India Tours

India tours come in several styles, ranging from fully guided trips with a tour guide throughout to partly guided itineraries. On partly guided trips you’ll usually meet expert local guides in key places, while travel between stops follows a set plan that keeps the journey organised. Some short breaks are self guided, which can suit travellers who want more independence. Each itinerary explains the guiding style clearly, so you can choose the level of support that feels right.

Many guided tours cover Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, often known as the Golden Triangle, because the route gives you a strong introduction to North India’s major landmarks. A number of itineraries also add Varanasi on the River Ganges, or head south to Kerala for Kochi, Munnar, Periyar and the Kerala Backwaters. The exact route and pace depend on the itinerary you choose, as some focus on highlights while others include slower, more regional travel.

Many India tours include the Taj Mahal in Agra, particularly those that follow a Golden Triangle route via Delhi and Jaipur. However, some itineraries focus on other regions, such as Kerala, the Himalayas, or wildlife parks, so the Taj Mahal is not included on every tour. Check the day-by-day itinerary to confirm what is covered and when key visits take place.

Accommodation depends on the trip and destination, and can range from 3 star hotels and heritage properties to 4 star and 5 star accommodation with a higher level of comfort and facilities. Some itineraries also include distinctive stays, such as a night on a deluxe houseboat in Kerala, which can be a highlight in its own right. A small number of trips may use hostel dorm rooms or desert camping, where that fits the route and travel style. Your chosen itinerary will outline the accommodation standard and the type of stay you can expect.

Yes. Some itineraries focus on Kerala, with time in Kochi, Munnar and Periyar, followed by a backwater cruise through palm-lined canals and village waterways. Many include an overnight stay on a houseboat or rice boat, which offers a slower pace and an easy way to take in the scenery. These tours suit travellers who want a more relaxed rhythm while still seeing key sights and cultural highlights.

Yes. Some tours include game drives in national parks such as Ranthambore, Kanha and Pench, with local park experts leading the safaris and sharing insight into habitats and behaviour. You may see a wide variety of animals and birds, depending on the season, conditions and a bit of luck on the day. While many travellers hope to spot a tiger, wildlife viewing in India is about much more than a single species.

Group size depends on the specific trip, as different itineraries set different maximums based on transport, accommodation and the style of travel. Some tours cap groups at 24 people, while others cap at 15, 16, 20 or 22. Private tours are also available, which means you won’t be travelling as part of a shared group and can enjoy a more tailored pace.

Meals vary by itinerary, but many tours include breakfast each day to keep mornings simple and predictable. Some trips also include lunches or dinners on selected days, particularly on wildlife stays, houseboat nights, or where a special meal is part of the experience. Each trip page lists exactly what meals are included, so you can plan for extra dining costs and preferences.

Some tours operate during major festivals such as Holi and Diwali, with planned experiences included in the itinerary so you can take part in key moments. These departures combine classic sightseeing with festival time, making them a good fit for travellers who want a stronger cultural focus. Dates, timings and the exact programme can vary by year and route, so it’s worth checking the itinerary details.

Yes. Some itineraries combine India with Nepal or Sri Lanka, with travel arranged between countries so connections feel manageable. The India portion still follows a clear plan, usually with guided sightseeing in key places, before the route continues onward. The itinerary will show where the trip goes next and how border crossings or flights are handled.