Perhaps the most magical, mesmerizing thing about our planet is the phenomenon of Northern Lights. The divine, dancing lights of the aurora are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.
Swaying in perpetual motion, auroral displays appear in many hues and shades. The lights shimmer and stretch in many patterns, from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with a gorgeous glow. The best time to enjoy the spectacular show of the Northern Lights is during the winter months (between September and April) in the below-listed places. You must book your flight in advance to get great deals and low fares.
Norway
The fabulous fjords and the Lyngen Alps glitter all the more in the glow of the Northern Lights, making Norway the most beautiful place to view the lights in all their glory. ‘Polar Night’ in Svalbard is an extraordinary experience. Make your way to Tromso to attend the nine-day Northern Lights Festival under the Aurora Borealis. Other viewing spots are located in the Lofoten Islands and in the northern towns of Alta, Nordkapp, and Kirkenes.
How to Reach Norway From India:
Major Indian metro cities like Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru offer flights to Norway’s capital Oslo with stopovers in European sectors like Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Helsinki. The typical flight duration for this sector is approximately 11 to 14 hours, depending on your flight and layover duration.
Flight Fares:
From metro cities of India, flight fares to Norway starts from ₹36,012 but depends on the airline you choose.
Alaska, United States
The city of Fairbanks and the Denali National Park in Alaska are considered to offer the best viewing of the Northern Lights in the United States. The temperatures are below freezing point in this viewing season and therefore, it is recommended that you enjoy the dazzle of the lights dipped in the waters of the Manley Hot Springs, located in the area.
How to Reach Alaska from India
If you are flying from major Indian cities like New Delhi or Mumbai, there are various flights from Alaska’s major cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks with stopovers in Los Angeles, Chicago or London. The duration for these flights are typically between 24 and 30 hours, depending on the airline you choose and layover time.
Flight Fares:
You can fly to Alaska from major Indian cities for around ₹1,00,000 but this depends on the season, airline and the time of booking.
Sweden
Close to Abisko National Park, a dark winter night in Swedish Lapland is perfect for witnessing the Northern Lights, up, close and personal. Do not miss the “Blue Hole of Abisko”, which is a patch of sky that remains clear, created by the 70 km lake. The surrounding lights make it a spellbinding sight.
How to Reach Sweden From India:
Major Indian metro cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru offer flights to Sweden’s capital Stockholm, with stopovers in European sectors like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Helsinki, and London. The typical flight duration for this sector is approximately 13 to 16 hours, depending on your flight and layover duration.
Flight Fares:
From metro cities of India, flight fares to Sweden start from around ₹20,000, but the final price depends on the airline, route, and season of travel.
Scotland
The British have named the Northern Lights as the Merry Dancers, which is only apt. In the midst of winter, Aberdeen, Isle of Skye, Northern Highlands and Dunnet Head are the best viewing spots of Northern Scotland, where the occurrence is not as regular as the other countries listed.
How to Reach Scotland From India:
Major Indian metro cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru offer flights to Scotland’s major cities, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, with stopovers in international hubs like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Doha. The typical flight duration for this sector is approximately 11 to 14 hours, depending on your flight and layover duration.
Flight Fares:
From metro cities of India, flight fares to Scotland start from around ₹43,000, but depend on the airline, season, and how early you book.
Russia
Aurora Borealis hanging over the Northern Russian horizon is a magnificent affair. The Kola Peninsula and the town of Murmansk are the most popular viewing zones of the country, if you can handle the below freezing temperatures of a typical Siberian winter.
How to Reach Russia From India:
Major Indian metro cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru offer flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg, with stopovers in cities like Istanbul, Dubai, and Doha. Some direct flights are also available depending on the airline and current schedules. The typical flight duration for this sector is approximately 7 to 10 hours, depending on your flight and layover duration.
Flight Fares:
From metro cities of India, flight fares to Russia start from around ₹30,000, but they vary depending on the route, airline, and season of travel.
Canada
The ‘Aurora Oval’ covers the majority of Canada and places like Yukon, Northern Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia and British Columbia are your first-row seats to witness the best view of the swirling lights.
Witnessing the Northern Lights in their mesmerizing merriment must be on everyone’s travel bucket list. If it’s not, we hope reading this makes you widen your list.
How to Reach Canada From India:
Major Indian metro cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru offer flights to Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, with stopovers in hubs like London, Frankfurt, Dubai, or Doha. Some airlines also offer direct flights from Delhi to Toronto and Vancouver. The typical flight duration for this sector is approximately 14 to 20 hours, depending on your flight and layover duration.
Flight Fares:
From metro cities of India, flight fares to Canada start from around ₹65,000, but the final price depends on the airline, destination city, and time of booking.
