🇮🇳✈️ How to Plan Your India Trip from France – Flights, Visa & Tips

Planning your dream trip to India from France? Whether you're headed to the Taj Mahal, Kerala's backwaters, or Rajasthan’s forts, here’s a complete guide covering flights, visas, travel tips, and destinations — perfect for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.

🛂 1. Visa for Indian Travel (French Citizens)

✅ e-Visa (Most Popular)

• Website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

• Types:

  • Tourist e-Visa – 30 days / 1 year / 5 years

  • Business, Medical & Conference e-Visas also available

• Requirements:

  • Valid passport (6+ months)

  • Passport-size photo (digital)

  • PDF scan of passport bio page

• Processing Time: 3–5 working days

• Fee: Varies by duration (€20–€80 approx.)

🛑 Avoid fake visa websites — always apply through the official Indian government portal.

✈️ 2. Flights from France to India

🇫🇷 Paris (CDG) to Major Indian Cities:

• Direct Flights:

  • Paris → Delhi (Air India, Air France)

  • Paris → Mumbai (Air France)

• One-Stop Flights:

  • Via Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad)

  • Via Europe (Lufthansa, British Airways, Turkish Airlines)

🕒 Average flight duration:

• Direct: 8–9 hours

• One-stop: 11–14 hours

💡 Book 2–3 months in advance for better fares (especially October to March).

🧳 3. Packing Tips for French Travelers

• 🧼 Wet wipes, sanitizer, power adapter (India uses Type C/D/M)

• 👚 Lightweight cotton clothes for summer, layers for the North in winter

• 🧴 Sunscreen, mosquito repellent

• 💊 Basic medicine kit (paracetamol, digestive aids, etc.)

📍 4. Top Destinations for French Tourists

🔺 Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur)

• Easy 5–7 day intro to India’s history & culture

• Highlights: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Amber Fort, City Palace

🌴 Kerala – Backwaters, beaches, Ayurveda

🌄 Rajasthan – Udaipur, Jodhpur, desert camps

🛕 Varanasi – Spiritual experience by the Ganges

🧘‍♀️ Rishikesh – Yoga capital of the world

🌿 Goa – Beaches, Portuguese heritage, nightlife

💡 5. Travel Tips

• 🚖 Use prepaid or app-based taxis (Ola, Uber) from airports

• 💰 Currency: INR (exchange at airport or use ATMs)

• 📶 Get an Indian SIM (Airtel, Jio) for internet & calls

• 📱 Install helpful apps: Google Translate, Maps, Paytm, Zomato

🚫 6. Safety & Culture Tips

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples

• Avoid drinking tap water — stick to bottled water

• Beware of common scams at airports, stations & tourist spots

• Respect local customs — remove shoes in temples/homes

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary (10–14 Days)

• Day 1–3: Delhi

• Day 4: Agra (Taj Mahal)

• Day 5–7: Jaipur

• Day 8–10: Varanasi or Udaipur

• Day 11–14: Goa or Kerala to relax