The short answer
- Most popular in India
- Private tours
- Best for solo travellers
- Small group tours
- Best for couples and families
- Private tours
- Price difference
- Often small for two or more
India is unusual: private touring is affordable here. A car, a driver and local guides cost far less than in Europe or Japan, so most visitors travelling as a couple or family choose a private tour.
Group tours still make a lot of sense for solo travellers and anyone who likes company. This guide compares the two side by side.
Side by side
| Private tour | Small group tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is with you | Just your party, with a driver and local guides | Usually 8 to 16 travellers and a tour leader |
| Dates | Any day you choose | Fixed departure dates |
| Pace and changes | Flexible; change plans on the day | Set schedule |
| Hotels | Choose the standard, including heritage hotels | Chosen by the operator |
| Cost for a solo traveller | Higher, as you pay for the car alone | Usually lower |
| Cost for two or more | Often close to a group tour | Similar |
| Social | Private | Built in company |
Who should choose a private tour
- Couples, families and friends travelling together.
- Anyone with fixed dates, or who wants to start on a particular day.
- Travellers who want heritage hotels, a slower pace or special interests such as photography or food.
- First time visitors who want a guide and driver looking after them throughout.
Want a private tour quoted?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 10 days, built around your dates.
Who should choose a small group tour
- Solo travellers, who avoid paying for a whole car and guide.
- People who enjoy meeting other travellers.
- Anyone who prefers everything decided in advance.
Tip: Most group tours charge a single supplement for a room of your own. Some offer room sharing with another solo traveller of the same sex to avoid it.
What about travelling independently?
Many experienced travellers explore India on their own by train and taxi. It is cheaper, but it takes much more time to organise, and first time visitors often find the transport, touts and crowds tiring. A good middle way is a private tour with a car and driver but without guides every day, or a short guided tour at the start of a longer trip.
Rather have a trip to India made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is a private tour in India expensive?
Less than in most countries. For two or more people, a private car, driver and guide often costs only a little more per person than a group tour. Compare the live prices on this page.
Are group tours in India safe?
Yes. Reputable group tours use vetted hotels and transport, and a tour leader travels with the group throughout.
Can I change a private tour once it has started?
Usually yes, within reason. Your driver and local guides can often adjust the day's plans; bigger changes may affect hotels and cost.
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