Top 11 Best Group Travel Companies in India in 2025

You’ve been dreaming of India, maybe for months, maybe for years. The colours, the culture, the chaos, the calm. And now, you’re finally planning to go!

But as your browser fills with tour packages and itineraries, something else quietly creeps in the fear of being left out, feeling unsafe, or ending up with the wrong group.

You imagine yourself stepping onto a bus where everyone already knows each other. You picture being the only one who doesn’t drink, sitting quietly at dinner while the rest of the group bonds over beers. You think about what happens if you get sick in a remote town? Who would help? Who would even notice?

And if you’re a woman, those questions get sharper.

Will I feel safe?
Will I be heard?
Will I be looked after, or looked past?

These aren’t just passing thoughts. They’re the invisible weight every solo traveler, especially women carries when choosing a group travel company.

Because it’s not just about where you’re going.
It’s about how you’re treated along the way.

This blog is your shortcut to skipping the stress.
I’ve reviewed 11 of the best group travel companies in India that actually get companies that are not only good at planning trips, but at protecting your peace of mind.

Top 11 group travel companies in India you can rely on

Group travel in India isn’t just about reaching a destination, it’s about the people, the planning, and the memories made along the way.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as part of a student or spiritual group, the right tour company can change everything.

From safety and comfort to expert itineraries and meaningful connections, these companies know how to make group travel feel personal.

They don’t just run tours, they create tribes, share laughter, and unforgettable stories.

Let’s explore the most trusted group travel companies in India that make every journey seamless, social, and soul-stirring.

Varanasi Excursion

“They don’t just arrange tours, they curate spiritual journeys that stay with you forever.”

Founded in 2009 in the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi Excursion began as a humble walking tour initiative along the ancient ghats of the Ganges. What started as a passion project quickly evolved into one of India’s most trusted names in meaningful group travel.

The founder’s locals, deeply rooted in Varanasi’s culture, envisioned more than sightseeing. They built a platform for immersive, soul-touching experiences. Today, their offerings span far beyond Uttar Pradesh, from tranquil monasteries in Bodhgaya to majestic forts in Rajasthan and the Himalayan calm of Kashmir.

Their strength lies in understanding what group travelers truly seek, not just movement from place to place, but purpose, connection, and cultural depth.

🌟Company highlights

• 100+ destinations across India
• 15+ years of expert travel planning
• 1 Million+ monthly visitors
• 1.5 lakh+ group and individual travelers served
• Trusted by travelers from India, USA, UK, Europe, Canada, and Southeast Asia

🔑Key features

• Custom itineraries built around your group’s real purpose, not just tourist traps
• Regional teams on the ground in all major circuits: North, West, East, and Himalayan India
• Fluent guides who understand both local context and global expectations
• End-to-end coordination of stays, meals, transport, rituals, and cultural events
• Seamless planning for group types: spiritual, educational, NRI families, university trips, corporate retreats

Best for: Spiritual seekers, student groups, family heritage tours, senior citizen retreats, and NRIs returning to explore India deeply.

🧳Most popular tours by Varanasi Excursion

• 10 Days Buddhist Circuit with the Birth to Death Place of Buddha
• 10 Days Private Golden Triangle with Ranthambore Wildlife Safari & Varanasi
• 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour
• 6 Days Kashi–Ayodhya: A Journey of Enlightenment
• 7 Days Private Buddhist Tour
• India’s Best Seller: 5 Days Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) with Dinner
• Kerala Highlights of South India – 7 Day Trip
• Taj Mahal with Rajasthan & Varanasi
• 8 Days Private Golden Triangle with Ranthambore Wildlife Safari (4-Star Luxury)
• Discover Mumbai in 3 Days with a Local Guide
• 7 Days – Pearl of the Himalayas: Kashmir Experience
• 10 Days of Royal Experience: A Heritage Luxury Journey
• Golden Triangle with Mumbai, Goa & Varanasi
• 10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi
• Customized inter-state educational tours and pan-India corporate retreats

Website and contact

🌐 varanasiexcursion.com
📞 +91 9005104999

SOTC

“A legacy of guided group travel, trusted by generations across India.”

