Traveling with a group?
Let me ask you something.
Have you ever said yes to a trip… and then halfway through wished you could teleport home?
Because the group vibe was just off?
I’ve been there. Once, I joined this “cultural tour” of Rajasthan that sounded amazing on paper: forts, folk music, food walks. But in reality? Half the group only wanted selfies and Starbucks stops. No judgment to those people, but it wasn’t my vibe. And I ended up quietly skipping dinner one night just to recharge.
That’s when I learned:
The company you travel with matters just as much as the places you go.
So if you’re thinking of booking a group tour in India in 2025, here are a few real questions you should ask before clicking “Book Now”:
🤷♀️Do you know who you’ll be traveling with?
No I’m not talking about their names, but their energy.
- Are they all 20-somethings who want to party, while you’re here for peace and temples?
- Are you the only solo traveler in a group of couples?
- Will you be stuck making small talk when you’d rather just look out the window?
A good group tour company curates the vibe, not just the itinerary. Some even match travelers based on age or interest. Trust me, it makes a difference.
🔐 Will you feel safe, always?
Late-night transfers, unknown cities, sharing space with strangers just hoping the company takes real steps to make safety more than a checkbox. You should be able to relax, not constantly watch your back.
🧘♀️ Will you have space to just be you?
Not everyone wants to be social 24/7.
Maybe you want to skip a group dinner. Or sleep in. Or walk around solo.
Some group tours treat that like you’re “breaking the rules.”
But the good ones?
They get it. They respect quiet moments and personal space, without guilt-tripping you.
🎯 Is the itinerary actually your vibe?
I once saw a group itinerary that included 11 places in 3 days. No joke. Sure, you can “see” them from a bus window. 😅
But do you get to feel the place?
Can you sit by the Ganga in silence, or is it a photo op and go?
Will you eat street food in Delhi or just buffet dinners at the hotel?
Do you get downtime to explore your own way?
👥 Who’s leading the group?
Because one good guide can turn strangers into friends, and one bad one can kill the mood of the entire trip. Just hope you’re with someone who actually cares about the experience, not just ticking boxes.
🔍 Does the group actually match your energy?
For just a moment if we forget just age and budget, think:
- Are they early risers or night owls?
- Do they love hiking or hate walking?
- Are they foodies or fussy eaters?
Some companies do interest-based tours, for photographers, yoga lovers, spiritual seekers, even literature nerds. Find your tribe.
Okay, so what now?
In this guide, I’ve shortlisted 9 of the best group tour companies in India for 2025, based on real-world experiences, not just glossy brochures.
They understand solo travelers, friend groups, families, and even introverts like me.
Let’s dive in, and find your kind of group.
Because there’s a group tour company out there that actually gets you.
Top 9 best group tour companies in India you can count on
In a country as colorful and complex as India, traveling in a group isn’t just about the destination, it’s about shared laughter, safe hands, and seamless planning.
Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking a circle, a family craving connection, or a friend group ready to finally tick off that bucket list, finding the right tour company can shape every moment.
These handpicked travel partners aren’t just tour operators, they’re memory-makers. Backed by years of trust, carefully curated itineraries, and an eye for comfort, they know how to turn a group into a tribe.
Varanasi Excursion
Some companies just “arrange tours.”
Varanasi Excursion? They orchestrate experiences, especially for groups that crave meaning, not just movement.
Born in the heart of India’s spiritual capital back in 2009, this team started with walking tours along the ghats and quickly grew into one of India’s most respected names in group travel that goes beyond sightseeing.
Whether you’re organizing:
- A spiritual retreat for elders
- A university heritage study tour
- A cross-country family trip
- Or even a corporate offsite with cultural depth
They’ve probably already done it, and done it well.
What makes them stand out is how local their approach feels, no matter where you go: from arranging Ganga Aartis in Varanasi, to planning seamless Rajasthan circuits or peaceful escapes in Bodhgaya and Kashmir.
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 clients from India, Europe, USA, Canada, UK, Southeast Asia, and more
Key features of Varanasi Excursion for travel groups
- Custom itineraries designed around your group’s real needs, not just tourist checklists
- An on-ground team in every major region
- Guides who speak your language (literally and culturally)
- Start-to-finish handling of stays, meals, transport, events
- Specializes in group themes: spiritual, educational, cultural, and even light adventure
Best for: Spiritual groups, heritage travelers, educational tours, large Indian families, and NRI families coming home for a meaningful trip.
Most popular tours by Varanasi Excursion
- 10 Days Buddhist Circuit with 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 & Contact
🌐 varanasiexcursion.com
📞 +91 9005104999
SOTC
SOTC has been around since 1949, which makes it one of the oldest travel companies in India. It started under Kuoni Travel and is now part of the Thomas Cook India group. They mostly focus on group travel, think family trips, senior citizen tours, student batches, and even corporate tours.
