Overview
India is one of the world's most captivating destinations — a vast country of ancient history, dazzling colour, diverse landscapes and unforgettable food. For UK travellers it's among the most popular long-haul choices of all, whether for visiting family, business or once-in-a-lifetime travel. Major gateways in Delhi, Mumbai and beyond connect the UK to every corner of the subcontinent.
Best time to fly to India
India's best weather generally runs from October to March, when much of the country is warm and dry. Summers are hot and the monsoon arrives around June. Fares climb around Diwali and the Christmas holidays, so travelling a few weeks either side brings better value — the price charts on this page show the cheapest dates.
Main gateway cities & airports
The busiest UK gateways are Delhi (DEL) in the north and Mumbai (BOM) on the west coast, with strong connections also to Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Amritsar. Domestic flights link these hubs to the rest of the country.
Airlines and routes
Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London to Delhi and Mumbai in around nine hours. For connecting fares — often the best value — Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and Turkish Airlines serve UK airports including Manchester and Birmingham.
Popular places to visit in India
- Delhi: the historic capital, gateway to the Golden Triangle.
- Agra: home of the incomparable Taj Mahal.
- Jaipur & Rajasthan: palaces, forts and desert colour.
- Goa & Kerala: beaches, backwaters and tropical calm.
- Amritsar: the serene Golden Temple, heart of Punjab.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to India
- Book around 4–10 weeks ahead for the best value.
- Avoid the Diwali and Christmas peaks if your dates are flexible.
- Compare Gulf-hub connections — they often beat direct fares.
- Consider regional UK airports; several have one-stop routes to India.
Travel essentials
- UK travellers need a visa for India — the e-Visa is quick to apply for online before you fly.
- The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR).
