Fiji is a postcard perfect tropical country with a captivating past. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, Fiji offers a perfect escape for travellers looking for uncrowded beach destinations. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji has over 330 islands, of which only 110 are inhabited. Suva is the capital on the southeast coast of the largest island, Viti Levi, which means Great Fiji.

The dramatic landscapes of the Fijian archipelago result from volcanic activity that occurred around 2,500 years ago. Islands like Lomaiviti, Lau, and Yasawa are volcanic in origin but are bounded by coral reefs, offshore rocks, and shoals. Most of Fiji’s area is forested. Coastal areas are lined with coconut palms, and almost all tropical fruits and vegetables are available.

Fiji has a rich history of diversity, traditions and developments woven through the years, from its Indigenous communities to colonial influences and later the cultural exchanges with immigrants from various countries, including India. The indigenous Fijians are ethnically Melanesian, making up more than half of the population, while two-fifths are of Indian descent. English, Fijian, and Hindi are considered official languages of Fiji.

The locals of Indian descent in Fiji have maintained their customs to date. Traditional marriage ceremonies are conducted according to culture, along with many Hindu festivals like Guru Purnima, Holi, and Diwali which is a public holiday.

Visiting Fiji is relatively easy for Indians as we don’t require a pre-visa. The Fiji locals are amiable, yet one should be aware of the island’s basic etiquette, which will ensure safety and peace of mind.

Fiji has two international airports, Nadi and Nausori. Nadi is the most popular since most boats heading into the archipelago depart from Nadi. Nausori Airport, also known as Luvuluvu, is located only a few miles from Suva, the capital, and is considered the secondary international Airport.

Fiji is often referred to as Mini India thanks to the many Indians who settled in the country as immigrants. In 1879, the British brought Indian labourers to work on sugarcane plantations. Later, between 1879 and 1916, almost 60,553 Indians, including traders, businessmen, and craftsmen, were brought to Fiji. Currently, Indo-Fijians comprise the second-largest ethnic group. Indian dishes like roti, daal, sattu, masala chai, and seviyan are commonly found in Fiji.

• The name Fiji is derived from the Tongan word Fijian,” which means islands.
• Fiji is home to almost 4% of the world’s coral reefs, inhabited by over 1,500 species of marine life.
• Fiji is an eco-friendly nation and plans to get plastic-free shortly.
• Fiji has only one UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Levuka Historical Port Town.
• Fiji is home to the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sri Siva Subramanya temple.
• Due to its vibrant and diverse underwater ecosystem, Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world.
• 90% of Fijian territory is water. Only 10% is land.
• Rugby is an obsession in the Fiji Islands.
• Cannibalism wasn’t uncommon until the 1880s.
• Kava is a unique drink made from the root of a kava plant and plays an integral role in Kava ceremonies.
• People on the island speak a mix of the three official Fijian languages: English, Fiji Hindi, and Bau Fijian.
• Fiji exports coconuts, tropical fruits, ginger, tapioca, garments, sugar, petroleum products, fish, and gold.
• Fiji’s biggest export is water. Fiji Water is expensive and full of volcanic minerals.
• Fiji boasts of an extensive mahogany timber reserve.

• Fiji offers a visa on arrival that is valid for up to 4 months.
• Do not address everyone in Fiji as Fijians. Indigenous Fijians will be offended. Instead, address immigrants as Fiji Islanders.
• ATMs are few & far between. Carry enough cash for shopping or lunching at local restaurants.
• Petty theft is common, keep your valuables safe and close to you.
• Mosquitoes are a problem, keep a bug spray handy.
• Bring a small gift if your Fiji tour package involves visiting a local village.
• Don’t plan to shop or visit local attractions around Sunday.
• When travelling to remote islands, remember to carry enough snacks as they don’t have supermarkets or stores.

The Fiji Islands in the South Pacific Ocean cater to all types of travellers, from families to backpackers to single travellers and couples looking forward to adventure, sunshine, romance, and relaxation. With 333 islands, most activities in Fiji are around the coasts, like the beautiful coral reefs and scenic beaches. Access to the impressive marine life often attracts divers and snorkelers to the country. Most resorts offer excellent accommodations for all budgets, and guidance from friendly locals makes Fiji a perfect vacation destination. Here are a few other reasons to choose our Fiji Islands tour package.

