Best Places to See the Northern Lights from India
Want to customize this package?
Share your dates and travellers. This enquiry is free. Small changes to a standard itinerary—such as a date change or an extra day—can be discussed with our team.
Seeing the Northern Lights is on many Indian travellers' wish lists. The aurora appears in a ring around the Arctic, so the best places are in northern Russia, Scandinavia and Iceland. Here is how they compare for travellers from India.
Comparing the top Northern Lights destinations
| Destination | Season | Visa for Indians | Getting there | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murmansk, Russia | Late Sep – Mar | Russian e-visa (online) | Delhi – Moscow – Murmansk | Often the most affordable; combine with Moscow and St Petersburg |
| Rovaniemi, Finland | Sep – Mar | Schengen visa | One stop via Helsinki or the Gulf | Santa Claus Village; popular with families |
| Tromsø, Norway | Sep – Mar | Schengen visa | One or two stops via Oslo | Fjords and whale watching; higher prices |
| Iceland | Sep – Mar | Schengen visa | One stop via Europe | Waterfalls, lagoons; self-drive or tours |
Why Murmansk is a smart choice from India
Murmansk sits inside the auroral zone, so the lights can appear right above the city's outskirts. For Indians, it avoids the Schengen visa: the Russian e-visa is applied for online and usually issued within four working days. Hotels and activities are often cheaper than in Lapland or Norway, and you can add Moscow and St Petersburg to the same trip.
Northern Lights in December, February or March?
December has the longest nights and festive cities, but very little daylight; Murmansk is in polar night. February and March are a favourite balance: long, dark evenings for the aurora and enough daylight for Teriberka, reindeer and huskies. Clear skies matter more than the month, so plan three or more nights in the Arctic.
Tips for seeing the aurora
- Stay at least three nights to improve your chances.
- Go out with a guide who watches the cloud and aurora forecasts.
- Use a camera or phone with a night mode and a small tripod.
- Dress in warm layers; you will wait outdoors in sub-zero temperatures.
Our Northern Lights tours
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best place to see the Northern Lights from India?
Murmansk in Russia, Rovaniemi in Finland, Tromsø in Norway and Iceland are the top choices. Murmansk is often the most affordable and needs only a Russian e-visa.
Which is the cheapest place to see the Northern Lights?
Murmansk is usually the most affordable, with lower hotel and activity prices than Scandinavia and no Schengen visa needed.
Can I see the Northern Lights in December?
Yes. December has the longest nights, though very little daylight. February and March are also excellent.
Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No destination can guarantee them. Staying three or more nights and going out with a guide gives the best chance.
Plan your Russia trip
Want to see the Northern Lights? Send us your dates and we will suggest the best Murmansk trip.
Get a free quote