Cheap flights to India

No other country in the world has the ability to make you laugh, sing and weep all in one day. The land of wonderful contrasts, travellers booking cheap tickets to India will discover a kaleidoscope of slums and beggars living alongside lavish medieval palaces and sacred rivers. The honking horns, tinny cow bells and screaming babies can sound like chaos to travellers coming off their flights to India. But rather than allow it to distress you, accept it as a warm welcome from a country that makes no apologies for its gregarious character.

Most travellers will take an India flight to Mumbai, capital of the state of Maharashtra, which provides a good introduction to the country. The energy of Bollywood combined with its lively nightlife will give you all the stamina needed to venture on to its other cities. Explore the churches and antiques warehouses of Cochin in the south then drive to Kerala’s backwaters and spend a few nights on a houseboat. From there take an India flight to Delhi and travel around the northern part of the country. Visit the spectacular sights of the “Golden Triangle”: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. If you have some energy left, fly into the sacred city of Varanasi and walk along the ghats (steps) to its holy temples and terraces.

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India climate

India is a big country and the climate can vary depending on where you are. Winters are dry and cool and last from December through February. Summer is still dry, but warms up quite a bit. The southwest monsoon season is from June through September; the northeast monsoon season lasts from October to November.

When is the best time to fly to India?

Generally the best time to take a flight to India, particularly southern India, is January through September, and northeastern India March through August. The desert and northwestern areas are best during the July to September monsoon season. And the best time to visit the mountain regions is summer.

Peak Season:

Delhi’s peak tourist season is mid-September through March, during which October to February is considered the best time for flights to India. Mumbai is cooler and drier November through February. Goa’s best season is October to February, and Bangalore’s dry and clear season is December to February.

Off Season:

Indian summers are typically hot (Delhi summers can go above 43 degrees Celsius) and humid. Also keep in mind that a monsoon can disrupt plane schedules and shut down phone systems and electricity.

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Getting around India

Driving in India is not recommended, particularly in the cities. In Old Delhi and Mumbai you can explore the sights on foot. Many visitors hire a car and driver by the day to get around a city, although taxis and rickshaws are an option. For taxis and rickshaws (both auto and bicycle), make sure to negotiate the fare before you set out.

Motorbikes are very popular in Goa, and the state is small enough that a motorbike may be all the transportation you need.

Most cities have a bus system. Generally the buses are hot and crowded, particularly during rush hour, when the additional traffic also affects the bus service. The exception is Chennai where the city buses and suburban trains are fast and economical.

Travelling from one city to another is made easy by domestic India flights.

How long is the flight to India?

Flights to India from the Philippines will generally take around 20-25h. Cheap flights to India’s Mumbai International Airport from Manila will take around 17-20h, depending on the route you travel. If you want India flight deals to Mumbai from Cebu City, you will then be looking at a travel time of around 20-27h, depending on where your stopovers will be and how many you might have. If you’re travelling to New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport from Manila, then you will have a journey of about 20-25h depending on your stopovers. If you want to fly to New Delhi from Cebu City, your journey will take you around 28-33h.

Where can you get direct flights to India from?

Unfortunately, direct flights from the Philippines to India are not currently available. If you want to fly to Mumbai from Manila, you will need to have a stopover in Dubai for a few hours before continuing your journey. Travellers who want to get to Mumbai from Cebu City will have a stopover in Manila before heading to Dubai International Airport and then heading on their way. If you're wanting to get to New Delhi from Manila, you will need to have a stopover in Dubai before arriving in New Delhi. Those who want to fly to New Delhi from Cebu City will need a stopover in Manila and then Dubai before setting off to their intended destination.

What is the best way to travel around India?

If you want to travel from Mumbai to Kolkata, a good idea would be to fly, as flights are relatively inexpensive if you book far enough in advance. If you want to visit the Red Fort in New Delhi, however, you might want to take a train as you will know exactly where you are going during your trip. You can also use motorbike taxis, which can get across the cities if you are in a hurry. There are also buses available throughout India, just make sure you are familiar with the route you will be taking. You can get a hire car from the airport, but you will need an International Driver’s Permit along with your local driver's licence in order to secure your rental.

What are some things to do in India?

If you are in India, the Taj Mahal is a sight to behold. This iconic mausoleum is almost 400 years old and made out of white marble. Take the opportunity to learn about Indian history and culture with guided tours of the Taj Mahal grounds. You could also visit the Jim Corbett National Park, which is home to a variety of Indian wildlife and will give you a chance to see the beauty of Indian nature. If you want something fun to do with all the family, why not check out the Jalavihar WaterPark, which offers a host of rides and things the kids and grownups can enjoy.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to India?

Filipino citizens will need to have a valid passport and an e-visa in order to fly to India. To get an e-visa, you'll need to fill in an online form and provide evidence of your return flight, proof of where you will be residing and proof of funds for the duration of your trip. You will also need an email address for your visa to be sent to you. The e-visa will cost about ₱4,575.

What is good to know if travelling to India?

• Delhi, India’s capital, has thousands of years of history, and Old Delhi is a step back in time with its historic buildings, bazaars, and narrow alleys. Throughout Delhi the old and new are side by side: modern skyscrapers, beautiful gardens, and tree-lined avenues. Delhi is modern India, with its contradictions — old and new, affluent and poor — and a rich mix of India’s history, cultures, and religions.
• Goa’s warm weather and sandy beaches bring droves of tourists from India and abroad. A hippie playground in the 60s, today’s Goa has five-star resorts and a party-all-night atmosphere, yet you can find remote and secluded beaches. The cuisine is a mix of Indian and Latin, and a must-do experience is shopping in the thousands of stalls at the Wednesday Market.
• Mumbai (Bombay) has a Victorian-townhouse, English-industrial, coastal-city setting and is India’s richest and most vibrant city. Mumbai has more millionaires than any other Indian city and extreme poverty, a swinging nightlife and the Banganga Tank where pilgrims cleanse their souls. A visit to Mumbai also brings you to some of the best bazaars, sports activities, and performing arts.
• India’s fifth-largest city, Bangalore, has a mild and healthy climate. Bangalore was the first Indian city to get electricity and is now India’s high-technology centre. Cosmopolitan Bangalore has excellent pubs, restaurants, and cafes. It is also a shoppers’ paradise with Mysore silks, sandalwood and rosewood carvings, brass and ivory artifacts, lambani jewellery, and handicrafts from embroidery to pottery.
• Chennai (Madras) has one of the longest urban beaches in the world, but also a large city’s pollution problems. An important centre before the British arrived, Chennai retains the best of southern Indian traditions and remains a gateway to South India. As one of India’s important trade centres, Chennai is a great place for shopping.
• Trivago is a useful website for information about accommodation in India. The site contains user reviews and recommendations on a range of hotels across the country, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.