Northern Lights Tour Packages from India: The Complete Aurora Borealis Travel Guide
Posted on By Admin
Dreaming of witnessing the cosmic magic of Aurora Borealis across the Arctic sky? You are not alone. Every year, many travellers from India embark on an Aurora Borealis trip to see the Northern Lights and return with a heart full of wonder. Just imagine: a never-ending sky where neon greens, purples, and pinks dance in a celestial rhythm unlike anything on Earth. But today, curated Northern Lights tour packages from India are more accessible to Indian Travellers than ever.
Let’s start with the most important question: What is Aurora Borealis? And what is the science behind it?
Beginning 93 million miles away, the Aurora Borealis, famously known as Northern Lights, is more than just a dazzling display of light. Starting on the surface of the Sun, travelling all the way to the surface of the Earth, it has a series of interactions in the magnetic field that lead to this beautiful display. This natural light display occurs when charged particles from the sun (solar wind) collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, particularly near the polar regions.
Whether you are planning a solo adventure, a romantic honeymoon, or a family holiday, this guide by Flying Squirrel Holidays covers everything an Indian traveller needs to know before booking an Aurora Borealis trip. Read on for the best places to visit in Aurora, the best time to see the Northern Lights, expert travel tips and a photography guide designed specially for Indian travellers.
Jump to Sections
The Science: Why do the Northern Lights Appear in Different Colours?
Best Places to See the Northern Lights: Top Destinations from India
Best Conditions for Viewing the Northern Lights
Essential Travel Tips for Indian Tourists
Quick Aurora Photography Guide
Plan Your Northern Lights Tour Packages from India with Flying Squirrel Holidays
Hear From Our Happy Aurora Hunters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do the Northern Lights Appear in Different Colours?
The colour depends on which gas is involved, at what altitude the collision occurs and the energy level of the solar radiation. Here is a quick reference:
| Color | Cause | Altitude | How common |
| Green | Oxygen molecules | 100-150 km | Most common |
| Red | Oxygen molecules | Above 200 km | Rare |
| Purple/Violet | Nitrogen Molecules | 80-100 km | Less Common |
| Blue | Ionised Nitrogen | Below 100 km | Rarest |
Green is the most common colour one can witness. Blue and red are significantly rarer and typically appear during intense geomagnetic storms.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights: Top Destinations from India
Northern Lights are only visible within the Auroral Oval, which is the band of high auroral activity that circles the Earth’s magnetic field. For Indian travellers, a select few countries offer the absolute best chance to fulfil your dream of an Aurora Borealis trip and witness this cosmic display.
1. Norway: Tromsø and the Norwegian Fjords
Known as the gateway to the Arctic, Norway is called the Northern Lights capital. Located 350 km from the Arctic Circle, Tromsø lies directly within the Auroral Oval. It offers consistent and intense aurora sightings, like anywhere in the world can provide. The combination of Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), indigenous Sami traditions, including reindeer sledging and cultural experiences, makes Norway’s Northern Lights tour the best for first-time aurora hunters from India.
Best Months: September to April
Top Experiences: Chasing the Northern Lights (December- March), whale watching (November-January), and thrilling dog sledging.
Best viewing spots: Kvaløya Island, Ersfjordbotn, and Finnvikdalen
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
Few experiences can match the magic of chasing the aurora in Iceland. It brings the rare opportunity to watch the aurora from a geothermal hot spring. With its extraordinary volcanic landscapes and local hot springs like the Blue Lagoon, Iceland is a premier Northern Lights destination.
Best Months: September to April
Top Experiences: Northern Lights boat tour, explore natural ice caves within Vatnajökull glacier, Tour lava tunnels or take a lift into the Þríhnúkagígur volcano.
Best viewing spots: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Kirkjufell Mountain, Þingvellir National Park.
3. Sweden: Abisko and the Aurora Sky Station
Located 200 km from the Arctic Circle, Abisko is renowned as the premier Northern Lights sighting location due to its unique microclimate that produces clear night skies. This Swedish village is the home to the world-famous Aurora Sky Station.
