Travel Agencies & Tour Operators in India
Explore tour operators and travel agencies operating in India. Found 21 companies.
Tour Operator Companies
Ashoka Holidays
📍India, Jaipur
India Travel Guide: Taj Mahal, Ancient Temples & Diverse Cultures #
India (Hindi: भारत or Bhārat), the largest country in South Asia, has many of the world’s highest mountains, most populated cities, and longest rivers. As one of the great civilisations of the ancient world, India’s heritage and culture is a rich amalgam of the past and present. This vast country, the most populous in the world, offers the traveller a view of fascinating religions and ethnography, a smorgasbord of languages, diverse food, and architectural masterpieces that were built millennia ago and remain intact today. As the nation opens up to a globalised world, India still has a depth of history and intensity of culture that awe and fascinate the many who visit there. Professional tour operators specializing in India help travelers discover this magnificent nation’s ancient wonders, diverse cultures, and unforgettable experiences.
Why Choose India for Your Next Adventure #
India combines ancient historical monuments, diverse cultures, stunning architecture, spiritual experiences, incredible cuisine, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether seeking the Taj Mahal, ancient temples, Himalayan trekking, Kerala backwaters, Rajasthan palaces, Goa beaches, or experiencing vibrant festivals and traditions, experienced tour operators provide expert guidance across this vast and fascinating nation.
Geography & Natural Wonders #
India’s geography encompasses extraordinary diversity:
Geographic Characteristics:
- Area: 3,287,263 km² (1,269,219 sq mi)
- Highest peak: Kangchenjunga at 8,586m (28,169 ft)
- Coastline: 7,516 km
- Longest river: Ganges (Ganga)
- Population: Over 1.4 billion (world’s most populous)
Major Geographic Regions:
- Himalayas: Northern mountain ranges, highest peaks
- Indo-Gangetic Plain: Fertile plains, major rivers
- Thar Desert: Western desert region
- Deccan Plateau: Southern plateau region
- Coastal Regions: Long coastlines on east and west
- Islands: Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep
Natural Landmarks:
- Himalayas: World’s highest mountain range
- Ganges River: Sacred river, longest in India
- Thar Desert: Great Indian Desert
- Western Ghats: Mountain range, biodiversity hotspot
- Sundarbans: Largest mangrove forest, Bengal tigers
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Tropical islands, pristine beaches
- Backwaters of Kerala: Unique network of lagoons and lakes
Popular Destinations & Attractions #
Delhi:
- Capital of India, heart of Northern India
- Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate
- Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple
- Old Delhi, New Delhi
- Museums, cultural sites
- Gateway to rest of India
Mumbai:
- Largest city, financial capital
- Gateway of India, Marine Drive
- Bollywood film industry
- Elephanta Caves, colonial architecture
- Vibrant nightlife, excellent dining
- “City that never sleeps”
Agra:
- Taj Mahal: One of Seven Wonders of the World
- Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri
- Mughal architecture
- UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Most visited for Taj Mahal
Varanasi:
- Most sacred Hindu city
- Ganges River ghats
- One of oldest continually inhabited cities
- Spiritual center, religious ceremonies
- Ancient temples, narrow alleys
Jaipur:
- “Pink City,” capital of Rajasthan
- Amber Fort, City Palace
- Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar
- Rajput culture and architecture
- Gateway to Rajasthan
Kolkata:
- Cultural capital of India
- “City of Joy”
- Colonial architecture
- Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge
- Rich cultural heritage
Bangalore (Bengaluru):
- “Garden City,” IT hub
- Modern city, technology center
- Pleasant climate
- Vibrant nightlife, excellent dining
- Gateway to South India
Goa:
- Beautiful beaches, Portuguese heritage
- Beach resorts, water sports
- Colonial architecture, churches
- Vibrant nightlife
- Relaxed atmosphere
Kerala:
- Backwaters, houseboat cruises
- Hill stations, tea plantations
- Beautiful beaches
- Ayurveda and wellness
- “God’s Own Country”
Regions of India #
Himalayan North #
Mountainous and beautiful, a tourist destination for the adventurous and the spiritual. This region contains some of India’s most visited hill stations and religious places. Features the Himalayas, hill stations, and spiritual destinations.
States: Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
The Plains #
The plains, India’s breadbasket, are watered by the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and their tributaries. The region also features the country’s capital, Delhi, Agra of Taj Mahal fame and the holy cities of Mathura, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Bodh Gaya. Many of the events that shaped India’s history took place in this region.
