How To Travel India: On A Tour Or By Yourself?
Are you wondering if you should travel India on a tour or by yourself? Read on!
As someone who has traveled to 35 countries, many of them on my own, I still found planning my first trip to India intimidating. With such a large population, travel within India can be overcrowded and often time requires booking in advance (especially train tickets) so it’s very important to be on top of travel logistics for a trip to India. I’m used to more go-with-the flow trips. In fact, I’ve often ended up extending my trip while I’m on it.
I’ve done both types of travel in India; traveling on my own and traveling on a private tour planned by a travel agent. There are pros and cons to each style of travel that I’ll share more about below.
How To Travel India: On A Tour Or By Yourself?
Travel India on your own: You can absolutely manage traveling India without a tour. Most of my travels throughout India have been without a tour. You can research and plan your own itinerary based on recommended routes. From there you can book activities, day trips, and/or local guides at your destinations using Viator, and GetYourGuide.
Travel India on a group tour: This is a good option if you don’t want to plan the logistics yourself and don’t care about setting your own schedule. If you’d rather have other people make the decisions and are happy to go along for the ride, then a group tour might be a good fit for you. Also, if you are solo female traveler and feel anxious about traveling on your own, G Adventures small group tours can help ease those worries.
Hybrid approach to India Travel: You can travel on your own with a custom done-for-you itinerary. I can help you plan your trip based on your individual preferences for destinations, travel style, and more. I can also make recommendations for booking local guides and day tours without having the whole trip be a group tour.
Travel India By Yourself
I recommend first deciding on the destinations that interest you the most, then looking into the options for traveling between the cities and towns. You can start with quintessential India Itinerary options or explore beyond the Golden Triangle.
I recommend using MakeMyTrip.com or Yatra.com to explore transportation options, hotels, and domestic flights for travel within India.
For more information on how to navigate train travel, you can read more here: What To Know About Train Travel In India.
For more tips and helpful information for your trip check out: My Ultimate Travel Guide To India Trip Planning.
Pros of traveling on your own
✅ Complete Freedom: Design your own itinerary and change plans on a whim.
✅ Personal Growth: Overcome challenges and boost self-confidence.
✅ Deeper Cultural Immersion: More opportunities to interact with locals and other travelers.
✅ Budget Control: Manage your own expenses and travel style.
✅ Solitude and Reflection: Time alone to process your experiences.
Cons of traveling on your own
❌ Safety Concerns: Navigating unfamiliar areas alone can be daunting, especially for female travelers.
❌ Logistical Challenges: Planning transportation, accommodations, and activities can be time-consuming.
❌ Loneliness: Extended periods alone can be isolating for some travelers.
❌ Higher Costs: Single supplements and inability to split costs can make solo travel more expensive.
❌ Language Barriers: Navigating communication challenges alone can be frustrating.
Practical Tips for Solo Travel in India
✅ Start in Tourist-Friendly Areas: Begin your journey in places like Goa, Kerala, or Rajasthan, which are accustomed to international visitors.
✅ Use Reliable Transportation: Opt for pre-paid taxis or ride-hailing apps (like Uber and Ola) in cities, and book train tickets in advance.
✅ Stay Connected: Purchase a local SIM card for easy communication and navigation.
✅ Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately.
✅ Dress Modestly: Respect local customs to avoid unwanted attention.
✅ Learn Basic Hindi Phrases: A few words can go a long way in building rapport with locals. My ultimate guide to traveling in India has some key phrases worth learning.
✅ Join Day Tours: Mix solo exploration with occasional guided experiences for a balanced trip.
✅ Stay in Social Accommodations: Hostels or guesthouses can be great for meeting other travelers.
Travel India On A Group Tour
Here are some considerations, advantages, and disadvantages of taking a group tour instead of solo travel around India.
Recommended India Travel Group Tours
These are three amazing tour options for traveling India, with two focusing on North India and one focusing on the natural beauty of South India. You can’t go wrong with any of these India tours!
G Adventures: Essential India
15 Days
Start & end in Delhi with stops in Jaipur, Rajasthan villages, Agra, Alīpura, Khajuraho, Orchha and Varanasi.
Travel Style: Classic – All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard – Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Group Size: Max of 15, average of 12
Good for: A tourist’s first trip to India – you get the highlights of the golden triangle (Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur) plus unique spots like villages of Rajasthan and the holy city of Varanasi. If you are spiritual in any way Varanasi is a special destination worth visiting!
G Adventures: Best of Southern India
14 Days
Starts and ends in Kochi with stops at Sultan Bathery, Mysore, Māmallapuram, Pondicherry, Maduri, Thekkady, and the Kerala backwaters.
Travel Style: Classic – All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard – Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Group Size: Max of 20, average of 14
Good for: Nature lovers will flourish in South India. Kerala is my favorite state in India with its peaceful backwaters and the rolling green hills of the Western Ghats. This is tour is a great option if you want an authentic experience and don’t care about or have already seen the Taj Mahal.
G Adventures: Golden Triangle
8 Days
Starts and ends in Delhi with stops in Agra, Rajasthan villages, and Jaipur
Travel Style: Classic – All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard – Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Group Size: Max of 18, average of 15
Good for: Travelers on a tight time limit. 8 days is the minimum amount of time I recommend for a trip to India. You’ll get to explore old Delhi, see the famous Taj Mahal, experience local culture in the villages of Rajasthan, and the busy pink city of Jaipur all in 8 days.
