Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
India remains one of the world’s most beautiful treasures. A country built on a unique and truly diverse culture and landscape that cannot be replicated anywhere else on the planet. The Thar Desert in the west and the jungles in the northeast are only two examples of India’s diverse landscape. Much of northern India is comprised of the Ganges Plain, While the south of India is built on tropical jungles and rainforests.
Each region of India has a unique climate and landform that is much different from the next. For example, The Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the world, is located on the Bay of Bengal coast. Here, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and saltwater crocodiles can all be found in the same rivers as tigers. It is also one of the last places in the world where Tigers live naturally in the wild.
Thousands of Kilometers northeast, some of the most precious and unique animals exist naturally in what is famously known as the Himalayan Mountains. The Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and many more animals exclusively call this mountainous formation home. You can expect to experience an array of different terrains which are perfect and incredible to explore.
With more than a billion inhabitants, India has a remarkable diversity of languages, geographical areas, religious practices, and social classes. Indians, in general, have a strong feeling of pride in the variety of their culture. For instance, the country can be proud of its improvements in infrastructure, technology, and engineering, as well as its agricultural growth.
India’s rich artistic and cultural exports, including its music, fine arts, literature, and spirituality, have all made a tremendous impact worldwide. India is also a religious nation. Although India has no official religion, more than 80% of its population is Hindu. There are 13 percent Muslims. Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism are among more religions that have originated in India.
About 5,000 years ago, on the banks of the Indus River in what is now known as Pakistan, India’s first civilization was first recorded. Researchers discovered the ruins of two sizable communities with brick buildings and piping for their water and sewer systems. These towns, known as Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, were abandoned around 1700 B.C., though no one is certain why.
Around 1500 B.C., a farming population known as the Aryans traveled from Central Asia to India. One of the oldest languages known to man was Sanskrit, which they spoke. Writings that serve as the cornerstone of Hinduism were composed throughout the Aryan era, including the Vedic Scriptures.
Fast forward to the late 1400s, when Europeans began to arrive in India; Britain took over the rule of the majority of the country in 1757. Insurrections against British control first appeared in 1856. Famous Mahatma Gandhi started nonviolent demonstrations to drive the British out in 1920. India attained independence in 1947 and has maintained its independence and a powerful presence on the world stage.
Many people travel to India for spiritual reasons, perhaps to explore their UNESCO heritage or even discover such an exotic and breathtaking nation. Planning a trip can be complicated for the average traveler. India is such a large country with many things to do and see.
There is also a huge variety of different cities to explore too. That’s why it’s crucial to book an organized tour of India. It is also the safest option. Deciding to make the trip to India is often very exciting, and to help ensure you have the best time possible, here are six of the best multiday tours in India.
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- Golden Triangle Tour
- Indian Getaway
- Exotic Kerala Tour (Coconut Holiday Of India)
- 07 Days: Delhi-Agra- Ranthambore-Jaipur-Delhi (Jungle Safari)
- Southern India Tour with Beaches and Houseboat Experience
- 10-Day Tour of Exotic Northeast India: Mawsmai Caves, Living Roots Bridges, and Kaziranga National Park
Golden Triangle Tour
G Adventures
This quick yet flavorful trip through India will introduce you to three different northern cities and Rajasthan’s vibrant rural culture. Travel via private transportation from Delhi’s frenetic speed to Agra and the mesmerizing grandeur of the Taj Mahal, which is unquestionably one of the world’s wonders.
You’ll also explore Delhi, known for its bustling markets, majestic buildings, and colonial heritage. Learn the origins of Jaipur’s nickname as the “Pink City” and experience Dhula village life. The classic adventure will not disappoint photographers or culture enthusiasts.
You’ll Begin and end in New Delhi with a jam-packed itinerary visiting four Indian cities with amenities like meals, transportation, accommodation, an expert guide, and much more included in the cost of the tour. Here is a look at your eight-day itinerary.
Day One: Arrive in Delhi at any time.
Day Two: Enjoy a youth-led tour of Delhi’s backstreets, a trip to Old Delhi and then continue to Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located.
Day Three: Before continuing your exploration of one of the world’s wonders, catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Then continue to Visit the I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort in the afternoon.
Day Four: Visit Fatehpur Sikri, the now-deserted former capital of the Mughals, then you will Visit the Abhaneri Stepwell and Marvel. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan.
Day Five: Travel on to Jaipur, the city of pink buildings. The city has a special structure unlike anything else in India and was constructed using Hindu architectural principles. Explore the lively streets and the Palace of the Winds afterward.
