While I have many posts explaining how to travel India alone, I also share that it’s not for everyone and can be really difficult. After years of writing about India, I am finally putting together this post to help you find group tour itineraries to consider for your trip to India.
Group Tour Itineraries For India
I am a supporter of G Adventures India tours above other International tour groups. I do NOT recommend just finding a cheap deal with an Indian company online. If you’re going with a tour company, this is the ONLY one I can say I trust other than two smaller Indian companies that only work regionally.
Personally, I have not traveling on G Adventures. My friends have and loved it. Readers have e-mailed me after their tours with G Adventures in India to say they loved it and gave me reviews of their G Adventures tours. I have heard only very positive things. Because of that, and because I have heard negatives about other companies, I am putting together these group tour itineraries to consider for your trip to India from the G Adventures website.
I wasn’t asked to write this post, it just makes sense! I’m not going to go into prices and full details, you can click through to read up on it. I’m just sharing the ones that I think showcase the best of India!
Best Group Tour Itinerary Options For India
Ultimate India by Rail – 46 DAYS
Okay this is the big one. This ultimate India tour is for those who want to SEE IT ALL. You have time almost two months and can’t seem to narrow it down since India has so many places on offer. On this tour you go by train WITH your guides and group.
BELIEVE me when I say going by TRAIN is 100% better than having a driver even if you were in a Mercedes! The trains are fast, comfortable, you can charge your laptop, watch a movie, eat snacks, walk around, use the toilet… Road traffic in India is INSANE and you cannot see much at all going by car.
On this six-week trip that circles India via train, you’ll start in Delhi, travelling to Agra for a tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, then head southwest by rail to make stops in Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Goa. From there it’s on to Karnataka, Kochi, and living like a local in the Kerala Backwaters before going south, east, and north to view spectacular temples and riding the famous toy trains of Darjeeling. Top this epic journey off with local meals in family homes, wandering the beautiful streets of Jaipur and Udaipur, and relaxing on beaches along the way. India looks very different through a train’s window – see it all for yourself.
You want to see it all BUT on a big budget – 21 DAYS
Okay, this is for people who want to see ALL of India but don’t want to spend that much money. From what I saw, this one offers the most you can see in 3 weeks at the best price. It’s a “basic” tour. That means it’s the “lowest” tour (there is standard, then upgraded). This means it will be simple but clean hotels and public transportation. If you’re torn between backpacking alone and a tour, this is the middle ground.
They call this the “YOLO” tour.
From the hectic pace of northern Delhi to the beaches of Goa and the fishing nets of relaxed Kochi, this epic journey packages the subcontinent’s highlights into three well-paced weeks. Watch the sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar and explore the canals of Alleppey on your way to a homestay with a local family. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our CEOs, you can concentrate on choosing your own adventure. Pack your trip with everything you want – and nothing you don’t. What are you waiting for? Lush hills, bustling cities, and mouth-watering curries await!
For those on a BUDGET that only have two weeks – 15 DAYS
So, this is the one I found that is the cheapest for the time offered. There are some that are 15 days that offer more, but this is for those of you on a shoestring. This is also a basic tour meaning it’ll be on a budget and is perfect for those who want to feel a little independent.
For travellers on a budget who are after an experience full of the very best India has to offer, this tour showcases man-made wonders and natural marvels without missing its most famous cities and sights. From the shining marble of the Taj Mahal and the sparkling shores of Goa, to Rajasthan’s colourful forts and temples, connect with the culture and spirit of this incredible land. Our expert CEOs will take the hassle out of planning but leave you free to choose sites that really shine, so you can encounter India the way you (and your wallet) like.
For those who also want to see Nepal & Everest – 17 DAYS
I haven’t been to Nepal so never had much advice to give people who wanted to tackle these two countries at once. This India/Nepal tour is an “upgraded” tour meaning it’s not as budget-travel style as the one above.
Take 17 exceptional days to discover northern India’s famed Golden Triangle and enjoy a priceless immersion in the heart of Nepalese culture. Explore the Taj Mahal and encounter the iconic colours of Rajasthan. Spend a night at a Buddhist monastery and meet with one of the brave women from SASANE, a program that trains former victims of trafficking to become paralegals. From big highlights to intimate moments, this unique itinerary is truly unforgettable.
North AND South India all in one – 28 DAYS
This tour hits up the Taj, Varanasi cremations, royal Rajasthan and more all in the North. In the South you’ve got surf towns, backwater boats, jungle tours, and more. I can never tell people which to choose between the North and South. Personally, I love the South. As a tourist though, the North offers a lot of tourist attractions. The South is what made me love India though.
From the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal to the unforgettable backwaters of Kerala, this comprehensive Indian journey is a photographer’s delight. Sail along the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi and explore Abhaneri’s carved stepwells in the North before flying south to search for tigers in the wild and exotic spices in relaxed hill stations. With an intriguing combination of included activities and free time, city streets and rural spirit, you’re sure to gain an understanding of the people and some insight into this fascinating land.
If you want the North AND South but only have two weeks – 14 DAYS
This is similar to the one above, but it’s cut down. I know some people only have two weeks OR they want to start with at tour then figure things out themselves. Here’s a shorter version that covers the “true India” of the North but the laid back India of the South.
From the hectic pace of northern Delhi to the beaches of Goa and the fishing nets of relaxed Kochi, this epic journey packages the subcontinent’s highlights into three well-paced weeks. Watch the sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar and explore the canals of Alleppey on your way to a homestay with a local family. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our CEOs, you can concentrate on choosing your own adventure. Pack your trip with everything you want – and nothing you don’t. What are you waiting for? Lush hills, bustling cities, and mouth-watering curries await!
Only have a week – the Golden Triangle – 7 DAYS
This is an “upgraded tour” which means it’s a little more comfortable BUT this trip is INDIVIDUAL. You’ll be greeted at the airport by folks from G Adventures then sent on your way. At each stop you’ll have a local guide given to you. This trip is Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.
Spend six days traversing the famed Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Explore the sites of hectic Delhi and travel on to Agra to marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most recognizable structures on the planet. After, explore Fatephur Sikri, the “Deserted City” of red sandstone, the Amber Fort, and the sights of Jaipur – all await you in the frenzy of culture and history that makes up India’s Golden Triangle.
See ALL tour options by clicking this link. There are dozens of tours on offer. I chose these because they would be ones I would consider but there are small tweaks on each of these if you see one that you like but wish you could change one thing. I’d say take a look at all of them before deciding. As always, email me if you have any questions.
PS: If you’re coming to India and will spend a week of more in Goa, check out my ebook the Insider’s Guide to Goa. After five years of living here, I’m sure this 170-page book is the most comprehensive guide to Goa on the market. Click here to buy it. While going around India on a tour is great, once you’re in a location, you’ll want to really spend time on your own exploring before you take off to the next spot!
Pin it for later:
Like the Article? Leave a Reply