Why You Should Travel With G Adventures: I recommend G Adventures because of their small group size (an average of an average of 12-16 travelers), their emphasis on immersing travelers in local culture, and commitment to responsible tourism.
For first-time visitors or those hesitant to navigate India’s complexity on their own, G Adventures makes the experience approachable, ensuring safety, comfort, and unforgettable memories along the way.
Pros of Group Travel in India
There’s some great advantages to touring India in a group.
✅ Safety in Numbers: Traveling in a group can provide an added sense of security, especially in unfamiliar areas.
✅ Ease of Planning: Group tours often handle logistics, including transportation, accommodations, and itineraries.
✅ Built-in Social Circle: You’ll have instant companions to share experiences with.
✅ Cost-Effective: Group rates can sometimes lead to savings on accommodations and activities.
✅ Cultural Insights: Knowledgeable guides can offer deeper cultural context and historical information.
Cons of Group Travel in India
There are a few disadvantages to group travel that are important to consider before you book.
❌ Less Flexibility: Set itineraries may limit your ability to explore spontaneously.
❌ Potential for Personality Clashes: You might not get along with everyone in your group.
❌ Less Immersive: Group dynamics can sometimes create a bubble, limiting interactions with locals.
❌ Crowded Experience: Popular sites may feel more congested with a tour group.
How To Pick A Group Tour
Here some key things to keep in mind if you decide to travel on a group tour.
✅ Research Tour Operators: Look for reputable companies with positive reviews and transparent policies.
✅ Consider Group Size: Smaller groups (8-16 people) often offer a more personalized experience.
✅ Check the Itinerary: Ensure it aligns with your interests and desired pace of travel.
✅ Look for Local Guides: Tours led by Indian guides can offer more authentic insights.
✅ Review Included Activities: Make sure the tour offers a good balance of guided activities and free time.
✅ Understand the Demographics: Some tours cater to specific age groups or interests. Be sure you know those of the tour you book and that it’s what you’re interested in.
✅ Read the Fine Print: Be clear on cancellation policies, what’s included, and any hidden costs.
India Travel FAQs
Here’s a few helpful questions and answers to consider for your travels to India.
Do I need a tour guide for India?
You do not need a tour guide for India, especially if you are visiting tourist areas. You can easily book local guides for day trips or excursions if you want someone to help show you around, but it’s not a necessity.
What’s the best way to travel around India?
The best way to travel around India depends on your itinerary, budget, and comfort preferences.
For first-time visitors, a combination of domestic flights for long distances and trains or private cars for shorter trips often works well. Remember to factor in India’s size when planning – it’s often more time-efficient to fly between major destinations and explore regions by land.
Here are some popular options:
🚆 Trains: Often considered the quintessential Indian travel experience. They’re affordable, cover vast distances, and offer a chance to see the countryside. Book in advance for long-distance journeys.
✈️ Domestic flights: Ideal for covering large distances quickly. You can fly low-cost airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa, GoAir, AirAsia, or for a bit more comfort check out Vistara.
🎫 Organized tours: If you prefer hassle-free travel, guided tours can handle transportation logistics while providing cultural insights.
🚗 Private cars with drivers: This option offers flexibility and comfort, especially for multi-day trips or exploring rural areas. You can hire cars with drivers through travel agencies or hotels.
It’s more expensive than public transport but allows you to create a custom itinerary and stop wherever you like. Always use reputable companies and agree on terms (including daily kilometers, overnight charges, and fuel costs) before setting out.
I often had my hotels arrange cars with drivers for me – they usually have trusted drivers they work with for a set price. Taj hotels have arranged transport for me from Jabalpur to Panna National Park, Ajmer to Udaipur, and more!
🚖 Taxis, Uber, and Ola: Convenient for city travel and short inter-city trips. Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber are widely available in cities.
🛺 Auto-rickshaws: Perfect for short trips within cities and towns. Always agree on a fare before starting the journey.
Is it cheaper to travel India with a tour or alone?
If you are super budget conscious, traveling India on your own allows you to set your own budget. But remember, the “cheaper” option depends on your travel style and what you value most in your experience. Sometimes, paying a bit more for convenience or unique experiences can enhance your overall trip to India.
Traveling on your own allows for more flexibility in spending – you can splurge or save as you go
While tours can often be more expensive upfront, they can offer value through included experiences and sharing costs amongst the group.
Pro tip: Consider a hybrid approach. Book a short tour for your first few days to acclimate, then travel independently. Or use day tours in complex cities like Mumbai or Delhi while managing simpler destinations on your own.
TL;DR: Travel India On A Tour Or By Yourself?
Whether you choose group travel, solo travel, or a combination of both for your Indian adventure, the key is to align your choice with your personal travel style, comfort level, and goals. Group travel offers structure and companionship, while solo travel provides freedom and personal growth opportunities. By carefully considering the pros and cons of each, you’ll be well-equipped for an unforgettable journey through India.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to exploring India. The most important thing is to remain open-minded, respectful of local customs, and ready to embrace the unexpected. Whichever path you choose, India is sure to make an impression. Safe travels!
Join my Facebook group, India For Foreigners, if you have more specific questions, want to chat with other international travelers looking for India advice, or just want some India travel inspiration.