Travel to India

The most common methods of entering India are by air from many international points or by road, usually from Nepal. Buses run regularly between India and Nepal, though the trip can be long and uncomfortable. There is only one rail link with Pakistan and entry to India by sea, unless as part of a cruise package, is uncommon.

India has six major international airports in various locations throughout the country. International arrivals and departures are possible from Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras), Tiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and the newly upgraded Bangalore airport. The latter two are the most useful for going and coming from Sri Lanka. Delhi and Mumbai are the largest of India’s international airports. Air India is the national flag carrier, serving an international and domestic network.

Indira Gandhi Airport in New Delhi is situated approximately 12 miles from the city center. Mumbai’s international airport (Sahar) is about 18 miles out of town, while Chennai’s is a little nearer. It’s worth noting that most flights from Europe to India arrive early in the morning, therefore it’s advisable to have a hotel or guest house booked in advance.

International flights to India’s neighboring countries can be very cheap. Be aware that the cheapest tickets can be purchased in Delhi, Calcutta and Mumbai. You will find the best deals on flights between Calcutta and Dahka, Delhi and Karachi (Pakistan) or Tiruchirappalli and Colombo. Also, don’t forget departure tax on all international flights. This will vary depending on your flight destination.

Alternative Transportation

Visitors may wish to enter India overland. You can do this via Pakistan (Lahore and Amritsar), Nepal (Birani and Raxaul/Sunauli, and Gorakhpur/Kakarbhitta and Siliguri). In addition to these, there is also a relatively new border crossing between Bangladesh and India (Calcutta and Dhaka). If you are traveling from Kathmandu or Pokhara in Nepal, to Delhi or elsewhere in the northeast of India, the Birganj border is the most convenient point of entry.

The only international rail link in India is at the border between India and Pakistan. However, regulations regarding travel on the train are constantly changing and foreigners may not be permitted to utilize this route. Check with the tourist office or Indian Railways.

For those wishing to travel to India by sea, the main passenger ports are Mumbai, Calcutta, Kochi, Chennai, Calicut, Panaji (Goa) and Rameswaram. These ports generally service cruise ships, ferries and domestic catamarans (400 seats with air-conditioning). The ferry between Sri Lanka and India has not been in service for some years due to the conflict in the northeast of Sri Lanka.