Egypt Travel Guide:

A Complete Tour Planning Guide for Indian Travellers

Egypt, the timeless land of pharaohs, pyramids, ancient dynasties, desert landscapes, and the life-giving River Nile, stands as one of the world’s most evocative travel destinations. Its blend of archaeology, culture, mythology, and natural wonders makes it a dream destination for travellers across the globe. For visitors from India—especially those travelling from Kolkata or New Delhi—Egypt offers an extraordinary combination of deep history and modern comfort, ensuring a memorable international holiday.

Overview of Egypt

Egypt is located in the northeastern corner of Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. It is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with recorded history spanning more than 5,000 years. The country is globally renowned for the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, Luxor’s temples, the Valley of the Kings, Alexandria’s Greco-Roman heritage, and the endless Sahara desert.

• Capital: Cairo
• Official Language: Arabic
• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
• Time Difference: Egypt is approximately 3.5 hours behind IST (varies during Daylight Saving Time)
• Major Entry Points: Cairo International Airport, Hurghada Airport, Sharm El Sheikh Airport

Major Tourist Attractions in Egypt

Egypt is vast, and each region offers its own signature wonders. Below is a detailed list of essential places to explore.

1. Cairo – The Heart of Ancient Egypt

Cairo, the capital city, is an extraordinary blend of ancient relics and modern metropolitan life. It serves as the primary arrival point for international travellers.

• Pyramids of Giza: The only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World and Egypt’s most iconic symbol.
• The Great Sphinx: A monumental limestone statue guarding the Pyramids.
• Egyptian Museum (Tahrir): Home to thousands of antiquities including treasures of Tutankhamun.
• Old Cairo: Explore Coptic churches, the Hanging Church, and Islamic architecture.
• Khan El Khalili Bazaar: One of the oldest Middle-Eastern markets, famous for crafts, perfumes, and souvenirs.

Distance from Cairo Airport to Giza: Approx. 50 km (1 hour drive).

2. Luxor – The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum

Luxor was once ancient Egypt’s capital (Thebes) and contains some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.

• Karnak Temple Complex – a massive open-air museum dedicated to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu.
• Luxor Temple – beautifully illuminated at night, beside the Nile.
• Valley of the Kings – the burial site of Tutankhamun and numerous pharaohs.
• Valley of the Queens – resting place of royal queens including Queen Nefertari.
• Colossi of Memnon – two monumental statues guarding the temple of Amenhotep III.

Distance from Cairo to Luxor: By air approx. 650 km (1-hour flight).
By road approx. 670 km (9–10 hours).

3. Aswan – The Southern Gem

Aswan is known for its serene Nile landscapes, Nubian culture, and remarkable temples.

• Philae Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Isis.
• Aswan High Dam: A major engineering marvel controlling the Nile’s flooding.
• Nubian Village: Colourful homes, local culture, and hospitality.
• Abu Simbel Temples: Monumental rock temples of Ramses II, 280 km from Aswan.

Distance from Luxor to Aswan: Approx. 240 km (3–4 hours by road).

4. Alexandria – The Mediterranean Coast

Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, reflects a beautiful blend of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian heritage.

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina – a modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria.
• Qaitbay Citadel – built on the location of the ancient Lighthouse (Pharos).
• Alexandria Corniche – a scenic waterfront promenade.
• Roman Amphitheatre – ancient archaeological ruins.

Distance from Cairo to Alexandria: 220 km (3 hours by road).

5. Sharm El Sheikh – The Red Sea Paradise

One of the world’s best diving destinations, ideal for beach lovers and adventure seekers.

• Naama Bay – vibrant nightlife and resort hub.
• Ras Mohammed National Park – stunning coral reefs and marine life.
• Mount Sinai – pilgrimage site where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Distance from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh: 500 km (6–7 hours by road) or 1-hour flight.

How to Reach Egypt from India (Kolkata / Delhi)

Kolkata to Egypt (Cairo)

• No non-stop flights currently operate.
• Common connecting routes include:
  • Kolkata → Dubai → Cairo
  • Kolkata → Doha → Cairo
  • Kolkata → Abu Dhabi → Cairo
• Average travel time: 10–14 hours depending on layover.

