Posted 05 August 2024 in Travel wanderlust

10 Popular international destinations to explore with direct IndiGo flights from India

Booking flights for an international trip can’t get any better with the IndiGo anniversary just around the corner. Along with much-awaited sales and flight deals, you can visit some of the stunning cities across the globe without needing to change flights or worry about long layovers, exciting right?

IndiGo offers direct flights from Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata to a variety of famous international destinations. The cities where you can book flights with IndiGo are countries like Vietnam, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Maldives, Qatar, Oman, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and more.

Not only that, during the IndiGo anniversary date, passengers can make use of the benefits using the 6E Add-ons and Services as well as other flight deals and IndiGo anniversary sale. While booking flights with IndiGo to the popular international destination, you can also book hotels in advance to save time and money.

So what is the holdup? Scroll below and visit some of the international destinations with direct IndiGo flights from India.

The 10 popular international destinations you can visit with direct IndiGo flights are listed below:

1. Türkiye, Istanbul

One of the top cities to visit from India is Istanbul. With direct flights to Istanbul from Delhi and Mumbai, travellers can easily see the city at ease. What makes Istanbul famous is for being spread across two continents - Asia and Europe.

Attractions in Istanbul

Aya Sofya: With a visual treat to the eye, you can explore the architectural beauty of Aya Sofya. This attraction is popularly known as Hagia Sophia, which was once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum.
Blue Mosque: Its dome is adorned with blue tiles, hence the name Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful attractions in Istanbul. Built in the 17^thcentury, you can come to explore this place, however, since it is still a place of prayer, you need to plan your visit accordingly.
Topkapi Palace: Showcasing the rich Ottoman Empire’s history, you can visit Topkapi Palace and explore the combination of history and exquisite scenery. The palace dates back to the 15th century and is surrounded by a stone wall with 27 towers.
Süleymaniye Mosque: The mosque looks stunning, depicting the best of Byzantine and Islamic architecture. Built in 1550, by order of the Sultan Suleyman, Süleymaniye Mosque is considered to be the most beautiful and largest mosque in Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern: This place will keep you raving about the ancient Roman technology that they used to build this architectural marvel, as today it provides water to the residents of Istanbul since the 6^th Developed by the Roman Emperor Justinian I and known as the Sunken Palace, the cistern or the reservoir can hold up to 2.8 million cubic feet of water.

Türkiye visa

If you are planning to visit Istanbul in Türkiye, then you need a Türkiye visa. Travellers can easily obtain this visa by visiting their official website and opting for an e-visa. Another method is by visiting the Türkiye embassy or consulate in your city.

2. Hong Kong, China

Boasting of world’s highest number of skyscrapers, and natural beauty, Hong Kong is a delightful destination to book flights to with IndiGo. You can get direct flights to Hong Kong from the capital of India - Delhi.

Attractions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disneyland: Every child’s dream and probably adults too, Hong Kong Disneyland. Visit this theme park and meet your childhood favourite Disney characters and watch them perform in various shows. With seven themed areas, the park is the largest theme park in Hong Kong.
Victoria Peak: To get a spectacular view of the city, visit the highest point in Hong Kong called Victoria Peak. After a short tram ride, you will arrive at this viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the harbour and lush green hills. The Peak Tower also includes a museum, retail shops and a fine-dine restaurant.
Ocean Park: Ocean Park is another theme park you must visit. This park features exciting rides, shows and animals. Inside Ocean Park, you can find two attractions the Waterfront and the Summit. The Grand Aquarium boasts the most massive aquarium dome in the world that houses 5000 fishes.
Lantau Island: The largest island in Hong Kong called Lantau is located at the entrance of the Pearl River. It’s the best place to get away from the city’s hustle-bustle and enjoy the sandy beaches, the open countryside, and also the traditional fishing village of Tai O.
The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery: The Big Buddha also known as Tian Tan Buddha has a large figure that is approx. 112 feet tall. It is made of 202 bronze pieces and it weighs 250 metric tons. To get to the top, you need to climb 268 steps.

Hong Kong visa

To visit Hong Kong from India, Indian passport holders need to complete their Pre-Arrival registration (PAR) online. This entry allows a stay of up to 14 days. It is advisable to apply for PAR at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. To stay for a longer duration, you will need to apply for a proper Hong Kong visa separately.

