Visa, e-Arrival Card, insurance, best time to go, and a free 7-day itinerary — everything a UK citizen needs before booking flights to India.
A day-by-day Golden Triangle itinerary — Delhi, Agra, Jaipur — designed specifically for UK visitors. Includes best hotel areas, what to skip, and what nobody tells you before you go.
From the moment you decide to go, here's the correct sequence — so nothing falls through the cracks before departure.
India's climate varies dramatically by region and month. North India (Delhi, Rajasthan, Golden Triangle) is best October to February. Kerala is pleasant year-round but the June–August monsoon makes some areas inaccessible. Most UK travellers choose October–March, where school holiday half-terms make October and February peak windows.
Direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Delhi (DEL) take approximately 9 hours. Air India, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic operate this route. For Rajasthan, fly into Delhi and travel onward by road or train. For Kerala, fly into Kochi (COK) or Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) — often via a connection through Mumbai or Delhi.
UK passport holders need a visa before entering India — there is no visa on arrival. Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in (official portal only — scam sites are common). Most approvals arrive within 72 hours. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The 1-year multiple-entry eVisa (~£32) is the best option for most UK travellers.
Since April 2026, all foreign nationals arriving in India must complete a mandatory digital e-Arrival Card — separate from and in addition to the eVisa. File it at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or via the Su-Swagatam app (iOS & Android). It's free, takes about 10 minutes, and generates a QR code to show at immigration. One submission covers a family of up to 5.
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement to enter India, but it is strongly advised for all UK visitors. Medical treatment in Indian private hospitals can cost thousands of pounds without cover. Look for policies covering: medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. UK-based providers like Aviva, Direct Line, and specialist travel insurers are popular choices.
Your eVisa application requires your first accommodation address in India — have this confirmed before starting the visa application. For Delhi: Aerocity (near airport), Connaught Place, or Paharganj depending on budget. For Rajasthan heritage hotels and palace properties, peak season (Oct–Feb) availability fills months ahead — early booking saves significant money and guarantees your preferred property.
Run through this before leaving home:
Three tourist eVisa options exist. Here's an honest breakdown to help you pick the right one — the answer is almost always the same.
| 30-Day eVisa | 1-Year eVisa Recommended | 5-Year eVisa Expensive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 30 days from entry | 365 days from issue | 5 years from issue |
| Max Stay Per Visit | 30 days | 180 days | 180 days |
| Entries | Double | Multiple | Multiple |
| Cost (approx. GBP) | ~£20 | ~£32 | ~£420 ⚠️ |
| Best For | Single trip under 30 days | Most UK travellers — excellent value | Frequent visitors only (3+ trips/year) |
Not required by law — but strongly recommended for every UK visitor. Here's what your policy should cover, and what most standard policies miss.
This is the opening of the itinerary we email to UK travellers. The full version includes hotel recommendations, travel times, and budget breakdowns in GBP.
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and what matters most to you — we'll build a custom itinerary with hotel picks and GBP pricing. Free consultation, no obligation.
India's size means weather varies enormously by region. Use this table to match your available dates with the right destination.
| Month | North India (Delhi, Rajasthan) | Kerala (South India) | UK School Holiday Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | ✓ Excellent — cooling down, post-monsoon green | ✓ Good — end of monsoon | Half-term |
| November | ✓ Peak season begins — clear skies, comfortable | ✓ Very good | — |
| December | ✓ Popular — cool, dry, festive | ✓ Excellent | Christmas holidays |
| January | ⚠ Cold mornings — fog delays at Delhi airport common | ✓ Best month for Kerala | — |
| February | ✓ Warming up — ideal for Rajasthan | ✓ Very good | Half-term |
| March | ⚠ Getting warm — Holi festival (crowds) | ⚠ Heating up | Easter holidays |
| April–May | ✗ Very hot — 40°C+, not recommended | ⚠ Hot and humid pre-monsoon | Easter / Summer |
| June–September | ✗ Monsoon — extreme heat and heavy rain in north | ✗ Monsoon — many areas inaccessible | Summer holidays |
Honest answers — not marketing copy.
25+ years in India tourism, working specifically with UK, US, and international visitors. From first-time India trips to complex senior-focused private circuits — every itinerary is personally reviewed before it reaches a client. Free consultation, no obligation, direct WhatsApp.