Founded in 1949, SOTC (formerly Swiss Tours & Travels) started as a premium outbound travel company, catering to Indians seeking global adventures. Over the decades, it evolved into a household name for affordable, reliable group travel, both within India and abroad.

Now a part of Thomas Cook India Group, SOTC specializes in expertly designed domestic and international group packages, handling everything from itinerary creation to visa processing. They’ve redefined the experience of group travel for Indian families, seniors, students, and corporate groups, offering both comfort and cultural depth.

Their tours are known for their punctuality, attention to detail, and region-specific insights, all backed by decades of operational expertise.

🔑 Key features

• 70+ years of experience creating structured, easy-to-follow group tours for Indian travelers
• Operates across major circuits in India and 80+ international destinations
• Strong focus on Indian food, local guides, and multilingual support is especially valuable for first-time travelers or elders
• Highly organized and punctual group itineraries with built-in flexibility for leisure
• Personalization available for private group departures and student education programs
• Includes complete handling of travel insurance, visa, meals, stays, and sightseeing, all under one roof
• Now powered by the Thomas Cook network, ensuring deep industry reach and partnerships

Best for: Family vacations, senior citizen tours, student educational trips, first-time travelers, and Indian travelers looking for structure and safety.

🧳 Most popular tours by SOTC

• Char Dham Group Yatra (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri)
• Rajasthan Desert Tour
• Kerala Houseboat & Backwater Trail
• Scenic Sikkim & Darjeeling Explorer
• Golden Triangle Express (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur)

Thomas Cook India

“From legacy to leadership over a century of shaping how India travels together.”

Established in 1881, Thomas Cook India began as a foreign exchange and travel booking service during the British colonial era. Over time, it became synonymous with organized group travel, especially for Indian families and international holidaymakers seeking safety, convenience, and curated experiences.

Now a flagship brand under Fairfax Financial Holdings, Thomas Cook India blends its decades of heritage with modern digital tools to offer seamless group tours across India and abroad. From school excursions to senior citizen tours and international escorted group packages, they’ve covered it all with professionalism and personalisation.

With a reputation built on transparency, support, and structure, it remains one of the most respected names in Indian travel.

🔑 Key features

• 140+ years of trusted experience in handling leisure, business, and educational travel
• Offers pre-designed and customizable group packages to India’s top 75+ destinations
• Strong backend support in foreign exchange, insurance, flights, and visa assistance
• Ideal for first-time travelers or families looking for safety, comfort, and local cuisine
• Staff and guides trained in multilingual support, accessible travel, and group facilitation
• Partnerships with airlines and hotels allow for competitive pricing without compromise
• Digital booking, app-based itinerary tracking, and a 24/7 helpline make trips worry-free

Best for: Large family groups, senior citizens, NRI travelers, school & college tours, and safe women-led group holidays.

🧳 Most popular tours by Thomas Cook India

• Royal Rajasthan Heritage Group Tour
• Himalayan Bliss: Shimla–Manali–Dharamshala Circuit
• Temple Trail South India (Madurai–Rameswaram–Trichy–Kanyakumari)
• Sundarban Eco-Tour with Wildlife Safari
• Assam–Meghalaya Scenic Northeast Explorer

GT Holidays

“Not just another agency, your family’s trusted group travel companion in South India.”

Founded in 2003 as the travel wing of the GTN Group, GT Holidays is a Chennai-based company that grew from a local South Indian tour provider into a nationally recognized name in group travel.

Their roots in Tamil Nadu are strong, and that deep local knowledge makes them stand out when planning cultural, religious, or family-focused group tours. What began as a modest service has now expanded into handling large-scale group itineraries across India, Southeast Asia, and even Europe, all while maintaining a personalized touch.

GT Holidays has become a favorite among families, students, and religious groups from southern India looking for authentic, well-managed experiences.

🔑 Key features

• 20+ years of experience planning regional and pan-India group itineraries
• Especially strong in South India circuits like Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Kerala, and Karnataka
• Caters to both domestic and international destinations with in-house visa and forex services
• Ideal for Tamil-speaking and South Indian groups with support in multiple regional languages
• Offers customized group planning for religious yatras, educational trips, corporate retreats, and family reunions
• On-ground coordinators ensure comfort, safety, and smooth logistics for every group size
• Strong presence in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy, trusted by thousands of returning clients

Best for: South Indian families, temple groups, school and college trips, working professionals, and elderly pilgrim travelers.

