How to spend 24 hours in Nadi, Fiji
- Henna Shah
- Jul 21, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 25
If you’re planning an exotic island honeymoon to the Fiji Islands, chances are high that your first stop will be Nadi, the gateway to this South Pacific paradise. Most international flights, including those from India, land here, making Nadi the perfect starting point before you hop on a catamaran to a remote island resort surrounded by turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches.
But before the barefoot beach days begin, it’s worth soaking in the mainland’s cultural richness. Nadi is not just a transit town, it’s a vibrant hub filled with frangipani-scented breezes, Indo-Fijian culinary magic, lush gardens, sacred temples, and warm-hearted people. If you arrive bleary-eyed from a long-haul flight, give yourself at least a day to explore what this multicultural town and its surroundings have to offer.
We have covered our trip to Fiji in 3 Chapters from the lens of travelling to Fiji from India, experiences to include in your itinerary, Fiji as one of the best honeymoon destinations, availability of vegetarian food in Fiji and exploring the local Fijian culture.
You are reading Chapter 2.
WeddingSutra Feature with Fiji Tourism: https://www.weddingsutra.com/real-weddings/honeymoon-stories/henna-and-yash-fiji/
Table of contents
How long is the flight to Fiji from India?
Flying from India to Fiji isn’t a short hop. Most routes include at least one stopover, often in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Australia and the entire journey can take over 20–24 hours depending on connections. We personally flew via Singapore and then boarded a connecting flight to Nadi.
After nearly two days of travel, we checked into the Novotel Nadi and were greeted with a hearty meal. With wedding fatigue still in our bones, we decided to keep Day 1 agenda-free. A mid-afternoon nap turned into a full-blown sleep marathon, waking up just in time for dinner. The jet lag, combined with the emotional exhaustion of a big Indian wedding, demanded it.
Pro-tip: If you're arriving from India, plan for a no-agenda Day 1. Use this time to recharge, acclimatise, and ease into "Fiji time."
Why is Fiji called mini India?
It’s a delightful surprise for many Indian travelers: over 37% of Fiji’s population traces their roots to India, especially from regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Their ancestors were brought here in the 19th and early 20th centuries by the British to work on sugarcane plantations.
Today, these Indo-Fijians form an integral part of Fijian society. They speak Fiji Hindi, observe Hindu festivals, and have created a unique cultural blend with the indigenous iTaukei (Melanesian) Fijians. This co-existence is evident in temples standing near churches, Indian curries on local menus, and the warm "Namaste" often following a cheerful "Bula!"
For us, it felt like we had stepped into a tropical version of home familiar yet different in the most beautiful ways.
Traditional Fijian village tour
One of our most enriching experiences was visiting a traditional Fijian village. Our guide for the day was of Indian origin, and spoke a charming mix of English and broken Fiji Hindi. As we entered the village, I was asked to tie a sulu—a colorful sarong-like cloth—around my waist. Fijian customs require modest dressing, especially for women. Shorts, short skirts, and revealing outfits are considered inappropriate in village settings.
We were told not to wear hats either, as it’s seen as disrespectful to the village chief. Simple gestures like this show respect and are deeply appreciated by the locals.
Our tour included a visit to the community church, where we chatted with young villagers about their dreams and way of life. A highlight was seeing the Lali—a traditional wooden drum used to summon villagers for gatherings or announcements. We ended our visit shopping for freshwater pearls from local artisans. The champagne-colored pearls were a rare find and made for meaningful souvenirs.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant and exploring the tropical fauna of Fiji
Next, we headed to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, tucked at the base of the Nausori Highlands. Named after the mountain range that resembles a sleeping giant, this lush botanical garden was originally started by Hollywood actor Raymond Burr (of Perry Mason fame).
As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed with fresh passionfruit juice, a refreshing treat under the blazing Pacific sun. A guided walk through the garden introduced us to hundreds of species of orchids and other native plants.
An interesting bit of trivia our guide shared: Fijians wear frangipani flowers behind their ears. If it’s behind the left ear, it means you’re married or taken; behind the right ear means you’re single and available. We even joined in the fun and tucked a few behind our ears for photos!
Another culinary tradition we learned about was Lovo, a Fijian method of cooking where food is slow-cooked underground over hot stones—similar to the Umbadiyu savoured in Gujarat in the winters. A beautiful cultural overlap!
Visiting the Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple in Fiji
No trip to Nadi is complete without visiting the Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the Pacific. With its vivid Dravidian architecture, the temple felt like a vibrant slice of Tamil Nadu transplanted into the South Pacific.
We took off our shoes and gingerly stepped across the sun-scorched ground, feeling a rush of familiarity mixed with awe. The sculptures, the rituals, the chants—it was deeply grounding, especially so far from home. Whether you're spiritual or not, the temple is worth a visit for its architecture, energy, and the unique cultural connection it represents.
What to buy in Nadi, Fiji?
Shopping in Nadi can be an experience in itself. We headed to a local market and boutique stores where we found some unique shell-based accessories, hand-carved wooden artifacts, and Masi Kesa—a traditional Fijian art form created on cloth made from the bark of the mulberry tree. One of our favorite purchases was a carved wooden showpiece of a man and woman with our names etched on the edges. It now rests in our bedroom back in India, a constant reminder of the serenity we experienced.
Pro-tip: If you shop above a certain value and keep your receipts, you can claim a VAT refund at the airport. Make sure to carry your items in your hand luggage and allow extra time at the airport for the refund process.
Last Word
Although most travelers are eager to dash off to their private island resorts, spending at least a day in Nadi can add immense value to your Fiji trip. It’s a chance to connect with the local people, learn about Fijian traditions, and explore lush tropical gardens and cultural landmarks.
If you have a few extra days, consider day trips to nearby towns, sandbars, or waterfalls on the mainland. Denarau Island, just 20 minutes from Nadi Airport, is a great base with luxury resorts and close proximity to the Denarau Marina, your launching pad to the outer islands.
But even with limited time, a single day exploring Nadi will leave you with stories, smiles, and souvenirs that last a lifetime.
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