To walk along uninhabited shorelines or to lounge on pristine stretches of white sand, you must visit Fiji and enjoy some of the best beaches in the world. The Blue Lagoon beach on Yasawa Island was recently rated among the Top 50 Best Beaches in the World. Similarly, Malamala Beach on Mamanuca Island is famous for its clear turquoise waters and water activities like snorkelling and paddle boarding. For a spectacular view of Fiji’s highest mountains, visit the Volivoli Beach on Suncoast.

While Fiji is famous for its white-sandy beaches, the country is equally beloved for its hiking trails. Whether you are looking for easy trails or a strenuous cardio workout, there are trails for everyone, promising breathtaking views, hidden swimming pools, and a chance to interact with local Fijians. Hiking to Fiji’s highest peak, Mount Tomanivi, offers the ultimate hiking experience, as you can see the crater of the now extinct volcano and the surrounding vistas of the Fijian Islands. The Mount Batilamu trail is equally popular and an hour’s drive from Denaaru Island. It is the fourth-highest peak in Fiji, offering a beautiful trail as hikers pass through picturesque waterfalls and quaint swimming spots to reach the summit.

Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau named Fiji the soft coral capital of the world, thanks to the world’s largest barrier reefs surrounding the island. Clear waters with more than 35 meters of visibility invite divers and snorkelers to explore the dramatic underwater scenes, from amazing coral gardens to intricate tunnels and walls. Some of the best diving spots to enjoy these soft corals include Somosomo Strait, Beqa Shark Dive, Ono Island, Namena Reserve, and the Great Astrolabe Reef.

The people of Fiji are genuinely lovely and helpful. You will see them sing for visitors at arrivals and departures and make their visit memorable. Fijians are ranked among the top ten friendliest people in the world. Community spirit is an essential element of Fijian culture with tightly bound families.

The ideal settings around the islands make Fiji a perfect getaway for couples, especially honeymooners looking for a quiet and picturesque place. The secluded islands of Yasawa and Mamanuca offer the ultimate honeymoon experience with amazing gourmet dinners, luxurious accommodations, infinity pools, and plenty of water sports activities.

Surround yourself with Fiji’s natural paradise to take a break from your busy life and embrace wellness. Take a holistic vacation and pamper yourself through meditation, yoga, spa sessions, and traditional natural remedies to unwind and recharge.

Fiji offers excellent options for families of all sizes and budgets. From water sports on stunning beaches and family-friendly activities at the resorts to island cruises and Indian food delicacies, Fiji is the ultimate island to visit.

Fiji is safe whether you travel solo or with family. Most resorts ensure your safety through their secure complexes and guided tours.

The traditional cooking method, or communal Lovo, involves women preparing food and men tending to the fire and cooking. Many resorts and villages offer this kind of feast to visitors as a cultural activity, which may include singing and dancing. The kava ritual is integral to Fijian culture and involves guests sampling kava, a mildly intoxicating fermented drink made from the crushed root of the kava plant. But if you prefer Indian food, there are plenty of options as well, ranging from roti and rice to daal and lamb curry.

As a tropical destination, Fiji is a year round destination. However, choosing the right time according to your preference will significantly improve the overall experience. Fiji has two seasons: summer, or the wet season, and winter, or the dry/peak season. The peak season also brings bigger crowds and higher prices.

Fiji is usually full of tourists between May and October since it’s the dry season, and the temperature is pleasant, ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. During this period, you can expect sunny skies and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as water sports, hiking and beach lounging. The water visibility is excellent for diving and snorkelling, allowing tourists to experience Fiji’s rich marine biodiversity. The perk of the good weather also means that accommodation and activities can get expensive, so booking your trip in advance is recommended.

Attend the local festivals during peak season to get a taste of Fiji’s culture and customs.

• Fire Walking Festival (July/August): While firewalking is popular among the Indigenous Sawau tribe of Beqa, Hindus celebrate the festival held around July- August. It is celebrated in Mariamman temples in Nadi and Suva.
• Attend the Bula Festival (August): Bula means Hello in Fiji and is aimed at introducing Fijian culture to tourists. This week long festival includes plenty of entertainment, fabulous food, fashion shows, a soccer tournament, lively music, and a beauty parade culminating with the Miss Bula competition.
• Hibiscus Festival (August): The Hibiscus Festival is one of Fijian culture’s oldest and most awaited celebrations, including a beauty pageant where you’ll see Miss Hibiscus get crowned.
• Fiji Day (October): On the 10th of October, the people of Fiji celebrate Fiji Day or Independence Day. You can enjoy week long festivities with parties, performances, and parades all around the country.
• Diwali (October): Fiji has a large population of Indians; thus, Diwali is a major festival here. People celebrate the Festival of Lights with light shows, firecrackers, and parties.