States/UTs: Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh
Western India #
Home to the vast Thar Desert; the colourful palaces, forts and cities of Rajasthan; the country’s most vibrant and biggest city, Mumbai; the mesmerising rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra; pristine forests; the wonderful beaches of Goa; the Asiatic lions of Gujarat in Gir jungles; and the rapidly developing cities of Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur and Pune.
States/UTs: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
Southern India #
Features famous and historical temples, tropical forests, backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and three big cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and other smaller cities. The city of Mysore is world-renowned for its palaces, especially the Mysore Palace. The island groups of Andaman and Nicobar (on the east) and Lakshadweep on the west, included in this region for convenience, are far from the mainland and have their unique characteristics.
States/UTs: Andaman and Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana
Eastern India #
Economically less developed, but culturally rich and perhaps the most welcoming to outsiders. Features Kolkata, once the capital of British India, and the temple cities of Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark. The region stretches from the mountains to the coast, resulting in fascinating variations in climate. It is also the mineral storehouse of India, having the country’s largest and richest mines.
States: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, West Bengal
North-Eastern India #
Insular and relatively virgin, this is the country’s tribal corner, with lush, beautiful landscapes, endemic flora and fauna of the Indo-Malayan group and famed tea gardens. Consists of seven states popularly known as the “Seven Sisters”. The world’s oldest polo ground, the world’s only floating national park, the world’s only women-run market and the world’s tallest topiary plant can be seen in Manipur. The state of Meghalaya is depicted as the “Scotland of India” because of its mesmerising environment.
States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura
Adventure Activities & Experiences #
Tour operators offer extraordinary activities across India’s diverse landscapes:
Historical & Cultural Sites #
- Taj Mahal: Agra, one of Seven Wonders of the World
- Red Fort: Delhi, Mughal architecture
- Ajanta and Ellora: Rock-cut cave temples, Maharashtra
- Khajuraho: Temple complexes with erotic sculptures
- Hampi: Ruins of Vijayanagara Empire
- Fatehpur Sikri: Mughal ghost city
- Mysore Palace: Grand palace, Karnataka
- Golden Temple: Amritsar, Sikh holy site
Spiritual Experiences #
- Varanasi: Ganges River, spiritual ceremonies
- Bodh Gaya: Where Buddha attained enlightenment
- Rishikesh and Haridwar: Ganges, yoga, spirituality
- Temples: Thousands of temples throughout India
- Ashrams: Yoga and meditation retreats
- Pilgrimage sites: Various religious destinations
Nature & Wildlife #
- Tiger safaris: Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, others
- National parks: 100+ national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
- Sundarbans: Bengal tigers, mangrove forests
- Gir Forest: Asiatic lions, Gujarat
- Bird watching: Excellent diversity
- Elephant safaris: Various locations
Adventure Sports #
- Himalayan trekking: Various routes, high-altitude
- Mountaineering: Himalayas, various peaks
- White-water rafting: Ganges, other rivers
- Paragliding: Himachal Pradesh, other locations
- Skiing: Gulmarg, Auli, other locations
- Rock climbing: Various locations
Beach & Water Activities #
- Goa beaches: Beautiful beaches, water sports
- Andaman and Nicobar: Pristine beaches, diving
- Kerala backwaters: Houseboat cruises
- Diving and snorkeling: Andaman Islands, Lakshadweep
- Surfing: Some locations available
Cultural Experiences #
- Festivals: Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, many others
- Traditional dance: Various classical dance forms
- Music: Classical and folk music
- Markets: Vibrant bazaars, shopping
- Cuisine: Diverse regional cuisines
- Textiles and crafts: Traditional handicrafts
Cultural Heritage & History #
India’s culture reflects 5,000+ years of continuous civilization:
Ancient History #
Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE):
- One of world’s first Bronze Age civilizations
- Advanced urban planning
- Mohenjo-daro, Harappa sites
Vedic Period (1500-500 BCE):
- Vedas compiled
- Foundation of Hinduism
- Upanishads, epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata)
Classical Period:
- Maurya Empire (3rd century BCE)
- Gupta Empire: Golden Age of India
- Great empires and kingdoms
- Buddhist and Jain traditions
Medieval Period #
Islamic Period:
- Islamic incursions from 8th century
- Mughal Empire: Peak of Islamic rule
- Taj Mahal, Red Fort, other monuments
- Hindi and Urdu developed
Regional Kingdoms:
- Rajputs: Rajasthan
