Algeria Travel Guide
– A Complete Journey Manual for Indian Travellers
Algeria, the largest country in Africa and a land where ancient civilisations meet grand deserts and Mediterranean charm, is a destination defined by majestic landscapes and deep cultural heritage. From the sweeping Sahara dunes to Roman archaeological wonders, from cosmopolitan Algiers to the oasis towns of the south, Algeria offers travellers an experience that is both powerful and serene. For Indian tourists—especially those travelling from Kolkata or Delhi—Algeria presents a fascinating blend of natural beauty, Islamic heritage, French colonial architecture, and warm hospitality.
Overview of Algeria
Algeria stretches from the Mediterranean coastline to the vast Sahara Desert, offering one of the world’s most diverse geographic transitions. The country is bordered by Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, and Morocco, making it a central North African hub.
The landscapes include the Atlas Mountains, golden sand dunes, prehistoric rock art sites, palm-dotted oases, Roman ruins, and sparkling coastal towns. Algiers, the capital, represents a blend of Ottoman architecture, French boulevards, and modern districts, while towns like Oran, Constantine, Ghardaïa, and Tamanrasset reveal Algeria’s historical depth and cultural richness.
Major Tourist Attractions in Algeria
1. Algiers – The White Mediterranean Capital
Algiers, known as “Alger la Blanche” (Algiers the White), is a captivating city built on hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Its bright white buildings, historic Casbah, colonial-era streets, and waterfront promenades make it one of North Africa’s most scenic capitals.
- The Casbah of Algiers: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring narrow alleys, ancient palaces, Ottoman houses, and hilltop viewpoints.
- Notre Dame d’Afrique: A stunning basilica with sweeping sea views.
- Algiers Waterfront: A modern promenade lined with cafés and cultural centres.
- Ketchaoua Mosque: A historic mosque combining Moorish and Ottoman architecture.
Distance: Algiers International Airport to city centre – approx. 20 km.
2. Oran – The Coastal City of Music and Culture
Oran, Algeria’s second-largest city, is a vibrant hub known for Rai music, Spanish-style architecture, and lively social life.
- Santa Cruz Fort – offering panoramic coastal views
- Oran Waterfront Promenade
- Old Bey’s Palace
- Theatre of Oran
Distance: Algiers to Oran – approx. 420 km (1-hour flight or 4–5 hours by road).
3. Constantine – The City of Bridges
Constantine is dramatically perched atop deep gorges, earning it the title “City of Bridges.” Its spectacular bridges connect the city across massive cliffs, creating breathtaking views and architectural wonder.
- Sidi M’Cid Suspension Bridge
- Ahmed Bey Palace
- Monument to the Dead
- Traditional handicraft markets
Distance: Algiers to Constantine – approx. 430 km (1-hour flight or 5 hours by road).
4. Ghardaïa – The Heart of the M’zab Valley
The M’zab Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage region inhabited by the Mozabite Berber people. Ghardaïa stands out for its traditional desert architecture, fortified villages, palm groves, and intricate markets.
- M’zab Valley traditional towns
- Distinctive spiral minarets
- Market of M’zab crafts
Distance: Algiers to Ghardaïa – approx. 600 km (1.5-hour flight or 7–8 hours by road).
5. Tamanrasset – Gateway to the Sahara Highlands
Located deep in the Sahara, Tamanrasset is a base for exploring the Hoggar Mountains and the Assekrem Plateau—regions of dramatic volcanic landscapes and ancient rock formations.
Distance: Algiers to Tamanrasset – approx. 1,900 km (3-hour flight).
6. Hoggar Mountains & Assekrem Plateau
This surreal desert landscape offers some of the most remarkable sunrises and sunsets in Africa. The rugged mountains, volcanic peaks, and panoramic plateau views create an unforgettable natural spectacle.
7. Djanet & Tassili n’Ajjer – Prehistoric Cave Art
The Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important prehistoric cave art regions in the world. Thousands of rock paintings illustrate ancient animals, rituals, and human life thousands of years old.
Distance: Djanet to Tassili n’Ajjer entry points – approx. 10–25 km.
8. Tipaza – Roman Coastal Ruins
Tipaza features Roman ruins set against a Mediterranean backdrop. Amphitheatres, basilicas, sea-view promenades, and stone structures create a serene blend of archaeology and coastal beauty.
Distance: Algiers to Tipaza – approx. 70 km.
9. Timgad – The Algerian Pompeii
A major Roman archaeological site, Timgad is incredibly preserved with colonnaded streets, arches, temples, and mosaics.
Distance: Batna city to Timgad – approx. 35 km.
How to Reach Algeria from India
From Kolkata
- Kolkata → Doha → Algiers (Qatar Airways)
- Kolkata → Dubai → Algiers (Emirates + Air Algerie)
- Kolkata → Istanbul → Algiers (IndiGo + Turkish Airlines)
Total travel time: approx. 14–20 hours depending on connections.
From Delhi
- Delhi → Doha → Algiers (Qatar Airways)
- Delhi → Dubai → Algiers (Emirates + Air Algerie)
- Delhi → Istanbul → Algiers (Turkish Airlines)
Total travel time: approx. 12–18 hours depending on layovers.
Algeria Visa Guide for Indian Travellers
Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering Algeria. All visa applications must be submitted at the Embassy of Algeria in New Delhi.
Visa Categories
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Transit Visa
- Work or Residence Visa (special cases)
Documents Required
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Flight booking confirmation
- Hotel reservation
- Financial proof (bank statements)
- Travel itinerary
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if travelling through endemic regions)
Where to Apply – Embassy of Algeria in India
Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, New Delhi
Address: Plot No. 2/2, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
Visa processing requires complete documentation and may involve interviews or verification processes. Travellers are advised to apply well ahead of their planned departure date.
Visa Processing Time
- Standard processing: approx. 7–10 working days
- Express services: may be available for certain categories
Accommodation Options in Algeria
Algeria offers several categories of accommodation suitable for luxury, mid-range, business, and budget travellers. Below are category-wise listings without providing contact numbers.
1. Algiers
- Luxury seafront hotels
- Business-class hotels
- Mid-range city properties
- Guesthouses and serviced apartments
2. Oran
- Modern beachfront hotels
- Mid-range boutique stays
- Budget accommodations
3. Constantine
- Cliff-view hotels
- City lodges
4. Ghardaïa
- Cultural heritage lodges
- Desert-view hotels
5. Tamanrasset
- Sahara eco-lodges
- Adventure-oriented stays
Best Time to Visit Algeria
Algeria’s climate varies between Mediterranean (north) and desert (south). Travel suitability depends on preferred destinations.
- October to April: Ideal for visiting cities, the coast, and the Sahara Desert (pleasant temperatures).
- May to September: Hot Sahara climate; best for coastal travel and beach destinations.
Internal Transportation & Key Distances
Algeria has a well-connected network of domestic flights, highways, and railways. Below are essential travel distances:
- Algiers to Oran – approx. 420 km
- Algiers to Constantine – approx. 430 km
- Algiers to Ghardaïa – approx. 600 km
- Algiers to Tipaza – approx. 70 km
- Oran to Tlemcen – approx. 170 km
- Djanet to Tassili n’Ajjer – approx. 10–25 km
- Tamanrasset to Assekrem – approx. 80 km
Algeria is an extraordinary country where Roman history, Islamic architecture, Sahara landscapes, Mediterranean coastlines, and Berber cultural traditions coexist harmoniously. For Indian travellers, particularly those beginning their journey from Kolkata or Delhi, Algeria offers an enriching blend of heritage, adventure, landscape variety, and warm local hospitality.