November to April is a hot and humid season with heavy and persistent rainfall. Tropical cyclones can occur, causing devastating effects, especially between January and March. However, for a quieter experience and some rain, this season will help you avoid crowds and get better prices, along with periods of good weather.

Remember that during the rainy season, the southeastern portion of Viti Levu receives the most rain compared to the rest of the island. You can book your trip accordingly and get the best deal.

Another thing to remember is that the shoulder seasons, or the transition months, from May to June and October, are short. Still, they’re the best times to visit since the temperatures are pleasant and there’s less risk of cyclones. These months are a good compromise since most tourists will either have just left or are yet to arrive.

Many activities are possible on most days throughout the Wet season, including sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, guided tours, diving, and snorkelling on dry days. You can also head to places where various festivals are celebrated according to the month.

• Celebrate Holi (March): Enjoy the festival of colours celebrated by ethnic Hindus in Fiji. People from different communities come together and celebrate the season of new beginnings.
• Your Paradise Festival (December): Attend one of the world’s most intimate music festivals that takes place annually on the idyllic and breathtaking Mamanuca Islands.

If you’re from the South of India and looking to avoid the Indian summers, we suggest booking a Fiji tour package around this time.

Visit this traditional Fijian village where the inhabitants still follow their traditional living style in thatched houses arranged in a circle. Immerse yourself in a unique experience and opportunity to interact with the local community to understand the authentic Fijian culture.

Experience the natural beauty of pristine white sand bordered by turquoise waters on the shores of Fiji Island. While Natadola Beach is known for surfing its perfect waves, Coral Coast boasts magnificent coral reefs and marine life. As a couple, you can head to the private island of Mana, which offers secluded beaches. Enjoy water sports and the exceptional natural surroundings when you visit these beaches.

Take your family to the Suva Museum to glimpse Fijian art and culture. The museum showcases traditional artefacts, and certain temporary exhibitions offer an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Fijian history and customs.

Suva’s gardens contain diverse native Fijian plants, from orchids to palm trees. Walk around this peaceful place with your kids to experience Fiji’s rich biodiversity.

An hour’s drive from Nadi airport or 2h30m from Suva airport will get you to the Coral Coast in Viti Levu. Here, you can experience a fantastic beach holiday and authentic cultural experiences. You may visit some of the traditional Fijian villages around the coast, learn about local customs, participate in kava ceremonies, and enjoy traditional Fijian dances. The children can enjoy various activities ranging from river rafting in the Navua River to zip-lining amidst lush greenery.

Fijian cuisine mainly consists of farm-grown food like tubers and coconuts and staples like rice, wheat, tea, seafood, and various green vegetables. The colonial past of bringing Indians to the island has impacted the cuisine significantly. Regional dishes like roti and curry are very common in households, and Indian spices, onions, ginger, garlic, carrots, curry leaves, chillies, and coconut milk are some of the regularly used flavours. A traditional meal in an Indo-Fijian family is rice, dhal, and either a meat or vegetable curry accompanied by a salad or chutney with masala tea as the daily drink.

• Palusami is a local Fijian dish reserved for feasts. It mainly consists of corned beef or mutton, fresh taro leaves, coconut milk, ginger, garlic, chilli, lime juice, and salt, cooked in an underground oven called lovo.
• Fish Suruwa is a delicious Fijian curry made with firm white fish. It uses ingredients similar to Indian curries, such as onions, tomatoes, chillies, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and coconut milk.
• Goat curry is a popular delicacy with fragrant spices and aromatic flavours. It is served with piping hot basmati rice or roti.
• Kokoda is a popular local dish with fish such as mahi-mahi or snapper. It’s infused with citrus juices and coconut cream, giving it a rich, velvety texture.
• The local dessert is steamed coconut pudding, made with condensed milk, coconut milk, and sugarcane syrup and flavoured with cardamom and ginger. Another dessert is Vakalolo, a dense, chewy, and sweet dish made with grated cassava, incorporating Indian spices like ginger, sugar, cardamom, and coconut milk to enhance the flavours.
• Purini is a pudding like Fijian steamed dessert with a base of coconut milk, cocoa, bananas, and aromatic spices. It is generally served warm with a cup of tea.
• Most visitors to Fiji do not leave without sampling the traditional Fijian beverage ‘Kava,’ made with the pulverised roots of the kava plant and water and traditionally served in a coconut shell cup.