If you’re someone who prefers everything pre-planned and organized, SOTC is good at that. They offer all-inclusive packages (flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing), and have options for both domestic and international destinations. They also have physical stores in over 100 cities, which is helpful if someone in your group wants to book in person.
Key features of SOTC
- They’ve handled group tours for decades, so the process is smooth
- Ideal for families or elder groups who prefer fixed itineraries
- Transparent pricing, and everything is bundled in one plan
- Options for visa help, travel insurance, and multilingual guides
- Good offline + online presence, making it easy to book or get support
Most popular tours by SOTC
- Spiritual India Circuit: Group tour covering Varanasi, Bodhgaya, and Prayagraj with guided rituals and heritage walks.
- Royal Rajasthan Highlights: Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur in one package with folk shows, palace visits, and traditional stays.
- Char Dham Yatra: Fixed-departure spiritual tours ideal for senior citizen groups seeking safety and comfort.
- Golden Triangle Getaway: A well-paced itinerary through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur tailored for group experiences.
- Kerala Backwater Escape: Houseboats, spice plantations, and Ayurvedic wellness with group-friendly logistics.
Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook India has been in the travel game since 1881, yep, over 140 years ago! It’s one of the oldest names you’ll come across. Today, it’s backed by Fairfax Financial, and they’re still going strong with group tours all over India and abroad.
They cover all kinds of groups, whether it’s a religious yatra, a family holiday, a friends’ getaway, or even a corporate team trip. Their packages are super structured, and they have tour managers who speak multiple languages. With 160+ branches across India, they’re easy to reach. You also get extras like visa help, travel insurance, and foreign exchange services all under one roof.
Key features of Thomas Cook India
- One of the oldest travel companies still running strong
- Great for all kinds of group travelers, from spiritual to corporate
- You can get everything in one place: tours, visa, forex, and insurance
- Their team knows how to plan large-scale trips with ease
- Big offline presence, good for those who prefer face-to-face booking
Most popular tours by Thomas Cook India
- Spiritual North India Tour: Covers Varanasi, Prayagraj, Bodh Gaya, and Ayodhya with guided experiences and religious rituals.
- South India Temple Trail: Visits Madurai, Rameswaram, and Kanchipuram, tailored for cultural and spiritual seekers.
- Golden Triangle with Varanasi: A classic circuit with the addition of Varanasi’s divine ghats and Ganga aarti.
- Char Dham Yatra Group Tour: Popular pilgrimage covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath with all-in-one planning.
Kesari Tours
Kesari Tours has been doing group travel since 1984. Started by Sudhir Patil, the company has built a strong name in India, especially among families, senior citizens, students, and even women-only groups.
What makes them different? They really understand group dynamics. Whether it’s a school tour, a spiritual yatra, or a ladies-only Europe trip, they’ve got it covered. They run tours like clockwork with fixed dates, expert guides, and even their own chefs on foreign trips so you don’t miss Indian food abroad.
Key features of Kesari Tours
- Over 40 years of group travel experience
- They specialize in senior citizen, women’s, and student group tours
- Known for super-organized itineraries and fixed departure dates
- Offer Indian food abroad, yes, they send chefs with the group!
- Great for people who want that community travel vibe
Most popular tours by Kesari Tours
- Varanasi-Gaya-Prayagraj Tour: A classic religious circuit with spiritual immersion, group rituals, and guided experiences.
- All India Pilgrimage Circuit: Designed for large groups visiting holy destinations like Tirupati, Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, and Dwarka.
- Kesari MICE Tours: Corporate groups travel with end-to-end arrangements for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events.
- Europe Group Tour: Popular international group packages including Paris, Switzerland, and Italy with Indian food and experienced tour managers.
Veena World
Started in 2013 by Veena and Sudhir Patil, Veena World has quickly grown into a favorite name in India’s group travel scene. Their motto is simple, travel is for everyone and they really mean it.
Whether you’re traveling with family, on a solo trip, or part of a women’s or senior citizens’ group, Veena World plans everything to feel smooth and stress-free. Their tours focus not just on sightseeing, but on shared moments. With Indian food served abroad, friendly tour managers, and fixed-date departures, the whole thing feels like traveling with a big, cheerful family.
Key features of Veena World
- Strong word-of-mouth and loyal repeat travelers across India
- One of the few with celebration tours (birthdays, anniversaries, retirements)
- Women-led leadership with a focus on emotional well-being during travel
- Smooth onboarding even for first-time international travelers
- Great app and customer support for booking, tracking, and updates
Most popular tours by Veena World
- Spiritual Trails of Varanasi and Ganga Aarti Experience: A group-friendly itinerary that blends faith, history, and the unmatched soul of Varanasi.
