Heading to Gujarat for the kite festival? Here is how to plan the flights, the dates and the family side of it, without the rush.
Quick answer: when should I book Uttarayan flights?
Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) is on or around 14 and 15 January 2027. Most Australian families aim to land in Ahmedabad a few days before, so plan to leave around 6 to 10 January. Book now, because January is the Australian summer holidays and seats fill early. Ahmedabad flights from Australia are usually one-stop. We can price Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide for you.
What Uttarayan means for Gujarati families
Uttarayan is the day the sun begins its journey north. In Gujarat it means one thing above all: kites. Rooftops fill with family, music plays, and the sky over Ahmedabad turns into a patchwork of colour.
There is food too. Think undhiyu, jalebi, til chikki and sugarcane. The celebration usually runs over two days, 14 January and the next day, often called Vasi Uttarayan. Gujarat’s public holiday is listed for 15 January 2027, so check the date with family before you lock in your plans.
Ahmedabad also hosts an international kite festival around this time. The 2027 dates have not been confirmed by the organisers yet, so treat any dates you see online as an estimate.
Flying from Australia to Ahmedabad
We have not found a confirmed non-stop flight between Australia and Ahmedabad. Most trips are one-stop. That means one change of plane, usually in one of these places:
Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Popular with families, and often a comfortable layover.
Gulf hubs. Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, then on to Ahmedabad.
Delhi or Mumbai. Fly into India first, then take a short domestic flight to Ahmedabad.
Total journey time depends on the connection. Many trips take 18 to 24 hours door to door, and some take longer. A longer layover can be cheaper, but it is harder with children or grandparents. Airlines change their schedules often, so we check the live options for your dates.
Arriving in the early hours is common on these routes. Let your family know your landing time, and keep a printed copy of your booking handy. January mornings in Ahmedabad are cool, so pack a light jacket for the airport and the rooftop.
Fares we can see today
Here are the Ahmedabad fares currently shown on our homepage. They are a guide only. They are listed for a departure on 26 January 2027, so a mid-January fare during the festival rush may be higher.
From | Fare shown (checked 28 Oct 2026) | Note |
Melbourne | from AUD $706 per person | Prices change daily |
Perth | from AUD $662 per person | Prices change daily |
Adelaide | from AUD $760 per person | Prices change daily |
Sydney and Brisbane | No fare shown today | Call us for a live quote |
The fare you actually pay depends on the airline, the date and the seats left. We never guarantee a price until your booking is confirmed.
Dates: when to fly out and back
School holidays in most Australian states run until late January, and Australia Day falls on Tuesday 26 January 2027. State term start dates differ, so check yours with your school before booking. Here is a simple way to think about it.
Plan | Leave Australia | Why it works |
Early arrival | About 3 to 6 January | Time to settle in, meet family and buy kites before the rush. |
Festival week | About 7 to 10 January | The most popular choice. Seats go fastest here. |
Late and short | 11 to 12 January | Tight, but possible if you only have a week. Expect higher fares. |
Think about the return too. The festival is over by 16 January, but many families stay on for weddings, visits to relatives or time in the villages. Coming back after the first weekend of school can be pricey, so tell us your last possible return date. We will look at open-jaw options, such as flying into Ahmedabad and returning from Mumbai or Delhi, if that suits your plans.
5 tips for booking Uttarayan flights
Book early. January is the peak for families heading to India. The sooner you book, the more choice you have.
Be flexible by a day or two. Moving your departure can open up more seats and a better connection.
Compare Ahmedabad with Mumbai or Delhi. Flying into a bigger hub and taking a short domestic flight can sometimes work out better.
Check your layover. Two to four hours is comfortable. Very short connections risk a missed flight, and very long ones tire everyone out.
Spread the cost.PayLite lets you secure your seats with a low deposit and pay the rest in up to 26 weekly instalments on selected refundable fares. Afterpay is also accepted. Verified students and education staff can join Mann Travel’s Offer for free, which takes an extra AUD $25 off eligible return flights to India. It can’t be combined with other offers.
Travelling with the family
Uttarayan is a family day, so many of our travellers fly with children and grandparents. A few things help.
Put everyone on one booking. It keeps seats together and makes changes easier.
Plan the layover around the youngest and oldest. Ask us about wheelchair help and special meals when you book.
Be careful on rooftops. Keep young children supervised, and be cautious with kite string, which can be sharp.
Check your documents early. Australian passport holders need an Indian visa or OCI card. Apply through the official Indian visa website. Mann Travel does not process visas.
Why book with Mann Travel?
Since 2007, Mann Travel has helped families from Australia get home to India. Our Melbourne team speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English, and specialises in group and family trips. Support is available 24/7. If your plans change, you speak to a person who knows your booking.
Let’s take you home this Uttarayan.
Search live fares at manntravel.com.au/flights or call our team on 1300 754 002. You can also contact us online.
frequently asked questions
When is Uttarayan in 2027?
Uttarayan falls on or around 14 January 2027, with the second day, Vasi Uttarayan, the day after. Gujarat’s holiday is listed for 15 January. Confirm the exact day with family.
Is there a direct flight from Australia to Ahmedabad?
We have not found a confirmed non-stop service. Most trips are one-stop, with a change in Singapore, the Gulf, Delhi or Mumbai.
How early should I book flights for Uttarayan?
As soon as you can. January is a busy time for families flying to India, and fares usually rise as seats fill.
Can I pay for my flights in instalments?
Yes. PayLite offers a low deposit and up to 26 weekly instalments on selected refundable fares. Afterpay is also accepted.
Which cities can I fly from?
Mann Travel books flights to India from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Festival dates are approximate until confirmed locally. Always check live prices before booking.