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a dazzling city with the Burj Khalifa, standing as the world's tallest building. This city in the UAE offers a beautiful medley of traditional Arabian appeal and modern extravagance. From bustling souks to pristine beaches and luxury shopping malls, a trip to Dubai from India won’t disappoint you.

Attractions in Dubai

Jumeirah Beach: Run along the Jumeirah beach and soak in the sun while in Dubai. This is a popular beach for various activities like jet-skiing and more. While here, you can catch the high tea spread at the Al Fayrooz Lounge at Madinat Jumeirah as you sink into colonial-style armchairs overlooking the stunning Burj Al Arab from the outdoor terrace.
Ski Dubai & Dubai Dolphinarium: Visit the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and engage in activities such as snowboarding, and skiing. You can also take a sip of hot chocolate at minus 40 degrees Celsius. Here, you can experience a spectacular action-packed live show with friendly dolphins at their acrobatic best or get your picture-perfect moment as you get a kiss from a dolphin at the meet-and-greet encounter.
Burj Khalifa: This is a must-visit attraction in Dubai - a visit to Burj Khalifa. This is an iconic landmark in Dubai. You can visit the 124th floor, and get a spectacular view of the city, which is a one-of-its-kind experience. You can also witness the expansive turquoise-blue ocean on one side and the desert on the other.
Dubai Marina: Catch a breath and take a causal stroll along Dubai Marina. As the city lights illuminate you can make your way to Dubai’s party stretch on Sheikh Zayed Road. Some of the top picks are Cavalli Club or The Act for its ambience, experience and DJ lineups. The traditional finale to the night is a manakish (local Arabic bread baked with a topping) piping hot from a stone oven from Al Reef Bakery in Al Karama, one of the oldest Lebanese bakeries open 24/7.

Dubai visa

For an Indian traveller planning to visit Dubai for a vacation, you need a UAE visa. This visa is also famously known as the Dubai visa. You need to apply at least a month before your visit for a hassle-free process. However, if you have an existing US Visitor Visa/Green card, you are eligible for a visa on arrival. For passengers holding an ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport and labour and work e-visa, an OK to Board (OTB) message, will be necessary.

4. Kathmandu, Nepal

India’s neighbouring country and probably one of the most beloved places to visit is Kathmandu in Nepal. Home to the highest peak in the world - Mount Everest, Nepal offers scenic roads, dramatic peaks, beautiful villages and the charming lake-side city of Pokhara. While Kathmandu has direct flights to Kathmandu from India, travellers can venture to other parts of the country once in Kathmandu.

Attractions in Kathmandu

Kasthamandap: This popular Buddhist temple in Kathmandu, Kasthamandap (wooden shelter) once stood in the historic Durbar Square. It collapsed during the 2015 earthquake and the reconstruction work began soon after. During its glorious days, you could see the intricate wood carvings and beautiful artworks. As per legend, all the timber for the two-storey structure was from a single tree, and no iron nails were used.
The Durbar Square complex: This is a famous landmark in Kathmandu, it consists of nearly 50 temples with the Kumari Ghar (where the virginal living goddess is enshrined) and Shiva Parvati Temple in the outer quadrangle. Here, the inner courtyard has the Hanuman Dhoka with elaborately carved wooden windows and panels with the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum.
Seven Monument Zones: The Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Bhaktapur and Patan, along with the massive Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and the ancient Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and constitute the Seven Monument Zones. Kopan Monastery is also one of the famous Buddhist monasteries where you can take meditation courses.
Pashupatinath Temple: Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of the city, the 5th-century Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Tourists flock to the temple of Lord Shiva, worshipped as the Lord of Animals, to witness Hindu rituals of life and death.
Budhanilkantha: Also worth a look is Budhanilkantha, a giant statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes, the largest stone carving in Nepal. As per legend, the entire Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake with a ‘self-manifest’ lotus in the middle. Manjusri, the Boddhisattva cut a gorge with his heavenly sword and drained the lake to create the present Kathmandu Valley, making it fit for human habitation. The lotus was transformed into a hill, and the flower became the Swayambhu stupa. The painted eyes of Lord Buddha on the dome looking in all four directions have now become an iconic symbol of Nepal.

