“Have you ever felt a little voice inside telling you, ‘Let’s go somewhere new and see what life is like there?”
I hear it often. I don’t know why exactly, but I’ve come to believe this:
Travel isn’t just about visiting places.
It’s about the stories you gather.
The laughter you share with strangers who become friends.
The taste of spices that wake up your senses.
And the feeling of watching the sun set over a city that has stood for ages.
India bursts with colors, cultures, and hidden secrets. It’s best explored with someone who knows it well. That’s why choosing the best tour and travel company in India matters. It can turn a simple trip into something unforgettable.
Here’s a warm, handpicked list of 9 top tour and travel companies in India for 2025, each one is ready to create journeys that stay with you long after you return home.
So… why book through a tour and travel company in India?
To be honest, you could plan your whole trip yourself. I’ve done that before. I once spent three full evenings comparing hotel reviews for Jaipur and still ended up booking one where the shower barely worked.
That’s when I realized: sometimes it’s just easier (and smarter) to leave it to someone who does this every day.
Here’s why booking with a local travel company can actually make your trip way better:
They know the place like their own backyard
Imagine you’re in Varanasi. A local planner won’t just take you to the main ghat, they’ll walk you through a quiet alley to a lesser-known temple where you might just stumble into a local festival. That’s the kind of stuff you don’t find on Google.
They help you avoid rookie mistakes
In India, train classes, temple timings, or even how to dress in certain areas can get confusing fast. A good travel company will quietly guide you so you don’t feel lost or awkward.
They save you hours of mental load
You won’t have to scroll through 27 tabs comparing hotel prices or wonder if your cab driver is legit. It’s all taken care of. Just show up and enjoy.
It’s safer, especially if you’re new to India
Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or for the first time, having someone you can call anytime during your trip is a huge relief.
You get access to stuff you won’t find on booking apps
Like a sunrise boat ride in the backwaters before the crowds arrive. Or a lunch invite to a Rajasthani haveli where the food is made from recipes passed down through generations.
Quick tip:
If you’re traveling to India for the first time, I strongly suggest going with a travel company. Not only will you have a smoother trip, but you’ll also get to experience the real India, not just the one in guidebooks.
Top 9 tour and travel companies in India in 2025
Looking for someone to plan your trip like a local friend would?
These 9 travel companies are trusted, experienced, and known for turning trips into stories you’ll tell for years.
Whether you’re craving culture, nature, or a little bit of everything, they’ve got you covered. Let’s get started.
Varanasi Excursion
Best for: Spiritual seekers, culture lovers, and anyone eager to explore Varanasi deeply.
If you believe that travel is more than ticking places off a list!
I’m kind of you!
I believe it’s about meaning, memory, and the people you meet along the way.
That’s why I want you to know about Varanasi Excursion. What began as a small local initiative in the heart of Varanasi has grown into one of India’s most soulful and story-rich travel companies.
From the temples of Kashi to the backwaters of Kerala, from royal palaces in Rajasthan to quiet monasteries on the Buddhist circuit, they design trips that feel handcrafted and personal. No rushed sightseeing. Just deep, immersive experiences with guides who care about more than just your itinerary.
Services offered by Varanasi Excursion
- Full-service guided tours across North and South India
- Multi-day circuits including Golden Triangle, Kashmir, Kerala & more
- Spiritual and cultural tours: Varanasi, Ayodhya, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, etc.
- Wildlife safaris and luxury heritage stays
- Custom private tours for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups
- Support for international travelers with airport pickups, hotels, and all logistics
Special features of Varanasi Excursion
- Started in Varanasi and now covers all major cultural regions in India
- Run by locals, storytellers, and cultural experts
- Tours focus on real connection, not just sightseeing
- Experiences range from short day trips to 10-day immersive circuits
- Female-friendly, solo-friendly, and safe for families
- Honest pricing with no hidden costs or tourist traps
Based in
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Website and contact
🌐 varanasiexcursion.com
📞 +91 9005104999
MakeMyTrip
Best for: Tech‑savvy travelers and corporate clients seeking seamless self‑service booking.
MakeMyTrip launched in 2000 as one of India’s first online travel booking platforms. Over the past two decades, it has become a widely used option for booking flights, hotels, and full travel packages across India and abroad.
Known for its tech-first approach, MakeMyTrip combines real-time inventory with user reviews to help travelers find everything from budget-friendly options to luxury stays. It also offers planning tools and customer support designed to make self-booking easier and more convenient.