Day Six: Enjoy a trip to the Amber Fort, which is renowned for its fusion of Muslim and Hindu architecture. Visit the City Palace next, then stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
Day Seven: Choose a morning hot air balloon flight over Jaipur. In the afternoon, return to Delhi and take advantage of the spare time to discover more of the city.
Day Eight: Depart at any time.
Enjoy eight full days discovering India’s beautiful northern region. As India’s most popular region and home to one of the world’s seven wonders, the north can make for a perfect spot to get a taste of India or experience some of its most famous sites.
The tour is operated by the famous “G-Tours” which is well known for their well-planned tours and excursions in over 100 countries. If you only have about a week to explore and want a taste of India, this is a fantastic option.
Indian Getaway
Intrepid Travel
Explore India for 11 days and learn about various cultural landmarks quickly. This voyage, which connects the bustling metropolis of Delhi with the spiritual center of Varanasi, is ideal for tourists who strongly desire to learn about the country’s spiritual and urban aspects. Your tour would include special experiences without giving up the flexibility to explore independently.
Experience the splendor of the Taj Mahal, learn about the geography of India while sailing along the Ganges, and enjoy royal treatment during a stay in a 16th-century heritage home. You’ll start and end your journey in Delhi with a chance to visit four different cities in the country over 11 days.
It is important to consider the local culture while traveling in this region or any region. Wearing arm-covering clothing and skirts or trousers that extend past the knees is required for visiting temples while on this tour.
Several lengthy train journeys, including a few overnight trips, are required for this tour. It takes about 13 hours to go by train from Delhi to Varanasi and from Varanasi to Agra. To cover large distances and spend as much time in each location as possible, sleeper trains are a clean, comfortable option.
The sheets, pillow, and blanket are all provided, but some customers prefer to bring their sleeping sheets. We ask that you be aware that you might be sharing with residents of different genders. Bring a lock for your carry-on bags for your security.
Here is a full look into your day-to-day itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Arrive in Delhi.
Day Two: Take a tour of Old Delhi with a Rickshaw ride before boarding the train to Varanasi.
Day Three: Arrive in Varanasi in the morning, go on a guided walking tour through the Old part of the city, Visit the Holy Ganges River, or explore the city.
Day Four: Take a boat ride to the Ganges to watch the sunrise and then continue to see some of the beautiful Hindu Temples.
Day Five: Today is a free day with your choice of visiting Ram Nagar Fort or Sarnath before taking the night train to Agra.
Day Six: Once you arrive in Agra, you will go straight to the Taj Mahal on an elaborate guided tour. Afterward, you have the rest of the day to explore as you wish.
Day Seven: Visit Tordi Garh, a place few travelers visit and one you must tick off your bucket list. Mingle with the locals and visit some of the local temples.
Day Eight: Arrive in Jaipur for a city tour plus some free time. Then Enjoy a guided walk on arrival to familiarize yourself with the city. You will then visit the Royal City Palace and, in the evening, enjoy some traditional Indian street food with a trip to see a Bollywood Blockbuster.
Day Nine: One of the attractions for many tourists is the optional early-morning hot air balloon excursion. Next, take a tour of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), before continuing to Amber, the former capital, to explore the Amber Fort complex of forts perched on a hill. You will then have free time to explore.
Day Ten: Take a five-hour train travel back to India’s capital in the morning. Spend the day on your own with some free time. Enjoy an optional dinner with your group in the evening and raise a glass to your adventures.
Day Eleven: Departure at any time.
This tour is designed for people who appreciate their independence while still wanting the support of a local guide and a group of other like-minded travelers. The schedule combines pre-scheduled activities with free time, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s also important to note, The climate in the places we’ll be traveling can be quite diverse.
It’s crucial to dress for hot weather during the day and chilly weather at night. Rajasthan may get quite warm, especially in the summer. The ideal clothing for unpredictable weather is lightweight layers. Respecting local cultures and sensibilities is a requirement of traveling with Intrepid, so be sure to pack respectful clothing. This tour is suitable for solo travelers, group travelers, couples, and more.
More about Intrepid Travel
Every year, Intrepid Travel offers 100,000 travelers the chance to travel in small groups on all 7 continents. They travel locally, stay in locally owned homes and only hire local leaders. No matter their age, budget, or travel taste, Intrepid offers three different travel options: basic, original, and comfortable.
They also provide themes like bicycle excursions, family vacations, and itineraries that strike the ideal mix between must-see attractions and spare time.
Although the business has expanded, its goal has remained the same: to alter people’s perspectives of the world through environmentally friendly, rich, rewarding travel. This Operator has an overall rating of 4.6 stars and is one of the highest-rated tour operators in the world. All in all, this tour is highly recommended for those looking to enjoy the exotic country of India.