Nepal visa

Nepal is amongst the most popular countries to visit in the world. If you have an Indian passport, you do not need a Nepal visa to visit Kathmandu. Instead, the only documents you will need Election Card that is issued by the Election Commission and a voter identity card. However, for foreign tourists, a Nepal visa is essential. The tourist Nepal visa is valid for six months once the visa is issued. The stay duration of a tourist visa for Nepal is up to 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days from the date of entry. The length of time you can stay in Nepal depends on the type of tourist visa you apply for.

5. Singapore

A diamond-shaped country, Singapore is the only island city-state in the world. This beautiful destination is renowned for several attractions. One of the major is its Changi Airport which is no less than an amusement park. It features a waterfall, an indoor monorail, and many more. Besides that, Singapore is a bustling hub with many things to see and do.

Attractions in Singapore

Singapore Botanic Gardens: The Botanical Garden is an excellent place to begin your vacation in Singapore. This massive Singapore Botanic Gardens offers heliconia-lined walkways, herbariums and brilliant Orchid Gardens. It is the perfect place to come and rekindle with nature.
Museums in Singapore: There are many museums in Singapore, including the National Gallery Singapore, this museum houses two national monuments – the former Supreme Court Building and City Hall. To see the beautiful artworks of South Asian artists, you need to come here. The National Museum of Singapore, Changi Museum, ArtScience Museum and the quaint Philately Museum are other top-rated museums in Singapore.
Singapore River Cruise: While in Singapore, you need a short boat ride with the Singapore River Cruise. This ride will take you across the iconic Merlion statue along the riverfront retraces the evolution of this erstwhile fishing village into a world-class city as you watch landmarks like Stamford Raffles’ landing site, the integrated resort and casino Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, a waterfront venue for cultural entertainment and performing arts.
Gardens by the Bay: Another popular attraction is Gardens by the Bay with a giant Supertree Grove, the colourful Flower Dome and a Cloud Forest with intermittent sprays of mist to recreate a rainforest.
Universal Studios in Sentosa: For all-around entertainment, head to Sentosa Island, which is full of tourist attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and its incredible 4D Transformer and Battlestar Galactica rides, Madame Tussauds, S.E.A. Aquarium and Resorts World.

Singapore visa

To visit Singapore from India, you need to obtain a Singapore visa. An Indian passport holder may need to apply for a visa at least a month prior. Your Singapore visa is valid for 30 days once you apply. It is illegal to stay in the country once the visa expires. Know more by visiting the Singapore visa guide.

6. Bangkok, Thailand

The ‘Big Mango’ city of Thailand, Bangkok is a beautiful destination to visit from India. Being the capital, you can observe the royal seat - Chitralada Palace where the royal family resides. As well as other stunning places alongside the Chao Phraya River. Since there are direct IndiGo flights to Bangkok from Delhi to Bangkok, Indian travellers can get a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Attractions in Bangkok

Wat Arun: This is a famous attraction in Bangkok, Wat Arun is a temple of dawn located directly opposite Wat Pho temple. Its architecture is highlighted with decorative spikes and lies at the beautiful riverside.
Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace: Wat Phra Kaew or The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located within the sprawling Grand Palace. The temple is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in the country and it has a large statue of the Emerald Buddha inside the temple. The Grand Palace complex is built in the style popularised by the Rattanakosin kingdom with over 100 buildings, pagodas and statues and spread over 234 acres.
Lumpini Park: This sprawling park located within the bustling centre of Thailand offers relief to the residents with ample space to walk and enjoy nature. Lumpini Park is spread over 142 acres near the Silom–Sathorn business district and is a favourite public hangout.
Pak Khlong Talat: Take the Chao Praya Express boat to Bangkok's largest flower market Pak Khlong Talat. At its colourful best at dawn, this market is open 24 hours and lies en route to two of Bangkok's must-see temples – Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn.
Jim Thompson House Museum: This is another popular attraction in Bangkok. Jim Thompson House Museum was the former home of Jim Thompson who was a popular businessman and architect. Today, you can find many art pieces with the house and its lush lawn itself being a masterpiece.

Thailand visa

Thailand is a popular country for Indian travellers, and with visa-free for Indians till November of 2024, it is the top-rated destination to explore. However, at other times, to get entry to Thailand, you require a Thailand visa. Luckily, Indian nationals, visiting cities like Bangkok for not more than 15 days can avail of the Visa on Arrival service from the designated immigration checkpoints. Nonetheless, you can also apply in advance from their official website.

