A small group tour of India gives you a planned route, an English-speaking guide and a ready-made group of fellow travellers, without the crowds of a big coach tour. It is the most popular way for first-time visitors to see India, because the hard parts (transport, hotels, tickets, food) are handled for you. Here is what to expect, so you can decide if it is the right style for you.
What makes a tour "small group"?
A big coach tour can carry 40 or more people. A small group is far smaller, so the group fits in a minibus, sits around one table at dinner and can walk through a market without blocking it. The smaller size changes the whole trip:
- Access. Small groups can visit village homes, step-wells and narrow old-city lanes that big coaches cannot reach.
- Time with the guide. Everyone can hear the guide and ask questions.
- Flexibility. It is easy to add a photo stop, a chai break or a detour to a local market.
- Company. You travel with like-minded people and share the experience over dinner.
A typical day on a small group tour
Most days follow a similar rhythm. After breakfast at the hotel, the group sets off with the guide, usually around 8 or 9 am. Mornings are for the big sights, while the light is soft and the heat is lower. Lunch is often at a local restaurant on the way, and afternoons bring a second visit, a market walk or free time. Evenings are relaxed, with dinner at the hotel or a heritage restaurant.
Driving days are part of the experience. On our Rajasthan tour, for example, the road from Bikaner to Jaisalmer crosses the Thar Desert, with stops at villages and roadside dhabas along the way.
Where you stay
Hotels on small group tours are chosen for comfort and character. In Rajasthan, that often means heritage havelis and palace hotels, which are hard to book well on your own. In Kerala it can mean a lakeside resort or a night on a houseboat in the backwaters. Rooms are usually double occupancy, and single rooms are available for a supplement.
What is usually included
Inclusions vary by tour, so always read the programme. On a fully organised India journey with us, the package typically covers:
- Hotels with breakfast, and on many tours all lunches and dinners
- An air-conditioned vehicle with driver, fuel, tolls, parking and the driver's costs
- An English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- Monument entrance fees and the activities listed in the itinerary
- Domestic flights that are part of the route
International flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, camera fees and tips are usually extra.
How much does a small group tour of India cost?
Prices depend on length, hotel level and season. As a guide, our current small group journeys start at around:
| Tour | Length | Route | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Triangle and Kerala | About 11 days | Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Madurai – Munnar – Thekkady – Backwaters – Kochi | €1,050 |
| Maharajas and Palaces of Rajasthan | 14 days | Delhi – Mahansar – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Agra | €1,065 |
| The Nomad Route and the Sacred Ganges | 21 days | Delhi – Shekhawati – Rajasthan – Udaipur – onward to the Ganges | €1,560 |
Prices are per person and change with dates and hotel choice. Ask us for a quote for your exact dates.
Who small group tours suit best
- First-time visitors who want to see the highlights without managing every booking.
- Solo travellers who want company and the security of a guide.
- Couples and friends who prefer to spend their time enjoying India rather than planning it.
- Older travellers who value comfortable hotels, a steady pace and help with luggage.
When a private tour is better
If you want total control over the pace, have very specific interests, or are travelling as a family with young children, a private tailor-made tour is often a better fit. It runs on the same routes, but only for you. See our family tours of India for ideas.
How to choose the right small group tour
- Pick the region first. Rajasthan for forts and palaces, Kerala for nature and backwaters, the Indian Himalaya for mountains and monasteries.
- Check the pace. Count the one-night stops. Fewer hotel changes means a more relaxed trip.
- Read the inclusions. Meals, entrance fees and domestic flights make a big difference to the real price.
- Ask about the guide. A guide who stays with you for the whole journey, rather than changing in every city, makes the trip feel personal.
- Look at real reviews. Video reviews and letters from past guests tell you more than any brochure.
Frequently asked questions
Is a small group tour a good way to see India for the first time?
Yes. It removes the stress of transport, tickets and hotel bookings, and a local guide helps you understand what you are seeing. Most first-time visitors find it the easiest way to enjoy India.
What is the best time of year for a small group tour of India?
October to March is the best season for most of India, including Rajasthan, the Golden Triangle and Kerala. Ladakh and the Himalaya are best from June to September.
Can I join a small group tour as a solo traveller?
Yes. Many guests travel alone. You can share a room with another solo traveller where possible, or book a single room for a supplement.
Can a small group tour be customised?
Group departures follow a set route, but we can add extra nights before or after, or turn any itinerary into a private tailor-made tour.
How do I book?
Send your dates and the tour you like through our free quote form. Our team replies within 24 hours with a full proposal.