, remains the most effective approach.
Indian festivals worth planning your trip around
Major festivals shape both the atmosphere of a trip and flight demand — worth building your dates around deliberately rather than by accident.
- Diwali: India's biggest festival of lights, drawing huge diaspora travel demand — see our Diwali 2026 travel guide.
- Chhath Puja: a major Bihar-centred festival with a strong NRI travel pattern — see our Chhath Puja 2026 Bihar travel guide.
- Holi, Navratri, Durga Puja, Onam, Pongal & Baisakhi: significant regional festivals worth timing a trip around if you want an authentic cultural experience.
- Cricket & major sporting events: if you're travelling to follow India's cricket season, see our India cricket 2026-27 schedule & travel guide.
Visiting family in India for a festival? Compare UK–India flights well ahead of the peak dates on our flights to India page.
Family travel & first-time visitor tips
Travelling with family: consider direct flights where possible to minimise connection stress with children or elderly parents, factor in extra baggage, choose family-friendly cities like Goa or Kerala for an easier introduction, and arrange travel insurance and any needed medical considerations well ahead of departure.
First-time visitors: expect a genuinely different pace and sensory experience to most European travel — busy transport hubs, a mix of formal and informal commerce, and significant regional variation in food, language and customs. Common first-timer questions cover money and cards, SIM/eSIM setup, tipping norms, modest clothing in religious sites, using domestic flights or trains between cities, and booking accommodation in advance during peak season.
Money, SIM cards & getting around
- Money: the Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels and larger restaurants; carry some cash for smaller vendors, markets and rural areas. UPI-based digital payments are extremely common locally but generally require an Indian bank account, so most tourists rely on card/cash.
- SIM & eSIM: a local SIM or eSIM makes maps, ride-hailing and staying connected far cheaper than UK roaming. eSIMs can often be set up before you fly; physical SIMs typically require identity verification after arrival.
- Getting around: domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances between regions, the Indian Railways network is extensive and scenic for shorter and medium hops, and ride-hailing apps, taxis and private drivers handle most city and day-trip transport.
Is India safe to visit?
Millions of foreign tourists visit India safely every year, and normal travel precautions around valuables, transport choices and awareness in crowded areas go a long way — this applies particularly to solo travellers and solo women travellers, who may want to take extra care around late-night transport and accommodation choices. Rather than relying on a generic safety summary, check the current, official UK Government travel advice for India before you go, and again closer to your departure date.
India travel checklist
- Passport (valid 6+ months, 2 blank pages)
- Visa / e-Visa approval, plus the e-Arrival Card if currently required
- Flight tickets and any domestic connections
- Travel insurance
- Hotel bookings for at least your first few nights
- Airport transfer arrangements
- Phone plan or eSIM sorted
- Money and cards, plus some local cash on arrival
- Any personal medicines, clearly labelled
- Copies of key documents (digital and printed)
- Emergency contacts saved offline
- Weather-appropriate clothing for your specific region and season
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit India?
October to March is generally the most comfortable window for much of northern and central India, with cooler, drier weather. But India is vast — hill stations and the Himalayas often peak in summer, while some southern and coastal regions have their own separate seasonal patterns, so the best time really depends on where you're going.
What is the cheapest month to fly to India?
There's no single universally cheapest month, since fares depend on your route, departure airport and exact dates. That said, flights often ease outside the November to February peak season and outside major UK school holidays — comparing several months on your specific route is the most reliable way to find the lowest fare.
What is the cheapest time to visit India?
Shoulder and lower-demand periods, often outside November to February and outside major festival dates, tend to offer better value on both flights and hotels. Exact cheapest windows vary by destination and departure airport, so compare a few date ranges before booking.
Is India expensive to visit?
India can suit almost any budget. Backpacker-style travel is genuinely affordable by UK standards, while comfortable mid-range and luxury travel are also widely available. Flights and any pre-booked internal transport tend to be the largest single cost for UK visitors.
How much does a trip to India cost?
Costs vary enormously by travel style and destination, but as a rough guide, budget travellers might get by on the equivalent of around £50 a day, mid-range comfort around £100 a day, and a more premium trip £150 or more a day — excluding international flights, which are usually the biggest single line item.
How much money do I need for India?
Beyond flights, budgeting for accommodation, food, local transport, entry fees, any tours, shopping and travel insurance gives the clearest picture. Daily costs vary hugely by city and travel style, so it's worth costing out your specific itinerary rather than relying on a single average figure.
How long should I spend in India?
Two to three weeks is a common length for a first-time multi-city trip covering somewhere like the Golden Triangle plus one other region, though even a focused one-week trip to a single state can work well. India rewards longer stays given how much ground-level travel time moving between regions can take.
Is India safe for tourists?
Millions of foreign tourists visit India safely every year, though as with any large, busy country, sensible precautions around valuables, transport and solo travel (particularly for women) are worth taking. For current, official guidance, check the UK Government's India travel advice before you go.