7. Malé, Maldives

For the love of the seaside, sandy beaches, palm trees, and tropical weather visit Malé of Maldives. You can get direct flights to Male from cities like Kochi and Mumbai. Once here, the island is all yours with beach activities, water sports, and delicious cuisine. Malé has a series of luxury hotels with resorts that will treat you like kings and queens.

Attractions in Male

National Museum of Maldives and Sultan Park: If you are eager to know about this island’s history then you must visit Male. The National Museum in Sultan Park is worth visiting as some of Maldives’ royal families have lived here. It boasts of an extensive collection of historical artefacts including objects from Stone Age to royal antiques from the Buddhist era to the reign of Islamic rulers.
The Grand Friday Mosque: This mosque is an architectural delight in Male. It is the largest in the Maldives and can accommodate almost 5000 people at a time. The golden dome of the mosque and the interiors ornamented with Arabic calligraphy, exquisite wooden carvings and stunning chandeliers are one-of-its-kind that instantly attract visitors’ attention.
Utheemu Ganduvaru: It is a wooden palace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu which is now a museum. This well-preserved museum showcases the lifestyle of the royals, ages ago. You will be fascinated to see 500-year-old wooden interiors, elaborate wood carvings, swing beds, beautiful lamps and a large palm-thatch shed used for the guests as their sleeping room.
Artificial Beach: As the name suggests, it's an artificial beach located in North Male Atoll. Also known as the carnival beach, it hosts fairs, peaceful walks and water sports making it a favourite spot for swimming enthusiasts. This beach is popular for its musical evenings as several music groups come together to jam and perform here each day. Not-to-be-missed spots on this beach are Manta Point, Shark Point, Kani Corner and Nassimo Thila.

Maldives visa

The best part about planning a trip to Male, in Maldives, is that the country is visa-free on arrival for Indian tourists. If you are visiting the beautiful city of Male, remember that you will get the Maldivian tourist visa on arrival and it is free of cost, it is valid for a month and can be extended for a maximum of 60 days, a total being 90 days tourist visa. To know more, check out the Maldives visa guide and plan for a relaxing and balmy vacation in the Maldives.

8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and a famous city with direct flights to Kuala Lumpur from India. This city is home to high-rise buildings, mosques, fabulous hotels and sparkling malls. Here, the Petronas Twin Towers are the most popular and symbolise contemporary Malaysia. Apart from these, the city is known as the ‘place where the muddy river joins the bigger one’ in Malay also has some buildings from the time when Britain ruled this area among which are the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Tower: The Petronas Twin Towers will make you feel like you are in a world of Star Wars or some futuristic city. Shining like two silvery pillars, this building is 88 floors tall and it is 452 metres high, so it is one of the main symbols of Kuala Lumpur. Both towers stand connected by a sky bridge, an extended seemingly double-decker at the 41st and 42nd floor and 58 metres long.
Kuala Lumpur Tower: Commonly referred to as Menara KL, Kuala Lumpur Tower is at a staggering height of 421 metres. It is one of the tallest towers in the world that does not belong to a complex of buildings. You can climb up the building to a viewing deck which is 100 metres higher than the Petronas Towers. The tower also has such facilities as an open deck, a revolving restaurant known as Atmosphere 360, an amphitheatre, souvenir shops and fine pools.
Kampung Baru: Against the background of the contemporary towering buildings of Kuala Lumpur which is the modern capital of Malaysia there exists a square called Kampung Baru, and this is the last remaining Malay village. The site is 110 years old and fell into British hands in the late nineteenth century during the 1890s. The Malay community forms the largest population, and the village provides an idea about the early life of Malays.
Batu Caves: Nature is a spectacle, you will understand what we mean by visiting the Batu Caves. Located 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur Batu Caves is a 400 million years old limestone hill that has cave temples and a series of limestone caves. Offering to Lord Murugan, there are three major ones. Among them, the largest is the Cathedral or Temple Cave followed by Art Gallery Cave and then the Museum Cave.

Malaysia visa

Planning to book flights to KL in Malaysia from India? Then you need to apply for a Malaysian visa either online or with the help of an agent. There are two types of Malaysian visas – an eNTRI visa that is ideal for 15-day visits as a tourist and 30-day eVISA that allows you 30 days of entry. The eNTRI visa gets approved within 2 hours whereas eVISA takes up to 8 working days.

