India is one of the most searched international destinations for Australian travellers — and one of the least covered on this site. That ends now. Whether you’re chasing the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan forts, Kerala backwaters, or Goan beaches, this guide covers everything you need to plan a first-time India trip from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane in 2026.
Quick Verdict
- Flights: AUD 750–1,400 return from Australian cities (best via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore)
- Visa: e-Tourist Visa — online, AUD 45–65, approved in 72 hours
- Budget: AUD 70–130/day for comfortable travel (mid-range hotel + local transport + meals)
- Best months to go: October to March
- Don’t miss: 10+ days — India rewards slow travel
Why Australians Are Going to India Right Now
Australia’s Indian diaspora is the fastest-growing community in the country, and travel to India from Australia has climbed 38% since 2023. But it’s not just family visits. First-time travellers are drawn to the sheer variety: ancient temples, desert forts, tropical coasts, Himalayan foothills, and arguably the world’s most photogenic city skylines.
Flight prices have also come down since Air India and IndiGo expanded trans-oceanic routes through hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Dubai. A return from Sydney to Delhi for under AUD 900 is now realistic if you book 8–12 weeks out.
Search current India flight deals →
Flights from Australia to India
Route options:
- Sydney (SYD) → Delhi (DEL): 13–19 hours with one stop. From AUD 780 return.
- Melbourne (MEL) → Mumbai (BOM): 15–20 hours with one stop. From AUD 800 return.
- Brisbane (BNE) → Delhi (DEL): 16–22 hours with one stop. From AUD 820 return.
Best airlines via hub:
- Malaysia Airlines via KL: consistently the cheapest, good service
- Singapore Airlines via SIN: most comfortable, AUD 200–400 more
- Air India direct SYD-DEL: faster but can be pricier; watch for sales
- Qatar Airways via DOH: solid option for Melbourne departures
Booking tip: Mid-week departures (Tue/Wed) are 10–15% cheaper than weekend flights. October–November and February–March are the sweet spot: low season for flights, peak season for weather.
India e-Visa for Australians
Australian passport holders do not get visa-on-arrival for India. You need to apply for an e-Tourist Visa before departure.
Key facts:
- Apply at the official Indian government e-Visa portal
- Fee: AUD 45 for 30-day single entry; AUD 65 for 1-year multiple entry
- Processing time: 72 hours (apply at least 4–5 days before travel to be safe)
- Valid for entry at 28 major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore
- You’ll get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) emailed to you — print a copy
The 1-year multiple-entry visa is worth the extra AUD 20 if there’s any chance you’ll return within the year.
When to Visit India from Australia
India is a big country and climates vary, but the near-universal sweet spot for Australian travellers is:
October to March (Northern & Central India): Cool and dry. Delhi sees 10–25°C, Rajasthan is comfortable at 15–28°C, and the Taj Mahal looks best in winter morning mist. This is also high season, so book hotels early.
November to February (Kerala & South India): The dry season for the south. Kerala’s backwaters, beach towns, and spice plantations are at their best.
October & November (Goa): Monsoon just ended, beaches are clean, prices haven’t peaked yet. The ideal Goa window for Australians escaping the cold heading into November.
Avoid June–September: Monsoon across most of India. Outdoor sightseeing is miserable in the north.
Where to Go: Four India Routes for Australians
1. The Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur) — 7–10 days
The classic first-timer circuit. Delhi’s Old City bazaars and street food, the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra, and Jaipur’s pink-walled forts and palace hotels. Works as a standalone trip or a launch pad to Rajasthan or the Himalayas.
Budget: AUD 100–160/day (mid-range hotel + guided tours + meals)
Browse Golden Triangle tours and day trips →
2. Rajasthan Deep Dive — 12–16 days
Jodhpur (Blue City), Udaipur (City of Lakes), Jaisalmer (desert sand dunes), and Pushkar (camel fair in October/November). Best done by a mix of AC train and private driver.
Hire a driver for AUD 45–65/day — far cheaper than a rental and the driver handles traffic that would terrify most Australians.
3. Kerala & Backwaters — 7–10 days
India’s most relaxed state. Houseboat cruise on the Alleppey backwaters, hill-station tea estates in Munnar, and Kovalam beach. Fly in to Kochi (COK), fly out of Thiruvananthapuram (TRV). Book a Kochi airport transfer before arrival — the trip from the airport to Fort Kochi costs AUD 15–25 fixed-rate, but taxi apps are unreliable with luggage.
