15 Extraordinary India Tours for Every Type of Traveller
India doesn’t do one-note journeys. From sunrise over ochre forts in Rajasthan, where desert cities glow rose-gold, and stories of maharajas linger in the air, to the soaring landscapes of the Himalayas, where prayer flags flutter across high passes, and monasteries cling improbably to mountainsides, every corner reveals a different insight into this extraordinary region.
Travel west to Gujarat, where salt deserts, lion-haunted forests and exquisitely carved stepwells await, or head east to Nagaland, where vibrant festivals and age-old traditions bring communities together. Journey south through Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where temple towns, tea-covered hills and palm-fringed shores showcase yet another captivating side of the subcontinent.
With such incredible diversity, choosing where to begin can be the hardest part. From classic first-time adventures to off-the-beaten-track discoveries, we dive into 15 of our most extraordinary India tours to help you narrow down your choice.
RAJASTHAN & THE NORTH
Rajasthan: Taj, Temples & Tigers
Group Tour | 15 Days | From £3,425
A signature journey for very good reason, Taj, Temples and Tigers is the perfect introduction to Rajasthan and an ideal choice for first-time visitors to India. Combining the highlights of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ranthambore National Park with rural Rajasthan and out-of-the-way temples, it offers a heady yet perfectly balanced mix of the very best of this princely state.
Behold the grandeur of the Taj Mahal and the mighty Agra and Mehrangarh Forts, the latter once described by Rudyard Kipling as "the work of giants". Along the way, experience local life in rural communities, weave through Jaipur's backstreets with the inspiring ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw Company, uncover atmospheric hidden temples and search for India's most iconic big cat, the Bengal tiger.
India: Gujarat & Rann of Kutch
Group Tour | 16 Days | From £3,395
A textile lover's dream, Gujarat rewards those who venture west with a rich tapestry of tribal culture, traditional arts, intricate embroidery and remarkable craftsmanship. Alongside these living traditions lie some of India's most distinctive landscapes, from the surreal white salt flats of the Rann of Kutch to the arid plains where wild asses roam and pink flamingos flock.
Watch master dhow builders construct enormous wooden boats by hand, climb the 3,500 steps to the spectacular Jain temples atop Mount Shatrunjaya, discover Mahatma Gandhi's legacy at his Sabarmati Ashram and experience the atmosphere of an evening aarti ceremony. It's an immersive introduction to one of India's most fascinating and overlooked states.
India: High Road to Kashmir
Group Tour | 16 Days | From £4,075
One of India's most epic overland journeys, this adventure takes you from Delhi to the breathtaking (quite literally, thanks to the high altitude) mountain landscapes of Ladakh, where remote Buddhist monasteries, timeless villages and spectacular valleys await. Continue into the once-off-limits Vale of Kashmir, where snow-capped Himalayan peaks give way to verdant hills and mirror-like, lotus-dotted lakes, creating a striking contrast to Ladakh's stark golden beauty.
The perfect finale to a journey of such visual grandeur — especially on one of our festival departures — is a stay aboard your own houseboat on Srinagar's Dal Lake. Here, the only things likely to draw you from your peaceful sanctuary are the gentle bustle of floating markets and the beauty of the city's sprawling Mughal gardens. A dream within a dream.
Luxury Rajasthan: Heritage Forts & Palaces
Tailor-Made | 17 Days | From £14,990
Step into the romance of India's golden age on an elegant journey through Rajasthan, where magnificent forts, timeless palaces and colourful cities are matched only by the grandeur of the places you'll call home. From the legendary Taj Lake Palace and Rambagh Palace to the iconic Imperial in Delhi, every stay is steeped in history and heritage.
Beyond the luxury, discover the many faces of the 'Land of Kings', from the Taj Mahal and Jaipur's magnificent palaces to rural villages, hidden ruins and elusive leopards. The perfect finale comes in Udaipur, where a stay in a restored island palace and a private sunset cruise across the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola provide a wonderfully romantic end to one of India's most enchanting journeys.
