Initially, we'll have to pay €80 per person for a Schengen visa. If we apply for a multi-entry, I guess it means another €80? In addition to the British visa price. If we have to fork out that much, I'd rather spend the time in Europe. Uncle has said he'll come to France for a couple of days if we can't make it.
There is another choice, but I need to see if I can manage it - alter my Delhi-Paris ticket to Delhi-London ticket. In that case, what'll be the order of operations? I guess I'll need a London-Paris ticket, then get the Schengen Visa, then the UK Visa with a welcome letter from uncle?
PS - a general question - can we book hotels using Booking.com (or any other suitable site) in UK/Europe without paying? If so, does it suffice for visa purposes?