Do you want to experience and roam around a place where you can have a view of the colourful markets, or ride a camel in the deserts of the Sahara? Then Morocco is your dream destination. This is going to be your next travel destination, yours. For the travellers who are travelling from India to …
How to Plan a Trip to Morocco from India
Do you want to experience and roam around a place where you can have a view of the colourful markets, or ride a camel in the deserts of the Sahara? Then Morocco is your dream destination. This is going to be your next travel destination, yours. For the travellers who are travelling from India to Morocco, this place will give you a wholesome experience of a mixture of Arabian beauty, landscapes of Africa, and the influence of Europe. Morocco gives you an opportunity to experience the medinas and the deserts; the country provides a great experience for every traveller.
You might at first find it a bit difficult to plan a trip to Morocco from India, with different preparations like travel, budget, what you will do over there, and the cultural heritage; this all might be a bit difficult. But planning in the right way and with proper guidance, you can easily plan your trip and that too without any hassle, and you can enjoy your trip to Morocco to your fullest.
This guide will provide you with all the details that you will need to make your trip smooth. Your flights from India, important documents required, places you can visit, and foods you can try over there, this guide will make your trip a handy one for you.
Reasons to Visit Morocco
Morocco has always been known to be a land where you will find Africa meeting the Middle East, and Europe. Coming to Morocco will allow you to witness the cheerful cities, the ancient history of the place, the environment, and the way the people treat you. Here are some reasons why you should come to Morocco and should be on your bucket list:
- Rich Culture: Morocco is a place that is full of culture and tradition. You will find architecture that has Islamic influence and the old Moroccan traditions.
- Variety of Landscape: Morocco has a diverse variety of landscapes, be it the mountains of the Atlas or the Sahara Desert.
- Exotic Markets: In the markets of Morocco, you will find a variety of things that are available in the market, like spices, lamps, leather goods, and other souvenirs.
- Delicious Food: There are some delicacies of Morocco like Tagine, Couscous, Pastilla, and other foods which are very delicious and mouth-watering.
- Adventure Activities: There are some adventure activities which are famous in Morocco, like the Desert Safari, hiking, hot-air balloon, and other activities are also available.
Flights from India to Morocco
No direct flights are available from India to Morocco. You can reach Morocco in one-stop stop, you have to stop at the Middle East or Europe, and then from there you can come to Morocco. The entry point of Morocco is from Casablanca, and that is the main entry point for Indian travellers.
Routes:
- Delhi/Mumbai- Casablanca via Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul.
- Delhi/Mumbai- Marrakech via Paris or Istanbul.
Airlines:
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Air France
The flight will take an average duration of 12 to 15 hours, including the layover.
The booking of the flight will cost you 45,000 INR to 65,000 INR if you book the tickets in advance.
Visa for Indians
People of India need to have a tourist visa to visit Morocco. The process to get the visa is very simple and easy-going.
Steps to apply the Visa:
- You can fill out the visa application form either online or you can simply go to the Moroccan Embassy.
- You need to submit all the important documents like the passport, your photos, flight tickets, booking of the hotels, and the most importantly, the financial proof.
- You need to pay the visa fee, which is around 3,500 INR to 4000 INR.
- The visa will take some time to get processed, which is usually 10-15 days.
Tip: Be sure to confirm whether you need a transit visa when traveling through Europe or the Middle East.
Time to visit Morocco
Morocco is a place you can visit at any time of the year; it is a year-round destination. But there is a variation in the climate in different regions of the place.
- Spring (March-May)– If you are visiting during this time, then you will find very pleasant weather, you will be able to see some beautiful landscapes, and this is the best time for sightseeing.
- Autumn (September-November)– If you are visiting during the Autumn season, then you will find a very comfortable temperature, and you will also get fewer crowds, so you will be able to enjoy it completely.
- Winter (December-February)– It is a good time to go for a desert trip, but the mountain areas will be a bit cold, the Atlas Mountains.
- Summer (June-August)– During this time, the weather will be very hot, especially in the areas of Marrakech and the Sahara. But the towns located near the coastal areas have cold weather, like Essaouira.
For the travellers coming from India, who are not used to the heat, the best time to visit Morocco is during the time of Spring and Autumn.
Cuisines of Morocco
Morocco has a large tradition and culture of flavourful food, which the Indian travellers are definitely going to love.
- Tagine– It is a stew that is cooked on a low flame and is filled with meat, vegetables, and spices.
- Couscous– This is a staple food of Morocco, which is served with chicken, lamb, or vegetables.
- Harira– This is a traditional soup that is mostly served during the time of Ramadan.
- Pastilla– It is a pastry delicacy which is usually filled with pigeon and chicken.
- Moroccan Mint Tea– This tea is also known by the name of “the whiskey of Morocco,” which is usually served everywhere in Morocco.
Budget for the Trip
The trip to Morocco might cost a person around 1.2 lakhs to 1.8 lakhs INR, travelling from India to Morocco, depending on what kind of hotels and other preferences you have.
Breakdown of the Budget
- Flight tickets: 45,000 INR to 65,000 INR.
- Visa fees: 4,000 INR.
- Stay/ accommodation in Morocco: 25,000 INR to 40,000 INR.
- Expenditure on food: 10,000 INR to 15,000 INR.
- Transportation cost: 20,000 INR to 30,000 INR, including the tour cost.
- Shopping: 15,000 INR to 20,000 INR, including the extra expenditure.
The travellers who are travelling under a budget can cut their expenditure down by choosing some hostels or less expensive places to stay, can use buses for transportation, and can eat and have their food in some local restaurants.
Useful Travel Tips
- Currency: You should exchange your money in Moroccan currency, which is Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Always carry some cash with you, while travelling especially to the markets.
- Language: The widely spoken languages here are Arabic and French. English is only spoken in the area of tourism.
- Dress Code: You should have proper clothing, especially while travelling in rural areas.
- Local Transport: The most common transportation here is a taxi, so talk about the fare beforehand only. If you want to travel between the cities, then trains are the best option.
- SIM Card: You can get your SIM cards from companies like Telecom; they provide you with the offer of the best affordable tourist SIMs.
- Food Safety: You should visit the food stalls filled with people and carry or get bottled water.
- Cultural Etiquette: Always ask for or obtain permission from locals and individuals before taking their photographs, especially women.
- Connectivity: You don’t need to worry about connectivity in the places, as cafes and hotels provide you with good internet access.
You don’t have to worry about planning your trip from India to Morocco; this should not be so difficult and complicated. A proper guidance and preparation, you can have a smooth journey to this place without facing any difficulty. Morocco offers you an experience of a mixture of adventure, beauty, culture, and history. Be it starting from Marrakech to the desert dunes, Morocco offers you all the experiences in one go.
Morocco should be at the top of the list of those who want to travel from India to such a destination, which seems to be luxurious but yet affordable. Your Moroccan journey is going to be one that you can never forget in your life. Be it the hospitality of the place, landscapes that can take you aback, and especially the adventure, Morocco is the destination that you have always looked for.
