India Escorted Tours – Discover the Best of India
Discover the extraordinary sights, fascinating history and colourful culture of India on an unforgettable escorted tour. From the world-famous Taj Mahal and the magnificent palaces of Rajasthan to the sacred River Ganges, the bustling streets of Delhi and the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, India offers an incredible variety of experiences.
At Hessle Travel, we can help you explore India escorted tours with leading touring specialists, including Mercury Holidays, Wendy Wu Tours, Titan Travel, Newmarket Holidays, Riviera Travel and Travelsphere. Whether you dream of visiting India's most famous landmarks, discovering ancient temples, travelling through the Himalayan foothills or spotting tigers on safari, we can help you find a touring holiday to suit you.
India is a vast and diverse country, making it an excellent destination for an escorted tour. With carefully planned itineraries, organised transport and opportunities to learn from knowledgeable local guides, you can experience more of this fascinating destination without having to arrange every detail yourself.
Explore India with Leading Tour Operators
We work with a selection of established touring specialists offering holidays to India and destinations around the world. Browse our operator pages below and contact Hessle Travel to compare available itineraries, departure dates and prices.
Mercury Holidays – India Escorted Tours
Mercury Holidays offers a range of escorted tours exploring India's famous landmarks, historic cities, cultural traditions and varied landscapes. Depending on the itinerary, you could discover the Golden Triangle, explore Rajasthan's royal cities or venture further south to experience temples and the beautiful landscapes of Kerala.
Wendy Wu Tours – Specialist India Touring
Wendy Wu Tours specialises in escorted holidays, with a strong focus on Asian destinations. Its India tours can introduce you to magnificent monuments, vibrant markets, traditional experiences, historic palaces and some of the country's most impressive cultural attractions.
Titan Travel – Worldwide Escorted Tours
Titan Travel offers organised escorted holidays to destinations around the world. We can help you explore its current long-haul touring programme and check which India itineraries may be suitable for your interests and preferred travel dates.
Newmarket Holidays – Guided Tours
Newmarket Holidays offers escorted holidays and guided touring experiences in destinations around the world. Browse its touring programme and contact us to check the current options for exploring India.
Riviera Travel – Escorted Touring Holidays
Riviera Travel offers a selection of escorted touring holidays designed to help travellers discover destinations through their history, culture and scenery. Ask us to check its current programme for suitable India touring options.
Travelsphere – Escorted Touring Holidays
Travelsphere specialises in escorted holidays, with guided itineraries covering many of the world's most fascinating destinations. Its India touring programme includes opportunities to experience famous landmarks, historic cities, wildlife and the country's rich cultural heritage.
Please note: Destinations, itineraries and departure dates vary by operator. Contact Hessle Travel to check which India tours are currently available and which best suit your plans.
The Best Places to Visit on an India Tour
India is home to some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, extraordinary religious sites, historic cities and beautiful natural landscapes. The attractions included in your holiday will depend on your chosen itinerary, but the following destinations are among the country's major highlights.
The Taj Mahal, Agra – India's Most Famous Landmark
No visit to India would be complete without seeing the magnificent Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, this world-famous marble mausoleum is celebrated for its symmetry, intricate decoration and beautiful gardens. It is one of the country's essential sights and a highlight of many escorted tours.
Agra is also home to the impressive Agra Fort, a historic red sandstone complex that offers a fascinating insight into India's Mughal history.
Delhi – Historic Sights and Vibrant City Life
India's capital is a fascinating blend of historic monuments, bustling markets and modern city life. Explore Old Delhi's lively streets, visit Jama Masjid, see the impressive Red Fort and discover the grand boulevards and landmarks of New Delhi.
Other notable attractions include Humayun's Tomb, the towering Qutub Minar and India Gate. Delhi is often the starting point for classic escorted tours of northern India.
Jaipur – The Pink City of Rajasthan
Jaipur is famous for its pink-hued architecture, royal palaces and colourful bazaars. Visit the spectacular Amber Fort, admire the ornate Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of Winds, and discover the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory.
Jaipur is one of the main destinations on India's Golden Triangle touring route and provides a wonderful introduction to the history and royal heritage of Rajasthan.
The Golden Triangle – India's Classic Touring Route
The Golden Triangle links Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, creating one of India's most popular escorted touring itineraries. This classic route combines the capital's historic landmarks, the breathtaking Taj Mahal and Rajasthan's royal architecture.
It is an excellent introduction to India for first-time visitors and can often be combined with additional destinations, wildlife experiences or extensions to other parts of the country.
Rajasthan – Royal Palaces and Desert Cities
Rajasthan is one of India's most captivating regions, known for its colourful cities, grand forts, historic palaces and desert landscapes.
- Jodhpur: Discover the Blue City and the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, which towers above the old town.
- Udaipur: Admire beautiful lakes, elegant palaces and the romantic scenery surrounding Lake Pichola.
- Jaisalmer: Explore the Golden City, famous for its sandstone fort, historic havelis and desert setting.
- Bikaner: Discover historic architecture and the heritage of this desert city.
- Pushkar: Visit the sacred lake and temples of this important pilgrimage town.
Many Rajasthan tours combine several of these destinations, offering an insight into India's royal history, traditional architecture and distinctive regional culture.
Varanasi – Sacred City on the River Ganges
Varanasi is one of India's oldest and most sacred cities. Set beside the River Ganges, it is famous for its riverside ghats, temples, narrow lanes and deeply rooted religious traditions.
Visitors may have the opportunity to observe ceremonies along the river and experience the atmosphere of this remarkable spiritual centre. Varanasi offers a very different perspective on India and is included on selected escorted itineraries.