Do UK citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. British passport holders need a visa to enter India for tourism, with the main exception being valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, who can enter using their OCI card alongside their British passport. Most UK tourists apply for the e-Tourist Visa online rather than visiting a consulate.
How do I apply for an India eVisa?
Apply directly through India's official eVisa portal — check eligibility, complete the online application, upload your passport bio page and photo, pay the fee, and receive your Electronic Travel Authorisation by email. Always use the official government site rather than a third-party site claiming to be the official portal.
How long does an India eVisa take to process?
Processing is often completed within a few business days, but the official guidance recommends applying at least four to seven days before travel to allow for processing and to correct any document issues without risking your trip.
What documents do I need to travel to India?
You'll typically need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date with at least two blank pages, your approved eVisa or visa, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and since April 2026, a completed digital e-Arrival Card submitted before boarding — confirm the current e-Arrival Card requirement before you fly, as entry rules can be updated.
Which airlines fly from the UK to India?
Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate direct UK-India routes, while IndiGo, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Swiss, Finnair, Oman Air, Gulf Air and Saudia all connect the UK to India via their respective hubs.
Which UK airports fly to India?
London Heathrow and Gatwick offer the widest choice of direct and connecting India routes, with Manchester and Birmingham also serving several major Indian cities directly, and Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Bristol and Newcastle typically connecting via a UK or international hub.
Which Indian airport is best for tourists?
It depends on your itinerary: Delhi suits the Golden Triangle and the north, Mumbai suits western India, Bengaluru and Chennai suit the south, Kochi suits Kerala, and Ahmedabad or Amritsar suit Gujarat and Punjab respectively. Choosing the arrival airport closest to your first stop usually beats always defaulting to Delhi or Mumbai.
Are there direct flights from London to India?
Yes. London (Heathrow and Gatwick) has direct flights to several major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Amritsar, operated by a mix of Air India, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and IndiGo depending on the route.
Are there direct flights from Manchester to India?
Yes, on selected routes — Manchester has historically had direct connections to cities including Mumbai, and connects to other Indian cities via a UK or international hub. Compare current direct and one-stop options for your specific destination before booking.
Is it cheaper to fly direct or via a Gulf hub to India?
It varies by date and route. Direct flights save time, but one-stop options via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul are often competitively priced and can open up more Indian destinations or UK departure airports than a direct-only search.
When should I book flights to India?
Booking a few months ahead generally gives more choice and better pricing, particularly for travel around Christmas, New Year, UK summer holidays, Diwali or wedding season, when demand rises sharply. Airline pricing is dynamic, so there's no single day of the week that's reliably cheapest — comparing dates directly is more effective.
How far in advance should I book India flights?
Three to six months ahead is a reasonable target for peak periods like Diwali, Christmas or summer holidays, while more flexible travellers on off-peak dates can often find good fares booking closer to departure.
What is the best city to visit in India for first-time visitors?
Delhi is a common starting point for first-time visitors, offering a natural gateway into the classic Golden Triangle route with Agra and Jaipur. Many first-timers also base a trip around Kerala or Goa for a gentler introduction focused on beaches and backwaters rather than dense city travel.
What are the best places to visit in India?
Popular first-time destinations include Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, Amritsar, Varanasi and Udaipur, while more adventurous or repeat travellers often add Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh or the Northeast states.
What is the weather like in India?
India's climate varies dramatically by region and season — broadly a cooler, drier winter from November to February, a hot pre-monsoon period from March to June, and the monsoon season from roughly June to September in most of the country. Mountain regions and the far south follow different patterns again.
What is India like in December?
December sits within India's peak winter travel season, with generally pleasant, cooler and drier weather across much of the north and centre of the country, making it a popular month for sightseeing, though it's also one of the busier and pricier months to fly.
What is India like in January?
January is one of the coolest and most comfortable months for sightseeing across much of northern and central India, and remains part of the peak winter tourist season, so flights and popular hotels are worth booking well ahead.
Can I use my UK bank card in India?
Card payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops in major Indian cities, and international cards generally work at ATMs, though it's worth carrying some cash for smaller vendors, markets and rural areas where card acceptance is less consistent.
Do I need cash in India?
Yes, at least some. While digital payments including UPI are extremely widespread in India, many smaller transactions, tips, and rural or informal vendors still rely on cash, so carrying a reasonable amount of Indian Rupees alongside your cards is sensible.
Do I need a SIM card or eSIM in India?
A local SIM or eSIM makes navigation, ride-hailing apps and staying in touch considerably easier and cheaper than relying on UK roaming. eSIMs can often be set up before you travel, while physical SIMs require identity verification and are usually arranged after arrival.
What should I pack for India?
Lightweight, modest, breathable clothing suits most of the year and most regions, along with comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, any personal medication, and layers if you're heading to hill stations or the Himalayas. What you pack should adjust significantly depending on the season and region you're visiting.
Do I need an OCI card if I already hold British citizenship with Indian heritage?
If you hold a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, you can generally enter India without a separate visa, using the OCI card alongside your British passport. If you previously held an older PIO card, note that it's no longer valid on its own and needs to be converted to an OCI card.