A calm, simple guide to booking your family trip home over the summer break.
QUICK ANSWER
The Australian summer school holidays (December to January) are a busy time for India holiday flights. Book early, choose your dates, and sort passports and visas first. Indian winter weather is generally pleasant. On 18 Oct 2026 we saw fares from AUD 493.13 per person one way from Melbourne to Delhi. Prices change daily. Our 24/7 team can help on 1300 754 002.
Why the summer holidays need early planning
The Australian summer break falls in December and January. Many families want to travel at the same time. That means flights can fill up, and fares can move.
School holiday dates differ by state and change each year, so check your own school calendar first. Once you know your dates, you can look at flights with confidence.
There is a good reason so many families choose this time. The break is long enough for a proper visit. And the weather in much of India is gentler in winter than in the hotter months.
A little planning now saves a lot of stress later. Many families start looking in October or November, once the school term dates are clear. If your plans are still taking shape, that is fine. Start by choosing a rough window, then narrow it down.
It also helps to think about who is travelling. Grandparents, young children and students may all have different needs. Talk it through together so everyone is comfortable with the plan.
Fares we saw on 18 Oct 2026
These are “from” fares for one-way economy, per person, checked on 18 Oct 2026. Prices change daily and are not guaranteed. Fares for your holiday dates may be different.
Route | From (one way, per person) | Checked |
Melbourne to Delhi | AUD 493.13 | 18 Oct 2026 |
Melbourne to Mumbai | AUD 569 | 18 Oct 2026 |
Sydney to Delhi | AUD 626 | 18 Oct 2026 |
Perth to Delhi | AUD 631 | 18 Oct 2026 |
Adelaide to Delhi | AUD 773 | 18 Oct 2026 |
Brisbane to Delhi | AUD 847 | 18 Oct 2026 |
Remember that fares in this table are for a single day and a single direction. Holiday dates can be higher or lower. Treat them as a starting point, not a promise, and check live prices when you search.
Flying from Sydney to Mumbai? See our Sydney to Mumbai flights guide. To see live fares for your dates, visit our flights page
Book-early tips that really help
- Check passports first. Look at the expiry date for every family member, including children.
- Apply for visas early. Use the official site, indianvisaonline.gov.in, and check the rules for your situation.
- Pick your travel window, then check a few departure days around it.
- Book return flights together so both dates are locked in.
- Check baggage rules for each airline. Gifts for family can add up.
- Read the change and refund conditions on your fare before you pay.
- Consider payment options early. PayLite offers a low deposit and up to 26 weekly instalments on selected refundable fares. It is powered by Cashwo. We also accept Afterpay.
- Students and education staff should look at Mann Travel Latest Offer which is free for verified members.
Weather, festivals and family planning
Winter in India is usually a lovely time to visit. Days are often mild, and many people find it easier for sightseeing and family gatherings. Northern regions can be cold at night, so pack layers. The south and west are generally warmer.
Mid-January is also a festive time in many parts of India. Lohri and Pongal are celebrated around then, generally. Dates and customs vary, so confirm details with your family before you plan around them.
Here are some practical family tips.
- Talk to relatives early. Share your dates so they can plan with you.
- Build in rest days after you land. Jet lag is real, especially for children.
- Pack for two seasons. Australian summer clothes for the airport, warmer layers for India.
- Carry medicines in their original packaging, plus a copy of any prescriptions.
- Check health and safety advice on smartraveller.gov.au before you go.
- Keep a printed copy of bookings, passports and visas in your carry-on.
One last thing. Keep a little flexibility in your plans if you can. A spare day at either end of the trip makes the journey calmer, and it gives you time to rest with family.
Travelling with a larger group, such as grandparents, cousins and kids? Our group and family specialists can help you keep everyone on the same flights.
Why book with Mann Travel
Since 2007, we have helped Australian families get home to India. We keep things warm and simple.
- 24/7 support from a team that speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English.
- Group and family specialists who know busy holiday periods.
- Flexible ways to pay, including PayLite and Afterpay.
- Departures from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
- A Melbourne office at Suite 403, Level 4, 227 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Questions before you book? Visit our contact page or call 1300 754 002.
Ready to plan your trip home?
Search flights at manntravel.com.au/flights/ or call us on 1300 754 002. Real people, 24/7.
Let’s Take You Home
frequently asked questions
When should I book India flights for the school holidays?
As early as you can once your dates are set. Summer holiday flights are in high demand, and fares and seats can change quickly. Booking early gives you more choice.
What is the weather like in India in December and January?
It is generally cooler and more pleasant than the Australian summer. Conditions vary by region. Northern India can be chilly, especially at night, while the south and west are usually milder.
Do I need a visa for my family?
Most travellers on Australian passports need a visa for India. Each family member needs their own. Apply through the official site, indianvisaonline.gov.in, and check the current rules well before you fly.
Can we spread the cost of flights?
Yes, on selected fares. PayLite offers a low deposit and up to 26 weekly instalments on selected refundable fares. Afterpay is also accepted. See the PayLite page.
Is there a student discount?
Verified Australian students and education staff can get free MannPass membership. It gives an extra AUD $25 off eligible return flights to India, is valid for 30 days, is renewable, and cannot be combined with other promotions. See the Mann Travel offer page.
Fares shown are “from” prices for one-way economy per person, checked on 18 Oct 2026. Prices change daily and are not guaranteed. Always check current visa, health and entry rules before you travel.