4. Goa Beach Break — 5–8 days
Goa is India’s easiest entry point for Australian beach-goers. North Goa (Baga, Anjuna) for nightlife, South Goa (Palolem, Agonda) for quiet bays. Fly in to Dabolim (GOI) or the newer Mopa Airport. Rent a scooter for AUD 8–12/day — it’s the standard way to get around, though an international licence is technically required.
How Much Does India Cost? (AUD Budget Breakdown)
| Style | Hotel/night | Food/day | Transport | Total/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | AUD 20–35 | AUD 15–25 | AUD 8–15 | AUD 45–75 |
| Mid-range | AUD 50–100 | AUD 30–50 | AUD 20–35 | AUD 100–185 |
| Comfort | AUD 120–250 | AUD 60–100 | AUD 50–80 | AUD 230–430 |
A 12-day mid-range India trip costs roughly AUD 1,200–2,200 on the ground, plus flights. India is the best-value destination in Asia at this budget level — you get heritage hotels, good restaurants, and private transfers for what you’d pay for a basic guesthouse in Europe.
Hidden costs to budget for:
- Entrance fees: Taj Mahal is AUD 30 for foreigners; many Rajasthan forts charge AUD 12–20 each
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants is appreciated; AUD 2–5 per bag for hotel porters
- SIM card or eSIM: plan for AUD 15–25 for 30 days of data
Getting Around India
Trains: Indian Railways is the backbone of long-distance travel. Book on the IRCTC website (or via third-party apps). AC-2 class (the default for international travellers) costs AUD 25–55 for a 5–8 hour journey.
Domestic flights: India has an excellent low-cost airline network. IndiGo and Air India Express fly most routes for AUD 25–80 one-way. Worth it for 1,000km+ hops (Delhi → Kochi, Jaipur → Mumbai).
Private drivers: Most tour operators and hotels can arrange a driver for AUD 45–80/day including fuel and tolls. Non-negotiable for Rajasthan if you want to cover multiple cities without train logistics.
Airport transfers: Pre-book your arrival transfers, especially in Delhi and Mumbai where airport taxi queues can be chaotic. Book airport transfers in advance →
Stay Connected in India
Indian SIM cards require an in-country address for registration, which is a headache for short-term visitors. The easier option:
Airalo eSIM for India starts from AUD 8 for 1 GB (7 days) to AUD 28 for 20 GB (30 days). Activate before you board in Australia, land with internet. No queue, no paperwork. Get your India eSIM from Airalo →
Travel Insurance for India
India’s private hospitals are good in major cities but expensive for foreigners without cover. Emergency evacuations from remote Rajasthan or the Himalayas can cost AUD 20,000+.
Don’t skip insurance. A policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and adventure activities (if you’re doing trekking or motorbike riding) is essential.
Compare India travel insurance options →
World Nomads is popular among Australian adventure travellers — they cover motorbike riding and trek-related incidents that standard travel policies exclude. Get a World Nomads quote →
Health & Safety Essentials
- Vaccinations: Consult your GP 6–8 weeks before travel. Standard recommendations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis if visiting rural areas.
- Water: Drink bottled or filtered water only. Most mid-range restaurants use purified water for cooking.
- Stomach: “Delhi belly” affects roughly half of first-time visitors. Pack Imodium and rehydration sachets. Ease into street food on day 2 or 3, not day 1 off the plane.
- Safety: India is generally safe for tourists. Use Ola or Uber in cities (metered, tracked, safer than hailing cabs). Keep photocopies of your passport and e-Visa confirmation separate from the originals.
Plan Your India Trip
India is too large and varied for one article to cover everything. Use the TripXenia AI trip planner → to build a custom itinerary based on your travel dates, interests, and budget — it pulls from real pricing and route data.
Suggested trip lengths:
- 10 days: Golden Triangle only — Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
- 14 days: Golden Triangle + Rajasthan extension (Jodhpur + Udaipur)
- 18 days: Rajasthan + Kerala flyout
- 21 days: Mix of north and south India with a Goa beach finish
The 14-day Rajasthan loop is the sweet spot for most Australian first-timers. India rewards the time you put in — try not to compress it below 10 days.
Search India flights from Australia → Search India hotels →
Related Articles
Get the Best Fares First
Weekly deal alerts for Australian travellers. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tags:
Plan Your Trip