Experience India intimately with over 140 small group tours (max 16 travelers). Enjoy personal attention from guides, flexibility in itineraries, and deeper cultural connections, rated by more than 1,100 small group travelers.
Duration
3 days37 days
Departures
Activities
Physical Rating
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
This was my first trip as a single person and I had a fabulous time. The group of 12 (four couples and four singles) really gelled and were very friendly, supportive and fun. The itinerary was very good, with at least one specific thing to do, see or visit each day. The high points were the tea plantation, the spice farm, the cookery evening, the wonderful scenery and the houseboat . The accommodation was generally very good, but the homestay was too basic to be an enjoyable experience. It didn't feel as though we were guests in someone's home, it felt more like a commercial exercise (eg the host talked of building a hotel next year to accommodate more guests). The food was excellent in most places with some well-chosen restaurants/snack bars, and plenty of choice for vegetarians, but I was a little disappointment at the street food experience, which was just selecting one cold, precooked snack (such as samosa, vada or fritter.) I was anticipating some freshly cooked food (while we looked on) such as rice and dahl or pani puri. Also, I thought that the purpose of visiting the market was to select spices and vegetables to use later in our cookery evening, but there wasn't an obvious link. Our guide, Sree, was flexible, knowledgeable and very accommodating of all our needs.
Overall a really great experience with a great group of people. Will definitely use Explore again for another adventurous trip.
City sightseeingSight
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The trip itinerary certainly gave a wide range view of different areas of Southern India and their way of life. Busy bustling Chennai, then to the coastal resort of Pondicherry with a French flavour, followed by the temples and palace of Madurai. Then on to the hills hitting the tea plantations, spices and backwaters of Kerela for a sail along the river. Kochi, a busy town, with lots to see - Palace, museums, churches, synagogue and chinese fishing nets to name a few. A highlight was the toy train to Ooty. Lots to see in bustling Mysore from the Palace, statues, temples, markets and everything on the road together buses, cars, TukTuks, motorbikes, cows, sheep and goats and people! Fun to watch. Another variety of travel is the overnight train back to Chennai, ending with a leisurely day at Mamallapram. A bit of everything - recommended.
Cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Chennai, Bangalore, Mamallapuram
Chennai, Bangalore, Mamallapuram, Bandipur National Park, Mysore, Pondicherry, Meenakshi Temple, Thekkady, Kerala Backwaters, Kochi, Coimbatore
Great to see three key spiritual sites for the key Indian religions. Bathing in the Ganges and the Golden Temple were highlights
Great insights provided by the tour leader
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamsala
New Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamsala, Punjab, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chandigarh, Shimla
Itinerary was exactly as stated.
We had problems with flights as the air space had been closed down. Explore were outstanding in getting us alternative flights and we caught up with the group only a day late. Top marks explore.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Amritsar, Leh Ladakh
New Delhi, Amritsar, Leh Ladakh, Hemis, Alchi, Lamayuru, Nubra Valley, Hunder
Great trip covering highlights of Kerala.
Fabulous tour leader and support team.
The rides started easy and flat, and became progressively harder with increasingly longer hills as we headed into the mountains. The slow pace suited my ability. The spinning classes I did as preparation definitely paid off. The heat and humidity were challenging! Road conditions were better than expected.
The bikes could have been in better condition- the mechanic was great in sorting out issues on the way.
Most of the participants missed their various connecting flights arranged by Explore, including us! Arriving at 5am and having to be prepared to cycle at 8.30am wasn’t fun! Explore really need to consider this as I think it’s a regular occurrence!
WildlifeBicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kochi, Chennai, Kovalam, Thekkad
Kochi, Chennai, Kovalam, Thekkady, Varkala, Kollam, Alleppey, Kerala Backwaters, Erattupetta
This trip offers a variety itinerary and the opportunity to explore some of the more remote parts of Kerela. Our guide was fantastic and made the trip really memorable.
WildlifeWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kochi, Munnar, Silent Valley, Me
Kochi, Munnar, Silent Valley, Meesapulimala Peak, Top Station, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Alleppey
A very interesting tour covering a lot in just two weeks. Made particularly successful by excellent leadership from local leader and support staff.
Every effort was made to ensure we got the most from our experience and that our particular needs were met.
WildlifeArt and architecture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Northern India dazzles the senses—on the North India Highlights tour, you’ll uncover the region’s rich history, vibrant city life, and world-famous cuisine over 10 unforgettable days. Explore the grandeur of Delhi, marvel at Agra’s Taj Mahal, and soak up the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi’s riverside ghats. With easy sightseeing days, this tour is ideal for those who appreciate a comfortable yet immersive experience. The unique advantage of this journey is its expertly curated route through the Golden Triangle’s top attractions, paired with lesser-known treasures like Jaipur’s Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell, ensuring both first-time and returning visitors experience the best of North India in comfort and style.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Let Rajasthan’s romance sweep you away on this 15-day art and architecture tour, where every city and fortress tells a story. Starting and ending in New Delhi, you’ll wander through the grandeur of Agra’s Taj Mahal, camp beneath desert stars in the Thar, and be enchanted by Jodhpur’s blue-washed lanes. This easy-paced group tour offers more than just picture-perfect sites; village walks, bustling markets, and authentic meals immerse you in local life. With heritage property stays adding a touch of Rajasthani elegance, this trip’s unique selling point is its blend of comfort and cultural depth—perfect for travelers seeking a true taste of India’s northwest.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, U
New Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra, Jaipur, Mandawa, Rajasthan, Bikaner
Ready to be dazzled by India’s most colorful state? The "Real Rajasthan" tour sweeps you through 16 days of dazzling palaces, desert camps, and culinary adventures, starting and ending in New Delhi. Tailored for young adults, this easy-paced trip promises both authentic cultural immersion and breathless moments of wonder.
Camp beneath a sky full of stars amid rolling sand dunes, haggle for treasures in Jodhpur’s bustling markets, and learn to cook Rajasthani dishes in Bikaner. Marvel at Jaipur’s ornate temples, and tick off the Taj Mahal in all its morning glory. Every day, you’ll find new flavors, vibrant street scenes, and stories that linger long after the trip ends.
USP: A unique combination of hands-on experiences—from cooking classes to desert camping—paired with iconic sights, all designed to give you a true taste of Rajasthan. Perfect for travelers who want authenticity, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
