Iceland is the kind of place that feels like it belongs to another planet: glaciers and volcanoes side by side, geysers erupting on cue, and skies that dance green in winter. For travellers from Gujarat and Surat, Reykjavik is the perfect base for exploring the Golden Circle, soaking in the Blue Lagoon and chasing the Northern Lights. This guide from Explera Vacations walks you through everything you need to plan a smooth, memorable Iceland holiday, from visas and timing to food and honest budgeting.
Getting there and the best time to visit
There are no direct flights from India to Iceland, so most travellers connect through a European or Middle Eastern hub before landing at Keflavik International Airport, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. From Surat, the easiest route is a domestic hop to Mumbai or Delhi and then an onward connection; our team can sort your itinerary through our flight booking service in Surat. When to go depends on what you want: winter (roughly October to March) is the season for the Northern Lights and snowy landscapes, while summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun with almost 24 hours of daylight, greener scenery and easier Ring Road driving. Do verify current flight schedules and seasonal conditions before you book, as these change year to year.
Exploring Reykjavik city and Hallgrimskirkja
Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital and one of the safest, most walkable cities you will visit. The landmark you cannot miss is Hallgrimskirkja, a soaring concrete church inspired by Iceland's basalt columns; take the lift up the tower for sweeping views over the colourful rooftops and the harbour beyond. Wander the Laugavegur shopping street, visit the Sun Voyager sculpture by the water, and warm up in one of the geothermal pools that locals treat as social hubs. Reykjavik works beautifully as a two or three day base, and we can arrange central stays through our hotel booking desk in Surat so you are never far from the action.
The Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous day route and an easy trip from Reykjavik. It links three highlights: Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart; the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur spout blasts hot water skyward every few minutes; and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall. Pair this with the Blue Lagoon, a milky-blue geothermal spa set in a black lava field, ideally booked in advance as slots fill fast. If you want to go deeper into these routes, read our dedicated Iceland Ring Road and Golden Circle guide from India. For a fully organised experience, explore our tour packages from Surat.
Northern Lights and Iceland's raw nature
For many Indian travellers, the Northern Lights are the whole reason to come. From late September to March, on clear dark nights, the aurora borealis can ripple across the sky in shades of green, pink and violet. Nothing is ever guaranteed, so give yourself several nights and consider a guided aurora tour that chases the clearest skies. Beyond the lights, Iceland's nature is relentless in the best way: whale watching trips depart from Reykjavik and Husavik, black sand beaches line the south coast, and the Ring Road unlocks glaciers, fjords and waterfalls. For deeper planning, see our Northern Lights guide for Iceland and Scandinavia and our month-by-month best time to visit Europe breakdown.
Food in Iceland, including tips for vegetarians
Icelandic cuisine leans heavily on seafood, lamb and dairy, with fresh fish, hearty soups and the famous hot dogs sold from street stands. Vegetarians and Jain travellers from Gujarat should plan ahead: Reykjavik has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan cafes, and larger supermarkets like Bonus and Kronan stock rice, lentils, vegetables and fruit if you prefer to self-cater. A few Indian and Asian restaurants in the capital can be a welcome comfort after days on the road. Carry some ready snacks and spices from home for the smaller towns, where options thin out quickly.
Budget and practical tips (Iceland is very expensive)
Let us be honest: Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world for travellers, so budget generously and avoid surprises. Meals, fuel, tours and accommodation all cost considerably more than in most of Europe, and a single restaurant dinner can feel eye-watering by Indian standards. Save money by self-catering some meals, sharing a rental car, booking tours in advance and travelling in shoulder seasons. We do not quote fixed prices here because rates shift with season and demand, so always verify current costs and rules before you commit. Sensible add-ons like solid travel insurance in Surat are well worth it given the high cost of any disruption, and our broader travel insurance guide for Indian travellers explains what to look for. First-time Europe travellers may also like our Europe first-timer itinerary from India.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Iceland? Yes. Iceland is part of the Schengen area, so Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit. You apply for it in advance with proof of travel, accommodation, insurance and funds; our visa agent in Surat and dedicated Schengen visa desk can guide you through the process, and our Schengen visa guide from Gujarat explains the paperwork. Always verify current visa rules before applying.
Can I see the Northern Lights and the midnight sun on the same trip? No, they happen in opposite seasons. The Northern Lights are a winter phenomenon (roughly October to March) and the midnight sun belongs to summer (June to August), so you choose one experience per trip depending on when you travel.
How many days do I need for Iceland? A focused Reykjavik, Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon trip works well in four to five days, while circling the full Ring Road comfortably needs eight to ten days or more. Browse our holiday packages and full range of services in Surat to shape the right length for you.
Ready to plan your Iceland adventure? Get in touch with Explera Vacations and explore our tailor-made tour packages from Surat to turn this bucket-list destination into a booked, worry-free holiday.