- India Darshan Grand Circuit: A panoramic group tour covering Golden Triangle, Kerala, Himachal, and Central India highlights.
- Women’s Special Tours: Empowering, safe, and fun-filled group tours crafted exclusively for women of all ages.
- Corporate & Celebration Tours: Tailor-made group experiences for MICE, weddings, anniversaries, or large family getaways.
SITA Travels
One of the oldest and most trusted names in Indian inbound tourism, SITA Travels has been operating since 1963. Now part of the Travel Corporation (TTC) group, they specialize in well-organized group tours for international travelers, educational institutions, families, and cultural delegations.
What makes SITA stand out is their ability to handle complex, multi-destination itineraries with ease. From spiritual journeys in Varanasi to heritage circuits across Rajasthan and South India, their strong local presence and experienced teams ensure smooth logistics, reliable guides, and consistent support throughout the trip.
Key features of SITA Travels
- Decades of experience in inbound group travel
- Strong network across Indian cities and regions
- Multilingual staff and local cultural insight
- Ideal for cultural, educational, and heritage-focused tours
- Reliable support and coordination for large or diverse groups
Most popular group tours by SITA Travels
- Sacred India Circuit (Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, and more): Ideal for spiritual seekers and cultural explorers, this tour captures the heartbeat of India’s sacred geography.
- Royal Rajasthan Group Experience: Designed for history and architecture lovers, this circuit blends opulence with storytelling.
- Educational Heritage Tours: Perfect for school or university groups looking to combine learning with travel.
- Multi-Generational India Discovery: Curated with comfort and diversity in mind, this tour suits groups of all ages.
MakeMyTrip
You’ve probably used MakeMyTrip to book a train or hotel, right? But it’s not just for solo travel. MMT is actually one of India’s biggest travel companies when it comes to organizing full group trips: for families, schools, companies, or even spiritual yatras.
Started in 2000 by Deep Kalra, it made online travel planning popular in India. Today, they mix powerful tech with strong ground support which means if you’re planning something big with lots of people, they’ll handle bookings, itinerary changes, and even emergency support without any chaos.
Key features of MakeMyTrip
- Big name, trusted by millions
- Easy app-based trip planning for groups
- Great for corporate, student, and spiritual tours
- 24/7 customer help if anything goes wrong
- Flexible pricing and smooth rescheduling options
Most popular group tours by MakeMyTrip
- Custom Group Packages to Varanasi + Ayodhya: Designed for large families, pilgrim groups, or senior citizen clubs with guided temple visits, river cruises, and curated meal plans.
- Pan-India Group Discovery Tour: Ideal for first-time visitors or international groups wanting a curated slice of India from the Himalayas to coastal retreats.
- Educational and Industrial Tours: MakeMyTrip offers logistical convenience for institutions, including travel, stays, and industry visits.
- Corporate Team-Building Getaway: Fully-managed offsites with MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) solutions.
Travel Leisure India
Started in 2012, Travel Leisure India is a smaller, boutique travel company based in Delhi but don’t let its size fool you. It’s known for crafting deeply personal and meaningful group travel experiences, especially for those looking to connect with India’s spiritual and cultural side.
From senior citizen tours to student trips and spiritual journeys in places like Varanasi, they focus on creating smooth and flexible plans that mix comfort with authentic local touch. Think guided aartis, peaceful boat rides, and stays that actually feel like part of the destination, not just another hotel.
Key features of Travel Leisure India
- Great for spiritual and senior-friendly trips
- Custom tours for families, students, or companies
- Friendly local guides and 24×7 assistance
- Balance of planned schedules and free time
- Ideal for soulful, theme-based travel across India
Most popular group tours by Travel Leisure India
- Varanasi + Sarnath Spiritual Circle: Tailored for spiritual groups and senior travelers includes ritual participation, guided heritage walks, and serene lodging options.
- Educational Tours for Colleges and Schools: Budget-friendly packages with safety, learning, and engagement at the core ideal for institutions.
- All-India Themed Group Journeys: From “Buddhist Circuit Tours” to “Royal Rajasthan,” these packages cover India’s diverse flavors for domestic and foreign group travelers alike.
- Corporate Wellness Retreats: For companies seeking mindful offsites that fuse travel with meditation, learning, and team bonding.
Cox & Kings
Founded way back in 1758, Cox & Kings is one of the oldest travel brands in the world. With roots in the UK and a strong presence in India, the company is known for organizing polished, heritage-rich group tours that blend comfort, culture, and convenience.