• Do dress modestly: Remember to dress appropriately when you are away from your resort or hotel. It’s important to always carry something with you to cover revealing swimwear or clothing. Women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees, and men are expected to always have a T-shirt on.
• Do follow customs: When visiting Fijian villages, it’s essential to learn about their customs beforehand. For example, it’s considered an insult to the village chief if anyone else wears a hat or sunglasses on their head. Only the chief can wear a hat since it is considered sacred.
• Do learn a few greetings: It’s always respectful to exchange polite greetings with the locals in their native language. Learn to say words you may use often, like ‘Bula’ means hello, ‘Ni sa bula’ is a more formal version, ‘Vinaka’ means thank you, and ‘Moce’, pronounced as ‘Mothay’ means goodbye.
• Use public toilets whenever possible since very few are around the island.
• Do carry a bug repellent, as insects are found mainly during the rainy season and at night.
• Do purchase a locally made handicraft and carry a piece of the local culture home.
• Check if the island you are staying on takes credit cards since some prefer cash.
• Do not expect businesses to stay open on Sundays as it’s a day of rest for locals.
• Do not touch someone on the head or point your feet toward the kava bowl or the chief; this is considered disrespectful.

Fiji is a vibrant shopping destination that offers everything from traditional handicrafts to modern essentials for a unique experience. If you are looking for authentic Fijian artefacts and souvenirs, head to the historical streets of Suva or the busy market streets of Nadi.

• The vibrant street of Victoria Parade offers Suva’s boutique shopping, with a fantastic mix of contemporary and traditional art and crafts.
• The Suva Municipal Market is a place to visit for a sensory experience of enticing smells, sounds, and vibrant colours as you browse a wide selection of traditional handicrafts perfect for souvenirs.
• Nadi Town is a bustling multi-cultural town famous for its handicraft markets, which display a diverse range of locally made products. Use your art of bargaining to buy intricate wood carvings, traditional crafts, colourful clothes, sarongs, and handwoven baskets and mats.

Avoid shopping on Sunday as most stores are closed or have restricted hours.

While Suva has an evolved contemporary art scene around theatre, dance, music, poetry, fashion and fine arts in recent times, Fijians have also kept their traditional art forms alive. Older cultural practices such as mat weaving, using materials like coconut and pandanus leaves and masi cloth making, created out of softened bark of the mulberry tree, are still very much in practice. The traditional dance, meke, is often performed during special occasions and gets handed down from generation to generation. Since tourism is growing in places like Nadi, various dance groups create fantastic dance and music shows to entertain visitors and locals.

Additionally, an ancient craft of pottery-making dating around 1290 BC is still practised in the lower Sigatoka Valley. Instead of glazing in pottery, finished objects get varnished by rubbing certain plants to improve water holding qualities.

Woodcarving, which was once considered a highly specialised craft, is now on the decline in Fiji. Carvers in the old days would create essential objects like the war club, a primary weapon in a warrior’s arsenal, as a symbol of authority and used as a vital part of Fijian culture during ceremonies and dance. The tanoa, or yaqona bowl, still plays an essential part in Fijian society.

Once known as the ‘Cannibal Isles,’ Fijian history has evolved over the ages, through influences from Melanesia, Polynesia, Europe, India, and beyond, into a warm and welcoming culture today. With family and community at the forefront, Fijians are exceedingly warm and friendly.
The Fijian people live a slow paced lifestyle, affectionately referred to as ‘Fiji Time,’ and hold their family and community at the forefront. A range of different religions are practised in Fiji, and you’ll see various places of worship like Christian churches, Sikh and Hindi temples and Islamic mosques across the island. Due to the sizeable Fijian-Indian community, Hinduism is the second most popular religion. If you visit Fiji during the Diwali or Holi festivals, expect plenty of celebrations and nighttime fireworks.
Fiji’s cultural ceremonies, such as the Lovo, the Meke, and the Yaqona (Kava), are very famous and allow visitors to delve into the local way of life.