Service offered by MakeMyTrip
- Holiday packages for domestic and international destinations
- “Flight + Hotel” combo deals for added savings
- MyBiz portal for corporate and business travel
- Local activity add-ons like cooking classes and walking tours
- Car rentals, airport transfers, and visa assistance
Yatra
Best for: Travelers who value human touchpoints and safety‑first experiences.
Founded in 2006, Yatra has built a reputation around customer-focused service and transparent pricing. Unlike some purely digital platforms, Yatra combines online tools with human support, including agents who confirm trip details by phone and help resolve any mid-trip issues.
In 2025, the platform expanded its network of on-ground partners, especially in remote and less-traveled regions. Its in-house team also creates destination guides to help travelers explore local culture, lesser-known spots, and offbeat experiences.
Service offered by Yatra
- “Yatra Ka Safe Trip” certification for hotels and activities
- Customizable “Fly + Stay” holiday packages with optional add-ons
- 24-Hour Price Drop Protection with refund guarantees
- Support for both leisure and corporate travel bookings
- Integrated options for travel insurance and visa help
Thomas Cook India
Best for: Families and mature travelers seeking legacy reliability and visa support.
With roots going back to 1881, Thomas Cook India is one of the country’s oldest travel brands. Today, it combines international experience with strong local reach, operating through 230+ offices across India. From group tours to visa help, it provides a wide range of services under one roof.
In 2025, the company has shifted focus toward more responsible and sustainable travel. Travelers can now opt for carbon-neutral flights, eco-certified hotels, and even homestays arranged in partnership with local communities. Their “Cook for Good” program also supports small village economies along the way.
Services offered by Thomas Cook India
- Group tours, customized holidays, and business travel planning
- Forex and travel money solutions with zero-markup multi-currency cards
- Visa assistance and passport services through retail outlets
- Culinary-focused “Cook & Taste” tours in India and abroad
- “Green Stays” program featuring eco-conscious accommodations
Cox and Kings
Best for: Luxury‑seekers and wildlife enthusiasts craving off‑beat, curated adventures.
One of the world’s oldest travel companies, Cox and Kings has long been known for luxury train journeys, expedition cruises, and culturally rich experiences. In recent years, they’ve refreshed their brand to appeal to modern travelers who value comfort and connection.
Their 2025 offerings focus on small-group, high-touch adventures like private jet safaris, Himalayan heritage trails, and forest retreats. With a maximum group size of 16, travelers can enjoy more personalized service without the stress of large crowds.
Service offered by Cox and Kings
- Private Jet Expeditions across India and neighboring countries
- Heritage Railway Tours such as Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
- “Forest Retreats” located in biodiversity hotspots and nature reserves
- Custom cultural tours and luxury family vacations
- Concierge-managed pre- and post-trip arrangements
SOTC Travel
Best for: Culture buffs and wellness travelers looking for thematic deep‑dives.
SOTC Travel has been serving Indian travelers since 1949. Originally known for tiger-trail safaris, it now offers a wide range of thematic tours both within India and internationally. Its “See India” division is known for curated travel that highlights culture, wellness, and spiritual heritage.
In 2025, SOTC continues to focus on unique, immersive experiences: from wellness retreats in Kerala to eco-river cruises in Assam and temple-trail pilgrimages through South India. The company also collaborates with over 1,000 partners across 65 countries, bringing global best practices to local travel planning.
Services offered by SOTC Travel
- “Soulful Sojourns” yoga and wellness retreats in scenic locations
- River cruises in Assam with onboard cultural performances
- Temple Trails guided by expert archaeologists and heritage specialists
- International holiday packages with multi-country options
- Road-trip planning with 24/7 support
Kesari Tours
Best for: Road‑trip lovers who enjoy the camaraderie of group travel with modern comforts.
Kesari Tours has been a household name in Indian coach holidays since 1984. Known for its classic group bus tours through Rajasthan and North India, Kesari has evolved in 2025 to offer more intimate and comfortable micro-group travel. These upgraded tours cater to 10 to 15 travelers and come with modern luxury coach amenities.
Whether you’re exploring royal forts or cruising through Kerala’s backwaters, Kesari makes it easy to travel in comfort. Their “Kesari Connect” app adds a digital edge, letting you track your coach, access your itinerary, and even check into hotels in advance.
