India Transformative Tours & Trip Packages

India Transformative Tours & Trips

684 India trips. Tours from 197 tour companies. 2,066 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
Best of Southern India
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alleppey, Chennai, Kerala, Kochi

Highlights

  • Relax in the peaceful backwaters of kerala
  • Spot wildlife in beautiful parks
  • Uncover ancient temples
  • Explore tea and spice plantations
  • Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of madurai

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Golden Triangle
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4.6/5 Excellent
13 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur

Highlights

  • Visit to manufacturing of marble artwork
  • Explore the majestic Qutub Minar
  • Take a visit to Amber fort and palace
  • Visit Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri
  • Visit to the Taj Mahal

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative, Religious, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We had a new year family trip to Rajasthan in Dec 2019 with Safehand Travels and the overall experience was amazing. Some key highlights as below: 1. The driver was very jovial and helpful throughout the trip and was driving with all safety. 2. Guides in each city were amazing. Would especially like to callout the Jaisalmer (Mr. Khatri) and Udaipur (cannot recall name) guides for their unique way to present the history to us. 3. Rohit from safehands was always a call away to solve any problem and used to do regular check-ins from his side to ensure that our trip does not have any hiccups. We got a bit late in reaching Jaisalmer sand dunes and missed the evening Camel ride. Rohit helped us to compensate the same with an early morning Jeep safari the next day. 4. Driver was always ready to make minor detours from the charted path to meet any of our immediate needs."

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Rejuvenating Journey to Himalaya India- Reiki, Yoga & Trekking: A Retreat
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Himalayas

Highlights

  • Trek to Lahas Cave
  • Visit H.H. Dalai Lama Temple
  • Practice Reiki & Yoga

Themes

Cultural, Relaxing Retreats, Transformative, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness

Trip dates & details
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Indian Getaway
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Taj Mahal, Varanasi

Highlights

  • With so much going on in the chaotic capital of Delhi, a local leader is a must. Get to know the city with your leader helping you navigate.
  • Have your expectations smashed by the spectacular Taj Mahal during a guided tour that illuminates the building’s fascinating back story.
  • Spend sunrise along the holy Ganges River in Varanasi, watching thousands of Hindu pilgrims bathe in the water as the sun soaks everything in warm light.
  • Tordi Garh is a place few travellers get to see, but you’ll stay in this rural Rajasthani village in style during a night at a 16th-century palace.
  • Travelling across India wouldn’t be complete without a journey on a sleeper train. With padded bunks for comfort and vendors selling chai and samosas, it’s a quintessential Indian experience.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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South India Revealed
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Goa, Kochi, Periyar

Highlights

  • Golden beaches and age-old fishing villages make Goa one of India’s most popular retreats – and a perfect place to consider extending your southern India adventure.
  • Take the atmosphere of Shimla or Darjeeling, add lush tropical jungle and you have the Western Ghats: a hotspot of thundering waterfalls, tea plantations, spice markets, and echoes of a colonial past.
  • Glide through the backwaters of Kerala on a pole boat, going ashore for a village homestay – a beautiful break from hotels and a perfect way to get close to local customs and culture.
  • Cross into Kochi – a colonial centre and major port city in India’s southwest. Explore the seaside Fort Kochi area and consider watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance in your free time.
  • Paddle by canoe to your guesthouse in the temple town of Hampi to enjoy a special stay on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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North India Revealed
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Udaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Travel into the Thar Desert, spending a memorable evening eating Rajasthani food under the stars in a camp set among sand dunes.
  • Cut through the chaos of Jodhpur’s Sadar Bazaar with your knowledgeable local leader, haggling for handicrafts and sipping some of the best lassi in town.
  • Snap incredible photos of the immense Chand Baori, a grand ninth-century stepwell in rural Abhaneri that extends over 20 metres into the earth.
  • Explore the centre of India’s spiritual heart – Varanasi – on a guided walking tour through the alleyways of the Old Town right to the bank of the Ganges.
  • India can be intimidating, but with your local leader there the whole way, you’ll be dodging cows, navigating market stalls, and eating from the best chaat stalls in Delhi in no time.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Iconic India
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Jodhpur, Kerala, Kochi, Periyar, Rajasthan, Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Varanasi, Western Ghats

Highlights

  • Rajasthan is the India that many people imagine when they dream of travelling to this captivating country – ancient forts, palaces, rural villages and the colourful cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur.
  • Pushkar and Varanasi are among the holiest cities in India. Climb to hilltop temples at sunrise, dodge cows in the street, and observe pilgrims praying along the ghats of the sacred Ganges River during a boat cruise.
  • Explore the wonders of the Thar Desert. Feast on Rajasthani cuisine at sunset before bunking down to camp between the sand dunes.
  • Glide through the backwaters of Kerala on a pole boat, going ashore for a village homestay – a beautiful break and a perfect way to get close to local customs and culture.
  • The word ‘colourful’ gets thrown around a lot when people talk about India, but the gateway towers of Meenakshi Amman Temple truly are a technicolour dream.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Rajasthan Adventure
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Taj Mahal, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Explore the colourful cities of rajasthan
  • Uncover ancient forts
  • Discover a traditional way of life
  • Revel in the stunning beauty of the taj mahal
  • Wander the serene canals of udaipur
Show more

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Transformative
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India Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,066  Reviews
See all India tour reviews
Excellent
829
Great
180
Average
19
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
D

Deborah

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time. We were always safe, despite the traffic and the population density. The tour covered fa...

