26 January is Australia Day here and Republic Day in India. In 2027 it falls on a Tuesday. Here is how to plan the flights, the dates and the budget.
Quick answer: when should I fly to be in India for Republic Day 2027?
Republic Day is Tuesday 26 January 2027. To be there, plan to land in India by Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 January, so you are rested and not chasing a delayed flight on the day. That means leaving Australia around Thursday 21 or Friday 22 January. Late January is busy, so book early and keep your dates flexible by a day or two. Mann Travel’s PayLite lets you lock in your fare and pay it off in weekly instalments.
Why 26 January matters to Australians with Indian roots
On 26 January 1950, India’s Constitution came into force and the country became a republic. Every year, Republic Day is marked with a parade in New Delhi, flag hoisting in schools and towns, and family gatherings across the country. It is a public holiday in India.
The same date is Australia Day here. For many families in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, that makes it a natural time to think about a trip home. You may already have the day off. With a little planning, one day off can become a proper visit.
How the dates fall in 2027
26 January 2027 is a Tuesday. In Australia, that means the public holiday lands midweek, so there is no automatic long weekend. Many people take Monday 25 January as leave to make a four-day break. That is handy for a short trip, but it is not long enough to fly to India and back in comfort.
School dates matter too. Queensland’s official calendar shows Term 1 starting on Wednesday 27 January 2027. One Victorian calendar we found shows the same date, although it is marked as subject to change, so please confirm with your school. New South Wales government schools start in early February. Dates can differ by school, so check yours before you book.
This means families with school-age children in Queensland or Victoria are unlikely to be in India on 26 January and back in class the next day. Adults travelling without school-age children, retirees and NSW families have more room.
Your situation | Suggested plan | Our advice |
Short trip, work leave only | Leave Thu 21 or Fri 22 Jan, stay 10 to 14 days | Take Monday 25 Jan as leave. Land with time to spare. |
Retired or flexible | Leave mid-January, stay three to six weeks | Enjoy India’s winter weather and avoid the last-minute rush. |
School-age children (QLD or Vic) | Check term dates first | If school starts 27 Jan, consider the April or mid-year holidays instead. |
School-age children (NSW) | Leave late Jan, return before early Feb | Confirm your school’s first day before you book. |
What fares look like today
Fares change daily, and January is a busy time. As a guide, these are the “from” fares to Delhi shown on our website today. Delhi is where the national Republic Day parade is held. Your own fare depends on the airline, date and fare type.
Route | From fare (checked 30 Oct 2026, prices change daily) |
Melbourne to Delhi | from AUD $495 per person |
Adelaide to Delhi | from AUD $552 per person |
Sydney to Delhi | from AUD $560 per person |
Perth to Delhi | from AUD $562 per person |
Brisbane to Delhi | from AUD $648 per person |
These are website starting fares for reference. They are not a quote and may not be available for your travel dates. Ask us for a live fare.
6 tips for flying to India around Republic Day
1. Land at least two days before 26 January
Delays happen. Landing on Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 January gives you time to rest and settle in. India is 5.5 hours behind Melbourne and Sydney in summer, so expect some tiredness.
2. Book early for late January
Many families travel over the summer school holidays, so seats on popular days can go quickly. If you know your dates, book soon. If you are not sure, call us and talk it through.
3. Be flexible by a day or two
Leaving on a Thursday instead of a Friday, or flying midweek, can change the fare. We can compare nearby dates for you.
4. Consider a one-stop route
One-stop routes, for example via the Gulf or Singapore, often cost less and offer more flight times. Ask us about layover lengths so the trip suits your family.
5. Decide where you want to be on the day
The main parade is in New Delhi, but Republic Day is celebrated in every city, town and village. You might prefer a flag hoisting at your family’s local school or a quiet day at home. Fly into the city closest to your family: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Kochi or Chennai. If you want to see the parade, check the official arrangements for tickets and security, as these are announced closer to the date.
6. Spread the cost with PayLite, Afterpay or MannPass
PayLite lets you secure your seats with a low deposit and pay the rest in up to 26 weekly instalments. It is available on selected refundable fares and is powered by Cashwo. We also accept Afterpay. Verified students and education staff can join Mann Travel Offer for free. It takes an extra AUD $25 off eligible return flights to India, is valid for 30 days, can be renewed, and cannot be combined with other offers.
Travelling as a family for Republic Day
Book everyone on one booking. It keeps seats together and makes changes simpler.
Ask about assistance early. If you are travelling with elderly parents, tell us about wheelchair help or special meals when you book.
Check baggage allowances. Gifts for family add up quickly, and allowances vary by airline and fare type.
Sort your travel documents now. Australian passport holders need an Indian visa or an OCI card. Mann Travel does not process visas, so apply through the official Indian visa website well before you fly. For current travel advice, see the Australian Government’s Smartraveller page for India.
Expect closures on the day. Republic Day is a public holiday in India, so plan ahead for shops, offices and some transport on 26 January.
Why book your India trip with Mann Travel?
Since 2007, Mann Travel has helped travellers from Australia get home to India. Our Melbourne-based team specialises in Australia–India routes, speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English, and is on call 24/7. We look after families, groups and solo travellers, and we can help with hotels in India too. You can contact us any time.
Let’s take you home for Republic Day.
Search live fares at manntravel.com.au/flights or call our team on 1300 754 002. Ask about PayLite to lock in your fare today.
frequently asked questions
When is Republic Day in 2027?
Republic Day is on Tuesday 26 January 2027. It falls on the same day as Australia Day.
Is there an Australia Day long weekend in 2027?
Not automatically. Australia Day is on a Tuesday in 2027, so there is no extra public holiday on the Monday. Many people take Monday 25 January as leave.
When should I fly to be in India for Republic Day?
Aim to land by Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 January. That means leaving Australia around Thursday 21 or Friday 22 January. Book early, as late January is busy.
Can I pay for my flights in instalments?
Yes. With Mann Travel’s PayLite, you pay a low deposit and spread the rest over up to 26 weekly instalments on selected refundable fares. We also accept Afterpay.
Which Australian cities can I fly to India from?
Mann Travel books flights to India from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Popular destinations include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Amritsar.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. School term dates are set by each state and school, so please confirm yours. Always check live prices before booking.