Ranthambore National Park – Tigers and Wildlife
India is one of the world's most exciting destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is particularly well known for its Bengal tiger population, as well as leopards, deer, crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife.
Some escorted tours include a safari experience, offering the chance to explore the park's forests, lakes and grasslands in search of wildlife. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but a safari can be a memorable addition to a cultural touring holiday.
Amritsar – The Golden Temple
Located in Punjab, Amritsar is home to the magnificent Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Its golden architecture, peaceful sacred pool and welcoming atmosphere make it one of India's most memorable religious and cultural attractions.
Some tours also include a visit to the Wagah border ceremony, a distinctive daily event held near the India–Pakistan border.
Khajuraho – Extraordinary Temple Architecture
Khajuraho is renowned for its group of historic temples, famous for their detailed stone carvings and remarkable architecture. Built during the Chandela dynasty, these monuments provide a fascinating insight into India's medieval history and artistic traditions.
The temples are included on selected cultural itineraries, often alongside other important destinations in northern and central India.
Mumbai – India's Great Coastal Metropolis
Mumbai is India's bustling financial and entertainment capital, offering a mixture of colonial architecture, waterfront landmarks, colourful markets and contemporary city life.
Highlights include the Gateway of India, the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the city's vibrant neighbourhoods. Some longer India tours include Mumbai as part of a wider journey through the country.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves – Ancient Rock-Cut Monuments
Near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the Ajanta and Ellora cave complexes are among India's most remarkable historic attractions. They contain ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments, with impressive sculptures, carvings and, at Ajanta, celebrated paintings.
These sites are particularly rewarding for travellers interested in India's religious history, art and architecture.
Kerala – Backwaters, Tea Plantations and Tropical Scenery
Southern India offers a different atmosphere from the cities and palaces of the north. Kerala is known for its lush green landscapes, tropical coastline, tea-covered hills and tranquil network of backwaters.
- Alleppey and the Kerala Backwaters: Enjoy the peaceful waterways, traditional villages and palm-lined canals. Some tours include a houseboat experience.
- Munnar: Discover rolling tea plantations, misty hills and spectacular mountain scenery.
- Kochi: Explore a historic coastal city known for its diverse heritage, old trading links and distinctive waterfront.
- Thekkady: Experience the scenery around Periyar, an area known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations.
Kerala is an excellent choice for a southern India escorted tour, particularly for travellers who enjoy scenery, culture and a more relaxed pace between sightseeing stops.
Mysore – Palaces and South Indian Culture
Mysore, in Karnataka, is famous for the magnificent Mysore Palace, colourful markets and rich cultural traditions. It is a popular stop on tours of southern India and can be combined with visits to historic temples, gardens and nearby hill stations.
Hampi – The Ruins of a Lost Kingdom
Hampi is a remarkable historic landscape filled with temple complexes, ancient monuments and the remains of the Vijayanagara Empire. Set among unusual rocky hills and dramatic scenery, it is a particularly rewarding destination for visitors interested in India's history and archaeology.
Madurai – Temples and Religious Traditions
Madurai is one of southern India's most important cultural centres. Its famous Meenakshi Amman Temple is renowned for its colourful towers, elaborate sculptures and lively religious atmosphere.
For travellers interested in temple architecture and South Indian traditions, Madurai can be a major highlight of a tour through Tamil Nadu and the wider southern region.
Darjeeling and the Himalayan Foothills
In the north-east of India, Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations, mountain views and historic narrow-gauge railway. On clear days, the surrounding Himalayan scenery can be spectacular.
Longer itineraries may also explore Shimla, Sikkim or other areas of the Himalayan foothills, offering a different experience of India's landscapes and regional cultures.
Goa – Beaches and Portuguese Heritage
Goa is best known for its beaches, but it also has a distinctive cultural heritage, historic churches and old Portuguese-influenced architecture. Depending on the tour, it may be included as part of a wider itinerary or as an extension after touring elsewhere in India.
Whether you are drawn to India's famous landmarks, its ancient temples, wildlife or beautiful landscapes, there are many different ways to discover the country. We can help you find an itinerary that includes the places you most want to see.
Why Choose an Escorted Tour of India?
India is a huge and varied destination, and an escorted tour can be an excellent way to experience its highlights while making the most of your time away.
- Discover more in one holiday: Combine famous cities, historic landmarks, temples, palaces and scenic regions.
- Learn about India's history: Explore the stories behind its monuments, ancient kingdoms and cultural traditions.
- Enjoy organised travel: Many tours arrange transport, accommodation and sightseeing in advance.
- Benefit from local knowledge: Selected itineraries include knowledgeable guides who can explain the history and significance of the places you visit.
- Experience regional variety: Discover how India's architecture, food, landscapes and traditions differ from one region to another.
- Add wildlife experiences: Some itineraries combine cultural attractions with safaris in search of tigers and other wildlife.
Tour inclusions vary, so we recommend checking each itinerary carefully for flights, accommodation, meals, sightseeing, optional excursions and any additional costs.
Book Your India Escorted Tour with Hessle Travel
Whether you dream of seeing the Taj Mahal, exploring the royal cities of Rajasthan, discovering sacred temples or experiencing the landscapes and wildlife of southern India, an escorted tour can be a wonderful way to discover this extraordinary country.
At Hessle Travel, we can help you compare escorted tours from leading holiday companies, discuss different itineraries and check the latest prices and availability for your preferred dates.
As an independent travel agent, we offer friendly, personal advice to help you choose a touring holiday that suits your interests, preferred pace and budget.
Call Hessle Travel on 01482 641064
Tell us when you would like to travel, how long you would like to go for and which parts of India interest you most. We'll help you explore the available escorted tours and check what price we can offer.