India - How to get there

By Air

India is a huge country and has many international airports. The main scheduled flight destinations for the major international airlines are Delhi, Kolkatta (Calcutta) and Mumbai (Bombay). Onward flights to numerous towns and cities throughout the country are available with national Indian airlines such as Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher, as well as several new low-cost carriers. Some charter flight operators fly into the popular beach resort areas such as Goa. Flights to and from Bhutan with Druk Air operate from either Delhi, Kolkatta or Bagdogra. There are also several daily flights to Kathmandu in Nepal.

Flying from the UK

If you are flying from the UK, there are several airlines which operate direct flights to India from London Heathrow. These include Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Air India, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Prices can very widely and start from as little as £350 per person, and it is worth checking several flight agents and airlines to get the best fare. Indirect options are also available from London and regional airports with various European and Gulf airlines.

Where to book

We hold an ATOL, and you are welcome to book your flights with us. Please discuss your ideal dates and departure airport with our sales staff, and we will send you a selection of airlines, flight times, and prices. You can then choose whether to book your flights through us, or to make your own arrangements. If you book your own flights, we will still include both your arrival and departure airport transfers.

By Land

Nepal

There are several border crossings between Nepal and India, and we use these on some tours that combine both countries. The most popular border is through Sonauli in the centre of the lowland Terai region, close to Gorakhpur and accessible from Varanasi in India. You can also enter from Mahendrenagar in the far west of Nepal. This border is a long day’s drive from Delhi, and is often used to access Bardia National Park in the west of Nepal.

Pakistan

The main border crossing between Pakistan and India is at Wagah, close to Amritsar and Lahore. The evening ceremony closing the border for the night is well worth visiting.

Bhutan

There are two border crossings available for tourists travelling by road between Bhutan and India. The main one is through Phuentsholing, four hours from Silguri, close to Darjeeling. There is also a border in the far east of Bhutan at Samdrup Jonkar which only allows exits from Bhutan into the state of Assam in India.