Undiscovered Rajasthan
Tailor-Made | 16 Days | From £5,490
Venture beyond Rajasthan's famous palaces and forts on a journey through the lesser-known corners. Discover a quieter side of this ancient region, where rural villages, colourful bazaars and centuries-old traditions reveal the enduring spirit of the Rajput heartland.
From a river safari and village walks in Chambal to the impressive forts, palaces and step wells of Ramathra and Bundi, this journey takes you deep into Rajasthan's hidden landscapes. Meet local artisans in Shahpura and Deogarh, ride through the hills aboard a charming toy train in Dungarpur, and finish beside the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, where a boat ride and a stroll through the city's traditional lanes offer the perfect finale to an authentic Rajasthan adventure.
CENTRAL & SOUTH
Heart of India: Mumbai, Hampi & Goa
Group Tour | 15 Days | From £3,350
Central India is often overlooked by visitors, even the most dedicated India travellers, which is exactly what makes it so rewarding to explore. Here, hidden gems such as the magnificent Buddhist caves of Ajanta and Ellora, carved into sheer rock faces centuries ago, remain blissfully away from the crowds.
Beginning with an overnight train journey from Mumbai to Aurangabad, venture off the well-trodden path to discover remarkable UNESCO treasures and historic sites, from the medieval cities of Bijapur, Badami and Pattadakal to the awe-inspiring ruins of Hampi. Blending the spirit of an adventurous overland journey with a touch more comfort, this unforgettable exploration ends along Goa's southwest coast, where golden beaches and the sound of lapping waves offer the perfect way to wind down from a truly eye-opening tour.
South Indian Odyssey
Group Tour | 19 Days | From £4,395
A wonderful introduction to the diverse landscapes and cultures of South India, this journey reveals a very different side of the subcontinent from the better-known highlights of the north. Travelling across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, discover a region where ancient traditions, vibrant cities and spectacular scenery come together.
Explore the magnificent temples and historic streets of Madurai, Mysore and Cochin, experience the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, and journey through the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats to the tranquil shores of the Malabar Coast. A two-night stay aboard a traditional Keralan houseboat through the enchanting backwaters provides a fitting finale to this immersive exploration of one of India's most captivating regions.
Village India In Slow Motion
Group Tour | 14 Days | From £3,950
Step away from India's famous monuments and bustling cities to discover a quieter, more intimate side of the country on this immersive journey through rural India. Travelling beyond the well-trodden routes, explore lesser-known villages and landscapes where everyday life, ancient traditions and warm hospitality take centre stage.
Stay in beautiful heritage properties and atmospheric camps, meet local communities, visit fascinating temples and forts, and experience a slower pace of life rarely seen by visitors. From peaceful lakesides and rural markets to bullock carts, village paths and timeless customs, this is a journey into the heart of India, where authentic encounters and unforgettable moments await.
Central & South India In Style
Tailor-Made | 17 Days | From £6,850
Discover the extraordinary diversity of South India on a journey through ancient kingdoms, spectacular landscapes and remarkable cultural treasures. From rock-cut temples and lost cities to luxury retreats in serene settings, this adventure reveals a side of India where history, nature and luxurious hospitality come together.
Begin amongst the palaces and grandeur of Hyderabad's Nizams before exploring the magnificent ruins of Hampi, once the heart of the Vijayanagar Empire. Continue through the lush foothills of the Western Ghats, where coffee plantations, cool mountain air and wildlife encounters in Nagarhole National Park await. The journey ends on Kerala's tranquil coastline, where golden beaches and the mesmerising ritual of Theyyam provide an unforgettable finale to a remarkable South India adventure.
Wild Central India
Tailor-Made | 16 Days | From £7,090
Follow in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling on a journey through the jungles and hills of Central India, where the landscapes that inspired The Jungle Book provide the backdrop for unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural discoveries. Search for the elusive Bengal tiger in some of India's most pristine national parks, combining thrilling safaris with stays in comfort and style.