From large family groups and senior travellers to spiritual seekers and corporate teams, Cox & Kings handles every detail with experience and care. If you’re planning a Varanasi trip, expect smooth logistics, comfortable stays, and a touch of old-world charm.
Key features of Cox & Kings
- Known for heritage-style travel and expert planning
- Great for premium spiritual, student, or corporate tours
- Offers luxury coach travel and multilingual guides
- Strong hotel and local experience partnerships
- Dedicated tour managers for stress-free group handling
Most popular group tours by Cox & Kings
- Sacred Varanasi Pilgrimage Tour: Designed for religious groups and senior travelers, this itinerary covers Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath, Ganga Aarti, and more with premium logistics and attentive on-ground support.
- India Heritage Circuits: Connects Varanasi with Khajuraho, Lucknow, and Jaipur ideal for foreign groups or culture enthusiasts traveling in packs.
- Group Corporate Retreats: Luxurious offsites and team-building retreats with seamless planning, top-tier accommodations, and curated experiences.
- Custom All-India Group Tours: From Amritsar to Rameswaram, their pan-India group travel solutions cover everything from transportation to food and local insights.
Let your travel style choose the right partner for you
Different travel companies have different strengths. So instead of picking the most famous one, it’s smarter to pick one that fits your travel style.
🛕 Spiritual and cultural tours in India
Looking for peaceful, soul-touching experiences? These are perfect:
- Varanasi Excursion: Great for spiritual trips in North India and around Varanasi. They know the local traditions really well and offer guided rituals.
- SITA Travels: Known for their cultural circuits and meaningful spiritual journeys across India.
- Kesari Tours: Offers group pilgrimage packages and religious yatras across India.
🧗♂️ Adventure and trekking trips
Love mountains, jungles, and thrilling activities? Try these:
- Thomas Cook India: Offers treks, wildlife safaris, and adventure packages to places like Ladakh and the Northeast.
- SOTC Travel Limited: Has both domestic and international adventure tours, including beaches and hills.
- Veena World: Budget-friendly group adventure tours with options like trekking, rafting, and camping.
🌊 Beach holidays and coastal retreats
Want a relaxing time on the beach? These can help:
- MakeMyTrip: Big variety of Goa, Kerala, and Andaman beach packages. Easy to customize.
- SOTC Travel Limited: Great for both luxury and family beach vacations.
- Kesari Tours: Offers well-planned group tours to beach destinations.
🏔️ Mountain escapes and hill station tours
Planning a chilled-out mountain trip? Here are some good options:
- Varanasi Excursion: They also arrange custom North India hill station tours with a cultural twist.
- Thomas Cook India: Known for premium stays in places like Shimla, Manali, and Sikkim.
- SOTC Travel Limited: Has a range of mountain packages across India.
- Veena World: Budget-friendly group tours to hill stations.
🕌 North India heritage circuits
Love history, architecture, and old cities? These are great:
- Varanasi Excursion: Ideal for exploring Varanasi, Agra, and any cities in North India.
- SITA Travels: Known for heritage tours in cities like Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi.
- Cox & Kings: (If they’re operating under Travel with Leisure) They’ve been doing heritage tours for decades.
✈️ International group tours
Planning to explore outside India? These are trusted names:
- Kesari Tours: Famous for escorted group tours with Indian food and Indian tour managers.
- Veena World: Very popular with first-time international travelers.
- MakeMyTrip: Offers lots of group and private international packages with good hotel deals.
🧳 Customized private travel
Want full control of your trip with special treatment? These are for you:
- Travel Leisure India: Great for luxury, tailor-made itineraries with private guides and transfers.
- SITA Travels: Strong on personalized cultural and luxury travel.
- Varanasi Excursion: Offers custom group trips focused on culture, education, and spirituality.
So, which group tour company feels right for you?
Choosing the right group travel company isn’t just about ticking places off a list.
It’s about finding people who understand your group’s vibe, whether you’re a big family, a bunch of students, or a group of spiritual seekers.
From heritage pros like Cox & Kings to heartful planners like Travel Leisure India, each company on this list has its own way of making group travel easy, exciting, and unforgettable.
But if you’re looking for something that’s not just planned but deeply felt, then we’d love to help.
At Varanasi Excursion, we specialize in creating soulful, culturally rich group journeys across India. From spiritual tours in Varanasi to heritage walks and offbeat local experiences, we bring you close to the real India with all the comfort and care you deserve.
Like Rumi said, “Travel brings power and love back into your life.”
So don’t just pick any travel company. Pick someone who understands what your heart wants.
📞 Ready to travel with purpose, not just a package?
Visit Varanasi Excursion or call +91 9005104999.
Travel India. Feel India. With people who truly get it.