Best Months: November to March
Top Experiences: Aurora Sky Station, Chairlift ride through Abisko National Park and Lake Torneträsk, Icehotel stay in Jukkasjärvi, photography workshops, reindeer sledging.
4. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
360 miles north of Anchorage and 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is one of the oldest cities in the US. Being at the best of Northern Lights viewing points, it features a continental climate that brings clearer night skies compared to many coastal Arctic travel destinations, significantly boosting your chances of becoming a successful aurora hunter.
Best Months: September to April
Top Experiences: Watching the lights from the streaming, mineral-rich waters of Chena hot springs, dog mushing and ice fishing.
Best Viewing Spots: Murphy Dome, Chena Hot Springs Resort, Denali National Park.
5. Yellowknife, Canada
Nicknamed Canada’s Auroral capital, Yellowknife offers a spectacular escape with the cosmic Northern Lights, along with heated outdoor viewing domes and an authentic Indigenous cultural experience through Dene storytelling and ceremonies.
Best Months: March, August to early October
Top Experiences: Historical old town exploration, Art galleries, winter adventures like dog sledging, snowmobiling, kayaking and fishing under the midnight sun.
Best Viewing Spots: Aurora Village, Ingraham Trail, Great Slave Lake.
6. Rovaniemi and the Finnish Lapland, Finland
The capital city of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi, is officially the hometown of Santa Claus. It offers a fairytale-like setting that makes it an absolute favourite among Indian travellers. This is the birthplace of iconic thermal glass igloos.
Best Months: August to April
Top Experiences: Santa Claus Village, Sleeping in a glass Igloo, Reindeer Sleigh Ride and Arctic Ice Floating.
Best Viewing Spots: Levi, Saariselkä, Luosto and Pyhä.
Quick Highlights:
| Destination | Best Months | Average Night Length | What makes it special |
| Norway (Tromsø) | September- April | Up to 18 hours | Consistent Aurora Sighting every year |
| Reykjavik, Iceland: | September-April | Up to 20 hours | Volcanic Landscape and Hot Springs |
| Sweden, Abisko | November- March | Up to 19 hours | Microclimate producers clearest skies |
| Fairbanks, Alaska, USA | September- April | Up to 20 hours | Continental climate brings clearer skies than coastal Arctic spots. |
| Yellowknife, Canada | August- October | Up to 17 hours | Aurora Oval is directly overhead, with heated viewing domes. |
| Rovaniemi, Finland | August-April | Up to 18 hours | Santa Claus Village, iconic thermal glass Igloos. |
Flying Squirrel Holidays’ Pro Tip: The aurora is driven by solar activity and radiation; there is no fixed schedule. Always book for at least 4 to 5 nights at any of these Northern Lights travel destinations to maximise your chances on your Aurora Borealis trip.
Best Conditions for Viewing the Northern Lights
- Dark, clear skies away from light pollution: The Aurora can be seen against a truly dark sky. Urban areas, even small Arctic towns, generate enough light pollution to wash away the faint Aurora activity. Aim to get at least 20-30 km away from any town on your aurora hunt nights.
- Solar activity and KP index: The intensity of Northern Lights depends on the solar activity and is measured using the KP (Planetary K-index) index on a scale of 0-9. Choose high altitude destinations like Tromsø or Lapland, a Kp of 3-5, is generally considered best for Aurora sighting.
- Moon Phase: A full moon can significantly reduce the chances of aurora visibility as it illuminates and produces bright light. Expert aurora tour guides schedule their busiest aurora hunts around the new moon period. Check the lunar calendar before booking your travel dates.
Essential Travel Tips for Indian Tourists:
Planning a Northern Lights tour package from India includes a few extra considerations beyond a typical holiday. Here is what you should keep in mind before you go:
- Choosing the right location: Opt for a highly accessible Auroral Oval destination like Tromso or Rovaniemi for a high possibility.
- Dressing for the Arctic: Prepare a three-layer rule; a thermal base, an insulating fleece mid-layer and a heavy-duty windproof outer shell.
- Planning and Patience: dedicate at least 4 to 5 nights for your aurora hunt.
- Health, Safety and Sub-zero Wellness: Protect your extremities to prevent frostnip, moisturise heavily against the dry Arctic air.
