Tours in India

Covering a staggering variety of cultures and landscapes, India offers incomparable experiences. As such, travellers who want to make the most of their time in this varied country would do well to read our run-down of the best India tours.

Why go to India?

Now there’s a question. We could mention that fact India has a whopping 36 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from national parks, to man-made marvels like the Taj Mahal and Ellora Caves.

We could also mention India's beautiful beaches, or its opportunities for adventure activities. Take your pick from hiking the Himalayas, river-rafting on the Brahmaputra River, paragliding over Goa, and uncovering Kerala by kayak.

Convinced to go? Talk to our India local travel experts and save yourself the hustle of planning and booking.

Which India tours are the best?

Golden Triangle tour

As India tours go, visiting India's Golden Triangle offers a great introduction to the country, which covers a route between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

From Delhi, most travellers make their way to the Taj Mahal — one of the most romantic places in the world for very good reason.

For more details on one of the most classic India tours, read our guide on planning an India’s Golden Triangle tour.

North India tours

Being wowed by Old and New Delhi, and Amritsar’s Golden Temple. Exploring the cool Himalayan Foothills. Discovering Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama. All this ­— and much more — awaits if you opt for a North India tour. 

Want to see a stack of northern India highlights in a single trip? Check out our customisable North India tours.

South India tours

Every bit as exhilarating as touring North India, taking a tour of South India will almost certainly involve spending time in Chennai. The country’s fourth-largest city boasts everything from marvellous Raj architecture to pilgrimage sites.

The Tamil Nadu region is a must-visit during South India tours. Don’t miss Mamallapuram — a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its ancient monuments carved from stone.

Other highlights of the south include Munnar’s plantations, Odisha’s temples, the ancient towns of Madurai and Thanjavur, and the southern jewel of Kerala (more on that later).

Love the sound of the South? You’ll be smitten by our Kerala: God’s Own Country itinerary. 

Kerala tours

For travelers seeking an immersive and serene journey, exploring the Kerala backwaters is an experience like no other.

Imagine gliding through a network of tranquil waterways aboard a traditional houseboat, surrounded by lush greenery and unique local life. You could delve into the heart of Kerala's culture, visiting small villages, and enjoying authentic South Indian cuisine, all while embracing the peaceful rhythm of the backwaters.

India train tours

For adventurous travellers who like authentic experiences, train tours of India can be a richly rewarding experience. 

You could, for example, tour the Golden Triangle by train. Or how about taking a Rajasthan wildlife tour on the rails? 

Thinking of travelling India by rail? Check out the best India train tours.

Luxury India tours

While India is beloved by backpackers, travellers who like the more luxurious things in life can enjoy India tours that put the finer things in life first.

That’s especially the case if you opt to immerse yourself in Rajasthan. With plenty of 5-star places to stay — among them heritage hotels, ancient palaces and forts — travel has never been so richly rewarding.

To help focus your plans, browse our fully customisable India itineraries. 

Must-see places to visit in India

Taj Mahal (Agra)

Agra, India’s capital under the Mughals, is utterly breathtaking. With a monumental fort, Agra is most famed for the magnificent Taj Mahal. Read our tips for visiting the Taj Mahal to make the most of your visit.

Jaipur

Along with Agra and Delhi, Jaipur is long-established on India tours of the Golden Triangle. Abundant in flamboyant Rajasthani architecture, with an old walled quarter at its heart, visiting Jaipur is an unforgettable experience.

Kerala

Split between the forested mountains of the Western Ghats and a lush coastal plain of lagoons and canals, the state of Kerala is also known for historic forts, temples and beautiful Kerala beaches.

Delhi

A massive modern metropolis that’s home to seventeen million people, Delhi is also home to rich historic attractions — tombs and temples that date back centuries, and the Red Fort.

Goa

Due to the marvellous Goa beaches and its excellent party scene, this part of India remains a popular tour destination for Europeans. Undiscovered it ain’t, but there are still secret gems in Goa to explore, stacks of cultural sites, and opportunities to walk on the wilder side,

Book your India tour with us

Having spent decades travelling the globe to get to the heart of hundreds of destinations, Rough Guides’ experts are primely placed to curate unforgettable tours and tailor-made trips.

Based on the knowledge of local travel experts, and created in partnership with the best local businesses, Rough Guides’ trips can be customised to your needs. 

As a result, they offer unparalleled opportunities to enjoy enriching, personalised experiences. Read on for more reasons to book with Rough Guides.

1. Expertise and brand reliability

With 50+ years of travel experience, Rough Guides has a reputation for reliability, quality and local knowledge. 

Our well-curated tours and trips are backed by research and first-hand experiences. So, when you book with Rough Guides, you're not just buying a tour or booking a trip — you're investing in a wealth of expertise that’ll ensure you’ll experience an unforgettable journey.

2. Support for local communities

Rough Guides is committed to responsible tourism and the well-being of communities. Through partnering with local guides, artisans and businesses, our tours contribute directly to the local economy. 

Booking with us means you're not just witnessing a community’s cultural heritage — you're also actively supporting its growth and sustainability.

3. 24/7 support

Travel doesn't follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. Our 24-7 support ensures you're never alone during your adventure. 

Whether you need immediate assistance, have questions about your itinerary, or face unexpected issues, our team is just a phone call or message away. 

This round-the-clock support provides a layer of security and peace of mind that allows you to focus on what really matters — enjoying your trip.

4. Tailor-made adventures

No two travellers are the same, which is why our tours are fully customisable to meet your specific interests, activity levels, and travel goals. 

From the moment you contact us, to your journey’s end, our team will work with you to create an itinerary that’s as unique as you are. 

Whether you want to add an extra day for wildlife photography, or fancy opting for a boutique hotel over a standard one, your trip will be tailored to your personal preferences.

5. High-quality local partnerships

In our quest to offer enriching experiences, Rough Guides meticulously selects local partners who align with our standards for quality, safety, and sustainability.

This ensures every aspect of your tour — from accommodation to activities — meets our criteria for excellence and responsible travel practices.

Tips for your planning your India tour

Inspired? Browse our fully customisable India itineraries to start planning you perfect trip.

You might also want to read up on the best things to do in India and get yourself The Rough Guide to India.