🧳 Most popular tours by GT Holidays

• South India Temple Tour (Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam)
• Kerala Backwater & Ayurveda Wellness Tour
• Tamil Nadu–Andaman Beach & Heritage Combo
• Golden Triangle with Varanasi Spiritual Add-on
• Kashmir Family Leisure Group Tour

SOLO TRAVEL INDIA

“Come alone, leave with stories and a tribe you never knew you needed.”

SOLO TRAVEL INDIA was born in September 2019, from a very real and relatable moment: two friends had meticulously planned a trip, but one had to back out at the last minute. The other, torn between hesitation and courage, boarded the train alone. That solo journey turned out to be transformative, and the missed one became a spark.

Founded by Pawan and Siddharth, the company began with solo tour packages and gradually expanded into fixed-date group tours specifically for solo travelers. Their aim? To make solo travel less intimidating, more inclusive, and emotionally rewarding, especially in a country like India, where solo travel still feels unconventional for many.

Today, the brand is a go-to choice for first-time solo explorers, women travelers, and working professionals looking to break out of routine without having to go it completely alone.

🔑 Key features

• India’s first dedicated group travel platform for solo travelers
• Strong focus on building a community vibe, you may arrive solo, but you’ll leave with friendships
• Offers both custom solo packages and fixed-date group departures with like-minded strangers
• Affordable, all-inclusive pricing with options for private or shared accommodations
• Itineraries are non-touristy, experience-driven, and often include rural stays, hikes, and cultural immersions
• Founded and operated by passionate travelers, not just tour managers, they walk the solo walk
• Women travelers are given extra support and safety assurance, making it ideal for first-time solo women explorers
• Small group sizes ensure intimacy, bonding, and zero awkwardness

Best for: First-time solo travelers, solo women, professionals craving a break, offbeat seekers, and those who want community without chaos.

🧳 Most popular tours by SOLO TRAVEL INDIA

• Golden Triangle with Rajasthan (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur–Udaipur)
• Golden Triangle with Varanasi Spiritual Tour
• Five Elements Temple Tour – Tamil Nadu
• Taj Mahal & Temples Explorer (North India)
• Bhutan Solo Group Tour

WanderOn

“Where strangers become a tribe and every journey becomes a story.” 

Founded by a group of passionate engineers from NIT Kurukshetra, WanderOn started with a clear mission: to break the mold of traditional travel agencies and build a true community-driven travel experience for India’s youth.

What began as a spark among friends turned into a bold movement creating group travel experiences that feel like road trips with your best friends, not just strangers on a bus. Since its founding, the team has organized thousands of community trips, especially across rugged terrains like Spiti, Ladakh, and Meghalaya, blending adventure with shared human connection.

Today, WanderOn is one of India’s most recognizable youth travel brands, powered by a team of enthusiastic “travelpreneurs” who lead from the front whether it’s on a bike, a trek, or behind the scenes designing seamless itineraries.

🔑 Key features

• India’s leading youth-centric group travel company, born to revolutionize agent-based travel with community-first trips
• Known for high-energy bike expeditions, trekking getaways, and offbeat group tours
• On-ground support team includes Trip Captains, local vendors, and expert drivers for safety and authenticity
• Destinations span across India and international hotspots: Ladakh, Spiti, Kashmir, Andaman, Thailand, Vietnam, and Europe
• A tight-knit community culture solo travelers, couples, and friends all become part of the tribe
• Backed by strong values: freedom, transparency, creative energy, customer-first service, and hassle-free travel
• Offices in Gurugram and Jaipur, with an ever-growing network of trip leaders and coordinators
• Glowing reputation with 3000+ reviews and a 4.9/5 rating across platforms

Best for: Gen Z and millennial travelers, solo adventurers, first-time bikers, offbeat explorers, and professionals looking to escape the 9-to-5 grind.

