India tours: Luxury, budget, small group tours and more 2021

1. Intrepid

A trusted name in the adventure travel space, Intrepid is for anyone looking for a balance between inclusions and free time as well as a mix of classic highlights with local secrets.

• Best for: Backpackers, flexible itineraries
• Cost: Budget
• Our favourite itinerary: North India Revealed has you seeing a wide array of India’s best sites, ranging from the beauty of the Taj Mahal to camel safaris in the desert.

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2. G Adventures

An adventure and small-group tour specialist, G Adventures is all about creating an authentic and unforgettable experience to help you see the most of India.

• Best for: Small group tours, solo travellers and active tourists
• Cost: Mid-range
• Our favourite itinerary: North to South India on a Shoestring takes you from the hectic streets of northern Delhi to the relaxed beaches of Goa in this epic journey of the subcontinent's highlights.

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3. Contiki

With a focus on #noregrets travelling for 18- to 35-year-olds, Contiki will have you seeing as much as possible at each destination with plenty of opportunities for adventure along the way.

• Best for: Youths and adventure seekers
• Cost: Mid-range
• Our favourite itinerary: Southern Spice takes you to where the spices grow and the palm trees slope with a slew of temples and even a tiger reserve.

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4. Swastik India Journeys

Specialising in India tours, this tour company offers a wide variety of personalised tours giving you the opportunity to experience the must-sees throughout India.

• Best for: In-depth cultural tours, families and groups
• Cost: Mid-range
• Our favourite itinerary: Golden Triangle Tour is the classic route with a twist. Experience the history of massive forts as well as the bustle and buzz of markets and bazaars along with a wildlife safari.

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5. On The Go Tours

Specialising in travel for those who want to have fun and a cultural experience, On The Go Tours also has a strong focus on a sustainable approach to travel.

• Best for: Eco-tourists, families and seniors
• Cost: Mid-range
• Our favourite itinerary: Highway to Himalayas combines an intoxicating mix of culture, wildlife and unsurpassed scenery from Delhi all the way to Kathmandu.

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6. Wendy Wu Tours

All-inclusive value is a focus of this leading Asian tour company so there are no surprises on your holiday. Solo travellers are also welcomed with tours just for those venturing on their own.

• Best for: Active middle-aged travellers, solo travellers
• Cost: High-end
• Our favourite itinerary: Highlights of India takes you from holy Varanasi to Bandhavgarh, the home of the Bengal Tiger, stops by the Taj Mahal and on to the desert forts of Rajasthan.

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• Wendy Wu
• Trafalgar
• Dragoman
• Peregrine Adventures
• TravelTalk Tours

• K K Holidays N Vacations
• GeTS Holidays
• Geckos Adventures
• Exodus Travels
• Bamboo Project
• Cosmos

• Solo Travellers Group Holidays
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• Yolo India Tours
• Eccentric Travels

Top 3 companies for budget India tours

1. G Adventures: Regular tour prices are already within the budget sphere and sales of up to 35% off can save you even more.
2. Intrepid: These are some of the best value tours you can find covering all the hotspots around India.
3. Geckos Adventures: These tours are geared towards the young adventurer to help them explore the world on a budget.

Top 3 tour companies for India motorcycle tours

1. Eccentric Travels: Spend up to two weeks exploring the hills, forests and lakes of the more remote parts of India, where you can really get to know the people and tiny towns other tours might pass by.
2. Nevermind Adventure: Get away from the boring roads and smooth highways as you step outside of your comfort zone in the perfect place to get down and dirty on a bike.
3. Blazing Trails: Hop aboard a Royal Enfield Bullet as you explore far-flung destinations like Spiti Valley, the Himalayas and Manali.

Top 3 companies for India train tours

1. Intrepid: With dozens of trips to choose from, most of which include rail travel, Intrepid really helps you travel like a local.
2. On The Go Tours: Take your pick of tours that include a taste of train life or choose their 15-day Railways of the Raj adventure which includes six separate rail journeys.
3. G Adventures: Enjoy specialised rail tours including an epic six-week trip that circles India via train.

Top 3 companies for India wildlife spotting tours

1. Swastik India Journeys: Visit Ranthambore for the chance to see hyenas, cheetahs, jungle cats, panthers and even a tiger if you are lucky.
2. Exodus Travels: Enjoy a day in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest parks in India and home to wild elephants and birds.
3. Intrepid: Embark on a safari in search of tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars and spotted deer in Masinagudi.

Top 3 tour companies for luxury India tours

1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection: No detail is too small when you're travelling through India in style along the Ganges River. Whether it's being pampered by the master chefs, taking in the sights from your French balcony or having a break from it all in one of the onboard lounges.
2. Wendy Wu: With their all-inclusive exclusive tour options, five-star hotels, unique champagne moments and sumptuous dining all come as standard.
3. Get Your Guide: Treat yourself to a private tour experience where you will stay in five-star hotels in the great cities of the Golden Triangle as well as sightseeing with private local guides.

Top 3 tour companies for small group India tours

1. Peregrine Adventures: Tried and tested small group tours with a good balance of comfort and good company, Peregrine has no more than 12 people on each their small group adventures.
2. G Adventures: With no more than 15 travellers in your group and an average of 10, you can expect more personal attention from the local guides.
3. Intrepid: Groups average just 10 travellers, small enough to give you a taste of exploring a destination independently but big enough for a fun social vibe.

Top 3 tour companies for spiritual tours of India

1. G Adventures: Feel your soul revitalize as you visit some of the country's most spiritual ground including a stay at an ashram to learn the history of yoga and meditation.
2. Trafalgar: Center your visit around Diwali when you can visit a local market and see the items used for traditional worship of their deities and watch the rooftops of Jaipur light up as the fireworks of the festival unfold.
3. Intrepid: Dive deeper into India's spiritual culture and engage your mind, body and spirit on a tour through southern India. Discover Ayurveda, traditional yoga and meditation to achieve greater health and happiness.