9. Colombo, Sri Lanka

This teardrop island country, Sri Lanka has a port city called Colombo that offers more than history. You can book flights to Colombo from India enjoy the touch of golden beaches, and explore magnificent temples and glorious buildings of colonial style. A gourmet cannot turn a blind eye to the food markets where delicious meals are prepared with the help of fresh herbs and spices.

Attractions in Colombo

Galle Face Green Promenade: Galle Face Green has become a leading attraction for tourists. It is the largest open land in Colombo constructed in 1869 by the then Governor Sir Henry George Ward for sports like cricket, rugby and horse racing. It is a beautiful seafront area that houses a local cafeteria serving local foods etc.
Mount Lavinia: Take a coastal train trip to Mount Lavinia which is approximately 10 Km from the main business district of the city. At Mt Lavinia, try the hawker stalls or proceed to Loon Tao where oriental food with a Sri Lankan twist will be served. Visit the classy and over 180-year-old Mt Lavinia Hotel which will give you a taste of what it was like to be a non-native lodging house guest.
Beira Lake: Another important tourist site that is located in Colombo is Beira Lake. you can enjoy driving to the lake for an evening stroll and soaking in the beauty of this place. Here, one can find numerous beautiful plants and animals such as storks, monitor lizards and a variety of fishes. No matter if you visit there to capture the nice sunrise views or the stunning sunset views, it is a great place to explore.
National Museum of Colombo: The National Museum of Colombo is one of the largest museums in Sri Lanka. It houses several artefacts of Sri Lanka such as coins, swords and even royal crowns, heirlooms etc. For historic tastes of Colombo, there is no better place than the National Museum where one can get an exhaustive view of Colombo.

Sri Lanka visa

If you’re an Indian passport holder travelling to Colombo, you would be required to apply for an online Sri Lanka visa. Sri Lanka will issue an Electronic Travel Authorization which allows Indians to visit the country for 30 days. Indians over 12 years of age are charged $20 as the visa application fee and you can only apply up to 2 months before your date of departure.

10. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Being the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is also known to be the financial as well as business centre of the country, heavily influenced by early historical events. Also called the Saigon city, it was an important battleground of the Vietnam War and you can still see traces of this war all over the city. Ho Chi Minh City the cosmopolitan megapolis is indeed a city of elegance and serenity which boasts of beautiful architecture, a blend of the modern and the historic.

Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Reunification Palace: Located in Saigon, Vietnam Reunification Palace is also famously known as the Independence Palace. It became the residence and office of the then-South Vietnam President during the Vietnam War. This place has hidden rooms, old-fashioned furniture and equipment and a command centre.
War Remnants Museum: Ho Chi Minh City’s War Remnants Museum was established in the year 1975 the museum contains stunning horror of the Vietnam War. The items include the vehicles of the American military and some photographs of the ‘Agent Orange’ victims The most explored item is the ‘Tiger Cages’ where the South Vietnamese Government imprisoned the political prisoners. Told by the inhabitants, it used ten cages of metal of height of 3. 5 metres, where approximately 14 individuals were placed.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is one of few places that still reminds of Catholicism in Vietnam which is predominantly Buddhist now. Initially constructed during the late 1880s The cathedral is one of the most significant attractions of Ho Chi Minh City and has two towers each of the tower’s measures and stands 190 feet. However, besides being a prominent tourists’ destination, it has a high religious significance for the inhabitants.
Ba Thien Hau Temple: Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess - Mazu, the temple features beautifully designed interiors and exteriors. The interiors feature colourful dioramas on the roof, representing scenes from the 19th century, while the exteriors are decorated with porcelain figures from Chinese folk tales along with a traditional curvy roof. The most noticeable element inside the temple is the three statues of the Lady of the Sea.

Vietnam visa

Travelling to Ho Chi Minh City? You need to apply for a Vietnam visa. If you have an Indian passport, then you are eligible for a Vietnamese Visa on Arrival (VOA). For this, you need to apply for the visa online through the official website of Vietnam Visa. This will be followed by an approval letter, issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam, giving you permission to enter and exit Vietnam for the specified time.

Takeaway

So there you have it, now with direct IndiGo flights from India to these international destinations, you do not need to change flights if you decide to visit the above-mentioned countries. No matter whether you plan to book flights to Thailand or catch a flight to Türkiye, you are bound to experience a comfortable travel journey with IndiGo. Along with a wide range of IndiGo anniversary sales and so much more, you can go ahead and visit the IndiGo website or mobile app to learn more.