🧳 Most popular tours by WanderOn

• Ladakh Bike Expedition (Leh, Nubra, Pangong)
• Spiti Valley Road Trip & Camping Experience
• Weekend Getaways to Kasol, Tirthan & Rishikesh
• Meghalaya Monsoon Tour
• Thailand & Vietnam Group Trips for Indian Youth

Jugni

“For every woman who said, ‘Someday I’ll travel solo,’ this is your sign.”

Founded by Nitesh Chauhan, Jugni began not as a business plan, but as an answer to a simple, powerful truth: Indian women wanted to travel, but safety, stigma, and logistics kept holding them back.

Drawing from real conversations with solo women travelers during his corporate stint in Varanasi, Nitesh decided to leave his successful marketing career and start Jugni, a women-only group travel company that gives women the freedom to travel solo without ever feeling alone.

Starting with just 3–4 participants per trip (and never canceling a single one), Jugni slowly built a trusted tribal community of over 2,000 Indian women, from all walks of life, who took the leap.

The name Jugni means “female firefly” a perfect symbol for the spirited, glowing energy they help women discover within themselves on every journey.

🔑 Key features

• Women-only travel company built specifically for solo Indian women, from first-timers to seasoned wanderers
• A unique solo–group hybrid: come solo, travel with a curated group of like-minded women
• Itineraries across 50+ countries and Indian destinations, from glamping in Jaipur to chasing the Northern Lights
• Focus on safety, sisterhood, and soulful travel. Each trip is led by an experienced female or certified outdoor leader
• Small group sizes (typically 12–15 women) to ensure bonding, freedom, and personalized experiences
• Fully vetted hotels, custom experiences, and flexible routines, you’re never forced into a cookie-cutter plan
• Welcomes women of all ages from 20-something soloists to 60+ adventurers and mother-daughter duos
• Offers everything from weekend getaways to international escapes, including visa and trip planning support
• Backed by a growing reputation featured in IndiGo’s in-flight magazine, ScoopWhoop, LBB Delhi, and more

Best for: First-time solo women travelers, independent professionals, creatives, retirees, wellness seekers, and anyone craving growth, freedom, and connection.

🧳 Most popular tours by Jugni

• Northern Lights Tour – Finland or Iceland
• Soulful Bhutan Group Tour
• Greece Island Escape (Women Only)
• Glamping & Stargazing Weekend in Jaipur
• Spiti Valley Road Trip (Solo Women Group)
• Temples & Tea – South India Spiritual Retreat

Wovoyage

“Solo doesn’t mean alone, it means unstoppable.”

Born out of a bold vision to make travel safer, accessible, and empowering for women, Wovoyage (short for “Women + Voyage”) is a woman-led travel tech company redefining solo and group travel for Indian and international female travelers.

The company was founded by Pooja Bhatt, a fierce advocate for gender equality in tourism, who turned her passion into a platform that today supports women tour guides, solo travelers, and inclusive experiences across the globe.

Wovoyage’s mission is simple yet transformative: to help women explore the world freely, confidently, and on their own terms whether they’re booking a solo custom trip or joining a curated all-women group tour.

With a growing base of over 100K+ users, Wovoyage is not just a tour operator, it’s a movement that’s actively changing how women travel in and from India.

🔑 Key features

• India’s first women-centric travel tech platform combining curated trips with digital tools and safety protocols
• Offers women-only group tours, solo itineraries, and corporate travel solutions
• Known for empowering local female guides across destinations like India, Japan, and Bhutan
• Every journey prioritizes safety, cultural sensitivity, and emotional comfort for solo women travelers
• Personalised travel support through WhatsApp, 24/7 emergency response, and travel buddy systems
• Strong global footprint with trips to Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and offbeat Indian circuits
• Aims to build economic opportunities for women in tourism, from rural guides to city trip captains
• Often hosts travel workshops, virtual support communities, and solo travel mentoring sessions

Best for: Independent solo women travelers, first-time international travelers, digital nomads, female students, and working professionals seeking safe and empowering adventures.