Health Tip: Protect yourself in sub-zero temperatures by securing comprehensive travel insurance, preventing frostbite with insulated gear and frequent indoor breaks, carrying digital medical records, and rejuvenating in restorative Nordic thermal spas and saunas.
Quick aurora photography guide
Capturing the cosmic beauty of Northern Lights needs certain guidance:
For DSLR/Mirrorless: Set your camera to manual focus (infinity), an aperture of f/2.8 or lower, ISO 800-3200, a 10-25 second shutter speed, and Auto or 3500K white balance.
For Smartphones: Switch to Night or Pro Mode (ISO 800-1600, 10-20 sec shutter), mount your phone on a stable surface, and try manual control apps like Halide or ProCamera.
Must-Have Gear: Always pack a sturdy tripod, a wide-angle lens, a remote shutter, a lens cloth, and remember to keep extra batteries warm in your inner pockets.
Plan Your Northern Lights Tour Packages from India with Flying Squirrel Holidays
The aurora borealis does not follow a fixed schedule. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the presence of this magical cosmic light. The best glass igloos, aurora cabins and guided experiences book up months in advance. If viewing Northern Lights has been on your bucket list, now is the time to make it a reality.
Choose from our most sought-after itineraries, specifically curated for the best Aurora sightings and Arctic experiences.
| Package Name | Highlights | Duration | Price (INR) |
| Northern Lights Odyssey In Norway | Tromso, Oslo, Whale Watching and Aurora Hunting | 5 Nights | From ₹1,75,000 |
| Northern Lights in Norway | Tromsø, Havila Cruise, Snowhotel Kirkenes, and Oslo | 6 Nights | From ₹2,29,000 |
| Ethereal & Enchanting Northern Lights | Saariselkä, Rovaniemi, Husky Sleighs, and Glass Igloo stay | 6 Nights | From ₹2,79,000 |
| Northern Lights In Arctic Norway | Tromsø, Arctic Cruise, Kirkenes, and Oslo City Tour | 7 Nights | From ₹2,89,000 |
Hear From Our Happy Aurora Hunters
There is truly nothing like the heart-stirring moment when our travellers first witness the Arctic sky ignite with celestial magic. But don’t just take our word for it. Here is what our recent Flying Squirrel Holidays guests had to say about their unforgettable cosmic adventures:
At Flying Squirrel Holidays, we design every aurora trip around you, whether that means a 5-night Norway odyssey or a magical 6-night Finnish Lapland escape. Every detail is handled by the experts.
Don’t just dream it, do it.
Call us: +91 33 4052 5777 | +91 833 697 8737
connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and April. Nights are longer during this period, which gives you the most viewing hours. But always remember to stay for at least 4-5 nights for the best chances.
In which country are the Northern Lights most visible?
Norway (especially Tromsø), Finland (especially Lapland), Iceland, Sweden (especially Abisko), Canada (especially Yellowknife) and Alaska all offer excellent Northern Lights visibility. Norway and Finland are the perfect choice for Indian travellers due to strong international flight connectivity.
How do I maximise my chances of seeing the aurora?
Stay at least 4-5 nights, choose a destination inside the Auroral Oval, get away from the city lights, monitor the KP index and avoid full moon.
Can we see the Northern Lights in Ladakh?
No. Verified Northern Lights sighting in Ladakh has not been documented yet. For a reliable Aurora experience, a dedicated Northern Lights tour to Scandinavia or Iceland is the right choice.
Can we see the Northern Lights in India?
No. Indian states do not sit at a latitude high enough for regular aurora sightings. Even Ladakh, despite being the highest and northernmost altitude region, does not record visible Northern Lights. The Aurora is best seen from countries above the Arctic Circle.
How much does a Northern Lights trip from India cost?
Flying Squirrel Holidays offers Northern Lights tour packages from India, starting at 1,75,000 rupees per person for a 5-night trip to Norway. A 6-night Norway package with Havila Cruise and Snowhotel Kirkenes is priced at 2,29,000 rupees per person. All packages include guided aurora hunts, accommodation and transfers. Contact us for current availability and pricing.