- Marathas: Maharashtra
- Vijayanagara: South India
- Various regional powers
Colonial Period #
European Colonization:
- Portuguese, Dutch, French, British
- British East India Company
- British Raj (1858-1947)
- Independence movement
Modern Era #
Independence (1947):
- Partition, creation of Pakistan
- Democratic republic
- Economic development
- Modern challenges and progress
Cultural Identity #
Religious Diversity:
- Hinduism: Majority religion
- Islam: Significant minority
- Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity
- Religious tolerance
Linguistic Diversity:
- 22 official languages
- Hundreds of languages and dialects
- Hindi and English widely spoken
Regional Diversity:
- Each region has distinct culture
- Different cuisines, languages, traditions
- Unity in diversity
Travel Tips for India #
Language #
Hindi and English (Official):
- Hindi: Widely spoken in north
- English: Widely spoken, especially in cities
- 22 official languages
- Regional languages throughout
- Learning basic Hindi helpful
- Tour operators provide multilingual guides
Climate & Best Times to Visit #
Diverse Climate:
- Tropical in south: Hot, humid
- Temperate in north: Four seasons
- Desert in west: Hot, dry
- Mountain in north: Cold winters
Regional Variations:
North India:
- Hot summers: April-June
- Monsoon: July-September
- Pleasant: October-March
- Best: October-March (winter)
South India:
- Tropical, warm year-round
- Monsoon: June-September
- Best: October-March (dry season)
Himalayas:
- Cold winters, mild summers
- Best: April-June, September-November
- Winter: Snow, some areas inaccessible
Best Times:
- Peak season: October-March (pleasant weather)
- Monsoon: June-September (greener, fewer tourists)
- Summer: April-June (very hot in many areas)
Safety Considerations #
Generally safe for tourists but standard precautions essential:
General Safety:
- Petty crime in cities and tourist areas
- Watch belongings, avoid displaying valuables
- Use reputable tour operators
- Be cautious in crowded areas
- Travel insurance recommended
Health:
- Vaccinations recommended (consult doctor)
- Malaria risk in some areas
- Dengue, other mosquito-borne diseases
- Use insect repellent
- Tap water not safe to drink
- Travel insurance highly recommended
- Food safety: Eat at reputable places
Transportation:
- Use reputable transport companies
- Be cautious on roads
- Traffic can be chaotic
Currency & Money #
Indian Rupee (INR):
- Relatively stable currency
- Credit cards accepted in tourist areas
- ATMs available in cities
- Cash preferred in many places
- US dollars sometimes accepted
Tipping:
- Restaurants: 10% customary
- Tour guides: 10-15% if satisfied
- Hotels: Small tips for service
- Drivers: Small tips appreciated
Transportation #
Domestic Flights:
- Extensive network, many airlines
- Connect major cities
- Can be affordable if booked early
- Useful for long distances
- IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, others
Trains:
- Extensive rail network
- Different classes: AC, sleeper, general
- Long-distance trains popular
- Book advance for best options
- Scenic routes available
Buses:
- Extensive network
- Different service levels
- Long-distance coaches
- Affordable option
- Good coverage
Rental Cars:
- Available in cities
- Driver recommended (traffic challenging)
- International driving permit required
- Not recommended for self-driving
Planning Your Indian Adventure #
Choosing the Right Tour Operator #
Select experienced India tour operators who offer:
- Multi-region itinerary expertise
- Historical site tour arrangements
- Transportation logistics and safety
- Language barriers overcome with multilingual guides
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Emergency support throughout country
- Seasonal activity planning
- Accommodation selection (hotels, heritage properties, resorts)
- Health and safety guidance
- Local insights and avoiding tourist traps
Popular India Tours & Itineraries #
Classic India #
- Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur (5-7 days)
- Rajasthan: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer (10-14 days)
- South India: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka (10-14 days)
- Complete India: Major highlights (21-30 days)
Historical & Cultural Tours #
- Taj Mahal and Mughal sites: Agra, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri
- Temple tours: South India temples, Khajuraho, others
- Rajasthan palaces: Forts and palaces circuit
- Spiritual journey: Varanasi, Rishikesh, Bodh Gaya
Nature & Wildlife Tours #
- Tiger safaris: Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha
- National parks: Various wildlife sanctuaries
- Himalayan trekking: Various routes
- Kerala backwaters: Houseboat cruises
Regional Tours #
- Kerala: Backwaters, beaches, hill stations
- Goa: Beaches, Portuguese heritage
- Himalayas: Hill stations, trekking, spirituality
- Rajasthan: Palaces, forts, desert
Adventure Tours #
- Himalayan trekking: Various routes and durations