🧳 Most popular tours by Wovoyage

• Japan Cultural Tour (with Female Local Guide)
• All-Women Rajasthan Heritage Circuit
• South Korea Pop Culture Tour (for Solo Women Fans)
• Bhutan Wellness & Spiritual Escape
• Customized Solo Trips for Europe, Turkey & Vietnam

TravelTriangle

“Travel your way powered by experts, not guesswork.”

Founded in 2011 by three IIT graduates, Sankalp Agarwal, Sanchit Garg, and Prabhat Gupta, TravelTriangle was born out of a common frustration: most travel packages lacked personalization, and planning a vacation often felt like a chore.

They envisioned a smarter, tech-driven solution, one where travelers could customize their trips online, get connected to verified local travel agents, and receive multiple quotes to compare and book, all in one place.

Headquartered in Gurugram, TravelTriangle quickly scaled into one of India’s most successful travel marketplaces, offering tailored packages across thousands of destinations from honeymoon trips and adventure getaways to student tours and family vacations.

With a seamless platform and strong customer-first philosophy, they’ve made group travel feel less like a mass package and more like your personal journey with expert help on standby.

🔑 Key features

• India’s leading online travel marketplace connects users with multiple local agents for custom group and solo tour planning
• Transparent, competitive pricing through a multiple quotes system
• Wide variety of tour types: honeymoons, student trips, solo travel, adventure holidays, and family packages
• Partner network of 650+ verified agents across India and the world
• 65+ destinations in India and over 20 international locations covered
• 24×7 support during travel via app and customer care team
• Personalized experience with customization options for group size, duration, theme, and travel style
• Strong rating history millions of users and trusted by Indian families, couples, and corporate groups

Best for: DIY travelers who want expert help, large group planners, families, budget travelers, honeymooners, and students looking for curated + flexible tour options.

🧳 Most popular tours by TravelTriangle

• Honeymoon Packages for Himachal, Maldives & Bali
• Customized North East India Explorer Tour
• Thailand & Singapore Family Packages
• Student Adventure Trips to Rishikesh, Jaisalmer, and Manali
• Winter Treks and Budget Backpacker Trips

Intrepid Travel

“Small groups, big adventures with purpose.”

Founded in 1989 by two Australians, Darrell Wade and Geoff Manchester, Intrepid Travel began as a way to show that authentic, offbeat travel experiences could be both fun and responsible. 

What started as a shoestring trip through Thailand has now grown into one of the world’s largest small-group adventure travel companies operating in over 120 countries, including India.

Intrepid Travel champions a unique blend of local immersion, sustainable tourism, and ethical travel. In India, they cater to conscious travelers both solo and group, who crave cultural depth over luxury, and real experiences over Instagram moments.

They were also among the first to ban elephant rides, adopt carbon-neutral policies, and support local women-led tourism initiatives.

🔑 Key features

• Small group sizes (usually 10–12 people) led by local guides deeply rooted in the region’s culture
• Strong emphasis on responsible travel, carbon-neutral operations, support for wildlife conservation, and ethical local partnerships
• Tours focused on cultural immersion, local cuisine, homestays, rural experiences, and slow travel
• Welcomes solo travelers of all ages, with no single supplements for group trips
• Offers dedicated women-only tours in India and abroad led by female guides
• Part of the B Corp movement, meaning they meet high social and environmental standards
• Popular with international travelers exploring India and Indian travelers looking for sustainable global travel

Best for: Solo travelers, international backpackers, eco-conscious tourists, women looking for safe adventure, and slow travelers who value ethics as much as experiences.

🧳 Most popular tours by Intrepid Travel (India-focused)

• Classic Rajasthan – Small Group Tour
• Women’s Expedition: India with Female Tour Leader
• South India Revealed – Temples to Tea Plantations
• Golden Triangle + Varanasi Spiritual Tour
• Kerala Backwaters & Village Life Immersion

Veena World

“Where every vacation finds its perfect plan.”

Launched in 2013 by renowned travel entrepreneur Veena Patil, Veena World has become a household name in Indian group travel, especially among families, senior citizens, and cultural explorers.

Based in Mumbai, the company was built with a strong belief: everyone deserves a well-planned, worry-free vacation regardless of budget, age, or destination.