Delhi to Egypt (Cairo)

• Delhi offers both direct and connecting flights.
• Direct Flights: New Delhi → Cairo (approx. 6 hours 30 minutes)
• Connecting Options:
  • Delhi → Dubai → Cairo
  • Delhi → Doha → Cairo
  • Delhi → Abu Dhabi → Cairo

Egypt Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

Indian citizens must obtain a visa prior to travel. Egypt offers a simple tourist visa process.

Types of Tourist Visas

• Single-Entry Tourist Visa – usually valid for 90 days, permitting one entry.
• Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa – valid for longer durations, useful for frequent travellers.

Documents Required

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Flight tickets (round-trip)
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Bank statements (usually 6 months)
• Income proof or ITR
• Travel itinerary
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Processing Time

Typically 7–10 working days, depending on Embassy workload.

Egypt Visa Office Address in India

Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in India
New Delhi – (Full street address may be inserted directly by the user in accordance with requirement.)

Staying Options in Egypt

Egypt provides an extensive range of accommodation suitable for all budgets—from luxury international chains to comfortable mid-range hotels and traditional stays. Below are the major hotel zones in each city (without contact details).

Cairo

• Giza Pyramid View Hotels
• Downtown Cairo Heritage Hotels
• Nile-side Luxury Hotels
• Airport Hotels

Luxor

• Nile-view Resorts
• West Bank Boutique Hotels
• City-Centre Properties

Aswan

• Island Resorts on the Nile
• Traditional Nubian Guesthouses
• City Hotels near Corniche

Alexandria

• Corniche Waterfront Hotels
• Historic-Style Hotels

Sharm El Sheikh

• Beachfront Luxury Resorts
• All-Inclusive Family Resorts
• Dive-Centric Boutique Hotels

Important Distances within Egypt

• Cairo → Giza Pyramids: 50 km
• Cairo → Alexandria: 220 km
• Cairo → Luxor: 650 km (air), 670 km (road)
• Luxor → Aswan: 240 km
• Cairo → Hurghada: 450 km
• Cairo → Sharm El Sheikh: 500 km
• Aswan → Abu Simbel: 280 km

Best Time to Visit Egypt

October to April is considered the ideal time to visit Egypt.

• Weather is pleasant, especially in desert regions.
• Outdoor sightseeing becomes comfortable.
• Nile cruises operate at full capacity.

Summer (May–September): Extremely hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. Suitable only for budget travellers or beach-focused trips in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.

Suggested Travel Duration

• 6–7 Days: Cairo + Giza + Luxor
• 8–10 Days: Cairo + Luxor + Aswan + Nile Cruise
• 12–14 Days: Complete Egypt circuit including Alexandria and Red Sea

Sample Itinerary Overview (7 Days)

• Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, evening at leisure
• Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum
• Day 3: Fly to Luxor, visit Karnak & Luxor Temple
• Day 4: Valley of the Kings, Queens, Hatshepsut Temple
• Day 5: Transfer to Aswan, Philae Temple
• Day 6: Abu Simbel (optional), return to Cairo
• Day 7: Departure

Safety Tips for Travellers

• Carry passport copies and keep originals secure.
• Follow local rules in archaeological sites.
• Use registered guides for temple visits.
• Drink bottled water only.
• Respect cultural norms, especially in traditional areas.

Conclusion

Egypt is a destination that merges the world’s most ancient stories with modern-day hospitality. Whether you are fascinated by pyramids, intrigued by pharaohs, yearning for a spiritual desert experience, or dreaming of crystal-clear Red Sea waters—Egypt offers an unforgettable journey. For Indian travellers starting from Kolkata or Delhi, excellent flight connections, straightforward visa processes, and abundant sightseeing choices make Egypt a truly rewarding international holiday. With proper planning, comfortable stays, and structured travel routes, your Egyptian adventure becomes not just a trip but a lifelong memory.