15 Extraordinary India Tours for Every Type of Traveller

Posted by Hayley Cleeter 5th August 2026
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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. Some of these tours, such as our Varanasi, Golden Triangle, Gujarat and our India in Slow Motion tours have undergone an exciting refresh after a huge amount of research, with new routes, experiences and accommodation.

RAJASTHAN & THE NORTH

Rajasthan: Golden Triangle, Maharajas & Rickshaws

Group Tour | 9 Days | From £1,795

Rajasthan is arguably the most colourful and culturally rich state in all India, home to much of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Offering a comprehensive and varied experience at a comfortable pace, the tour starts with an exploration of both Old and New Delhi before heading south to Agra to visit the magnificent Agra Fort and to watch the sunset warm the iconic Taj Mahal.

From Agra, we head off the beaten track to experience the quieter side of life from a heritage palace in rural Rajasthan. From here, we travel onwards to the bustling city of Jaipur, taking in some of the most famous highlights in this part of India, before returning to Delhi

This is India at its most enticing - with Delhi, Agra, the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and her bustling bazaars, contrasted with an opportunity to get a genuine insight into rural Indian life, wandering the streets of Karauli and meeting the locals, this trip represents the perfect first-timer's trip to India.

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.

Please note that from October 2027, this tour will include Gir National Park.

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 £3,795

On our most in-depth Village India tour, you probably won’t recognise many of the locations, but don’t let that be a worry as you’ll become totally immersed in rural life. We’ll stay in many beautiful places, witnessing and taking part in the life of local people, visiting fascinating temples and forts and spotting wildlife in Satpura National Park. It’s a trip into Kipling’s India of our childhood imagination: a gentle land of bullock carts and bicycles, of elegant sari-clad women carrying water urns from wells, of turbaned men working in the fields, of wandering elephants and their accompanying sadhus.

This is a journey on which you will see few other tourists and that will stay with you forever.

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.

On this unforgettable journey we’ll travel first to the living root-tree bridges and wild landscapes of Meghalaya before heading to the wildlife-rich lands of Kaziranga National Park. We’ll also stay on Majuli island in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra and visit ancient capitals. Visiting remote areas, we will mix with some of the varied local tribes who inhabit these frontier lands, while discovering various villages like Kazu Village near Aalo, as well as Longwa and Chui in the Mon area. 

Please note that several departures of this tour coincide with local festivals and may involve different routings. Please refer to individual itinerary dates for more information. 

India: Dynastic Capitals & Sacred Cities of The Ganges

Group Tour | 14 Days | From £3,295

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.

We'll explore Gwalior’s immense fort and rural Orchha’s incredible 17th century palaces before heading to Khajuraho to gaze upon the famous erotic karma sutra carvings of its incredible temple complex. We will then seek out the epitome of the natural world – the Bengal tigers at Panna National Park. Our journey continues by rail from Khajuraho to Prayagraj, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. From here, we travel to Varanasi, one of India's oldest and holiest cities. Here, we'll take an unforgettable boat ride along the sacred Ganges before witnessing the mesmerising Mahashmshana Ghat Sunset Aarti, a moving ceremony that offers a fascinating insight into the city's timeless spiritual traditions. From here we board another train to Lucknow, where the magnificent Rumi Darwaza showcases the grandeur of the former Nawabs of Awadh, before our final rail journey returns us to Delhi, bringing this remarkable adventure through India's history, wildlife, culture and spirituality full circle.

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.

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