Exotic Kerala Tour (Coconut Holiday Of India)
World Travel Experiences
Discover Kerala, God’s country, and the best of nature on a special trip there. The fact that Kerala is known as “God’s own Country” is unsurprising, given its gorgeous hill towns, plentiful wildlife, vibrant culture, rich legacy, and restorative Ayurvedic therapies.
You may explore the most natural area of the country with this exotic twist on India. Discover the stunning natural beauty of Munnar and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as the serene backwaters of Kumarakom, the elegant houses boats in Allepey, and the magnificent white sand beaches of Kovalam. Come and enjoy the exotic side of India and see it for yourself; you’ll be amazed.
You’ll start and end your journey in Kochi (Cochin) and finish in Thiruvananthapuram. Your tour will be nine days long, with the chance to visit 7 different Indian cities. Your tour will include accommodations, meals, transportation, an expert guide, and more. Here is a look at your itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Arrive in Cochin.
Day Two: Enjoy a half-day city tour of Cochin, with visits to St. Francis’ Church, Dutch Palace, Jew Town, the Jewish Synagogue, and the spice market in the morning. In the afternoon, we will drive to Munnar.
Day Three: Half-day tour of Munnar, with a visit to the Tea Estate.
Day Four: You will then visit the Periyar Wildlife Reserve for the day.
Day Five: Start your morning at an Elephant Safari followed by a boat tour on the lake and a Spice Plantation tour. You will also get the opportunity to visit Kumarakom too!
Day Six: After checking out of the hotel, you’ll make your way to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to a houseboat, where you will cruise down Vembanad Lake.
Day Seven: After departing the houseboat, you will be transferred to Kovalam, the home of some of the most beautiful beaches and Ayurvedic Resorts.
Day Eight: A free day in Kovalam to explore as you wish.
Day Nine: Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Trivandrum. Afterward, you will depart the tour and say goodbye to your guide.
Enjoy one of the most exotic regions of India on this nine-day tour around the region of Kerala. As many travelers go to India to visit the Taj Mahal, it is a special experience to visit an area with less tourism and more authentic traditions. This tour is offered by “World Travel Experiences,” a company focused on giving travelers the most authentic experience possible.
World Travel Experiences gives travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore, all while providing an exceptional guide that is often native or very knowledgeable of the region. World Travel Experiences has an overall rating of 4.7 out of five stars and is considered one of the best tours in India.
07 Days: Delhi-Agra- Ranthambore-Jaipur-Delhi (Jungle Safari)
Memorable India Journeys
Make the most of a brief visit to India by taking a private guide on a seven-day tour of the country’s top cultural, historic, and natural attractions. Beginning in bustling Delhi, your next stop is the must-see Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous symbol of love.
Continue to the imperial state of Rajasthan, where you will see Jaipur, the Pink City, and search for tigers in the Ranthambore National Park. This varied tour will appeal to tourists with a range of interests, and the fun has never been this diverse! So come along and join us!
You’ll start your journey in New Delhi and end here, too. This 7-day travel package visits New Delhi, India, and 3 other Indian cities. This trip includes lodging, food, a knowledgeable guide, and transportation. Here is a look at your itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Arrive in Delhi.
Day Two: Start with a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Tour highlights include a tour of the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, and India Gate. Then you will make your way to Agra in the afternoon.
Day Three: Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. In the afternoon, you will depart for Ranthambore National Park.
Day Four: Explore the Tiger Sanctuary with a visit to the nearby Temples in the afternoon.
Day Five: You will depart for Jaipur, the “Pink City” of India. You will get to visit the Palaces, Forts, and Pavillions within the city. Lunch will be “fine dining” at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Day Six: Visit the Amber Fort and visit the City Palace.
Day Seven: Have breakfast in Jaipur with a visit to Neemrana Palace before the tour ends.
This tour is perfect for a short getaway or for those looking to spend a limited time in India. This tour provides access to some of India’s most popular tourist attractions so that you can count on a jam-packed week of fun!
This tour is offered by “Memorable India,” whose goal is to inspire others to explore interesting and unusual places at a great price. Not only is Memorable India highly rated, but its also focus is to give travelers the best possible experience in India. If you have any questions during your trip, 24-hour support is offered, so there will always be someone to answer your queries too! All in all, Memorable India is a fantastic tour operator with one of the best tours in India.
Southern India Tour with Beaches and Houseboat Experience
Swastik India Journeys
Take this renowned Southern India Tour when visiting India. You’ll Enjoy a houseboat stay and the beautiful, untouched beaches. When many visit India, they stay in the North of the country, so traveling down south is a perfect adventure.
