One week off school, two weekends, and a whole lot of India. Here is how to make a short break feel like a proper holiday.
At a glance: can you do India in October half-term?
Yes. Most schools in England break up for October half-term from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. Fly out on Friday 23 or Saturday 24 October, come back on Sunday 1 November, and you get nine or ten days. In Scotland, Glasgow and Edinburgh break earlier, from 12 October, so book this week. Late October is dry and warm across much of India. Always check your own school's dates first.
When is October half-term 2026?
There is no single national date. Councils and some schools set their own, so always check your school’s calendar. These are the typical 2026 dates, with the trip window we would suggest.
Where | Typical school break | Suggested trip |
England (most schools) | Mon 26 to Fri 30 October | Fly Fri 23 or Sat 24 October, back Sun 1 November |
Glasgow | Mon 12 to Fri 16 October (in-service day Fri 9 October) | Fly Thu 8 or Fri 9 October, back Sun 18 October |
Edinburgh | Mon 12 to Mon 19 October | Fly Fri 9 or Sat 10 October, back by Mon 19 October |
Rest of Scotland, Wales and NI | Varies by council | Check your council website, then call us |
How to stretch half-term to 9 or 10 days
A five-day break sounds too short for India. It isn’t, if you use both weekends well.
Leave on the Friday evening. Most flights to India from the UK fly overnight, so the children sleep and you land the next day ready to go.
Come back on the final Sunday. You arrive home in time for school on Monday, with one quiet evening to unpack.
Watch for in-service days. An extra day off at either end can add a full day in India.
Keep it to one or two bases. In nine days, fewer moves means more time with family and less time in cars.
We plan trips around the school break itself. Taking children out during term time needs the school’s permission in England and can lead to a fine.
One more detail: UK clocks go back on Sunday 25 October. After that, India is five and a half hours ahead of the UK, so plan for a little jet lag on the way out.
Weather in India in late October
For most of the country, late October is a good time to visit. The monsoon has mostly passed and the heat has eased.
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur: warm, dry days and cooler evenings. Air quality in Delhi can dip from late October, so check it before you plan long days outside.
Punjab and Amritsar: pleasant days and fresh nights. Good weather for visiting family.
Goa: the rain is mostly over and the beaches are starting to get busy. Warm and humid.
Kerala: green and lush. Expect some showers, often in the afternoon, so keep plans flexible.
4 short-trip ideas for October half-term
1. The Golden Triangle
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur fit well into seven nights. See the Taj Mahal, the forts of Jaipur and the markets of Old Delhi. Keep travel days short and let the children rest in the afternoons.
2. Kerala
Fly into Kochi, head up to the tea hills of Munnar, then slow down on the backwaters. It’s calm, green and easy with young children.
3. Goa
For a proper rest, Goa is hard to beat. A beach hotel, good food and not much of a plan. Perfect for a family that has had a busy first half of term.
4. Visiting family, with one side trip
Many of our families spend most of the week with grandparents, then add two nights somewhere new. It is a gentle way to give the children a holiday too. Flying to Punjab from the Midlands? Read our guide to flights from Birmingham to Amritsar.
Need somewhere to stay? Browse our hotels in India, from Kerala and Goa to Agra, Jaipur, Shimla and Amritsar.
Why book now: 6 tips for half-term flights
Half-term is a short, fixed window, and every family in your child’s class is looking at the same dates. Here is what we tell our families.
1. Book as soon as your dates are clear
Seats on the most popular weekend departures go first. Waiting rarely makes them cheaper.
2. Check today's fares
Our homepage shows fares from the UK from £219 per person to Ahmedabad, £276 to Bengaluru, £286 to Mumbai and £303 to Delhi (checked 24 September 2026, prices change daily). Half-term dates may cost more, so ask us for a live quote.
3. Compare your nearest airports
We book flights to India from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Sometimes a short drive opens up better options.
4. Think about early November
Flights get busier into early November as families head out for Diwali on 8 November. Returning on 1 November keeps you ahead of the rush.
5. Teachers and students: use MannPass
Half-term is when teachers travel too. Verified students, teachers, lecturers and education staff in the UK can join MannPass for free and get £25 off selected return flights to India. It is valid for 30 days after verification, can be renewed, and can’t be combined with other offers.
6. Sort visas now
British passport holders, including children, need an Indian visa or OCI card. Apply through the official Indian visa website and allow plenty of time.
Travelling with children: a quick checklist
Book everyone on one booking so you sit together and changes are simpler.
Check baggage allowances before you pack gifts for family.
Pack snacks, headphones and a change of clothes in hand luggage for each child.
Travelling with grandparents? Ask us about wheelchair assistance and special meals when you book.
Why book your half-term trip with Mann Travel?
Our team is based in Southall, London, and we specialise in flights and hotels between the UK and India. We speak Hindi, Punjabi and English, support is available 24/7, and we plan family and group trips every day. Short breaks need tight planning, and that is what we do. Got questions? See our FAQs or contact us.
Let’s take you home this half-term.
Search live fares at manntravel.co.uk/flights or call our team on 0208 099 9900. Tell us your school dates and we’ll do the rest.
frequently asked questions
When is October half-term 2026 in England?
Most schools in England break from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. Dates vary by council and school, so check yours.
Is October half-term long enough for a trip to India?
Yes. Fly out on the Friday or Saturday before and return on Sunday 1 November for nine or ten days.
What is the weather like in India in late October?
Mostly dry and warm, with cooler evenings in the north. Kerala can still see some showers.
When is the Scottish October break in 2026?
Glasgow and Edinburgh break from Monday 12 October 2026. Edinburgh’s break runs to Monday 19 October. Other councils vary.
Do my children need a visa for India?
Yes. British passport holders of every age need an Indian visa or OCI card. Apply early on the official Indian visa website.
School dates vary by council and school. Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Always check live prices before booking.