Services offered Kesari Tours
- “Mini-Group Royal Rajasthan” with boutique hotel stays
- “Himalayan Adventure Drive” combining self-drive and guided segments
- “Spice & Serenity” tour featuring Kerala houseboats and beach resorts
- Domestic holiday packages with curated stops
- Senior citizen and family-focused seasonal specials
Cleartrip
Best for: Young professionals and spontaneous travelers seeking frictionless tech.
Cleartrip made its name with clean design and straightforward booking when it launched in 2006. In 2025, it still delivers on that promise but now with smart tech under the hood. Backed by Webedia, Cleartrip uses AI to create dynamic travel plans based on your preferences, time, and budget.
It’s especially useful for spontaneous getaways or group trips. Whether you’re planning a last-minute trek or a winter desert escape, Cleartrip makes it fast and simple with transparent prices and lightning-fast refunds.
Services offered by Cleartrip
- AI-powered “Smart Package” with real-time route and date optimization
- “Off-Season Escapes” like monsoon treks and winter safaris
- “Social Trips” that allow instant booking and group sharing
- Flexible holiday bundles for families and solo travelers
- Business travel planning with auto-invoice and smart rescheduling
TravelTriangle
TravelTriangle pioneered the peer-to-peer travel marketplace in India. Since 2011, it has helped millions connect directly with verified tour operators, cutting out the middle layer. This direct approach means lower costs, custom itineraries, and better support.
By 2025, the platform has grown to 4,000+ verified agents in 80+ countries. Whether it’s a village homestay in Himachal or a last-minute pop-up trip to Bali, TravelTriangle is a top pick for travelers who want full control and fair prices.
Services offered by TravelTriangle
- Custom ‘Trip Requests’ where agents compete to offer the best deals
- “Village Homestays” in offbeat Indian locations like Rajasthan and Kerala
- “Pop-Up Retreats” with mystery itineraries revealed 48 hours in advance
- Group tours, honeymoon packages, and all-India holiday options
- Assistance with visas, travel insurance, and add-on bookings
So, who would you trust to show you the real India?
Every travel company can promise you hotels, transfers, and sightseeing.
But not all of them can introduce you to a priest who’s led Ganga Aartis for 30 years. Or take you into the kitchen of a Rajasthani haveli. Or let you sit in silence with a monk in Bodh Gaya before sunrise.
That’s the difference a rooted, people-first company makes.
If you’re someone who values cultural depth, slow travel, and stories that stay with you then companies like Varanasi Excursion are worth keeping on your radar.
They may not be the biggest name on the list, but sometimes, it’s the quiet ones that show you the loudest beauty.
👉 Book your India tour with Varanasi Excursion website or call 📞 +91 9005104999.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right tour and travel company in India?
Start by identifying what kind of experience you want. Do you prefer luxury, adventure, spiritual travel, or deep cultural immersion? Then look for companies with a proven track record, good reviews, local expertise, and transparent communication. Always check if they offer customisation and support before and during the trip.
Are local travel companies in India reliable?
Many local companies are not only reliable but offer a far more authentic experience than larger platforms. For example, Varanasi Excursion is locally run and deeply rooted in culture, which reflects in how they design and lead tours. Just make sure to review their online ratings, testimonials, and recent trip photos.
What’s the difference between using a big platform like MakeMyTrip and booking with a local tour company?
Big platforms are good for booking flights and hotels quickly, but they often lack the personal touch. Local companies, on the other hand, plan your journey end-to-end, provide human guidance, and build in cultural depth. If you’re looking for meaning and memories, local teams usually do a better job.
Is it safe to travel with these companies as a solo traveler or woman traveler?
Yes, most of the companies listed here take safety seriously. Some, like Varanasi Excursion, are especially mindful of solo and female travelers, offering trusted drivers, local guides, and well-planned routes that prioritise comfort and cultural sensitivity.
Can I customize my itinerary with these companies?
Almost all the companies mentioned in this blog offer customisable trips. You can usually choose your pace, destinations, type of accommodation, and even request specific guides or themes for your tour. This helps you travel on your terms, not on a fixed script.
Which company is best for spiritual or cultural tours in India?
If you want something beyond the usual sightseeing, Varanasi Excursion is a great choice. They focus on spiritual and heritage-rich circuits like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Sarnath, and Bodh Gaya, and design every tour with context and meaning, not just logistics.
What’s the best time to plan a tour in India?
For most regions, October to March offers pleasant weather and clear skies. However, if you’re visiting Ladakh or the Himalayan regions, May to August is better. Kerala and other southern states also shine during monsoon months if you’re seeking lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
