Before diving into this post, I want to clarify that my trip to India was purely a holiday, not a blog or sponsored trip. I’m not trying to sell tours, but many people have asked about my experience and whether I would recommend it, so I wanted to share my honest opinion.

When I mentioned I was going on an organized tour, my friend was skeptical, imagining a group of old people on a coach with a guide waving a flag. I had to explain that it wasn’t that kind of tour. While I did see some large tour groups, my experience was different and not something I would recommend to anyone.

My Tour in India

I traveled with Intrepid to Northern India, and the tour was fantastic. Our group consisted of six people plus our leader, which was great because groups can be as large as twelve. We ranged in age from 22 to 55 and got along wonderfully. Older members of the group often had the best stories and a shared passion for adventure, including the quest for a cold beer after a busy day, which can be challenging in India! We didn’t stick together all the time and often split up to do different activities.

My Intrepid Leader, Pancham

Our leader, Pancham, mentioned that 75% of people taking tours in India are female, likely due to safety concerns. Pancham was excellent, providing help when needed without being overbearing. He loved ordering food for us to try, reflecting the Indian love for sharing meals. From a safety perspective, Pancham was invaluable, helping us navigate who was genuinely friendly and who might be trying to scam us.

Why I Took a Tour

I chose a tour because I had only two weeks in India, a short time to see even a fraction of the country. I needed to be efficient and organized, which isn’t my strong suit, and India isn’t known for it either. Booking trains, buses, day trips, and accommodation in advance from the UK was a nightmare, especially with the Holi Festival requiring months-ahead bookings. After struggling with my Lonely Planet guide and my computer, I decided a tour was the best option. If I had more time, I would have been happy to go with the flow, but with limited time, a tour made sense. Safety was also a concern, with frequent news reports of assaults. Traveling with my boyfriend made me feel safe, but I would have been nervous alone.

Pros of a Tour

– You can see a lot in a short time.
– No stress in organizing or booking.
– If traveling solo, you’re not alone and can meet great people.
– A local guide can offer restaurant suggestions, insider tips, and help avoid being ripped off.
– If transport is delayed or canceled, you don’t have to deal with it.
– Tours often include homestays or visits to local families, enhancing interaction with locals.
– You learn about things regular tourists might miss.

Cons of a Tour

– It’s expensive.
– You might not get along with everyone in your group.
– Less freedom to change plans on the fly.
– It can be exhausting, needing a holiday after your holiday.

Choosing Your Tour

There are many tour companies, so research both the company and the tour. I’ve traveled with G Adventures and Intrepid and recommend both for their ethical, sustainable travel practices. Local guides are a plus as they know the area well and support the local economy. I’ve also taken short tours with local companies, which have been good, but sometimes the guide’s English isn’t as strong as the salesperson’s.

Would I Recommend a Tour?

If you’re short on time but want to see a lot, I highly recommend taking a tour. If you have plenty of time and prefer a slower pace, I don’t recommend it. Day trips are a good option for a few action-packed days, but you’ll get more out of doing things yourself.

What about you? Have you ever taken a tour or would you consider it in the future? If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.