Discover the historic highlights of old Bombay before venturing into Tadoba, Kanha and Satpura National Parks, where safaris reveal a world of diverse wildlife. Beyond the wilderness, uncover ancient treasures including the Bhimbetka cave paintings and Buddhist stupas of Sanchi, before ending at the atmospheric Ahilya Fort on the banks of the Narmada River – a fitting finale to an extraordinary Central India adventure.
Grand Tour of South India
Tailor-Made | 21 Days | From £4,375
Journey through the cultural heart of South India, a land of ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lush landscapes and enduring traditions. From magnificent monuments and sacred cities to tranquil backwaters and tea-clad hills, this immersive adventure reveals the extraordinary diversity of one of India's most captivating regions.
Explore the rock-cut wonders of Mahabalipuram, the grandeur of Mysore Palace and the historic ruins of Hampi, where centuries of mythology, artistry and empire come to life. Discover the vibrant temple cities of Madurai and Cochin, witness the mesmerising spectacle of Kathakali dance, and uncover the craftsmanship and traditions that make this region so unique.
Living Tree Bridges & Festivals of North-East India
Group Tour | 15 Days | From £4,295
Venture beyond India's better-known highlights to discover the extraordinary landscapes and cultures of the North East, one of the country's most fascinating and least-visited regions. With influences from neighbouring Burma and Tibet, this frontier land offers a captivating blend of traditions, wildlife and scenery found nowhere else in India.
Explore the living root bridges and lush landscapes of Meghalaya, search for wildlife in Kaziranga National Park and experience life on Majuli Island in the mighty Brahmaputra River. Travelling deep into indigenous territories, visit remote villages including Kazu, Longwa and Chui, meeting communities whose traditions and way of life have endured for generations — an unforgettable journey into a lesser-seen side of India.
India: Across The Ganges To Varanasi
Group Tour | 11 Days | From £2,750
India wears its heart on its sleeve, and this journey ventures deep into the stories, landscapes and traditions that define this remarkable country. From the bustling streets of Delhi, travel through a landscape shaped by Mughal rulers, Hindu traditions and centuries of history.
Discover the mighty fort of Gwalior, the magnificent palaces of rural Orchha and the remarkable temples of Khajuraho, famed for their intricate carvings. Continue into the wilderness of Bandhavgarh National Park in search of the elusive Bengal tiger, before ending in the ancient city of Varanasi, where the timeless rituals and spiritual significance of the Ganges reveal another side of India's enduring soul.
Classic Northeast: Sacred Ganges & Holy Cities
Tailor-Made | 14 Days | From £5,440
Experience the beauty of northern India through the lives, traditions and communities that shape it. From bustling cities and sacred rivers to the tranquil foothills of the Himalaya, this off-the-beaten-track journey combines remarkable UNESCO sites with authentic cultural encounters and unforgettable moments.
Beginning in Kolkata, travel through the Buddhist heartland of Bodhgaya and the ancient city of Varanasi, where dawn boat rides on the Ganges and the mesmerising evening aarti ceremony offer a glimpse into India's spiritual soul. Continue via Allahabad and Lucknow before ending in the peaceful Himalayan foothills, bringing a fitting close to a journey rich in culture, history and human connection.
Sikkim Village Walks & Eastern Himalayan Odyssey
Tailor-Made | 10 Days | From £7,870
Discover the lush mountain landscapes of Sikkim and Darjeeling, where world-famous tea estates, remote monasteries and welcoming Himalayan communities combine to create one of India's most beautiful and least-visited regions.
Begin amongst the celebrated tea plantations of Darjeeling, enjoying private tea tastings, factory visits and a ride aboard the historic Himalayan toy train, before continuing on a five-day walk through spectacular mountain scenery. Staying in beautifully converted village houses, you'll visit traditional villages and monasteries while taking in breathtaking Himalayan vistas along the way.