- Mountaineering: High-altitude expeditions
- White-water rafting: Ganges, other rivers
- Desert safaris: Thar Desert, camel safaris
Multi-Country Tours #
- India and Nepal: Combine with Himalayan experiences
- India and Sri Lanka: South Asian circuit
- India and Bhutan: Himalayan kingdoms
Seasonal Tours #
- Peak season (October-March): Best weather, pleasant temperatures
- Monsoon (June-September): Greener landscapes, fewer tourists
- Summer (April-June): Very hot in many areas, but hill stations pleasant
Indian Cuisine & Dining #
India offers incredibly diverse and flavorful cuisine:
Signature Dishes #
North Indian:
- Curry: Various curry dishes
- Tandoori: Clay oven cooking
- Biryani: Spiced rice dish
- Naan and roti: Bread varieties
- Dal: Lentil dishes
South Indian:
- Dosa: Fermented crepe
- Idli: Steamed rice cakes
- Sambar: Lentil stew
- Rasam: Spicy soup
- Coconut-based dishes
Regional Specialties:
- Biryani: Hyderabad, Lucknow
- Vada pav: Mumbai street food
- Chole bhature: North India
- Fish curry: Coastal regions
- Thali: Complete meal platter
Street Food:
- Chaat: Various savory snacks
- Samosa: Fried pastry
- Pani puri: Popular street snack
- Vada: Fried lentil fritters
- Pav bhaji: Mumbai specialty
Beverages #
Traditional:
- Chai (tea): Very popular, spiced tea
- Lassi: Yogurt-based drink
- Fresh fruit juices: Excellent variety
- Coconut water: Fresh from coconut
Alcoholic:
- Beer: Various brands
- Whisky: Indian whisky popular
- Wine: Limited but growing
- Local spirits: Various regional varieties
Dining Culture #
Meal Times:
- Breakfast: 7-9 AM
- Lunch: 12-2 PM (main meal)
- Dinner: 7-9 PM
- Late dining: Available in cities
Dining Out:
- Street food: Excellent and affordable
- Restaurants: Range from basic to upscale
- Thali: Complete meal, good value
- Regional cuisines: Vary greatly by region
- Vegetarian options: Widely available
Getting Around India #
By Plane #
- Extensive domestic network
- Many airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, others
- Connect major cities
- Can be affordable if booked early
- Useful for long distances
- Book advance for best prices
By Train #
- Extensive rail network, one of world’s largest
- Different classes: AC, sleeper, general
- Long-distance trains popular
- Scenic routes available
- Book advance for best options
- IRCTC website for bookings
By Bus #
- Extensive network
- Different service levels
- Long-distance coaches
- Affordable option
- Good coverage
- State and private operators
By Car #
- Rental available with drivers
- Driver recommended (traffic challenging)
- International driving permit required
- Not recommended for self-driving
- Good for flexibility
Why Book with Professional Tour Operators #
Experienced Indian tour operators provide:
- Expert knowledge of vast geography and diversity
- Historical site tour expertise and access
- Transportation logistics and safety
- Language barriers overcome with multilingual guides
- Cultural immersion experiences with proper protocols
- Emergency support throughout country
- Health and safety guidance
- Seasonal activity planning
- Accommodation selection for various budgets
- Local insights and avoiding tourist traps
- Handling of complex logistics
Practical Information for Travelers #
Entry Requirements #
- Visa required for most nationalities
- E-visa available for many countries
- Valid passport required
- Check current requirements before travel
- Tourist visa typically 30-90 days
Electricity #
- 230V, 50 Hz
- Plug types: Type C (European), Type D, Type M
- Adapters available
- Check device voltage compatibility
- Power cuts possible in some areas
National Holidays #
- January 26: Republic Day
- August 15: Independence Day
- October 2: Gandhi Jayanti
- Various religious holidays: Diwali, Eid, Christmas, others
- Regional holidays vary by state
Health #
- Vaccinations recommended (consult doctor)
- Malaria risk in some areas
- Dengue, other mosquito-borne diseases
- Use insect repellent
- Tap water not safe to drink
- Travel insurance highly recommended
- Healthcare quality varies by region
Communication #
- Country code: +91
- Mobile coverage good in populated areas
- Wi-Fi available in hotels and cafes
- SIM cards available for tourists (registration required)
- Major carriers: Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea
Shopping #
- Textiles: Silk, cotton, traditional fabrics
- Jewelry: Gold, silver, gemstones
- Spices: Wide variety of spices
- Handicrafts: Regional crafts and artwork
- Tea: High-quality tea, especially Darjeeling, Assam
- Carpets and rugs: Traditional and modern
- Leather goods: Bags, shoes, accessories
Discover India’s extraordinary diversity and heritage with experienced tour operators who can customize your perfect itinerary, from exploring the Taj Mahal to experiencing vibrant festivals, from trekking in the Himalayas to relaxing on Goa’s beaches, and everything this magnificent nation has to offer history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and adventure seekers.














