India is one of the most rewarding destinations an Australian can visit, and also one of the most complex to plan well. The country’s scale, diversity, and logistical demands are unlike almost any other destination. Done properly, an India trip from Australia is genuinely life-changing. Done poorly, it’s exhausting and frustrating. This guide walks through the key steps from initial idea to boarding your flight.
Step 1: Decide on Your Itinerary Focus
India is enormous. Trying to see too much in one trip is the most common planning mistake. A two-week trip from Australia to India works best when it focuses on one region rather than hopping across the country.
North India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Rajasthan) is the most visited region and the most logical starting point for first-time visitors. South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) is a completely different India experience, greener, more tropical, and less visited by international tourists. Both are excellent. Choosing one gives you a trip with depth rather than a surface-level sampler.
If you have family origins in a specific state, visiting family destinations alongside tourist highlights is the most personally meaningful way to approach India travel. Talk to a travel agent who knows India specifically before finalising your itinerary.
Step 2: Sort Your Visa or OCI Card
For Australian passport holders, the India e-Tourist Visa (eTV) covers most tourism purposes. It’s applied for online through the Indian government’s visa portal and processed within 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 5 to 7 days before departure to allow time for corrections if the application has errors.
Common e-visa application mistakes include: incorrect photo format (the photo must be of a very specific size and background colour, and rejections for photo non-compliance are very common); passport details not matching exactly what’s printed in the passport; and selecting the wrong visa category. Apply carefully, or ask a travel agent who handles this regularly.
If you’re of Indian origin and hold Australian citizenship, you may be eligible for an OCI card, which removes the need for a visa on every trip. OCI applications take 4 to 8 weeks and are worth doing before your next trip if you plan to visit India regularly.
Step 3: Book Flights Early
Australia-to-India flights are in high demand year-round, with peak periods around Christmas, Indian wedding season (October to February), and school holidays. Book 3 to 6 months out for the best fares. The main routing options from Australian cities are via Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines or Air India), or Doha (Qatar Airways).
Your entry airport in India should match your itinerary. Flying into Delhi for North India is logical. Chennai or Kochi for South India avoids an internal Indian flight at the start. If you’re not sure of the best entry point, a travel agent who knows India can advise based on your specific plan.
Step 4: Health Preparation
Consult a travel doctor at least 6 to 8 weeks before your India departure. Recommended vaccinations for India from Australia typically include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus boosters. Antimalarial medication is recommended for some rural and tropical regions, including Rajasthan in monsoon season. Your travel doctor will advise based on your specific itinerary.
Food and water safety is the most practically important health consideration. Drink only bottled or purified water (including for brushing teeth). Avoid ice in drinks outside quality hotels. Choose cooked food over raw salads in lower-end restaurants. These are sensible precautions rather than reasons for paranoia, and most Australian visitors to India travel without health problems when they take basic care.
Step 5: Currency and Money
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the currency. ATMs are widely available in major Indian cities, and most quality hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. Carrying a combination of an international debit card with low overseas transaction fees (Wise, Revolut, or a travel-optimised bank card) and some cash rupees for small transactions, auto-rickshaws, and markets is the practical approach.
Don’t carry more cash than you need on any given day, particularly in markets or tourist areas. Use hotel safes for valuables. Exchange AUD to INR at your Australian bank before departure or at an authorised exchange in major Indian airports on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions: Planning a Trip to India from Australia
How much does a trip to India from Australia cost?
A 14-day India package from Australia including return flights from Brisbane, mid-range hotel accommodation, guided touring, and internal transport typically costs AUD $4,000 to $6,000 per person. Premium packages with luxury hotels run significantly higher. Budget trips staying in cheaper accommodation can be done for less, though the flight cost is the same regardless.
Is India safe for Australian tourists?
India is visited by millions of international tourists annually, including large numbers of Australians. Major tourist destinations are well-serviced and generally safe. Standard travel precautions, including not displaying valuables in markets, using licensed taxis and registered guides, and being aware of your surroundings, apply as they would in any large country.
Do I need travel insurance for India?
Absolutely. India travel insurance with strong overseas medical coverage and medical evacuation is essential. Medical costs at private Indian hospitals can be very high, and medical evacuation from remote areas is a significant expense without insurance. This is non-negotiable.
What’s the best way to get around within India?
Domestic flights for distances over 500 kilometres. The train network for medium distances (overnight sleeper trains between major cities are excellent value and an experience in themselves). Private car and driver for day trips and local travel within a region. Auto-rickshaws and app-based taxis (Ola, Uber) for urban travel.
How long does the flight from Australia to India take?
Australia-to-India flights involve at least one connection and total around 14 to 18 hours depending on your departure city and connection point. Melbourne to Delhi with the Air India non-stop service is around 12 hours.
Ready to start planning your India trip from Australia? Sai World Travel specialises in India travel and handles everything from flights to visas to itinerary planning. Call 1800 724 967 or visit saiworldtravel.com.au.