On this brief India tour packed with remarkable experiences, you’ll journey across a nation rich in contrasts through the Southern region of India. It’s also important to note that Since this tour has a guaranteed departure, you will still leave even if you are the only person who has purchased a spot on time!
This tour starts in Kochi and ends in Thiruvananthapuram. This 10-day tour takes you to 7 different cities in Southern India with transportation, meals, an expert guide, accommodations, and much more included in the tour’s cost. Here is a look at your 10-day itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Arrive in Cochin and visit the Dutch Palace in the afternoon. You will also be able to visit the spice market and Jew Town.
Day Two: Drive to Munnar, with the day being free to explore the area at your will.
Day Three: Full Day Sightseeing tour in Munnar.
Day Four: Visit Periyar Lake to view the wildlife and ancient indigenous traditions of the people.
Day Five: Leave for Kumarakom, where you’ll spend the afternoon at the Backwater Resorts.
Day Six: After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Kottayam and board a Luxury Houseboat for an overnight journey.
Day Seven: Disembark the Houseboat and enjoy a day in Kovalam with free time to explore as you please.
Day Eight: Enjoy a full free day to enjoy the beaches and explore on your terms.
Day Nine: Enjoy a Trivandrum city tour. The main attraction is Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the 108 pilgrimage sites for the Vaishnavites. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Day Ten: Kovalam Departure.
Enjoy ten full days to discover Kerala to the fullest. You’ll see southern India’s most beautiful spots and some of the best beaches before they become overly popular. You can also count on your tour operator, Swastik India Journeys, as they are one of the best in the industry.
Dedicated to providing a wide range of top-notch tours and having first-hand experience with tourism in India, Swastik India Journeys is one of the top local companies out there. Swastik India Journeys, or SIJ, is an Indian travel agency focusing on sharing India with the world. In addition to private trips to north India, Swastik India Journeys also offers tours of Rajasthan and Kerala.
They add genuine value to the excursions with their personalized approach each time. With this tour operator, you’ll see many more breathtaking sights and attractions, from the lovely backwaters of Kerala to the Holy Ganges River and the exquisite Taj Mahal. All in all, not only is Swastik India Journey a highly recommended tour operator, but the tour itself is also highly recommended and is considered one of the best tours in India.
10-Day Tour of Exotic Northeast India: Mawsmai Caves, Living Roots Bridges, and Kaziranga National Park
IHCT Heritage Tours
The enigmatic Mawsmai Caves and the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, combined with the wide expanse of flora, woods, and mountains, are just a few of the breathtaking locations seen on this 10-day tour in Northeast India.
Beginning and ending in Guwahati, You will travel for 10 days through Guwahati, India, and 2 other Indian cities. Enjoy some of the best Indian hospitality with amenities like transportation, meals, an expert guide, accommodations, and much more. Here is a look at your 10-day itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Start in Guwahati, where you’ll leave for Cherrapungee En route, visit the Mawsmai Caves and the Khasi Monoliths.
Day Two: Visit the Living Root Bridges. Then return to the hotel in Cherrapunjee for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day Three: Leave your hotel early morning after breakfast for Kaziranga National Park.
Day Four: take an exhilarating jeep safari in the Kaziranga National Park.
Day Five: After breakfast, leave for a tea garden. See the plucking and processing of tea leaves. Enjoy a special lunch in the tea garden. Return to Guwahati and check in to the hotel in Guwahati.
Day Six: After breakfast, take a cruise on River Brahmaputra. Return to your hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Kamakhya Devi Mandir, situated on a hill and Shankar Mahadev Mandir. In the evening, see a Bollywood film in a theatre.
Day Seven: Free Day.
Day Eight: Free Day.
Day Nine: Free Day.
Day Ten: Departure at any time. **If you want your tour extended, you can always let the team know; they would be happy to help.**
Enjoy some of the top sights in one of if not the most underrated spots in India. Enjoy access to some of the most beautiful parks in the world with the chance to spot some unique wildlife you can’t find anywhere else. You will also get an opportunity to see stunning cultural sites and attractions.
It’s worth it to venture off the beaten path and experience this one-of-a-kind region of India. IHCT Heritage and Adventure Tours offer this tour. Based in Jaipur, India, this local company is dedicated to giving travelers the best possible experience in India. IHCT Heritage and Adventure Tours has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars and is considered an excellent tour of India.
These are by far the top six best tours in India. From the Jungles of Kerala to the mystic beauty of the Taj Mahal, there is something for everyone in India, and the country, as big as it is, is ready for you to explore. So come, and experience India for all it has to offer. You won’t be disappointed. Travel India, Incredible India.
If none of these tours work for you in India, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in India now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.