E

Evelyn

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colourful and magical introduction to India

Colourful and magical introduction to India

C

Carol

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV. Our trip ran smoothly despite issues beyond KVs control. He did everything to alter it...

A

Agnes

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Awesome

Awesome!

K

Karen

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Amazing

Amazing! Loved what we saw in India, such a contrast from the craziness of New Delhi and Varanasi, to the more layed back and small village feel of Jojowar, to the m...

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India Tour Selection Trips

  • Trekking in India can be an incredible experience, particularly in the Himalayan regions of the North, however, intensity levels vary. Make sure you pick a trek that is suitable to your fitness level.
  • Pack appropriately. The weather varies greatly in different regions and at different times of the year, so bring suitable clothes and invest in decent gear. If you're hiking, make sure to wear decent hiking shoes that have been fully broken in. Also, make sure that gear advertised as waterproof is actually waterproof (stuck up a mountain in monsoon rain is not the time to be figuring this out!).
  • When booking a tour, find out as much as possible about what is included. For example: Do you need to bring your own drinking water? Does renting a sleeping bag or mosquito net cost extra? Will you be picked up and/or dropped at your hotel?
  • Different operators offer different levels of comfort, so be sure to investigate the sleeping and transport conditions. It's also worth asking how many people will be on the tour, as a comfy jeep becomes a lot less so when over a dozen people are shoved inside.
  • Inform the operator about your dietary needs beforehand. Vegetarians and vegans will usually be well catered for, but some more specific requirements (allergies, etc.) may require additional planning. The food can also be far spicier than the food back home, so let the operator know if you'd like the heat dialed down a bit.
  • India can be quite the sensory overload, so take it slow to fully adjust to all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes around you. Most tours have a good balance between organized activities and free time, but some more than others. If you predict that India will be overwhelming for you, choose a trip with an itinerary labelled as “relaxed”.
  • Get ready to walk, a lot. Most tours in India have a moderate level of physical activity because so much of the exploration requires walking. Be prepared for a lot of uneven terrain and dust while walking on the roads.
  • More days = more regions. India is incredibly large. If you decide to pick a tour that’s roughly 10 days or less, your tour will only have time to explore one region. Culture, pace of life, food, and even language vary within regions. If you have the time and want to explore all that India has to offer, choose a tour that’s 18 days or longer.

Additional details

Best time to visit India

The best time to visit India is between October and March. Winters are generally very pleasant, but keep in mind that this means the country is packed with tourists during the winter.

Summers in India can get unbearably hot, and monsoons drench the country in rain from June to September. That said, visitors to India during or right after monsoon season can experience the beautiful green countryside, many areas of which are brown and dry most months of the year. 

Currency in India

The official currency in India is the Rupee. Visitors are not allowed to bring any amount of Indian currency into India, so bring cash, checks, and/or a credit card to exchange or withdraw currency upon arrival. Many vendors in India will not accept credit or debit cards, so it will be useful to carry small amounts of cash. 

What languages are spoken in India?

India has 22 official languages, and each of the 29 states in India has an official language. Hindi is the most common language spoken, and English is the second most common. Many Indians can speak two or more languages fluently, and most people that you interact with in the hospitality industry will speak English. 

Packing list for India

What you bring on your trip to India will depend on the season and itinerary of your trip. However, there are a few items that are recommended for any India tour:

  • Modest clothing - Clothing in India tends to be modest. Women should bring long skirts and shawls to cover their shoulders, especially when visiting holy sites. 
  • A traveler’s wallet and/or passport holder - Pickpocketing and theft is common in many of the crowded cities, so keeping cash and other valuables in a traveler’s wallet (theft-safe wallet that you can keep under your clothes) may help protect your belongings.
  • Sturdy walking shoes - Public transportation in most parts of India is lacking, so you will likely do a lot of walking.
  • Prescriptions, contacts, and other necessities - Although bodegas and drugstores are common in the major cities, they may not carry the same products that you find at home. 
  • Mosquito nets - Mosquitos are common in India, especially during the monsoon season.

Make sure to leave some room in your suitcase-- India is well-known for its clothing industry, and even the street markets tend to offer high-quality items.

Popular India tour routes

Many tours will take travelers through the cities of Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, and Jaipur. New Delhi has the largest airport in India, so most tours will begin and end there. Tours using private buses or cars for transportation will likely visit smaller villages and areas in the countryside, while tours that rely on public transportation tend to stick to the major cities. 

Cruises along the Ganges River give travelers opportunities to visit small towns and villages that other tours generally do not visit. The river runs through the cities of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Varanasi, and Kanpur, among others. Many cruises begin near New Delhi and end at Kolkata.

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