Veena World blends traditional Indian hospitality with world-class travel logistics, offering fixed-departure group tours, customized holidays, student tours, and women’s special tours across India and 70+ international destinations.

From huge multi-generational families to first-time solo women travelers, they’ve created experiences where travel feels less like a transaction and more like a shared memory.

🔑 Key features

• India’s most trusted name in fixed-departure group travel, over 5 lakh happy travelers
• Highly structured itineraries with inclusive pricing, making it perfect for family budgeting
• Wide range of tours: Senior citizen tours, Women’s special, Student tours, Couple packages, and Seasonal getaways
• Led by professional Tour Managers trained to handle large Indian groups
• Offers combo tours, multi-country packages, and domestic + international hybrid trips
• Daily departures to popular destinations; easy EMI options for affordability
• Deep cultural touchpoints Indian meals, temple visits, festive dates, and regional language options
• Free webinars and video guides for better travel planning

Best for: Indian families, elder travelers, newlyweds, college tour groups, and working professionals who want everything pre-planned.

🧳 Most popular tours by Veena World

• Europe with Indian Meals Tour (for families and seniors)
• Women’s Special Kashmir & Ladakh Group Tour
• All India Heritage Circuit: Golden Triangle + South India
• Southeast Asia Combo Tour: Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand
• Senior Citizen’s Char Dham Yatra with Comfort Stay

Why is group travel booming in 2025?

Group travel is having a major comeback in 2025, not just among seniors or school groups, but solo travelers, young professionals, women, and even digital nomads. Why?

Safety in numbers: In an unpredictable world, traveling in groups gives people (especially solo women) peace of mind.

Shared costs: Rising travel expenses are making group packages more appealing, splitting transport, stay, and guides helps make dream destinations affordable.

Built-In community: People are craving real-world connections. Group travel turns strangers into friends, whether you’re hiking in Himachal or diving in the Andamans.

Convenience is key: With trusted companies handling logistics, permits, stays, and local guides, travelers can just show up without burning out on planning.

What makes a group travel company the best?

Not all group travel companies are built the same. In fact, solo travelers often share cautionary tales, like this one:

Real stories like this from solo travelers show that not all group tours are created equal. Without proper planning, you might end up…

“I went on a group trip to Manali with a travel company, and most people already knew each other from earlier tours. As a solo traveler, I felt totally left out. Also, if you don’t drink, you’re basically excluded from the group vibe every night.”

— A solo traveler on Reddit 

To avoid experiences like this, the best group travel companies in 2025 stand out by offering:

• Simple, transparent planning no confusing emails or hidden costs
• Clear communication from trip details to what to pack, everything is spelled out
• Inclusive group dynamics companies now ensure solo travelers and non-drinkers feel welcome
• Customizable option for those who want a group trip, but with personal freedom
• Local know-how, strong regional presence ensures better guides, logistics, and cultural experiences
• On-ground support trip captains, emergency numbers, and 24/7 assistance give you peace of mind

Whether you’re a solo woman traveler, a student group, or a newlywed couple the right company makes all the difference.

Your next trip shouldn’t be solo, even if you’re traveling alone

You’ve been dreaming of this trip for months. But the closer it gets, the louder the doubts become.

What if no one talks to me?
What if I feel like an outsider?
What if it’s all couples or cliques, and I just blend into the background?

These aren’t just thoughts, they’re real fears that stop so many solo travelers from ever booking that first adventure.

But here’s the truth: traveling alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely.

When you choose the right group travel company, something shifts.
You’re not just following an itinerary, you’re being seen, welcomed, and included.
You’re not navigating it all by yourself, you’re surrounded by people who get it.

And with Varanasi Excursion, that’s exactly what we’ve built not just group tours, but soulful journeys where solo travelers become lifelong friends, and strangers become something that feels a lot like family.

Because we know how it feels to be the quiet one in a group of loud voices.
We know how it feels to want depth, not just destinations.
And we know that the best trips are not the ones with the fanciest hotels but the ones where you feel like you finally belong.

✨ So if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.

👉 Plan your India trip with Varanasi Excursion and come home with a story, and maybe someone who felt like home.