A country of a thousand journeys
From Agra and the royal palaces of Rajasthan to the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, the backwaters of Kerala and the beaches of Goa, India rewards every kind of traveller. Many of our customers travel to see family — we make those trips simple too, with the right flights and the right paperwork.
Where to go
Dawn boat rides past the ghats and the evening aarti ceremony — India at its most spiritual.
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur — the classic first visit, easily done in a week.
Beaches, Portuguese-era churches and a slower pace — ideal for a winter break.
The Golden Temple, the Wagah border ceremony and family visits across the Punjab.
Houseboats on the backwaters, tea hills in Munnar and a gentle coastline.
Culture and customs
India is welcoming and endlessly varied — customs change from state to state, but a few habits help everywhere.
Greetings. “Namaste” with palms pressed together works everywhere; in Punjab you’ll also hear “Sat Sri Akal”. Handshakes are fine in business and in cities.
Temples and gurdwaras. Remove your shoes and cover shoulders and knees. In gurdwaras, cover your head too — scarves are usually provided — and don’t bring tobacco or alcohol.
Use your right hand. Eat, pass food and hand over money with your right hand; the left is considered unclean.
Food and water. Drink bottled or filtered water and choose busy street-food stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you.
Tipping and bargaining. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added, plus tips for drivers and guides. Bargaining is expected at markets and with auto-rickshaws.
Money. You can’t take Indian rupees into India freely. Bring pounds or a card and exchange or withdraw rupees on arrival.
How far is India from you?
Distances are great-circle estimates and flying times are typical, not timetabled. Message us for live fares and routes.
India, month by month
Ready-made holidays, coming soon
We’re adding India packages you can browse and filter by trip type, length and budget. Until then, tell us what you’d like and we’ll send ideas and prices — usually the same day.
Tell us about your India trip
Holiday, flights only or just a hotel — send us the details and our team will come back with options and prices, usually the same day during opening hours.
- Flights issued by our own IATA-accredited team
- Internal flights, transfers and tours arranged
- Entry rules checked for your passport before you go
- One team to message before, during and after
Travelling to India — quick answers
Can’t see your question? Send us a message or WhatsApp us.
Do British citizens need a visa for India?
Yes, unless you hold an OCI card. Most British visitors use the Indian e-Visa, though a regular visa is also available. You must also complete India’s e-Arrival card online, up to 72 hours before you land — it isn’t a visa. We can prepare and check your e-Visa or OCI alongside your flights.
Are there direct flights from the UK to India?
Yes. From Heathrow there are nonstop flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities, taking around 8½ to 10 hours. Air India flies to Amritsar from Gatwick and Birmingham, and IndiGo flies from Manchester to Delhi and Mumbai. We compare direct and one-stop fares for you.
When is the best time to visit India?
October to March is the most comfortable time for most of the north, including Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan and Punjab — though December and January can be foggy and cold in the north. Goa is best from November to February, and Kerala from December to March. The monsoon runs from about June to September.
Can I take Indian rupees with me?
There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Take pounds, or use a debit or credit card, and exchange or withdraw rupees when you arrive. Large amounts of foreign cash must be declared.
Can you arrange my OCI or e-Visa as well as my booking?
Yes. We handle travel and documents together, so your flights, hotels and visa or OCI are all looked after by the same team.
Can you plan a family visit and a holiday in one trip?
Yes. Many of our customers combine time with family in Punjab or elsewhere with a tour such as the Golden Triangle, Kerala or Goa.
Please note: the information on this page is a general guide, checked when it was published. Entry rules, health advice, weather, seasons, flight routes and local conditions can change at any time and vary from person to person, so we can’t accept responsibility for changes or for decisions based on this page alone. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice and TravelHealthPro before you travel. When you book with us, we confirm the essentials for your trip and passport. See our terms and conditions.